Intel Core 2 Duo (2.8 GHz), 2 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 320 GB Standard, 24 in, Apple MacOS X 10.5, All-in-one, 800 MHz, Core 2 Duo, 1 year warranty, Personal computer, 256 MB
THE GOOD
A minor specification update results in some significant performance gains; graphics upgrade an option on this 24-inch model; sleek, polished design didn't receive an update, but we won't start clamoring for a new design until the current one is at least 12 months old.
THE BAD
Free phone support runs out after 90 days.
THE BOTTOM LINE
A slight bump to the specifications for the same price in addition to a much appreciated option to upgrade the graphics means the 24-inch iMac keeps the Editors' Choice it earned last year when the brushed-aluminum-and-glass design was first introduced.
Best value and game performance in its class; overclockable CPU; attractive compact design.
THE BAD
Upgrading requires a few extra steps; pricey wireless networking option; no easy-to-use overclocking software.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The Maingear Prelude has the best bang for the buck among midrange gaming PCs. It also has a certain stocky visual appeal. It's missing a few features, and you'll have to jump through a few hoops to make upgrades, but on balance, this system is a great deal.
Outstanding price performance; expert build quality; accessories for every component included in box.
THE BAD
Loud; intimidating online configurator.
THE BOTTOM LINE
AVADirect has a very strong value proposition in its Core 2 SLI DDR3 Gaming System. Assuming you can navigate the daunting shopping Web site, we recommend this system to tech-savvy shoppers who know exactly the components they want.
Falcon Northwest Mach V (Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9770)
EDITORS RATING
8.0
SPECS
Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9770, 4 GB DDR3 SDRAM, 1000 GB, Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit Edition, Tower, Desktop, 1066 MHz, Core 2 Extreme, 2 modules at a time, 1 GB
THE GOOD
Outstanding application performance thanks to 4GB of RAM and 64-bit Windows; immaculate cabling makes for roomy interior; among the best warranties in the industry.
THE BAD
No 1,600MHz RAM option; inward-facing drive cage is a pain to work with.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The Falcon Northwest Mach V is an expensive, very well-built high-end gaming PC. It features the latest in almost everything, with the top-end performance to match. True snobs will want faster memory, but aside from that, the Mach V gets almost everything right.
Intel Core 2 Quad Q9300 (2.5 GHz), 4 GB DDR II SDRAM, 320 GB Standard, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit Edition, Tower, 667 MHz, Core 2 Quad, 1 year warranty, Personal computer, 512 MB
THE GOOD
Quad-core CPU, 4GB memory, dual 320GB hard drives, includes 64-bit Vista.
THE BAD
Not SLI-capable, two button PS/2 mouse and USB powered speakers.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The Gateway FX7026 offers a quad-core processor at a modest price tag with specifications that any high-end gamer will be satisfied with. You might want to replace the peripherals and the video card down the road, but this system is an excellent option for a nonconfigurable, off the shelf desktop.
Fastest gaming performance to-date; fair pricing compared with other high-end PC vendors; useful customizable case lighting.
THE BAD
No 64-bit Vista option limits performance and memory support; distinctive case design not for everyone.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Alienware delivers most of what we expect in a high-end gaming PC, but without 64-bit Vista support, the Area-51 ALX's overall performance is limited. It's the fastest thing going for PC gaming, but at this price we expect the complete package.
Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9770 (3.8 GHz), 2 GB, 160 GB Standard, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, Core 2 Extreme, 1024 MB
THE GOOD
First Dell that ships with overclocked CPU and RAM; supports both CrossFire and SLI multi-graphics card configurations; well-designed hard-drive bays; useful software utilities with no clutterware.
THE BAD
Poor bang-for-the-buck, even for a high-end gaming PC; limited memory upgrade until 64-bit Vista becomes an option.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Dell's updated flagship gaming desktop incorporates the latest hardware from Intel, Nvidia, and AMD into a system that delivers some very impressive gaming scores. We'd give it a higher recommendation if it wasn't so expensive compared with systems from the competition.
AMD Athlon 64 X2 BE-2350 (2.1 GHz), 2 GB DDR II SDRAM, 320 GB Standard, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, Tower, 667 MHz, Athlon 64 X2, 1 year warranty, Personal computer, Max 2 x 1 GB module, 128 MB
THE GOOD
Solid desktop computer for less than the competition; power-efficient dual-core CPU.
