Matthew Elliott,
June 16, 2008
Intel is reportedly at work on low-cost quad-core processors to compete against AMD's triple-core Phenom X3 chips. It's best not to overlook AMD's quad-core Phenoms. We've seen a pair of desktops recently, each of which uses a
You'll also notice that the Acer Aspire M5100 and Gateway GT5674 received the same 6.9 rating. Why didn't they score higher, if they deliver so much hardware at such a reasonable price? Because we're not convinced that the average consumer needs four processing cores, and well outfitted dual-core PCs can be purchased for even less. If you find yourself regularly converting QuickTime files while also performing a conversion in iTunes, as our Multimedia multitasking benchmark simulates, you may begin to feel the effects of quad-core processing. However, in most cases, the performances differences are slight or nonexistent between quad- and dual-core systems when running consumer software applications.
Then again, quad-core processing offers something in the way of future proofing, which is never a bad idea when it comes to technology purchases. Just be sure you don't overlook a system such as the eMachines T5254--a budget dual-core system that will suffice more many while costing even less.
| Product name | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | Check Prices | Check Prices |
| CNET editors' rating |
|
|
| Average user rating | ||
| Review date | June 13, 2008 | March 25, 2008 |
| The Bottom Line | The Gateway GT5674 is a low-cost quad-core desktop that delivers excellent bang for the buck. The problem is, most mainstream users don't need four processing cores and can get away with a dual-core PC for even less. | For performance-minded shoppers on a budget, the $700 quad-core Acer Aspire M5100 is fast enough to make you think about spending more than you might otherwise. If all you need is a capable PC with a decent hard drive, you can get away with a less expensive dual-core system. |
| Similar Products | Compare more products | Compare more products |
| Features | ||
| Graphics Controller |
NVIDIA GeForce 6150 SE |
ATI Radeon X1250 |
| Storage Removable |
None |
None |
| TV Tuner Type |
None |
None |
| Floppy Drive |
None |
None |
| Optical Storage (2nd) |
None |
None |
| Storage Controller |
Serial ATA ( Serial ATA-300 ) |
Serial ATA |
| Type |
Personal computer |
Personal computer |
| Hard Drive (2nd) |
- None |
- None |
| Printer |
None |
None |
| Platform Technology |
AMD LIVE! |
Info unavailable |
| Optical Storage |
DVD?RW / DVD-RAM with Labelflash Technology |
DVD?RW / DVD-RAM |
| Manufacturer Warranty |
1 year warranty |
1 year warranty |
| RAM |
3 GB (installed) / 4 GB (max) - DDR2 SDRAM - 667 MHz |
3 GB (installed) / 8 GB (max) - DDR2 SDRAM - 667 MHz |
| Hard Drive (3rd) |
None |
None |
| Cache Memory |
2 MB L3 cache |
L3 cache |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) |
7.2 in x 16.1 in x 15.6 in |
7.2 in x 17.9 in x 14.6 in |
| OS Provided |
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Microsoft Windows Vista |
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Microsoft Windows Vista |
| Processor |
1 x AMD Phenom X4 9500 / 2.2 GHz ( Quad-Core ) |
1 x AMD Phenom X4 9500 / 2.2 GHz ( Quad-Core ) |
| Hard Drive |
1 x 500 GB - Standard - Serial ATA-300 |
1 x 500 GB - Standard - Serial ATA-150 |
| Weight |
23.4 lbs |
Info unavailable |
| Product Description |
Gateway GT 5674 - Phenom X4 9500 2.2 GHz |
Acer Aspire M5100-EF9500A - Phenom X4 9500 2.2 GHz |
| Card Reader |
15 in 1 card reader |
9 in 1 card reader |
| Product Form Factor |
Tower |
Micro tower |
| Communications |
Fax / modem - 56 Kbps |
None |
| Audio Output |
Sound card - 7.1 channel surround |
Sound card - 7.1 channel surround |
| Localization | Info unavailable |
Canada United States |
