Kevin Savetz' Guide To Buying a Ridiculously Cheap PC

Kevin Savetz' Guide To Buying a Ridiculously Cheap PC
Microtel SYSWM5017

The SYSWM5017 is the latest evolution in Microtel's line of budget desktop PCs designed for entry-level home and office productivity applications. Powered by an AMD 1.5 GHz Sempron 2200+ processor with 3DNow! Technology, the SYSWM5017 replaces old Duron-equipped models and is comparable with its Celeron D counterparts.

This model features 256MB DDR SDRAM expandable up 2 GB, plenty of room for memory upgrades. In addition, the Microtel SYSWM5017 has four USB ports and a floppy drive, allowing for backward compatibility as well as connectivity with practically any multimedia gadget. However, users will definitely need these USB ports, since internal expansion is limited to only one PCI and one AGP slot.

Microtel SYSWM5017 Desktop PC
Processor AMD 1.5 GHz Sempron 2200+ processor with 3DNow! Technology
Installed RAM 256MB DDR SDRAM
Maximum RAM 2 GB DDR SDRAM
Hard drive 40 GB Ultra ATA-100 Hard Drive / 5400 RPM
Includes CD-ROM Yes, 52x CD-ROM drive
Includes keyboard Yes
Includes mouse Yes, 2 button mouse w/wheel
Includes speakers Yes
Includes monitor No
Includes floppy drive Yes
Includes AGP slot Yes
Includes Modem Yes
Ethernet jack 10/100
PCI slots 1 slot
USB ports 4 USB 2.0 ports (2 in front)
Serial ports 1
Power supply 250W
Installed OS None
Warranty One Year Parts/Labor Limited Warranty
Bottom Line
Price $298 (Online Only)
Pros Good performance for basic home and office apps
Cons No OS, limited internal expansion
Shop Microtel SYSWM5017 Desktop PC

Updated December 2 2005


Go Back