Top 5 Budget Desktops

Top 5 Budget Desktops
These cheap PCs might be suitable only for basic everyday tasks, but thanks to good (and cheap) older technologies, these affordable computers are better than ever.
See Best Prices for Budget Desktops
Product
Editors' Rating
Specs
Editors' Take
Price Range
ZT Systems Affinity 7225Xi
8.0
2.4GHz Core 2 Quad Q6600; 4GB DDR2; 500GB hard drive; double-layer DVD±RW; no monitor; ATI Radeon HD 3450 (512MB); Windows Vista Home Premium
ZT Systems' Affinity 7225Xi helps you get a lot of extra mileage out of your PC-buying dollar.
$750

HP Pavilion a6560f
8.0
2.6GHz Core 2 Duo E4700; 3GB DDR2; 300GB hard drive; double-layer DVD±RW (LightScribe); no monitor; Nvidia GeForce 9300GE (256MB); Windows Vista Home Premium
You don't need to be on a tight budget to appreciate the value of HP's Pavilion a6560f desktop, the money-minding media maven's new best friend.
$750

Shuttle KPC
8.0
1.8GHz Intel Celeron 430; 512KB DDR2; 80GB hard drive; no optical drive; no monitor; integrated Intel GMA 950; Foresight Linux
The KPC isn't the most full-featured PC, but it's designed for everyone—and has a price that will still allow you to make mortgage and tuition payments.
$209

Cyberpower Gamer Infinity 1000
7.9
2.66Ghz Core 2 Duo E8200; 2GB DDR2; 320GB hard drive; double-layer DVD±RW; no monitor; ATI Radeon HD 3870 (512MB); Windows Vista Home Premium
Offering most everything except video-upgrade potential, Cyberpower’s Gamer Infinity 1000 is an outstanding budget gaming box.
$750

eMachines T5254
7.3-->
2.1GHz Athlon 64 X2 BE-2350; 2GB DDR2; 300GB hard drive; double-layer DVD±RW; 17-inch wide-screen LCD; integrated Nvidia GeForce 6100 (128MB); Windows Vista Home Premium
It's far from ideal for handling games, but the $600 eMachines T5254 desktop is decently equipped for the present—and poised for future upgrade success.
$600