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alaTest.com
Editors' rating: 83
Summary: alaTest has collected and analyzed 31 reviews of Dell OptiPlex 740 from international magazines and websites. Experts rate this product 78/100 and users 86/100. Comparing these reviews to 68235 other Desktops reviews gives this product an overall alaScore™ 83/100 = Very Good.
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pcworld.com
Editors' rating: 77
Summary: The OptiPlex 740 is far from the fastest Vista system you can buy, but its innovative, quiet case design makes it a top choice among business systems, especially if noise reduction is a priority for your office
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
See more General purpose desktop computer products
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.
See more Desktop computer memory size products
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 |
See more Desktops processor products
CNET product brief
Description: This configuration of the Dell OptiPlex 740 is an Athlon X2-based, budget desktop PC.Compared to other budget PCs on the market, it is relatively inexpensive at around $495.This system comes with 4 GB RAM, and a 160GB hard drive.
Pros: Has been awarded the EPEAT gold environmantal standard.This is more power efficient than the average PC on the market today, but is to be expected for a PC of this price.Also, this machine's Athlon X2 based CPU is powerful enough to handle demanding applications, such as the latest games.
Cons: Has a nVidia Quadro NVS graphics card, which is less favorable than some similarly priced PCs.For example, the iBUYPOWER Gamer Power 511, an Athlon II X2-based PC at around $475, has an ATi Radeon HD 4600 series graphics card.
Suitability: A budget PC, suited for basic computing tasks, such as word processing, e-mail, and web browsing.This unit's product line was designed for large business use.
Value: In view of its relatively inexpensive price, this PC has great features for the money.
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 OptiPlex 740 Desktop Computer (AMD Athlon X2 4450B 160GB/4GB):
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