The main aim when choosing a good cheap desktop computer is to get the best-valued not-quite-cutting-edge parts. Although low price is the major concern here, I prefer keeping current with parts. Where necessary I will point out lower priced alternatives as well as the pros and cons of those decisions. Check out the specific parts sections for further details on individual parts.

This Systemax computer can be customized from its base price of $400, you only need to add what you need.

Often the most expensive part in a computer labelled as the best desktop computer is the computer processor. The fastest, most cutting edge processors can be more than $1000, but for a quarter of the price you can get one that is only 20% slower and put money into other parts of the computer. Currently I would recommend an Intel Core 2 Duo, or AMD Athlon 64 X2. Intel Core 2 Duo go for $150 – $550, while AMD Athlon 64 X2 go for $100 – $250. According to benchmarks, the Intel processors are the better choice and offer more performance per dollar in most applications. Even though you can get cheaper deals with AMD, currently Intel is the better choice. In speed per dollar, don’t go any higher than the E6600 2.4GHz model for the best cheap desktop, as the prices jump after that. The AMD range are spread evenly, so the choice for a good cheap desktop is yours, best value is still found around the middle of the range though.

The motherboard should be packed with lots of features. My preference is for motherboards that give tons of features, here is what you should expect.

• USB 2.0 with 4 slots at the back of the computer and 2 in another location, usually the front.
• External SATA (not completely necessary, but good)
• Built-in audio, with 5.1 channel (or equivalent) support as well as mic and headphones.
• Network port, preferably Gigabit, 2 ports a bonus.
• PCI express for graphics card upgrades (if not used already). SLI a bonus.
• PCI-X, which is a faster PCI slot, but still compatible with older PCI cards. Expect 2 or more.
• Make sure SATA2 is supported, it’s faster and more future-proof.
• Firewire (IEEE1394) slots, just 1 or 2 (not essential).

This ACER comes with a slightly slower AMD Athlon X2 processor and all the extras I would recommend, including a DVD burner and 1GB of RAM.

Your computer should come with at least 1GB or memory, often called RAM. More memory makes a huge difference and you should get as much as you can when you buy your computer. Remember that 512MB is my recommended minimum for Windows XP, while Vista will run better with 1GB(1024MB) or more. If you can afford it, get double the minimum. This is my same recommendation as for a more expensive PC, and it is not worth saving money here. Rather get a smaller hard drive or slightly slower processor.

The hard drive should be a balance between storage size and speed. Get bigger than 100GB, one DVD movie is 8GB, so you might only get 10 on your hard drive. If you don’t store the movies, no problem. Fast hard drives spin faster, at 10K rpm, like the WD Raptor, but are smaller sized for the price. I prefer speed as I don’t need massive space, I backup to DVDs when necessary.

A DVD writer is essential. Make sure it does dual-layer, DVD+R and DVD-R, and should be rated about 16x. DVDs are great for backing up any data, including your DVD collection.

And that’s it. You should be good to go, with a computer that will stay current for at least a few years and last for many more than that.

The most alarming fact, and the one that makes good cheap desktop computers so appealing is that the most up-to-date computers are complete overkill for surfing the net, listening to mp3s, typing documents and running Windows. The best cheap desktop computers keep with the core principle in getting the best deals… you don’t need the latest for killer performance!

“But I don’t want to build it myself!”

Lucky you’re not alone in that area. The majority of people don’t want to get their hands dirty fiddling with a computer. Who can blame you, you have better things to do.

You can get most of these benefits from online retailers. They offer options to pick and choose your parts or customize a standard model using a few options they provide.

These case studies will guide you with step-by-step instructions on customizing from a good preset package.

• Super-budget computer case study
• Mid-range computer case study
• High-end gaming computer case study

If you want to tackle the computer building on your own then continue and read more about each individual part before making a decision. I’ll start with what I consider the most major parts that require the most thought, and move down to those parts that are easier to choose.

