Low-cost desktop showdown

Low-cost desktop showdown - Let’s look at two desktops from Dell and a custom system from Monarch Computer

April 25, 2001

by Eric Svetcov

 

It’s time to find out what a low-end desktop truly costs. In one corner, where else should we turn to than the number one proponent of the Intel standard, Dell Computer Corporate. And in the other corner, my favorite custom builder of AMD systems, Monarch Computer.

 

Today, I will configure three 800 MHz low-cost systems, one Dell Optiplex GX100, a Dell Dimension L and one AMD centric configuration from Monarch Computer. After you see the systems and the prices, it will be your chance to make a decision....stick with Intel and Dell or move over to Monarch Computer and AMD.

Components

Dell Optiplex GX100

Dell Dimension L

Monarch Computer Duron 800

Case

Optiplex Mini-tower

Dimension L Micro Tower

Enlight 7237 Mid ATX

Processor

Celeron 800

Celeron 800

Duron 800

Motherboard

Dell Proprietary

Dell Proprietary

DFI AM35-EC

Chipset

Intel 810

Intel 810

VIA KM-133

System Bus

100MHz

100MHz

200MHz

Memory Bus

100MHz

100MHz

133MHz

AGP Slots

0

0

1

PCI Slots

5

4

2

ISA Slots

0

0

1 Shared

Memory

128MB PC100

128MB PC100

128MB PC133 CAS2

Video

4MB Integrated Intel

4MB Integrated Intel

8MB S3 Savage4

Hard Drive Interface

ATA/66

ATA/66

ATA/100

Hard Drive

20 GB 7200RPM

20 GB 7200RPM

20 GB 7200RPM

CD-ROM Drive

48X CD-ROM

48X CD-ROM

52X CD-ROM

Floppy Drive

1.44MB FD

1.44 MB FD

1.44 MB FD

Operating System

Windows 2000

Windows 2000

Windows 2000

Network Card

Integrated 3Com 10/100

3Com PCI 10/100

3Com PCI 10/100

Sound Card

Sound Blaster 64V PCI Audio

Sound Blaster 64V PCI Audio

Integrated Audio AC ‘97

Speakers

Harmon Kardon

Harmon Kardon

Altec Lansing ACS 21

Keyboard

Dell Quietkey

Dell Quietkey

Microsoft Natural Elite

Mouse

MS Intellimouse

MS Intellimouse

MS Intellimouse

Office

MS Office Pro 2000

MS Office Pro 2000

MS Works Suite 2001 + MS Office Pro 2000 BLP Upg

Warranty

3 year Next Day Onsite

3 year Next Day Onsite

3 year Parts and Labor

Available Expansion

4 PCI

2 PCI

1 AGP and      1 PCI/ISA

Total Cost

$1206

$1186

$1046

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