What you can get for $500 keeps getting better and better every year and the ASUS CM1740-US-2AG is certainly a nice step up from the model just six months ago.
This is a good all around system thanks to its quad core AMD processor, 8GB of memory, dedicated graphics and wireless networking.
It may not be as fast as an Intel based desktop at this price range but it still provides more than enough for the average user.
The one downside is that the power supply does limit the potential to upgrade the graphics even further for those looking to get a low cost gaming setup.
Pros
Dedicated Graphics Card
8GB Memory
Wireless Networking
Cons
Processor Slower Than Many Dual Core Intel Based Systems
Low Wattage Power Supply Limits Graphics Upgrades
Description
AMD A8-3820 Quad Core Desktop Processor
8GB PC3-128000 DDR3 Memory
1TB 7200rpm SATA Hard Drive
24x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Burner
AMD Radeon HD 7470 Dedicated Graphics Card With 1GB Memory
5.1 Audio Suuport
Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11b/g/n Wireless
Two USB 3.0, Six USB 2.0, HDMI, DVI, VGA, 6-in-1 Card Reader
Windows 7 Home Premium, Office Starter
Review - ASUS CM1740-US-2AG
Aug 20 2012 - The ASUS CM1740-US-2AG is extremely similar to the CM1720-US-2AF that I reviewed six months ago. It uses the same base components with a few minor upgrades. The processor has been upgraded from the AMD Fusion A6-3620 quad core processor to a slightly faster A8-3820 quad core processor.
In addition to the processor, the memory was upgraded for 4 to 8GB of DDR3. This is one of the largest capacities you will see in this price range and provides it with the extra boost it needs for dealing with multiasking which is one of the key benefits from the four cores. There are even four memory slots so the RAM can be upgraded further if needed. It should be noted though that in many tasks, the A8 processors still falls behind many of the Intel dual-core processors. Still, for the average user, this should provide it with more than enough performance for the web browsing, media viewing and productivity software.
Storage features for the ASUS CM1740-US-2AG remain unchanged from the 2AF model I looked at six months ago. It features a one terabyte hard drive that provides it with a large amount of space for applications, data and media files. This is typical now for most desktop in this price range. The drive does spin at the full 7200rpm spin rate which does give it a slight speed advantage over those that use the green class drives. If you need addition space, there are two USB 3.0 ports available for use with high speed external hard drives. This was pretty unique six months ago but many more computers now features these ports. A standard dual layer DVD burner is included for playback and recording for CD or DVD media.
The big difference between this system and the last model I reviewed is the graphics system. The AMD A8 processor does feature an integrated Radeon HD 6550D which is a very good system that offers some decent 3D performance and a step up from what the A6 had. What ASUS has done though is include a dedicated AMD Radeon HD 7470 graphics card. This is still a relatively low end graphics card that won't do much beyond basic 3D but it does have the ability to run in a CrossFire setup with the internal graphics to offer even better 3D performance.
Now, it isn't going to be as good as a midrange card and it does have its quirk in certain programs. This also offers improved acceleration for non-3D applications which is becoming more useful. The graphics card can be swapped out for a higher model but it is still restricted by the relatively low 300 watt power supply.
For those that already have a wireless network setup in their home for use with mobile devices, the CM1740-US-2AG does come with a 802.11b/g/n wireless networking adapter. This makes it easy to setup the system without needing to stretch an ethernet cable between the desktop and your broadband connection.
In terms of the competition for ASUS, the closest desktop system in the $500 price range would be the Acer Aspire AM3450-UR10P. That system offers an eight core processor for additional performance but comes with less memory. While it also features a dedicated graphics card, it falls short of this ASUS system with its newer 7000 series card and the ability to work with the integrated graphics core.
