Computer Reviews

A powerful Core2 Duo processor, 320 GB hard drive and 1 GB of memory give this cheap desktop computer enough power for even the most demanding office uses.

Core2 Duo is not really a hot topic anymore, but the advantages are still there, and the maturity of the Core2 Duo line of processors means that lower speed versions are now available for greatly reduced prices.

In a nutshell, dual core processors like the Intel Core2 Duo offer two little “brains” inside the CPU allowing work load to be spread amongst the two cores, allowing much more efficient processing of information, and therefore, better performance.

Here are some of the other notable features:

• 1.8 GHz Intel Core2 Duo processor
• 1 GB of system memory
• 320 GB hard drive
• PCIe x16 expansion slot
• PCIe x1 expansion slot
• Two PCI expansion slots
• Six USB slots
• On-board audio
• Memory card port
• DVD burner
• Windows Vista Home Premium included

Windows Vista is included in this package, which means that you will not have to install your own operating system unless you really want to. A retail version of Vista can cost a few hundred bucks, so this is a good saving.

Lots of memory is a necessity when running any version of Windows Vista and this Gateway desktop computer comes with 1 GB of DDR2 memory, which is the recommended amount for Vista. It won’t just benefit Vista though. More memory allows more programs to remain within system memory, speeding up system responsiveness and allowing programs to run faster, and allowing more programs to be run at the same time.

There is a host of the usual suspects for system expansion. There are six USB ports, there is a DVD burner, which is a nice extra and one that more system makers should go for as the difference in price between a DVD burner and a normal CD drive is getting so small that is just wastes consumers time having to upgrade, when it should just be standard. There is a flash media reader that will read a range of flash-based media cards. It can read: CompactFlash, MicroDrive, MemoryStick, MemoryStick Pro, xD, SmartMedia, MultiMedia and SecureDigital memory cards. There are also two USB ports in the same media drive. The drive is located on the front panel at the top.

Storage is great, with 320 GB being able to hold around 30 DVD movies assuming movies are about 8 GB each and that you still need a bit of space for other stuff on the computer.

Expansion options are also a great plus. PCIe x16 allows upgrading to the latest and fastest graphics cards, some of which can cost more than this desktop computer does. There is a further PCIe x1 slot for system expansion, as well as two PCI slots for any cards that need to be transfered from older computers.

There is nothing lacking in this cheap desktop computer. Some possible upgrades might include a RAID array for storage, but otherwise all other needs are taken care of. A well-rounded package with enough expansion options for any extras. Add a 17 or 19 inch monitor and it becomes a great all round package.

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.

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.