1. Processor: The computer processor is likely to be the most expensive part of your system. It is also the most overhyped part. I have two computers at home, one of them being an Intel Pentium 4 2.0GHz and an AMD Athlon XP 2500+, both of which are not sold anymore. They are fine for everything I do on the computer, mostly internet based stuff, and I see no need to upgrade within 2 years or even longer. When looking at buying something new I like to stay current, but keep the cost down, I would go for the slower of the most up-to-date parts. Currently that would be the Intel Core 2 Duo E6320, next up would be the Core 2 Duo E6420 and the highest would be the Core 2 Duo E6600. There is also an E6700, but the price jump to get there is currently too high for the speed gains.
2. Motherboard: Although the processor is given much attention, this part gets my most attention. The motherboard connects everything together and is more like the heart and soul of your computer. I must have USB 2.0, SATA connectors (2 sets are better), built-in sound, built-in network adapter, built-in firewire, built-in external SATA. I should also have PCI Express if you want to upgrade to super-fast graphics cards.
3. Memory: Gives the most clout if upgraded. Everything you use on the computer is held in memory and then run. At least 512MB for Windows XP and at least 1GB for Vista, more is always better, but 2GB is the most I’d recommend for now.
4. Hard drive
5. Graphics card
6. DVD writer
7. Computer case
8. Keyboard and mouse

Those are the major parts aside from the monitor.

In a nutshell, refurbished desktop computers are computers that have been used before, either they were returned, or they have gone off-lease and also returned, or are simply old stock. They are all tested, not extensively, but they work. You would generally get an operating system like Windows with it, but you will have to check first. If it doesn’t have one you’ll have to buy one.

This refurbished HP gives you an internet capable computer for under $200

If your computer needs are limited to…

• surfing the net,
• checking your email,
• typing documents,
• listening to some mp3s,
• chatting to friends online,
• and using office related software…

then you should be fine with almost any computer, and the cheap deals on these refurbished computers should will suit your needs. As most parts in a computer can be upgraded, or replaced if they break, previous wear and tear should not be a huge issue, however, I will suggest which parts need to or should be attended to.

Here’s what you should expect at the very minimum.

For the processor, get an Intel Pentium 4, Pentium Dual Core, or Core 2 Duo. If you want AMD, an “Athlon 64″ or “Athlon 64 X2″ (dual-core). The newer, and the higher the GHz rating, the faster they will be, but they will all be fine for the above tasks.

RAM should be at least 256MB. This will be only just enough to run Windows, but will run Linux fine. If you want to run Windows I would highly recommend upgrading to 512MB if possible.

An HP refurbished desktop for $240 that just needs an OS

Hard drives wear out pretty quickly. They are one of the few mechanical parts left in a computer. They also hold your data. Replacing the hard drive would be an idea, but at the very least take some precautions, like backing up your data, to prevent losing any.

As with new computers, every accessory included, is one you don’t have to buy later. Check for the following and take account of how much that part by itself will add to your purchase price.

• USB ports, preferably USB 2.0 (faster)
• Ethernet (Network) port
• DVD or CD drive (I recommend DVD burners for making backups)
• Audio card (or built-in)
• Wireless networking capability

You will save yourself a heap of money getting a refurbished desktop computer. They also make ideal second computers.

I will go over each of the things you should look for. If you need more details you can delve deeper by reading specifically about that part.

Often the most expensive part in a computer labelled as the best desktop computer is the computer processor, which is like the brain of the computer.

This Systemax computer with Intel Core 2 Duo and 2GB or RAM offers a lot of power and includes a monitor

The fastest, most cutting edge processors can be more than $1000, but for a quarter of the price you can get one that is only 20% slower and put money into other parts of the computer. Currently I would recommend an Intel Core 2 Duo, or AMD Athlon 64 X2. Intel Core 2 Duo go for $150 – $550, while AMD Athlon 64 X2 go for $100 – $250. According to benchmarks, the Intel processors are the better choice and offer more performance per dollar in most applications. Even though you can get cheaper deals with AMD, currently Intel is the better choice. In speed per dollar, don’t go any higher than the E6600 2.4GHz model, as the prices jump after that. The AMD range are spread evenly, so the choice is yours, best value is still found around the middle of the range though.

The motherboard should be packed with lots of features. My preference is for motherboards that give tons of features, here is what you should expect.

• USB 2.0 with 4 slots at the back of the computer and 2 in another location, usually the front.
• External SATA (not completely necessary, but good)
• Built-in audio, with 5.1 channel (or equivalent) support as well as mic and headphones.
• Network port, preferably Gigabit, 2 ports a bonus.
• PCI express for graphics card upgrades (if not used already). SLI a bonus.
• PCI-X, which is a faster PCI slot, but still compatible with older PCI cards. Expect 2 or more.
• Make sure SATA2 is supported, it’s faster and more future-proof.
• Firewire (IEEE1394) slots, just 1 or 2 (not essential).

This HP offers a midrange Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 2GB or memory and a DVD burner

Your computer should come with at least 1GB or memory, often called RAM. More memory makes a huge difference and you should get as much as you can when you buy your computer. Remember that 512MB is my recommended minimum for Windows XP, while Vista will run better with 1GB(1024MB) or more. If you can afford it, get double the minimum.

