PC Base Units Test

Reviews on PC Base Units

"HP dc7800 desktop PC"

Published on: 3/2008

On test: Hewlett-Packard dc7800 Series SFF

Long gone are the days when PCs were dull, gray towers.While performance is still the most important factor, design and style have become increasingly important, as has form factor and size. Hewlett-Packard seeks to address the enterprise need for big performance in a smaller package with its HP dc7800 line of PCs which includes three models: an ultra slim model, a small form factor model and a desktop model.

"HP Compaq dc7800 Small Form Factor"

Issue: 12/2007

On test: Hewlett-Packard dc7800 Series SFF

HP has a strong track record when it comes to business PCs. Well-built, cleverly designed systems with keen prices, such as the dc7700, perform the tricky task of keeping users, IT administrators and accountants happy. The dc7800 range replaces the dc7700 and, as before, splits the desktop into three units: the Small Form Factor (SFF), the Ultra Slim and a larger desktop unit.

"HP Compaq dc7800 Ultra Slim"

Issue: 12/2007

On test: Hewlett-Packard dc7800 Series Ultra Slim

The dc7800 Small Form Factor is an undeniably practical size for a PC, particularly if you're likely to upgrade your work PCs during their life. But if desk space is a greater concern than upgrade potential then the Ultra Slim is a worthy contender for any IT budget. The smallest system in the outgoing dc7700 range was only slightly smaller than the system opposite [dc7800 SFF]: the new Ultra Slim is more deserving of the name

"Commodore Gaming Commodore XX"

Issue: 11/2007

On test: Commodore XX

Retro gamers beware. Commodore Gaming's Commodore XX isn't beige. It doesn't even have a tape drive. What you do get is a seriously flashy gaming PC filled with top-of-the-range components.

PC Base Units

If you are upgrading your system buying just the computer base unit is a great way to save money and some of those treasured accessories you have built up over the lifespan of your current computer. A base unit will provide you with the heart of the set-up, leaving the choice of monitor, speakers, keyboard and mouse up to you. The benefits of this are that your old input devices and screen can simply be plugged straight back into the new system and can often be of better quality than many of the budget devices that system builders bundle with their packages on all but the most high-end models.

When buying just the base unit it is thus possible to bump up the specs by offsetting the cost of extras. Nowadays 2GB of RAM is a must, most systems only come with 1GB or even as low as 512MB, which is simply not enough to run software such as Windows Vista or a video editing suite. Also look out for a large hard drive as this will allow you to store more data, leaving you free to go wild on iTunes (other online music stores are available) and still have enough space for the 1000 holiday snaps you shot in Cancun to document the cultural legacy of the Aztec civilisation on modern day dance-hall architecture and costume.

A dual-core processor is a must for any new system, allowing for higher efficiency when multitasking and also providing some much needed relief in terms of heat-production and power consumption, offering, in result, lower electricity bills and an all-round eco-friendlier system.

The minimum outlay for a new computer base system will be around the three hundred pound mark. Granted this will not include a monitor, which will add a further hundred pounds onto the price, but the flexibility of being able to choose you own accessories means that you could end up with a better system for only a small price premium.