Compact Case Is Designed for Smaller Work Areas
This compact computer is smaller than the standard and midsize tower PCs that fit under your desk, making it ideal for limited work areas. Small case designs vary, too. However, such PCs tend to be underpowered (especially on gaming), and mini cases also have few available expansion slots and drive bays. Generally you'll have to expand the system via USB, FireWire, or eSATA peripherals, so make sure your compact system has a large number (and assortment) of ports.
Core 2 CPU: One of Intel's Latest and Greatest Is Inside
This system is built around one of Intel's latest, greatest processors. The Core 2 Duo consists of two separate CPUs on a single die, sharing the same second-level cache. If this machine has a Core 2 Quad, that's two Duos married on the same die for a total of four cores. Meanwhile, Extreme Edition Core 2 processors, aimed at enthusiasts and gamers, are unlocked for overclocking, a process in which you increase the clock multiplier (9X, 10X, and so on) without increasing the computer's frontside bus speed (1066 MHz, 1333 MHz, or the like).
Most consumer applications can't take advantage of more than two cores, so spend the extra money on four cores only if you'll be using an application that you're certain can utilize them. Intel has strayed from the Celeron designation for its budget CPUs, so be sure to check a given processor's cache size and price (more of each roughly indicates faster performance) before buying.
Good Amount of RAM for Running Multiple Apps at Once
This computer includes between 1GB and 3GB of RAM, our recommended level for a new PC. This much memory lets you run any modern operating system and comfortably work with quite a few applications open. The more installed memory your PC has, the more programs you can run smoothly at once, and the better the system will perform. Upgrading memory in a desktop after you purchase the PC is a breeze, but usually it's worthwhile to buy the amount of memory you want preinstalled with the system.
To use more than 4GB of memory on your PC, you need the 64-bit version of Windows XP or Windows Vista. The PCs that you see equipped with 3GB of memory (instead of 4GB) tend to use the 32-bit versions of Windows that are limited to 4GB of addressable memory, the top portion of which is addressed by the various hardware devices on the system.
Adequate Hard-Disk Capacity for Business or Light Home Use
With respect to hard-drive space, this system is in the low-to-midrange tier. Whether that's important depends on your needs. Though video gobbles up drive space at a prodigious rate, most other data types take up far less than 500GB.
For basic business purposes or light home use, even 80GB or 120GB might be enough. A better minimum is 300GB, especially if you download movies or music. Compact desktops that use smaller, 2.5-inch laptop drives offer less capacity. In that kind of setup, 120GB is a more realistic minimum, though 80GB will be enough for most users.
Included Disc Writer Burns CDs and DVDs
The DVD burner on this system will allow you to burn CDs and DVDs (including movies, with the right software), play DVD movies, install software from CDs and DVDs, and play audio CDs and other types of discs. Most DVD burners have a slide-out media tray, though you'll find some slot-loading models on smaller or more-stylish PCs. Half-height drives exist, too; you'll find them mostly in laptops or external boxes. Since DVD burners are now a commodity item, even entry-level models are fast.
Integrated Intel Graphics Chip Can Handle Everyday Computing
This system uses a video chip from the leading graphics-processor manufacturer in the world: Intel. Though nVidia and ATI enjoy all the press, Intel has the biggest graphics market share because it supplies the integrated graphics chips for a huge number of desktop computers. For everyday computing, the performance of an Intel GPU is excellent. Unfortunately, by current standards the gaming performance is pathetic--largely because these chips usually use system memory instead of faster dedicated graphics memory.
With this PC, stick to business or general-application home use. And since only the most recent Intel GPUs can drive large wide-screen displays at their full resolution, be sure to check the chip-specific specs.
Windows XP: Workhorse OS Runs Well
This PC ships with Windows XP installed. Windows XP has been the workhorse operating system for mainstream computers for nearly a decade, and generally works quite well. It also has by far the broadest driver and application support of any existing OS, and will run fine on systems with only 512MB of memory and a smaller (20GB to 40GB) hard drive.
However, Microsoft has seen fit to limit DirectX 10 support to (as well as slightly alter the driver model for) Windows Vista, XP's replacement. This means that eventually the latest games--as well as drivers for the newest hardware--may be available only for Vista. Even so, maintaining drivers for both XP and Vista isn't nearly as difficult for vendors as it was with XP and Windows 98, so XP will remain a viable operating system for the foreseeable future.
One thing to keep in mind: Common 32-bit versions of Windows XP can address no more than 4GB of RAM, even if your computer has more available. So unless you're using the 64-bit version of Windows XP, a computer with 2GB to 4GB of memory is the right target.
USB Connections Let You Connect Various Peripherals
USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports allow this system to use any number of USB peripherals such as printers, keyboards, and mice. You can also use an external USB hard disk or a USB thumb drive to expand this desktop's storage or back up your data.
Note that the older, much slower (11 megabits per second) 1.x implementation of USB was fine for peripherals, but is frustratingly slow for storage. New desktop computers all support the speedier USB 2.0 (480 mbps)--but double-check on that if you're buying a used or older system. And when it comes to USB ports, the more the merrier.
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