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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
Vista for desktop computers
In addition to the core functionality of the Vista operating system, Microsoft portioned out extra features into different editions of Vista, aimed at different market segments and at differing price points.
| Feature | Home Basic | Home Premium | Business | Ultimate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPU support | One physical CPU, but with multiple cores | One physical CPU, but with multiple cores | Up to two physical CPUs | Up to two physical CPUs |
| Maximum supported RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Windows defender & firewall | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Scheduled backup | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Aero desktop experience | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobility center (centralized access to controls often used on portables) | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Tablet PC support | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Windows SideShow (display support for a variety of secondary devices) | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Extended media and entertainment capabilities (Media center, games,HD, movie- and DVD maker) | Yes | Yes | ||
| Remote desktop connection | Yes | Yes | ||
| Windows Fax and Scan | Yes | Yes | ||
| Sound Schemes, DreamScene (video desktop "wallpaper") | Yes | |||
| BitLocker drive encryption | Yes |
See more Microsoft Windows Vista 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
Microsoft Windows 7 system requirements
Ready for Windows 7?
If you want to run Windows 7 on your PC, here's what it takes:
- -1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
- -1 gigabyte (GB) RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit)
- -16 GB available hard disk space (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)
- -DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver
Additional requirements to use certain features:
- -Internet access (fees may apply)
- -Depending on resolution, video playback may require additional memory and advanced graphics hardware
- -For some Windows Media Center functionality a TV tuner and additional hardware may be required
- -Windows Touch and Tablet PCs require specific hardware
- -HomeGroup requires a network and PCs running Windows 7
- -DVD/CD authoring requires a compatible optical drive
- -BitLocker requires Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 1.2
- -BitLocker To Go requires a USB flash drive
- -Windows XP Mode requires an additional 1 GB of RAM, an additional 15 GB of available hard disk space, and a processor capable of hardware virtualization with Intel VT or AMD-V turned on
- -Music and sound require audio output
from windows.microsoft.com
See more Microsoft Windows 7 system requirements products
CNET product brief
Description: The Lenovo ThinkCentre A61 9134 - Athlon 64 X2 4400+ 2.3 GHz is an Athlon 64 X2-based, budget desktop PC.Compared to other budget PCs on the market, it is midpriced at around $685.This desktop comes with 1 GB RAM, and a 80GB hard drive.
Pros: None noted, given available product data.
Cons: None noted, given available product data.
Suitability: Suited for homes or businesses where price is a concern.Comes with a DVD player for watching movies.This computer also has a CD writer, allowing you to compile your own audio CDs or video CDs.
Value: In general, this PC has great features for the money.
Suggestions: (1) If you plan to be playing the latest 3-D games, you may want to invest in a more powerful video card from NVidia or ATI, which are popular with the gaming community (requires an open AGP or PCIe slot).(2) For help in deciding if this is the right desktop for you, see CNET's buying guide for desktops.
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.
