The H500 IdeaCentre Desktop computer by Lenovo is an affordable model that’s powered by an Intel Celeron Processor with 4 GB of memory. This PC can handle basic tasks such as viewing and editing photos, emailing, and internet browsing but because it lacks an optical drive you won’t be able to create multimedia DVDs or burn CDs.
Our Verdict: This desktop is a great choice if you need a computer you can use to handle internet browsing, light tasks, and writing, but it’s not powerful enough for modern online gaming. The slow processor tends to cause games to freeze or lag. Additionally, having too many tabs open at one time can also cause a dip in the PC’s speed. We would recommend this desktop for light use, but it’s not one that’s designed to meet all of your gaming needs.
Continue reading to learn more about this budget-friendly PC, what type of storage it has to offer, and why it’s not a good choice for online gaming.
Table of Contents
Overview and Features
With the H500 you’ll get built-in Wi-Fi and 1 TB of storage, but when it comes to upgrading this model, your options will be pretty limited. This is an entry-level desktop that features a decent amount of potential for growth. The power inside this desktop can easily handle basic home productivity tasks, but overall this PC is pretty slow, so it may not be the best option for a gaming computer unless you plan on upgrading the graphics card. Even after an upgrade, it will only be able to handle simple games. Playing more challenging games will cause the screen to freeze or the PC to lag, especially if you have other windows open. The single memory slot is occupied by a 4 GB module and you’ll only find one PCI express slot.
Gamer Helper.com Product Rating:
- Includes a mouse and full-sized keyboard
- Low price
- Perfect for handling light tasks
- Durable design
- Decent memory size
Performance
This is a great computer for beginners who don’t have much experience using a computer or anyone who simply wants a model to use for everyday tasks such as internet browsing or paying bills online.
Unfortunately, the computer is unable to handle graphics-intensive gaming because the integrated Intel HD graphics solutions card is standard and not designed to provide impressive graphics. Even if you do decide to upgrade the graphics card later down the line, you won’t be able to upgrade to a high-powered card because of the lack of an internal power supply.
In the end, this computer is a solid performer, as long as you have realistic expectations regarding the types of programs it can handle, and you remember to only keep one tab open at a time in order to prevent lags. The rig itself features a sturdy design, and while basic, the components are reliable.
Memory
This computer can handle up to 16 GB of system memory and the PCI slot allows you to add a dedicated graphics card and turn this PC into a gaming desktop.
Graphics Card Upgrade
The graphics card you purchase will need to be a low-end version because this model isn’t equipped with an internal power supply.
Package Extras
The H500 comes with an optical scroll point mouse and full-size keyboard
Power
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The 1 TB hard drive spins at 7200 RPM. This package also comes with Power Director and Media Suite software, not to mention Windows 8.
Advantages & Disadvantages
Pros
- Includes a mouse and full-sized keyboard
- Low price
- Perfect for handling light tasks
- Durable design
- Decent memory size
Cons
- Cannot handle a high-quality graphics card
- Slow processor
- Not designed to handle graphically demanding online games
Related Questions
How Does This Computer Measure Up to Competing Models?
The CYBERTRONPC Assault A46 goes for around the same price, however, it features a higher-quality graphics card and a dual-core processor, making it a great choice for gaming. This model doesn’t have the type of fast powerful processor you need for online gaming, which is why it’s mainly recommended for daily tasks such as checking email or internet browsing.
What Do I Need to Play Online Video Games?
To start, you’ll need a fast, powerful rig and a graphics card that’s capable of handling many of the modern online video games. You’ll also need a top of the line monitor, gaming keyboard and mouse, and a headset. These are just the basics, as some gamers like to take it a step beyond and opt for a gaming desk and chair. To learn more about gaming gear, click here to read our article on the best gaming setup.
Can You Upgrade Any PC for Gaming?
No. Lower priced rigs do have their limits. As an example, you cannot upgrade the graphics card to a top of the line card simply because it lacks an internal power source. If you’re not sure if the PC you have your eye on is upgradable or powerful enough to take on the challenges and power needs that come with online gaming, then click here to read our gaming computer buyer’s guide.
Gamer Helper.com Product Rating:
Considering the PC’s lower than average price, you’ll need to be realistic in terms of what it can and can’t do. While it can handle basic online games such as solitaire, it will overheat if you attempt to play more demanding online games, such as Fortnite.
This model by Lenovo is best described as a stripped-down PC that is able to run light tasks and features a cost that won’t break the bank, even if you’re on a tight budget. But with this type of reasonable pricing, you can expect some major sacrifices in terms of the quality of the components, such as a slower processor and a lacking graphics card. But for what it is, this model will allow you to handle online tasks easily and reliably. The PC’s integrated GPU just doesn’t have the power to run games that are graphics-intensive and the processor isn’t powerful enough for much more than basic online use. We gave this model a rating of four and a half out of five stars.
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