HP and Compaq desktop PCs offer a variety of processor options, designed to handle many different computing tasks. You can choose from Intel® Core™ 2 Quad, Core™ 2 Duo, Pentium® 4, Pentium® Dual-Core and Intel® Celeron® D processors and AMD Sempron™, AMD Athlon™ 64 and AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 dual-core processors.
Processors are distinguished by clock speed measured in gigahertz (GHz) and bandwidth measured in bits. They are also divided into three groups—traditional single-core processors (like the Intel® Pentium 4), dual-core processors (Intel® Core™ 2 Duo) and quad-core processors (Intel® CoreCore™ 2 Quad). Dual-core processors boost performance for demanding applications such as graphics-intensive games, while allowing you to download music and run security programs simultaneously. Quad-core processors provide unmatched performance for power-hungry multimedia and software applications. Quad-core technology is ideal for high-definition entertainment and games, especially when running multiple applications.
Keep in mind that a single-core processor with a higher GHz rating may not be faster than a dual-core processor with a lower GHz rating. When selecting the processor for your desktop PC, consider the following.
If you’ll be editing digital movies and music or are involved in multimedia production, look for the fastest available options—including dual processors or 64-bit processing technology. Gaming also requires faster processors to keep the action moving smoothly. HP offers desktop PCs with dual processor speeds up to 2.8GHz.
If you work with large digital media files, intensive spreadsheets and presentation software, look for mid-range processor speeds from 1.8 to 3.0GHz.
If you’re into watching movies and digital videos, listening to music and organizing photos, or activities like word processing, e-mail and Web browsing, a processor with speeds on your PC from 1.4 to 2.6GHz will be suitable.
Memory
Along with your processor, the amount of random access memory (RAM) greatly affects your PC’s performance.
HP and Compaq desktops are expandable to 4GB RAM. The greater the RAM, the more applications your can run at one time and make them run faster. Plus, with higher RAM you’ll enjoy increased performance for tasks such as digital video editing and downloading music.
When deciding how much memory your desktop needs, consider:
1Gb is ideal for watching movies, listening to music, organizing photos and activities like word processing, e-mail and Web browsing.
2GB RAM is recommended for running multiple applications simultaneously and working with larger digital media files such as movie and video files, desktop publishing and graphic design software files, and intensive spreadsheets and presentation software.
4GB RAM is recommended for memory-intensive applications such as gaming, digital video editing, producing DVDs and running graphic design software.
Hard drive
Your desktop’s hard drive is where all data is stored—from programs and drivers to digital photos and music. The more gigabytes (GB) on your hard drive, the more applications and files you can store.
When you select the size of your hard drive, consider the amount of data you have now and what you will be adding in the future. It’s a good idea to buy a hard drive with the largest amount of space you can afford.
If you plan on storing documents, spreadsheets and data related to business or home finances, and you’ll be installing productivity-related programs, you can opt for a hard drive in the low to mid range: 120 to 250GB.
If you have a growing music and video library, store lots of photos and larger digital media files, and plan to install games and more intensive video and design software, consider a maximum-size hard-drive: 640 to 800GB.
Disc drive
All HP and Compaq desktop PCs give you a variety of disc drives to choose from.
A DVD/CD-RW combo drive allows you to view DVDs and burn CDs. You can use this drive to create music CDs, store data and enjoy your favorite movies on the go.
A super multi 16X DVDR/RW with double-layer support allows you to view and burn both DVDs and CDs. This option also supports double-layer DVD media, which means you can fit almost twice the amount of data on a DVD. If you plan on editing digital video and creating DVDs, or need greater storage capacity for your data, this is the option for you.
LightScribe super multi 16X DVDRW with double layer gives you all the capabilities of the previous option, with one major enhancement; LightScribe technology. LightScribe allows you to create silk-screen-quality laser-etched labels on your discs right in your desktop—no more markers or stickers.
A HD DVD-ROM allows you to enjoy the latest HD DVD movies (along with standard CDs and DVDs) in thrilling high-definition on your PC. To learn more about LightScribe, click here
A secondary CD/DVD drive can help store data, music and movie files. Not only can you burn copies of your favorite tunes or movies and share them with friends, but you can also use secondary drives to write all your bulky files to CDs and DVDs, removing the burden from your hard drive.
Blu-ray DVD lets you maximize high-definition entertainment in three ways. You can read and write Blu-ray discs, read HD DVD discs, and read and write traditional DVDs and CDs.
HD DVD-ROM gives you up to six times better resolution than normal DVD-ROM formats.
Ports
Ports link your computer to other devices, or accessories.
A FireWire (IEEE 1394) port with a built-in digital media card reader offers a faster and more efficient response.
Frequently used ports are up front located for easy, hassle-free access
HDMI port combines video and audio into one digital interface for use with devices such as TVs and DVD players
15-in-1 memory card reader adds support for SmartMedia, xD, MultiMedia Card, Secure Digital (SD), Mini Secure Digital, Compact Flash I, Compact Flash II, IBM Microdrive, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick Pro Duo, RSMMC, MMC Mobile, MMC+
S-Video for transmitting analog video
DVI for transmitting digital video
Form factor
The shape of your central processing unit (CPU) varies by model.
