Top 10 budget PCs

From...

May 11, 2000
Web posted at: 8:57 a.m. EDT (1257 GMT)

by Katharine Dvorak

(IDG) -- Budget processing power shoots way up this month as two new 650-MHz PCs grace the chart: The NuTrend Athlon Force 2, based on an AMD Athlon CPU, occupies the fifth spot, and the Quantex M650, based on an Intel Pentium III, takes number six. Another newcomer, Micro Express's MicroFlex-600A, tops the list thanks to great performance from a 600-MHz processor and an excellent all-around package.

Slot or socket? Your CPU knows for sure

The motherboard on your PC has a suitable slot or socket to accommodate the CPU it uses. Knowing your sockets and slots may not sound important, but if you ever want to upgrade your CPU, it can spare you a headache.

MORE COMPUTING INTELLIGENCE

IDG.net home page

Top 10 power PCs

Top 15 home PCs

Top 15 notebook PCs

Top 10 graphics boards

Reviews & in-depth info at IDG.net

E-Business World

Year 2000 World

Questions about computers? Let IDG.net's editors help you

Subscribe to IDG.net's free daily newsletter for computer geniuses (& newbies)

Search IDG.net in 12 languages

News Radio

Fusion audio primers

Computerworld Minute

Most Intel Pentium III processors -- mounted on a circuit board and contained inside a cartridge -- fit into a 242-pin slot dubbed Slot 1. Most Celerons are encased in plastic packaging and fit into a 370-pin socket dubbed Socket 370. Some motherboards made for Intel CPUs -- such as the one used in the Quantex M650 (number six on the Top 10 Budget PCs chart this month) -- include both a Slot 1 and a Socket 370.

AMD processors require still other slots and sockets on the motherboard. Though the Athlon chip sits in a cartridge that physically resembles the Pentium III's Slot 1, it occupies a motherboard space called Slot A.

Slot A "looks identical to the Pentium III's Slot 1," says Drew Prairie, a spokesperson for AMD, "but it's keyed 180 degrees opposite, so you can't drop a PIII in there, and we can't drop an Athlon in a Pentium slot."

So if you are considering inserting a new processor into your motherboard, first consult your PC's manual, open the system case, and look carefully inside -- or check the motherboard maker's Web site -- to see what slot or socket you've got in your system.

And most important, don't even think about wedging an AMD processor into an Intel slot (or vice versa): You can't fool a motherboard, no matter how hard you try.

Top 10 budget PCs

1. Micro Express MicroFlex-600A: This is an excellent general-use system for a small office looking for performance on a budget.



2. NuTrend Sierra LE: Frequent presenters can use the fast Sierra LE for day-to-day work.



3. Quantex SB500c: A strong performer for the price, the Quantex SB500c would fit into almost any small business that is trying to tighten its budgetary belt.



4. Acer AcerPower 4400: With a slim desktop design and useful management features, the AcerPower 4400 would make a capable corporate PC for users trying to save both space and a few bucks.



5. NuTrend Athlon Force 2: Barely staying within our budget price range, the Athlon Force 2 offers handy midrange features and adequate performance for SOHO users -- though you'll want to purchase a better monitor.



6. Quantex M650: Despite its slow performance, the M650 would make a capable addition to many small offices.



7. HP Brio BA200: Any small or medium-size business with modest computing needs and budgets should consider this Brio.



8. Racer PC500c: Providing solid power at a rock-bottom price, the Racer makes a nice choice for a second home-office PC.



9. Acer AcerPower 8400: The AcerPower 8400 is suitable for any business with moderate computing needs; its anti-intrusion and networking features make it ideal for corporate desks.



10. Amax MicroPlex 5000: With its built-in network card and low price, this Amax could be an excellent cost-cutter for the corporation that doesn't need bleeding-edge speed.

Top 10 budget PCs
April 19, 2000
Top 10 video tools
February 25, 2000
Top 10 TCP/IP tools no network pro should be without
January 14, 2000
Top 10 antivirus downloads
December 27, 1999
10 computing books that matter
December 23, 1999

Test report chart: Top 10 budget PCs
(PC World Online)
Top 10 power PCs
(PC World Online)
Top 10 mid-priced PCs
(PC World Online)
Top 15 notebook PCs
(PC World Online)
Top 15 home PCs
(PC World Online)
Top 10 ink-jet printers
(PC World Online)
Top 10 21-inch monitors
(PC World Online)
Top 10 graphics boards
(PC World Online)