ASUS Essentio CM1630-05 Budget Desktop PC

Oct 21 2010 - What best sums up the ASUS Essentio CM1630-05 is average. Whether you are talking about the appearance, features or performance, there isn't really anything this desktop does to set itself apart from the competition. About the only thing going for it is the internal space and external USB peripheral ports that provide a fair amount of after market expansion. Graphics upgrades are limited by the lower wattage power supply and the case is probably one of the most bland on the market.

Oct 21 2010 - ASUS has slowly been introducing desktop computer systems to the US market and the Essentio CM1630-05 is one of their more affordable models with a price tag just below $500. Rather than being based on the Intel platform, the system uses the AMD Athlon II X2 240 dual core processor. This is a much more affordable processor from AMD that actually uses much of the same technology as their newer Phenom processors. In terms of performance, the integrated memory controller provides some very rapid memory performance compared to Intel's offerings but it does fall well behind the new Core i3 and somewhat behind the older Core 2 designs. Still, it should provide sufficient performance for most tasks and the 4GB of DDR3 memory will help prevent slowdowns from multitasking.

Storage features on the Essentio CM1630-05 are pretty much inline with most budget desktop systems these days. It comes with a sizable 750GB hard drive that should provide sufficient space for applications, data and media files. There is space inside the case for a second SATA drive should users want to add more. A dual layer DVD burner is included for playback and recording of CD or DVD media. A space 5.25-inch slot is also available for adding a second optical drive internally. Slots near the top of the front panel are part of a multi-card reader that handles the most popular flash media formats.

Graphics wise, the Essentio CM1630-05 uses an older ATI Radeon HD 3000 series integrated graphics processor. This is fine for those looking to use the system for basic productivity, web and even high definition media streaming. What it does lack is the 3D performance for casual PC gaming. This is somewhat disappointing given the Radeon HD 4000 series integrated graphics can at least be used for 3D gaming at lower resolution and detail levels. Those hoping to use it for gaming will be pleased that there is a PCI-Express graphics slot with room for a double-wide performance card. The downside is that the power supply is best only suited for low to moderate graphics cards best for casual 3D gaming.

Many budget desktops tend to skimp on the number of external peripheral ports. The average system comes with just six ports. The Essentio CM1630-05 comes with a total of ten on the back and front of the system which provides plenty of access for external peripherals.

The biggest issue with the Essentio CM1630-05 though is the case design. ASUS certainly didn't do much to give it a very unique look or feel from basically any desktop tower that has been released within the last ten years. In fact, the plastic covers for the drive bays feel quite flimsy compared to many other cases I have worked with in the past.