THE BAD
No extra features such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi (not that we expect them at this price); minor software clutter.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The eMachines T5254 costs less than similar systems from Dell and HP, and it outperforms them (in some cases), and uses less power while doing so. You can't configure it before making a purchase, but eMachines has chosen this system's specs wisely, and with a level of environmental consciousness that make it a very enticing deal.
Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450 (2.66 GHz), 4 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 750 GB Standard, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit Edition, Tower, 800 MHz, Core 2 Quad, 1 year warranty, Personal computer, 512 MB
THE GOOD
Fastest application performance in its class; room for a second graphics card; 64-bit Vista supports up to 8GB of RAM; Wi-Fi capability.
THE BAD
Gaming performance not as powerful as more-affordable PCs; 500-watt power supply limits graphics card upgrades.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The Velocity Micro Edge E2250 is a very fast midrange PC, and it's one of the best PCs in its class for digital media editors. Gamers will find a strong foundation with some upgrade potential, but they can get better performance for the dollar elsewhere.
Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6850 (3.66 GHz), 4 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 750 GB Standard, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, Tower, 800 MHz, Core 2 Extreme, 1 year warranty, Media center, 512 MB
THE GOOD
Great deal for high-end hardware; strong jack-of-all trades performance and features.
THE BAD
Gamers would swap out some of the extras for better 3D cards; 32-bit Windows can't use all 4GB of included memory.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Gateway's highest-end performance desktop aspires to be everything to everybody. It takes a few missteps, but mostly it succeeds, especially with its price.
Almost as small as a Mac Mini; only costs $230; Foresight Linux operating system relatively easy to use; has potential as a home media server or general hack-around box.
THE BAD
No internal DVD drive bay; adding software to Foresight can be a challenge; no digital audio or video outputs.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Shuttle's KPC K-4500 has appeal as a prebuilt Linux PC for a tech-savvy owner to play around with or as a more or less accessible, basic computer to bestow upon a loved one (for whom you're willing to provide tech support). If you're aware of the potential pitfalls we recommend it, not least because it's so affordable.
Intel Core Duo E2160 (1.8 GHz), 2 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 320 GB Standard, Vista Home Premium, Tower, 667 MHz, Core Duo, 1 year warranty, Personal computer, 256 MB
THE GOOD
Discrete graphics card has its own memory, so it won't steal from the system RAM; built-in Bluetooth.
THE BAD
The Inspiron 530 was outperformed on a few tests by a system that costs $100 less.
THE BOTTOM LINE
PC vendors have very few tricks remaining to differentiate their systems from the competition, which makes the built-in Bluetooth in the Dell Inspiron 530 unique. There's little else that makes this system stand out, but if you need Bluetooth in your budget desktop, we can recommend no other.
Intel Core 2 Duo T5850 (2.16 GHz), 4 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 500 GB Standard, 22 in, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit Edition, Desktop, 667 MHz, Core 2 Duo, 1 year warranty, Personal computer, 256 MB
THE GOOD
Svelte new design; large, touch-sensitive display; easy to use, touch-friendly software, a lot of wireless connectivity options; underbody keyboard light.
THE BAD
Single-point, Windows-based touch looks dated next to multitouch iPhone; slower than other all-in-ones in its price class.
THE BOTTOM LINE
HP's new-and-improved TouchSmart all-in-one PC refines the touch-based concept it introduced last year. Faster all-in-ones, and Apple's iPhone, make the TouchSmart seem a bit behind the times, but the convenient software and its kitchen-friendly design offer functionality that's unavailable elsewhere.
Intel Core 2 Duo Q6600 (1.6 GHz), 4 GB, 500 GB Standard, Vista Home Premium, Core 2 Duo
THE GOOD
Unobtrusive design; appropriate performance for its category.
THE BAD
Only has 32-bit Windows; somewhat limited upgrading.
THE BOTTOM LINE
ZT's Affinity 7225Xi-35 is a cleanly built midrange PC that will get you through all of your everyday tasks with ease. It's not a particularly flashy desktop, and you may be able to find more aggressively configured PCs for the same price, but if you need an affordable workhorse, this system will do the job.
AMD Phenom X4 9500 (2.2 GHz), 3 GB DDR II SDRAM, 500 GB Standard, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, Tower, 667 MHz, Phenom X4, 1 year warranty, Personal computer
THE GOOD
Quad-core CPU, 3GB of memory, and 500GB hard drive represent compelling mix of components for the price; open graphics slot provides upgrade path; relatively free of bloatware.
