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- Inexpensive
- Large, fast hard drive
- Good overall performance
- Mediocre graphics performance
- No card reader
- Smallish power supply limits upgrades
For just a little bit more than some nettops, such as the Acer Aspire Revo AR3600 (*Est. $330), the Compaq Presario CQ5210F delivers plenty of performance for most everyday computing tasks. Its dual-core AMD Athlon II X2 processor and Nvidia GeForce 6150se integrated graphics don't deliver the most powerful punch available, but there's enough horsepower to handle light-duty gaming and multimedia editing, though expectations should be kept reasonable. The rest of the hardware lineup includes a 500 GB, 7,200 rpm hard drive, 3 GB of memory, a DVD burner and more.
Of course, some corners are cut to help the Compaq CQ5210F achieve its low price. The large case makes it easy to upgrade, but the relatively small power supply is limiting -- especially for those hoping to improve graphics performance via a discrete graphics add-on card. The lack of an integrated memory card reader is a disappointment and an inconvenience for some. If you have a little more to spend, the Gateway DX4822-01 (Discontinued) offers a more impressive lineup of features, including a more powerful processor, more memory and a bigger (though slower) hard drive.
The best review of the Compaq Presario CQ5210F is at PCMag.com, where it earns an Editors' Choice award among budget PCs. ConsumerReports.org tests the Compaq Presario CQ5210Y (*Est. $400), which is essentially identical. A smattering of user reviews is available at Amazon.com.
Our Sources
Joel Santo Domingo says that the Compaq CQ5210F is simply "the computer to buy if you want a cheap, powerful sub $400 desktop PC." Its balance of features, performance and price earn it an Editors' Choice award. The most significant negatives include weak onboard graphics and the lack of a memory card reader.
Review: Compaq Presario CQ5210f, Joel Santo Domingo, Nov. 16, 2009
2. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
ConsumerReports.org has begun adding in some Windows 7 desktop computers to its ratings, including the Compaq Presario CQ5210Y, which is essentially identical to the Compaq Presario CQ5210F. Ratings are offered, but discussion is almost nonexistent.
Review: Desktop Computers, Editors of ConsumerReports.org
3. Amazon.com
Only a handful of owners have weighed in on the Compaq Presario CQ5210F. However, all seem delighted as each gives it a perfect rating of five out of five. Value is the major source of the happiness. However, while this is an impressive start, more user reviews are needed before we can give the overall rating here full weight.
Review: Compaq CQ5210F Black Desktop PC, Contributors to Amazon.com
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