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CNET Reviews - Most Popular Desktops

Rank Most Popular Titles
1 Dell Studio Desktop Computer (Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200, 750GB HDD, 6GB)
This off-the-shelf version of the Dell Studio Desktop reminds us of a classic Dell computer. This system is faster and better equipped than its competition, and at a better price. You can certainly get away with a cheaper everyday PC, but this one is a bargain among lower midrange desktops.
2 Digital Storm 950Si (Intel Core i7)
Digital Storm's 950Si has all the makings of a quality performance gaming system, but its value proposition comes up just a bit short. The stable-yet-aggressively overclocked CPU tells us that Digital Storm knows what it's doing, and with a more competitive price it would earn a more enthusiastic recommendation.
3 Apple iMac (24-inch, 2.8GHz)
A slight bump to the specifications for the same price in addition to a much appreciated option to upgrade the graphics means the 24-inch iMac keeps the Editors' Choice it earned last year when the brushed-aluminum-and-glass design was first introduced.
4 HP Pavilion P6110y
HP's Pavilion p6110y isn't necessarily an offensive system, and its case might even entice you to give it a second look. We just wish HP had taken a more substantive approach to help this desktop stand out. Its FireWire port might sway you, but otherwise you can find more interesting features from other PCs on the shelf.
5 Acer Aspire X1700-U3700A
The Acer X1700-U3700A is slightly slower than the competition, but it gives you almost every component you need in either a basic desktop or a light-duty home theater PC. If you prefer functionality to performance, we recommend this model out of the three systems in the current lineup.
6 Maingear Ephex (Intel Core i7 965)
Maingear's Ephex is the fastest PC we've reviewed, and also the most expensive. You can find better service policies from other boutique PC vendors, but the Ephex's overall speed and build quality are enough for us to recommend it to those in the market for the best desktop they can find.
7 Sony Vaio JS190J (silver)
By virtue of its price, its desktop processor, and its Blu-ray drive, the Sony Vaio JS190J makes a case for itself as the new king of the all-in-ones. Its screen might be a bit smaller than some, but no other all-in-one, including Apple's iMac, can do as much, as fast, for the same price.
8 Apple Mac Mini (2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 120GB, Winter 2009)
While we're still impressed with the Mac Mini's ability to pack so much into a tight package, Apple can't get away from its PC competitors that offer more features for less money. If saving space and the Mac OS are dominating factors, then the new Mac Minis are a viable option, but your dollar will stretch much further with a budget Windows desktop.
9 ZT Affinity 7308Ma
ZT's smartly configured Affinity 7308Ma offers a Blu-ray drive and fast application performance, both rare for its $699 price tag. You won't show off this midtower PC off for its looks, but we recommend it to those who enjoy the satisfaction that comes with finding a hidden bargain.
10 Dell Studio One 19 Desktop Computer (Intel Pentium Dual Core E5200, 500GB HDD, 4GB)
We suspect lower-end configurations of the Dell Studio One 19 all-in-one desktop will draw consumers looking for a low-cost, "fast enough" PC. But even its multitouch interface can't save our expensive review unit from other vendors' similarly priced all-in-ones with better features for the dollar.
11 Apple iMac (24-inch, 2.66GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, Winter 2009)
Apple made a number of changes to this $1,499 iMac, but making a 24-inch screen available at this price is the most impressive. The rest of the updates are welcome, and Apple's multitasking capability remains unmatched. Provided you like your all-in-ones best as straightforward desktop computers, the iMac will meet your expectations with speed and elegance.
12 Gateway LX 6810-01
The affordable Gateway LX6810-01 scores high points for offering high-end components right off the shelf. We recommend this system for multimedia editors and light gamers who can make use of its hard-working Nvidia 3D card and full 8GB of RAM. However, if you're looking more at straightforward performance, Dell offers a system with a faster CPU and a similar feature set for about the same price.
