destop pc

When it comes to desktop PCs, you don't have to spend a lot to get a lot. We give you the lowdown on getting more for less, and recommend seven great systems.

How low should you go when buying a desktop PC? If you just need a machine to meet basic computing needs—Web browsing, basic photo editing, playing music, writing e-mail, spreadsheet tracking—you can go pretty darn low. In fact, you can get a whole lot of computer for less than $500. And that's great news, particularly in today's economy.

Cheap desktops are perfect if your computing needs are modest, your budget is tight, or if you're looking for a second or third PC for your home. Cheap PCs are usually full-blown desktop PCs a mini-tower or small-form-factor desktop case. They often have optical drives installed (a DVD burner or a DVD/CD-RW combo drive), slots for adding system memory, and some expansion/upgrade potential (hard drive, PCI/PCIe card slots, graphics card slots).