Top 5 Desktop PCs Under $600

When it comes to purchasing a new desktop PC, there are many great options under $600. We judged out picks for best desktop PCs under $600 based on the following categories: memory, operating system, value for the price and overall ease of use.

HP Slimeline s5510y with 20" LCD Monitor (Link) $600

Pros: The HP Slimeline s5510y comes equipped with a 3GB of RAM, 640GB hard drive capacity, Windows 7 and a variety of additional features. The desktop is very easy to set up with basic instructions, even for the technology inept. The computer is made for multitasking and provides plenty of memory on the hard drive for storing music, videos, documents and games. The slim desktop design is excellent in areas where space is a primary concern. In addition, the included monitor is bright and provides an excellent picture display.

Cons: The included NVIDIA GeForce 6150 SE graphics card lacks the capabilities that gamers require for top of the line games, however, the graphics card can be upgraded.

Dell Inspiron I560-2050NBK with 18.5" LCD Monitor (Link) $580

Pros: The 500GB hard drive and 4GB of RAM allow for serious multitasking and storage at a bargain price. The computer is very easy to setup and comes equipped with the consumer friendly Windows 7 64-bit operating system. The new Windows OS provides easy setup, installation and overall usability for even new computer users.

Cons: Our only complaint is that the computer could be faster for advanced applications, such as gaming. The reason for this is because the Inspiron comes with a dual-core processor, whereas more expensive models comes equipped with a faster quad-core processor. However, for the casual to moderate user, the speed difference will not be a major concern.

Asus Essentio CM1630-03 Desktop with 20" LCD Monitor (Link) $520

Pros: The Essentio is perfect for casual to moderate PC users that want plenty of hard drive space and multitasking power without paying a premium price. The PC comes equipped with 4GB of RAM, which makes for efficient multitasking and the 640GB hard drive provides plenty of onboard storage for documents, video, music and games.

Cons: Depending on your needs, the Essentio is very basic as far as graphics and processor are concerned. However, additional upgrades can provide extra support and usability for heavy users.

Compaq Presario CQ5500Y with 20" Monitor (Link) $450

Pros: Excellent value, easy to set up and easy to use Windows 7 OS and comes equipped with a 500GB hard drive and 2GB of RAM. Setting up the PC is incredibly easy and works out of the box.

Cons: You get what you pay for. Although this computer provides an excellent array of features for the price, it does lack in multitasking capability and graphics for more advanced Windows applications, such as games.

eMachines EL 1352-01e with 18.5" LCD Monitor (Link) $470

Pros: The desktop has plenty of onboard storage with its 500GB hard drive and provides fast multitasking speeds with the 4GB of RAM. Out of the box the Windows 7 OS provides easy to use setup features, and once installed, is very use friendly. We also liked the 9 USB slots, which are used for wireless and wired mice, keyboard, data sticks and more. For the price, the EL1352-01e provides a variety of included extras.

Cons: The actual desktop unit is compact, which leaves very little room for upgrades, which can be a concern for users who want more than the stock options.