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Dell Inspiron 545 Desktop PC with 22-Inch Monitor Review

Monday, January 4th, 2010 | Desktop Computer Reviews, Uncategorized | View Comments

A powerful desktop computer with a big hard drive and large monitor thrown in for good measure.

For a full desktop computer this system from Dell doesn’t look too bad. There have been complaints about the pricing of Dell desktop computers being a little high compared to the offerings from the other big boys in the home computer market. But his model fights back with a whole lot for under $700.

Here’s a bunch of numbers:

• 2.6GHz Intel Pentium Dual Core E5300 CPU
• 6GB memory
• 640GB hard drive
• DVD writer
• 6 USB ports
• 22-inch monitor, 1920 x 1080 resolution
• Windows 7

Lets just start off by saying that this is not the fastest or newest processor out there, however it is more than enough for most intensive programs. Graphics programs will have no problem, although heavy games that need powerful graphics cards will have a hard time.

One interesting thing is a review on CNET that pointed to this computer being low on the value scale and not matching up to its near competition.

With the price lower than their review and the 22-inch model thrown in for good measure it at least measures up to similar models in terms of pricing and has a more reasonable amount of memory at 6GB. The speed increase from 4GB upwards is not worth the money most of the time.

Hidden behind the shiny black front cover is a DVD writer and a media unit for plugging in the myriad of memory cards gathered from various home electronics.

One of the biggest upsides to the whole deal is the great monitor. Quite often 22-inch monitors still don’t support 1920 x 1080, which I think should be the absolute minimum specification for this sort of machine. So it’s not just a cheap add-in to pick up sales of the main machine, it really is a worthwhile addition to the set.

Note that the system does include mouse and keyboard, although not pictured above.

Like

• Big, high-resolution monitor
• Ample memory
• Big hard drive
• Decent speed

Not so much

• No Wifi (included on some rival machines)

Tags: cheap desktop computer, desktop computer, Desktop Computer Reviews

Emachines EL1300G-01w Desktop PC Review

Wednesday, December 9th, 2009 | Barebones Computer Reviews, Desktop Computer Reviews | View Comments

So here’s a real cheap desktop computer. Aimed at doing just the basics and not including a monitor this system has everything a desktop computer needs and is perfect for a second, general-use system.

This system has an older AMD processor and has a fair spread of other parts. Here is a list of the features:

• 1.6GHz AMD Athlon 64 2650e processor
• 2GB of memory
• 160GB hard drive
• Dual-layer DVD writer
• Vista Home Basic

No illusions of grandeur here, this system only does the basics well. But that’s not all bad. This is a computer for $200.

The CPU processor is decent and can tackle most general tasks. Surfing the Internet and punching out some documents on a word processor will be fine. Using instant messaging will also not take a heavy toll on the system. The amount of memory is more important than all of these in this situation.

The 2GB of memory is enough for all tasks. A web browser with a whole lot of tabs open, streaming online radio, chat program and word processor all open at the same time will work well enough. It will not be enough for gaming or graphics-heavy programs that will need the power of a graphics card or faster processor to perform their tasks.

The small form factor is perfect for tucking away under a desk and out of the way. This case is a far cry from the super-ugly cheap boxes that typically come with cheap desktop computers. The drives and other bits are hidden behind the cover.

The 160GB hard drive is enough for storing photos and movies. The slower speed of this computer lends itself to be an Internet enabled device. Using it along with a dedicated Internet connection and online storage will provide allow files to be shared on any computer with ‘Net access.

Speaking of Internet access, the Gigabit LAN is a bit of a surprise. Gigabit LAN offers fast speeds on local networks that are equipped for it. However, the speed of Internet access it invariable slower than that.

For the price, this system really does offer a great package. A 19 inch monitor for around a $100 would give a full system for $300.

Pros:

• Cheap, cheap, cheap
• Gigabit Ethernet
• 2GB memory

Cons:

• No fancy graphics capabilities
• No Wifi

Tags: barebones, cheap desktop computer, desktop computer, Desktop Computer Reviews

HP Pavilion P6120F Desktop PC

Monday, December 7th, 2009 | Barebones Computer Reviews, Desktop Computer Reviews | View Comments

Desktop computers offer more power for the money than almost any laptop or notebook computer. The HP Pavilion P6120F is not exception. Although the popularity of desktop computers is dropping against stylish little netbooks and well-priced portable computer they remain the staple of business and enthusiasts for good reason.

Although not the sexiest, for any computer that does not need to be moved around, desktop computers are the best option. This HP Pavilion, Windows-based desktop computer can be matched with a large screen monitor for a powerful desktop computer under $1000.

Here’s a quick rundown of the specifications:

• 2.80GHz Intel Pentium E6300 processor
• 8GB of memory
• 1TB (1000GB) hard drive
• 1 x PCIex16 slot
• 5.1 channel audio
• LAN
• Wifi
• DVD burner

The HP delivers a feature-rich package with a CPU known for its overclocking abilities. The E6300 is a an entry-level processor which is based on the same technology as its older brothers. Because of this, the processor can safely be overclocked, meaning have its speed increased, by 25% without any additional fancy technology or hardware trickery. This makes it quite worth it for a little bit of time spent increasing the front side bus speed from 266MHz to 333MHz.

The system also comes with 8GB of memory. That is pretty huge. Seeing as the computer is intended for home use, that amount of memory is more than anything you can possibly throw at it.

The mix of networking options if pretty standard, except that it also includes Wifi connectivity. Although Wifi has been standard fair on laptop computers for a very long time now, their absence on desktop computers usually means that the desktop has to be within cable distance from the home router. Well, with that limitation removed, this computer can be placed a room or two away from where the router sits. The router can be placed in a central location in the home and the computers placed where needed. 300MB/s wireless is supported.

