CNET editors' buying advice
We have not reviewed this product but here is CNET's buying advice on Desktops. This content was chosen based on the features included with this model of desktop.
General purpose desktop computer
These days, $500 to $1,500 will net you a desktop with a dual-core CPU and enough power to run productivity apps, view and edit vacation photos, manage MP3s and videos, and even play many of today's games--the core activities most common to families, students, and the general purpose PC user. At $1,000 and up, you should easily be able to perform those tasks. Spend around $500, and in most cases you'll still be able to run common tasks without delay, although 3D gaming becomes a stretch. You will definitely find a dual-core chip in a $500 desktop (you should insist on a dual-core chip these days, unless your budget keeps you under the $500 mark), but Vista could still give you trouble. Be sure the PC is equipped with at least 1GB of memory, and it's a good bet that you'll be able to smoothly run Vista. Add in a 128MB graphics card, and you'll get the Aero effects with little to no performance loss.
Read more in the Desktop Buying Guide
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Home office desktop computer
Graphics are less of a concern for most businesses, unless you run a design shop. At minimum, you'll want a desktop computer with enough power (read: dual-core CPU) for multitasking your daily office chores. The money you save on the graphics you can put toward a larger flat-panel display and a better warranty. Vista complicates matters a little. Microsoft recommends at least 512MB of system memory and a DirectX 9-capable graphics card, and it ups the specs to 1GB of RAM and at least 128MB of independent video memory for Vista Home Premium with Aero. Of course, an iMac will get the job done, too, though at a higher price than your typical business PC.
Read more in the Desktop Buying Guide
Power user desktop computer
It's easy for the price to get out of hand with a power PC. If you shop around, you should be able to find a more than adequate gaming or digital design desktop computer for between $2,500 and $3,500. Look for an Intel Core 2 Duo CPU and up to 4GB of DDR2 RAM. You'll also need a large, fast hard drive--perhaps two or more if you plan to transfer and edit movie files--and of course, a DVD burner or, if you have an HD display, a Blu-ray or HD DVD drive. If your goal is digital design, Apple's Mac Pro continues to shine in this arena. We still won't recommend an Apple desktop computer for gaming, though, so if that's your aim, it's Windows for you.
Read more in the Desktop Buying Guide
Desktop computer memory size
One GB of memory is the recommended minimum to run Windows 7 and additional memory will make multitasking and graphics run smoother. Business workstations are apt to have a lot more memory to run industrial strength software. Choosing a lower memory configuration may save you money; however, most of the highest-rated desktop computers on CNET have 2GB.
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Desktops computer processors
The central processor (CPU) is the heart of any computer system and the best test as to whether a desktop computer or notebook fits your needs. The trouble is, processor names like Athlon and Celeron are as undescriptive as system names like Latitude and Pavilion. Here's a quick guide to see which chip is a fit:
| Manufacturer | Processor name | Processing power | Designed use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intel | Core i7 | Very high | Gaming and graphics |
| AMD | Phenom | Very high | Gaming and graphics |
| Intel | Core 2 Quad | Very high | Gaming and graphics |
| AMD | Athlon | High | Mainstream |
| Intel | Core 2 Duo | High | Mainstream |
| AMD | Sempron | Medium | Entry level |
| Intel | Celeron | Medium | Entry level |
| Intel | Pentium Dual Core | Medium | Entry level |
| Intel | Atom | Low | Small form factor desktop |
| Via | C7-M | Low | Small form factor desktop |
| Intel | Pentium | Low | Budget |
| AMD | Opteron | Very high | Server |
| Intel | Xeon | Very high | Server |
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CNET product brief
Description: This configuration of the Dell Inspiron 537 is a Core 2 Quad-based, consumer level computer.Compared to other mainstream desktop computers on the market, it is very inexpensive at around $730.This desktop comes with 4 GB RAM, and a 640GB hard disk.
Pros: Has a 20.0 screen.This is larger than the average desktop computer on the market today, but is to be expected for a desktop computer of this price.Also, the 640GB hard drive installed on this machine is bigger when compared to the average desktop.However, the Core 2 Quad based CPU installed on this machine is fast enough to handle demanding applications, such as digital video.
Cons: Integrated graphics controllers that rely on shared video memory tend to trade performance for price.
Suitability: A general-purpose desktop computer, suited for basic computing, plus digital photo sorting, audio appreciation, and entertainment applications.
Value: Given its very inexpensive price, this desktop computer has great features for the money.However, this desktop combines fast processing with plenty of storage.If you were to judge strictly by CPU speed, however, the price of a mainstream PCs with similar speed is about 40% higher.
Suggestions: Check to make sure that an AGP or PCIe slot is available if you plan to upgrade to a stand-alone graphics card.
CNET's Product Briefs are generated by a software tool that combines product specifications with knowledge of our editorial experts. They do not reflect hands-on assessment or labs testing. For more information about how we create Product Briefs, contact us.
Dell Inspiron 537 ST Desktop Computer (Intel Pentium Dual Core E5300, 500GB HDD, 4GB):
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