The hard drive should be a balance between storage size and speed. Get bigger than 100GB, one DVD movie is 8GB, so you might only get 10 on your hard drive. If you don’t store the movies, no problem. Fast hard drives spin faster, at 10K rpm, like the WD Raptor, but are smaller sized for the price. I prefer speed as I don’t need massive space, I backup to DVDs when necessary.

A DVD writer is essential. Make sure it does dual-layer, DVD+R and DVD-R, and should be rated about 16x. DVDs are great for backing up any data, including your DVD collection.

And that’s it. You should be good to go, with a computer that will stay current for at least a few years and last for many more than that.

• The Best Desktop Computer will help you to choose the latest computers, having the latest parts, but being a little more expensive than the other choices below (usually $1000 and up, without the monitor).
• Cheap Desktop Computers shows you how to get the best value, starting from as little as $400 usually, without the monitor.
• Refurbished Desktop Computer offer slightly older technology, at great prices.
• Build your own Computer will show you how to make individual choice of all the parts and then assemble.

If you are looking for portable computers, then you should see “How to pick a laptop computer” focusing on more powerful, bigger models, or “How to pick a notebook computer” which focuses on smaller, more portable computers.

Or check out our guide to all the components of laptops, notebooks and desktops.

The main aim when choosing a cheap desktop computer is to get the best-valued not-quite-cutting-edge parts. Although low price is the major concern here, I do prefer keeping current with parts. Where necessary I will point out lower priced alternatives as well as the pros and cons of those decisions. Check out the specific parts sections for further details on individual parts.

This Systemax computer can be customized from its base price of $400, you only need to add what you need.

Often the most expensive part in a computer labelled as the best desktop computer is the computer processor. The fastest, most cutting edge processors can be more than $1000, but for a quarter of the price you can get one that is only 20% slower and put money into other parts of the computer. Currently I would recommend an Intel Core 2 Duo, or AMD Athlon 64 X2. Intel Core 2 Duo go for $150 – $550, while AMD Athlon 64 X2 go for $100 – $250. According to benchmarks, the Intel processors are the better choice and offer more performance per dollar in most applications. Even though you can get cheaper deals with AMD, currently Intel is the better choice. In speed per dollar, don’t go any higher than the E6600 2.4GHz model, as the prices jump after that. The AMD range are spread evenly, so the choice is yours, best value is still found around the middle of the range though.

The motherboard should be packed with lots of features. My preference is for motherboards that give tons of features, here is what you should expect.

• USB 2.0 with 4 slots at the back of the computer and 2 in another location, usually the front.
• External SATA (not completely necessary, but good)
• Built-in audio, with 5.1 channel (or equivalent) support as well as mic and headphones.
• Network port, preferably Gigabit, 2 ports a bonus.
• PCI express for graphics card upgrades (if not used already). SLI a bonus.
• PCI-X, which is a faster PCI slot, but still compatible with older PCI cards. Expect 2 or more.
• Make sure SATA2 is supported, it’s faster and more future-proof.
• Firewire (IEEE1394) slots, just 1 or 2 (not essential).

This ACER comes with a slightly slower AMD Athlon X2 processor and all the extras I would recommend, including a DVD burner and 1GB of RAM.

Your computer should come with at least 1GB or memory, often called RAM. More memory makes a huge difference and you should get as much as you can when you buy your computer. Remember that 512MB is my recommended minimum for Windows XP, while Vista will run better with 1GB(1024MB) or more. If you can afford it, get double the minimum. This is my same recommendation as for a more expensive PC, and it is not worth saving money here. Rather get a smaller hard drive or slightly slower processor.

The hard drive should be a balance between storage size and speed. Get bigger than 100GB, one DVD movie is 8GB, so you might only get 10 on your hard drive. If you don’t store the movies, no problem. Fast hard drives spin faster, at 10K rpm, like the WD Raptor, but are smaller sized for the price. I prefer speed as I don’t need massive space, I backup to DVDs when necessary.

A DVD writer is essential. Make sure it does dual-layer, DVD+R and DVD-R, and should be rated about 16x. DVDs are great for backing up any data, including your DVD collection.

And that’s it. You should be good to go, with a computer that will stay current for at least a few years and last for many more than that.

The most alarming fact, and the one that makes cheap desktop computers so appealing is that the most up-to-date computers are complete overkill for surfing the net, listening to mp3s, typing documents and running Windows. With cheap desktop computers the core principle in getting the best deals is… you don’t need the latest for killer performance!