13 Dell OptiPlex GX620 Desktop Computer (Pentium D 805 2.66GHz/80GB/512MB)
The competitively priced OptiPlex GX620 is powerful enough for most business users, and its wide-ranging configuration options, including four case choices, mean it can fill a variety of office needs.
14 Gateway SX2800-01
15 Dell XPS 430-121B
Dell's XPS 430-121B, sold exclusively at Best Buy, outpaces the competition and carries an impressive set of media-centric features. Heavy gamers can find a more suitable system elsewhere, but digital media enthusiasts will appreciate this Dell in their home network.
16 Dell Studio XPS Desktop Computer (Intel Core i7 750GB HDD, 6GB)
You can find flashier PCs than Dell's $1,299 Studio XPS, but few have as much power where it counts. We don't recommend its small, pared-down case for upgraders, but this PC will satisfy anyone who needs a loaded, powerful PC for gaming and consumer-level digital media editing.
17 HP TouchSmart IQ770
HP's new TouchSmart PC IQ770 is not as fast as Apple's iMac, nor does it have the same clean-lined elegance. It makes up for those problems with intuitive touch screen software you'll actually use and a comprehensive lineup of features. If you're looking for a home PC to organize your family's schedule, or serve up media in a kitchen or another small room, we know of no other system suited so well for the task.
18 HP TouchSmart IQ816
No other all-in-one PC can offer touch-based input or an LCD screen as large as that of the HP TouchSmart IQ816. It's hard to deny that those features make this a compelling desktop for families with a place to put it. Weak performance hinders its suitability for work, and it's not the best digital entertainment center, but we recommend this system to anyone looking to get in early on the touch-computing experiment.
19 Asus Eee Top ET1602
Thanks to its price, size, touch screen, and semiportability, the Asus Eee Top ET1602 presents a lot of usage options. Put it in the kitchen, den, or even a hallway, and it can serve as an easy information hub for your family. Just don't put it on a desk, where a desktop or a laptop will be much better suited for serious work.
20 Apple Mac Pro (Two 2.26GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon, Winter 2009)
Apple's new eight-core Mac Pro demonstrates marked improvements over the older model in high-intensity digital media and multitasking scenarios. We also love the design tweaks that improve on Apple's already industry-leading sensibilities. Any Apple-bound design professional would welcome this new tool in his or her arsenal.
21 Apple iMac (20-inch, 2.66GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, Winter 2009)
A few other all-in-ones make this 20-inch iMac look expensive on a dollars-per-screen-inch basis, but none are as attractive or as capable juggling multiple programs. With a fast dual-core CPU and a strong array of features, Apple's updated all-in-one will slide seamlessly into a variety of roles at home or at work.
22 Dell Inspiron 530s Desktop Computer (Intel Pentium Dual Core E5200, 320GB HDD, 2GB)
In its present configuration, the Dell Inspiron I530S-119B won't feel at home in a home theater or digital media environment, but it succeeds in providing high performance at minimal cost thanks to a faster processor than the competition. Future upgrades to this system are limited, but if you're shopping for a budget computer for basic functionality, this Dell will do the trick.
23 AVADirect Custom Gaming PC
The AVADirect shopping experience can be daunting, but for the tech savvy buyer willing to navigate the many options available for this system, you'll find that AVADirect's Custom Gaming PC is competently built, with options for blazing fast overclocking, all at an attractive price.
24 Asus Essentio CM5570-AP002
The Asus Essentio CM5570-AP002 isn't an overly remarkable desktop, but it has a few extra features that help it stand out. Its Wi-Fi and HDMI video out port give it some unique capabilities, and the best part is that Asus still manages to keep the price down. It's hard not to like this system, even though we wish Asus had more comprehensive support.
25 HP TouchSmart IQ506
HP's new-and-improved TouchSmart all-in-one PC refines the touch-based concept it introduced last year. Faster all-in-ones, and Apple's iPhone, make the TouchSmart seem a bit behind the times, but the convenient software and its kitchen-friendly design offer functionality that's unavailable elsewhere.