Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)So I got this computer specifically to install Ubuntu Linux on it. So I can't say much to Windows XP and Windows Vista users. But Price per Power this is a great computer. I bought the computer for $300 at Bestbuy ($321 out the door). As soon as I fired it up, registered it online, burned the Recovery discs (RTFM) and ran the hardware diagnostics that the computer came with.
This computer has a recovery partition, which you can blow out AFTER you burn the recovery discs. I Chose to not delete it since the partition is only 8.5GB. I installed Ubuntu on it and everything works beautifully: Ethernet, sound, video, volume and sleep buttons on the keyboard (sleeps and wakes with no issues).
The mobo is a Micro ATX, and has 2 SATA ports, 2 PCI slots 1 PCIX16 and 1 PCIEx1, so there is plenty of potential for upgrades. Perfect for transforming to a MythTV box.
[...]
For the 2 hours that Windows Vista was installed on the computer, I did notice a bit of latency, in it responding to commands, like launching applications or opening explorer windows. But it did have TONS of bloatware on it, out of the box. I did also see the video blink out twice in the twohours, which I believe one of the other reviewers was mentioning. As the other reviewer implied this is solely a driver issue because the issue did not continue on Ubuntu. For those intending to keep Windows, the video issue is just a blink. The display will go black for half a second and then come back. One of the other reviewers mentioned there was a software patch to address that issue, however I never explored that further.
So I'm giving it 5 stars for Linux users, for good price for a computer with a lot of potential thanks to the motherboard.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Compaq Presario SR5030NX Desktop PC (Intel Pentium 4 Processor 360, 1 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, SuperMulti DVD Drive, Vista Basic)
Product Description:
A powerful performer for family computing needs--from multimedia to finance tracking--or your small office/home business, the Compaq Presario SR5030NX desktop PC offers a versatile, strong base that can easily grow with your changing needs. Focusing on affordability, this desktop provides a roomy 160 GB hard drive and 1 GB of RAM, with a maximum capacity of 2 GB which allows you to add power for multimedia tasks such as editing video and creating immersive presentations. You'll be able to create DVDs from your own home movies with the 16x dual-layer DVD-/+RW drive, which also includes LightScribe technology for personalized silkscreen-quality, laser-etched labels created right in the drive. Access to all your peripherals is made easy with 2 USB ports and microphone/headphone jacks in the front.
Other features include a 3.0 GHz Intel Pentium 4 631 hyper-threading processor, Intel GMA 950 video/graphics card with 32 GB of dedicated video RAM(and up to 224 MB of total shared graphics memory), and an included keyboard and scroller mouse. It comes preinstalled with Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic, which delivers a safer, more reliable, and more productive computing environment. Vista integrates new search tools throughout the operating system, includes new parental control features, and offers new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures.
The Basics
Processor: While it's not as sexy as its newer multiple core siblings, this hyper-threading Intel Pentium 4 641 processor (3.2 GHz) still provides more than enough power and speed for home multimedia use and helps make this desktop an overall affordable package. It also features a fast 800 MHz front-side bus (FSB) speed and a large 2 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.) This processor sits in the middle of its class (as of April 2007).
A hyper-threading processor helps a PC run several demanding applications at the same time. This technology enables the processor to execute two threads (parts of a program) in parallel, boosting performance during key high-drain procedures. This results in more efficient software performance, such as faster reaction times in gaming applications, and enhanced multitasking.
Hard Drive: The 160 GB hard drive (7200 RPM) offers enough to room to hold a digital audio library of over 26,000 songs and still have room left over for movies, games, and a large collection of software. This Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to FireWire and USB 2.0.
Memory: The 1 GB of installed RAM (PC4200, 2 x 512 MB, 533 MHz) is a good start, but you'll want to add more RAM to handle today's demanding multimedia and productivity suites. This desktop has a good 2 GB maximum RAM capacity (2 x 1 GB). Also, to receive the benefits of the dual-channel DDR2 RAM, any RAM additions require memory modules of same capacity and clockspeed.
DVD/CD Drive: This multiformat DVD/CD drive is compatible with writing both DVD+ and DVD- disc formats as well as dual-layer (DL) DVD+/-R discs, which can store up to 8.5 GB of data. It features 4x DVD-R DL Write Once, 8x DVD+R DL Write Once, 16x DVD+R, 8x DVD+RW, 16x DVD-R, 6x DVD-RW, 5x DVD-RAM, 40x CD-R, 32x CD-RW write speeds and 40x CD-ROM, and 16x DVD-ROM read speeds.
This LightScribe DVD+/-RW drive lets you laser-etch silkscreen quality text and images on to CDs and DVDs . Your software, PC and discs work together for a no-hassle way to burn just the labels you want. After you burn content, just flip the disc over, reinsert and burn your label--anything from a simple title to a full-disc work of art.
Keyboard & Mouse: It comes with a Compaq keyboard and scroller mouse (both with PS/2 connections).
Video is powered by the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950, which uses Intel Dynamic Video Memory Technology (DVMT) and provides 32 MB of dedicated graphics memory. Windows Vista can also allocate up to 224 MB of total graphics memory from the system memory. It also has an integrated audio card that can produce high definition surround sound configurable to 8 speakers.
Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
For expansion, this desktop has two PCI slots (one available), one PCI Express x16 slot (available), one PCI Express x1 slot (available), two 5.25-inch external bays (one available), one external 3.5-inch bay (available), and one internal 3.5-inch bay (occupied). It comes with the following external connections:
4 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players (2 in front, 2 in rear)
2 PS/2 ports for connecting keyboards and mice
1 VGA monitor port
Headphone/microphone/line-in jacks on both the front and rear
Operating System
Windows Vista Home Basic is the operating system for users with basic computing needs, such as surfing the Internet, corresponding with friends and family using e-mail, or performing basic document creation and editing tasks. Additionally, Windows Vista Home Basic integrates new search tools throughout the operating system to help you quickly find the precise file or program you need.
Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools and technologies to help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting to a wireless network, or just reading e-mail. All editions of Windows Vista include new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures long before you have lost any important personal data. And, all Windows Vista editions include parental control features that allow you to manage and monitor your family's use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, and other activities.
Preloaded Software
Includes Microsoft Works, Symantec Norton Internet Security 2007 (with 60 days of Live Update), Roxio Creator/MyDVD, DVD Play, and HP Total Care Advisor.
Dimensions & Weight
This desktop measures 16.8 x 6.7 x 14.85 inches (LxWxD) and weighs approximately 21.25 pounds.
Power
This desktop is Energy Star rated, which means that it uses 15 watts or less of power when on low-power mode. An Energy Star qualified computer uses 70% less electricity than computers without enabled power management features.
What's in the Box
The HP Compaq Presario SR5030NX desktop PC comes with a power cord, keyboard, and scroller mouse. It is backed by a one-year warranty for parts and labor from date of purchase, one-year technical phone service, and 90 days of software application support.
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