Pros: good basic inexpensive computer, easy setup
Cons: needs more memory, vista home basic-not premium
I got my Compaq® Presario SR5501P over a month ago for 249 after $100 in rebates so keep that in mind when gauging my review. I'm happy with it buy I knew that I would be upgrading it with parts from a previous computer too. It's a good basic computer that you you can upgrade over time if you care to but this is a micro-motherboard and case(meaning it's smaller than most computers which are mid-size) so it may become a little bit tight when installing additional video cards, sound cards and the like.
---The onboard video is ok but remember that it uses up your system memory to do it's video processing. Meaning that some of the 1gb of ram that comes with this is going to be used by the onboard video. You definitely need 2gb with this system if not 3 or 4 depending on if you game or use it for anything video related. I was able to find another stick of 1gb of memory at another store for $30.
---Also there is an open PCI-e and PCI*16 slot available for a stand alone video card which will greatly improve performance. I have a GeForce 8800 GT which works great but I did put in a 500watt power supply of my own in order to sufficiently power everything..
---The onboard sound that comes with it is decent but only has 3 connectors in back for speakers/microphone and not the 4-6 that are found on some computers and sound cards so if you have a surround sound speaker system this might be a problem.
---Keep in mind that this is exactly the same model that is sold by other chains only they change the last letter in the model number so you think that the store sells it exclusively. This model is the SR5501P sold by Office Depot but the SR5505F can be found at other big box stores(BB and CC) and they come with VISTA Home Premium so check them out as well. ;)
----This comes with "VISTA Home Basic" which does NOT come with Widows Media Center. Not a big deal with me personally as there are free WMC alternatives. It also doesn't have the Vista AERO graphic effects for your desktop so it's not as snazzy but then again doesn't hog your system resources either.
---Note that the CD/DVD player is connected by a SATA connector so if you may want to think twice about installing an additional sata hard drive as both sata connectors are used up.
---That being said it's a good basic computer if that is what you are looking for but you will most certainly need another 1gb of memory as Vista eats it up. Also, VISTA allows you to use certain flash drives to speed up the computers "boot time" through a program called "Ready Boost" which helped speed it up a bit. Hope this helps!
10 of 10 people found this review helpful.
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