Desktop Computer Review

Low-cost desktop computers fill the need for most

High-end gaming, intensive number crunching and demanding multimedia applications require a powerful computer with a fast processor, tons of memory, sophisticated graphics capabilities and a big hard drive. For the rest of us, a more basic and affordable system that handles everyday tasks and light-duty gaming is the ideal solution. This report focuses on budget and mainstream computers that do just that -- and cost $800 or less. These computers are the right choice for web surfing, emailing, word processing, basic record keeping, casual gaming, movie watching and other similar activities. For those who want something with a little more oomph, see our report on more powerful gaming computers, which also covers high-end choices that perform like champs when it comes time to do serious work.

For budget desktop computers, PCMag.com has the best coverage and most comprehensive testing methodology. PCMag.com also does the best job at comparing desktops to each other within its lengthy individual reviews. Other technology sites like ComputerShopper.com, CNET and PC World also have solid desktop reviews. ConsumerReports.org tests desktop computers on a regular basis, but there's little analysis to accompany the ratings. In addition, some of its recommended computers have been discontinued. Amazon.com and Newegg.com are the best spots for user reviews, while BestBuy.com is the only place to get feedback on Best Buy-exclusive models.

Just as low-cost laptops are being challenged by lower-cost netbooks, desktop computers are being challenged on the budget front by a less capable but also less expensive nettop computers. Like netbooks, nettops are driven by less powerful Intel Atom or AMD Athlon II Neo processors and often have less memory and smaller drives than full-fledged desktop computers. Some come in an all-in-one design that integrates the computer with the display, but most nettops these days are small, standalone boxes that come without a keyboard or monitor. Nettops are usually inexpensive, but some cost as much as traditional desktop computers.

Whether nettops are a good choice is an open question. All experts say the best nettop can't compete with the most basic traditional desktop computer when it comes to performance. However, nettops are becoming increasingly popular devices for home theaters or media centers. You can hook up these small, inexpensive computers to a television or external display to stream movies or video clips from the web. Zotac, Acer and ASRock offer nettops with a slot-loading Blu-ray Disc drive. Nettops can also be a decent second computer -- as long as you limit your use to the basics.

Even so, nettops attract critics who say they are a poor value. Rich Brown at CNET says a budget Blu-ray player is a better bet for a home theater, especially because many models come with built-in Wi-Fi, along with support for streaming video from Netflix and other providers. Gaming consoles are another option for media enthusiasts. Most come with Wi-Fi and have Internet streaming features -- and the Sony PlayStation 3 ups the ante by including a built-in Blu-ray Disc player. (ConsumerSearch has separate reports on gaming consoles and Blu-ray Disc players.)