Editors' Top Desktops
updated April 14, 2006
 
Rich Brown, Associate Editor
  Neither too hot (expensive) nor too cold (boring), these PCs are just right. They may not have the very latest technology, but last month's new feature is this month's bargain. The most demanding users are the only ones who won't find what they need with one of these midrange PCs.
-- Rich Brown, Associate Editor
 
Budget PCs  |  Mainstream PCs  |  Media Center PCs  |  Performance PCs  |  Business PCs

Need help finding the right computer? Let CNET's ExactChoice tool guide you to the perfect desktop or laptop.

Shopping by brand? According to CNET editors, here are this category's major players:
Apple  |  Dell  |  Gateway  |  HP  |  Lenovo  |  Sony
 
Mainstream PCs
Desktops Editors' rating Price Summary
Velocity Micro
Released: 11/01/2005
7.7 out of 10 7.7
Very good
 
With crisp performance and expert construction, the Velocity Micro Gamer's Edge DualX is a near-perfect gaming system that won't break the bank.
Specs: AMD Athlon 64 3800+ (2.2 GHz) , 2.2 GHz, 1 GB DDR SDRAM , 200 GB Standard , nVidia GeForce 7900 GT , Microsoft Windows XP Home SP 2
 

Dell XPS 400 (Viiv)
Released: 02/15/2006
7.4 out of 10 7.4
Very good
 
Dell adds Viiv branding to its high-end XPS 400 PC. Still nothing more than a dual-core Media Center PC, the XPS 400 is nonetheless a nicely appointed multimedia system with its dual-core Intel CPU, dual TV tuners, dual hard drives, and relatively powerful graphics.
Specs: Intel Pentium D (2.8 GHz) , 2.8 GHz, 1 GB DDR II SDRAM , 160 GB Standard , NVidia GeForce 6800 , Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005
 

Shuttle XPC G5 1100H - Pentium M 760 2 GHz
Released: 11/03/2005
7.2 out of 10 7.2
Very good
 
Shuttle's smallest system, the XPC G5 1100h, is a stylish and potentially near-silent midrange PC that's a good fit for design-conscious and space-constrained consumers.
Specs: Intel Pentium M 760 (2 GHz) , 2 GHz, 1 GB DDR2 SDRAM , 200 GB Standard , NVIDIA GeForce 6600 , PC barebone
 

Alienware Aurora 3500 (Athlon 64 - 3800)
Released: 04/18/2005
7.1 out of 10 7.1
Very good
 
Alienware's affordable Aurora 3500 gaming rig puts the pedal to the metal, but you'll be happier if you bring your own monitor and speakers along for the ride.
Specs: AMD (2.45 GHz) , 2.45 GHz, 1 GB DDR SDRAM , 160 GB Standard , Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition with Service Pack 2
 

Maingear Prelude 64
Released: 11/01/2005
7.0 out of 10 7.0
Very good
 
Maingear builds 'em right, but a few of the Prelude 64's hardware choices surprised us. Luckily, this is one highly configurable gaming PC.
Specs: AMD (2.0 GHz) , 2.0 GHz, 1 GB DDR SDRAM , 250 GB Standard
 

Gateway FX400XL - Pentium D 830 3 GHz - 19"
Released: 06/30/2005
6.6 out of 10 6.6
Good
 
The Gateway FX400XL makes an attractive, well-priced PC for mainstream users, but high-end users may be put off by some of its configuration limitations and lack of expansion.
Specs: Intel Pentium D 830 (3 GHz) , 3 GHz, 1 GB DDR2 SDRAM , 250 GB Standard , NVIDIA GeForce 6800 Ultra , EPA Energy Star , Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition , Personal computer
 

 
Additional desktops coverage
LATEST DESKTOP REVIEWS | EDITORS' TOP DESKTOP PICKS | DESKTOPS BUYING GUIDE | HOW WE TEST DESKTOPS


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