THE BAD
Similarly spec'd dual-core PCs cost less; nothing in the way of value-added extras such as Bluetooth, integrated Wi-Fi, or HDMI.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The Gateway GT5674 is a low-cost quad-core desktop that delivers excellent bang for the buck. The problem is, most mainstream users don't need four processing cores and can get away with a dual-core PC for even less.
Intel Core 2 Duo E4500 (2.2 GHz), 4 GB DDR II SDRAM, 250 GB Standard, Apple MacOS X 10.5, Core 2 Duo, 512 MB
THE GOOD
Faster, more affordable, more upgradable Leopard OS X-based system than anything currently offered by Apple in this price range.
THE BAD
With limited software updates, you're effectively cut off from all future Apple products, at least for now; no Bluetooth or IR receiver; no iLife.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Its hardware isn't made by Apple's design team, it will likely never work as a full member of the greater Apple ecosystem, and one ill-intended software update could turn it into a $750 brick. Get past all of that, and you'll find Psystar's OS X-based Open Computer a fast and otherwise compelling lower midrange desktop.
Triple-core processor; 4GB memory; plenty of room for expansion; low price.
THE BAD
32-bit Windows doesn't take advantage of all 4GB of RAM.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The ZT Affinity 7221Xa is an inexpensive, relatively powerful computer. You definitely won't be gaming with the integrated graphics chip, but if you just need an inexpensive, no frills desktop for light photo editing and to run simple applications, the 7221Xa won't disappoint.
Intel Core 2 Duo E4600 (2.4 GHz), 2 GB DDR II SDRAM, 320 GB Standard, 22 in, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, All-in-one, 667 MHz, Core 2 Duo, 1 year warranty, Personal computer, Max 2 x 2 GB module
THE GOOD
Clean, classy design; largest display at this price; hard display control buttons; lots of upgrading potential.
THE BAD
Significantly slower than even Apple's older iMac; no Blu-ray drive; no 802.11n wireless.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Like other Windows-based all-in-ones, Averatec's All-in-One can't compete with the iMac for sheer power. The Averatec's larger screen and few features it has that Apple doesn't might be enough to sell you, but the iMac remains the all-in-one to beat.
AMD Sempron LE-1250 (2.2 GHz), 1 GB DDR II SDRAM, 160 GB Standard, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic, Tower, 667 MHz, Sempron, 1 year warranty, Personal computer, Max 2 x 1 GB module, 128 MB
THE GOOD
Faster performance than more expensive budget systems.
THE BAD
No media card reader; significantly better systems available for only $100 more.
THE BOTTOM LINE
eMachines T3646 is one of the cheapest desktops available, and unfortunately it shows. It offers some compelling performance, but basic capability is more important in budget systems, and we found this system came up short compared with others in its price range.
No 64-bit Windows Vista option; relatively poor application performance; limited upgradeability.
THE BOTTOM LINE
As much as we like the look and feel of Velocity Micro's Vector Campus Edition desktop, we can't recommend it. It suffers from poor bang-for-the-buck, a lack of configurable options, and a narrow upgrade path.
Intel Pentium Dual Core E2180 (2 GHz), 2 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 320 GB Standard, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, Tower, 667 MHz, Pentium Dual Core, 1 year warranty, Personal computer, Max 2 x 1 GB module
THE GOOD
A better deal than most budget PCs available from major online vendors.
THE BAD
In-store desktop deals offer more for the money.
THE BOTTOM LINE
With stiff competition from other sub-$400 PCs, eMachines' T5247 has a hard time standing out. It will certainly serve as a basic productivity system, but other desktops will help you stretch your computer dollar even further.
Intel Core 2 Duo (3.06 GHz), 2 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 500 GB Standard, 24 in, Apple MacOS X 10.5, All-in-one, 800 MHz, Core 2 Duo, 1 year warranty, Personal computer, 512 MB, EPA Energy Star
THE GOOD
THE BAD
THE BOTTOM LINE
The aluminum-and-glass look remains the same, but underneath Apple makes some small but meaningful updates to its all-in-one iMac.
HP Pavilion a6400z Desktop PC (2.3GHz, 320GB HD, 4GB RAM)
SPECS
AMD (2.3 GHz), 4 GB, 320 GB, Microsoft Windows Vista, Windows Vista Home Basic
THE GOOD
THE BAD
THE BOTTOM LINE
Regardless of the exact configuration, HP's budget-conscious Pavilion a6400z desktop is attractive and affordable. HP also offers a reasonable array of options for configuring a basic budget PC.
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