Choosing a CPU for your PC isn’t an easy task. Here are our picks for budget, mid-range and high-end systems.

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A cheap, lightweight choice for single-core applications, but you get the performance you pay for.

An old standard, but one that still provides decent performance at a great price.

We examine the features of Intel's newest chipset and review the first motherboards to use the chipset.

A smartly engineered processor, but for today’s applications it’s lacking in bang per buck.

An interesting concept But performance is determined by drivers and ultimately it smacks of gimmick.

It was all looking good until Nvidia’s new cards overtook it on the final straight.

Nothing incredible in terms of design, but it’s an impressively cheap way to get quad-core in your PC.

A superb piece of case engineering that costs a lot, but suits top end PCs to a tee.

The 9600 GT redefines the mainstream graphics market, offering high-end power at a mid-range price. At this price we want one.

A well featured card, but it can’t match the 7600 GS for value.

Stack your system full of software without paying a penny, with our guide to essential downloads

From Celerons to Core i7s, Semprons to Phenom IIs, David Bayon tests Mainsteam desktop processors and finds the best budget, mid-range and enthusiast (gaming) choice for you.