A DVD burner is included as standard, as it is on almost any modern computer. It supports Lightscribe so the cover side of supported DVDs can have a picture burned onto it by the DVD player.

Storage needs are met with a large terabyte hard drive. A terabyte is 1000GB, which is about the size of 150 DVD movies. Plenty of space for almost anything and the speed should do fine for most applications.

Graphics is supported through onboard graphics. This is limiting in that most new games cannot be played, but a good graphics card can cost as much as this whole computer, so this limitation is expected. The processor is not fast enough for modern games though, so adding a super-fast PCIe x16 video card will not turn this into a superb gaming machine, although it will handle the needs of the non-fanatic.

Pros:

• Overclockable dual-core processor
• Plenty of memory
• Big hard drive

Cons:

• Not suitable for heavy gaming
• Similar price to a good netbook

Overall, the system provides a very solid experience, but for the price I might be tempted to go for a cheap laptop computer. If you need a powerful and fast home computer then this is a good bet.

Tags: barebones, Desktop Computer Reviews, gaming, overclock, value

Systemax Core2 Quad Gaming Computer

Wednesday, December 5th, 2007 | Desktop Computer Reviews, Gaming Computer Reviews | View Comments

A performance specced, but well-priced desktop computer for the home office that can handle occasional gaming stints.

Those who keep up with our desktop computer reviews know that Quad core is not particularly new, but is still the latest selling point for CPU manufacturers. The quad core experience gives you extra computing power by expanding the number of processing cores to handle more tasks, which is a departure from the style of just increasing the clock speed to get more performance. Desktop computer reviews in the past saw a massive increase in heat buildup as manufacturers pushed their processors ever-faster. The approach of more cores looks to be the focus of speed increases for now.

With a decent motherboard, and most of the obligatory extras there is very little need for upgrading of this Systemax computer. Here is a rundown of the specifications:

• Intel Core2 Quad Q6600 CPU
• Windows XP Home
• SLI capabilities
• 2 GB 800 MHz DDR2
• 250 GB SATA II hard drive
• Gigabit LAN
• GeForce 8600 GT 512 MB PCIe Video Card
• RAID 0, 1, 0+1, 5
• Eight USB ports
• Firewire
• PCI and PCIe expansion slots (two each)
• Built-in audio

Quad core processors are all good, and although there is a difference between them, it will probably not be noticeable. Two gigs of RAM is a definite plus, and is about the most memory which will help the system to perform better. Gives a boost to Vista too (although only Windows XP Home is included in the package).

The graphics card will suit non-pro gamers. Even with newer games, performance will be pretty top-notch and as long as the highest quality settings are not chosen should return high frames per second.

Storage is fine, with 250 GB at your disposal. This is the one area where an upgrade might be necessary. With all those RAID features available an extra drive could get: a RAID 0 for nice boost in performance or a RAID 1 for data protection, RAID 5 requires at least 3 drives and RAID 0+1 requires 4, so take your pick.

Other features include USB, firewire, optical output and gigabit Ethernet. Just what the doctor ordered.

There are no special rebates required with this computer, which I prefer and at a whiff under $1000 gives a fair amount of computer for the money.

Tags: Desktop Computer Reviews, Gaming Computer Reviews

MSI K9MM-V Socket AM2 Barebone Computer with AMD Athlon 64 3500+ 2.2GHz

Friday, November 23rd, 2007 | Barebones Computer Reviews, Desktop Computer Reviews | View Comments

A barebone computer kit taking advantage of the best of AMD’s previous technology, this Athlon 64 based computer offers enough punch for a decent day-to-day computer, as our desktop computer review will reveal.

AMD has a lost a bit of its star status as the competitive underdog with its delayed release of quad-core CPUs and delays in a lot of their newer products. The last generation of chips are nothing to be laughed at and still offer enough for home computing applications.

The Athlon 64 managed to pose a serious challenge to the Pentium 4 a few years back, and when the Pentiums were becoming hot enough to warm a family during cold winter nights, the AMD processors were still taking things in their stride.

The 2.2 GHz model represents the mid-range of the old AMD Athlon 64s. And good prices are available because stock needs to move and make way for new models.

Here are some of the main features:

• Mid-tower case
• AMD Athlon 64 2.2 GHz
• MicroATX motherboard
• 100Mbps Ethernet
• AGP 8x expansion slot
• SATA with RAID 0 and RAID 1
• 200 GB IDE hard drive
• 20x DVD writer
• 1 GB PC4200 DDR2
• USB 2.0

My preference is for functional computers that are meant to do a task, despite what the latest technology might be. The fastest computer I run is an Intel Pentium 4 2.2GHz, which is more than adequate. It’s for that reason that I find this deal so appealing.

Firstly, a processor that more than meets the needs of Internet browsing, listening to audio and typing documents, with enough to do other things from time to time.

Secondly, its smaller than a full-size computer. MicroATX is a little smaller than ATX, which I like, don’t need a huge PC if it’s not necessary. The case is also plain looking, but not ugly, serves its purpose.

A gigabyte of memory is fantastic for running multiple applications. Although the processing power might be too little for Windows Vista, it will work wonders on an XP system and allow many applications to run at the same time.

One gripe is the specification of an IDE hard drive, if a computer has SATA, use it. With that said, this is an older model and gets the price advantage. To use SATA and the RAID functions you will have to buy two more hard drives.

Overall the deal is great. Good system with the right extras in the right places, there is also a DVD burner to top things off. A well-rounded system with a tried and test processor and a little extra memory to boot.

Tags: Desktop Computer Reviews