Finding a budget desktop computer is a bit more difficult these days. The number of companies offering desktops for the budget market has decreased dramatically. This is why I've adjusted the criteria to be considered a budget desktop PC to be priced at under $650. If the system includes a monitor, that price maximum is increased to $750. With this in mind, here are my latest picks for the best budget desktop computer systems based on my research and experience.
1. HP Pavilion a6200n
In terms of the budget systems, the HP Pavilion a6200n is the most well rounded. It's AMD Athlon 64 X2 5600+ is definitely one of the stronger processors you will find in this price segment and the 2GB of memory allow it to run Windows Vista very well. Storage is a bit above average with its 260GB hard drive and LightScribe compatible DVD burner. It is nice to also see that HP didn't skimp on peripheral connections by including FireWire ports, something many budget systems remove to save on costs. On, the whole this system would work well for pretty much any task one might have for it.
2. Gateway GT5622
Gateway has come a long way with its retail lineup of computers. The GT5622 is really unique for a budget system. They have included 3GB of memory in the system that lets it run Vista and multiple applications without much problem. It also features a larger 400GB hard drive that provides extra space for applications and data. This makes it a strong choice for those needing storage or running memory intensive applications. The Pentium Dual-Core E2160 is a bit behind what can be found from AMD processors but still quite good. There is no FireWire ports on this model though.
3. Dell Inspiron 531 Budget
Dell's Inspiron 531 is very different from their past systems. First, it uses the Inspiron name that previously was used for their laptops. Second, it uses the AMD processor that makes a better budget processor. The Athlon 64 X2 5000+ may not be as fast as the HP's, but it still gets the job done quite well. Dell only includes 1GB of memory base, so Vista will be a bit slower without an upgrade. Storage is about average and it does lack a FireWire port. But, Dell does include one of their very strong 19" LCD monitors in the package.
4. Acer AcerPower FH 4401
The AcerPower FH4401 is really a business system rather than a consumer one, but it does have some merits. In particular, it uses the Intel Core 2 Duo E4400 dual core processor that far exceeds the performance from desktops found in this price range. With its 2GB of memory, it can really plow through applications without any troubles. The drawbacks to this are the small 160GB of storage space, no media card reader or FireWire ports. At least it comes with a DVD burner unlike many other business systems. (Monitor is not included)
5. Compaq Presario SR5262NX
Compaq is pretty much a name that stands for budget systems. The Presario SR5262NX is about average for what one can expect in this price range for a desktop PC. It certainly isn't the fastest or have the most storage space, but it gets the job done. The Pentium Dual-Core E2160 processor is sufficient and thankfully it comes with 2GB of memory which is more than can be said of most similarly priced systems. Of course it lacks a FireWire port that is becoming pretty much the standard for a low cost PC. So, if you are looking for digital video editing, you probably want to look at another system, but its fine for just about everything else.