A standard tower saves you the most money and offers plenty of space for future internal upgrades.
A mini tower saves desk space while providing some upgradeability.
The HP Slimline desktop PC is one-third the size of a traditional tower with the same amount of power and reliability. A sleek, space-saving design helps the HP Slimline fit on your countertop or small desk.
Choosing peripherals
Monitor
Depending on your unique needs, HP monitors have just what it takes to deliver the view that’s right for you.
Enjoy crisp visuals and the slim design of a flat-screen LCD monitor.
Get the ultimate in visual entertainment with HDTV-ready LCD monitors.
Typical screen sizes range from 17 to 24 inches.
The higher the screen resolution—the number of pixels that make up the actual screen viewing area resolution—the sharper and clearer your picture will be.
Printer
Choose from a variety of HP printers to fit your needs.
HP Inkjets are versatile and provide quality, reliable printing.
HP Photosmart Inkjets are specially designed for producing vibrant, rich digital photos.
HP LaserJets are designed for high-volume, busy environments.
HP All-in-Ones feature printing, scanning, copying and faxing in one compact product.
Keyboard and mouse
HP provides a variety of keyboard and mouse options. Aside from the standard wired keyboard and mouse, you can choose a
Wireless keyboard
Wireless optical mouse
Internet keyboard designed to make web surfing easy
External Drive
Store loads of your photos, home videos and music on an HP personal or pocket media drive (PMD).
Portable and compact, external PMD drives are available with up to 750GB of storage.
Use it alone, connect via USB cable to any PC or slide it in the chassis slot of select HP PC products.
PC speakers
Speakers provide audio for playing games, listening to music, watching movies or streaming video on the Internet. HP provides:
Basic to high-quality two-speaker systems
2-piece virtual surround sound systems
Graphics Card
Whether you’ll be using your HP or Compaq desktop PC for entertainment or school, office or home, you want the best graphics possible. HP and Compaq desktops give you the option to choose graphics cards from industry leaders so you get the performance you want.
Choose a standard graphics card with up to 64MB of memory for spreadsheets, word processing, Web browsing and e-mail. These programs aren’t very graphics-intensive and don’t require much video-processing power.
Choose a mid-range graphics card with up to 128MB of memory for watching movies and viewing photos. You’ll need additional video processing power to deliver greater detail and color in the images you view.
Choose a high-quality graphics card with up to 512MB of memory for graphic design and video editing. You’ll also need the graphics card to include the capacity for higher resolution and increased memory.
For 3-D gaming, choose graphics cards and/or graphics accelerators specifically designed with at least 256MB of memory to provide the more realistic 3-D renderings that hardcore gamers demand.
Sound Card
Music and games truly come alive in your stereo or computer speakers with the help of a sound card. A sound card is an expansion card on desktop PCs that allows the playback and recording of sound, such as from a WAV or MIDI file or from a music CD-ROM.
A standard 16-bit, 48 KHz SoundBlaster-compatible card is sufficient to get good quality audio output.
True audiophiles may consider an upgrade to a high-end 24-bit, 96 KHz sound card.
Operating system
With HP and Compaq you have a choice of Window VistaTM operating systems to meet your needs.
Windows Vista® Home Basic - is great for everyday home computing needs. If you use your PC primarily for browsing the Internet, e-mail and viewing photos, this is the choice for you.
Windows Vista® Home Premium delivers more ease of use, plus a whole new level of security and entertainment to your PC. Intuitive. Entertaining. Dependable. Windows Vista Home Premium is the preferred edition for home desktop PCs.
Windows Vista® Business is the definitive choice for your business–today and tomorrow! Windows Vista Business empowers you to work more efficiently and securely with a stunning and simple new user interface, easy-to-use search, and powerful safety features such as automatic data backup
Windows Vista® Ultimate - is the most complete edition of Windows Vista. It has the power, security and mobility features you need for work, and the entertainment and ease you want for fun. It has everything you need to shift seamlessly between the worlds of play and productivity.
Software
Application software gives your computer instructions to accomplish a specific task. Be sure to get the tools you need to save time and boost your productivity.
Microsoft® Works is included with most HP and Compaq desktop PCs, allowing you to create a variety of word documents and spreadsheets and to keep a calendar and address book.
Upgrade to either the Microsoft® Office Small Business Edition or Microsoft® Office Professional Edition to include popular programs such as PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel, Quicken, Access and more.
Security software helps protect your system and personal information. HP desktop PCs are compatible with popular security programs such as Norton Internet Security with AntiSpyware.
Additional software choices are available on select HP and Compaq desktop PCs and include.
RecordNow! in models with CD or DVD writer
Roxio BackUp MyPC 7
QuickBooks Pro 2007
Intuit Quicken New User's Edition
Adobe® Acrobat® Reader
Technical support
Rely on HP for prompt, 24/7 phone and online support. HP Total Care offers a variety of service and support options for HP and Compaq desktop PCs including
SmartFriend by HP
HP PC Tune-up Service
HP House Call
Chat and email support
This system may require upgraded and/or separately purchased hardware and/or a DVD drive to install the Windows 7 software and take full advantage of Windows 7 functionality. See http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/ for details.
