Evaluate this system

[Greg12]

Compaq
Intel P4 2.4ghz L1-20kb, L2-512kb
17inch CRT Monitor
512 Megs PC2100 DDR SDRAM 1DIMM, expandable to 1 gig.
120gig 7200RPM HDD
48X CD-ROM
56k V90 Modem
10/100 NiC
64MB DDR nVidia Geoforce4 MX420 w/tv out
Integrated Soundmax Digital Audio
5 PCI Ports, 1 AGP, 4 USB 2.0


$1,113 before a $475 rebate.

[Greg12]

I forgot to say please.

[Greg12]

No comments, hmm. I'll be using this system primarly for downloading, internet surfing and video encoding.

[colday]

For the price it will probably be a good system once you add a DVD burner & a capture card.

I don't care much for Compaq, but I have no specifics either. I build my own systems, and I could not build a P4 2.4 for that price (or wouldn't as I go for good hardware).

I would still say get it, unless the rebate is tied to 2 years of AOL.

My system is a 2.4 on a 400 mhz FSB with 512 RDRAM. It does absolutely fine for video work. Hopefully by the end of next year I will have a 3+ ghz (Hyperthreading) system. I'm in a constant state of upgrade.

Get it & have fun!

[Greg12]

I have a DVD+-RW, a Dazzle DV Bridge and an old ATI All in Wonder pro

I'll have to drop a firewire card in to. A Cheap one.

[nfl2k2]

Compaq

no.

[ChrisX]

Looks like a pretty good computer, a massive 120 HHD is certainly very big indeed with a powerful RAM.

Why Compaq? Have you checked out the others or consider getting a custom built computer? A manufactured computer is usually more expensive and normally has to upgrade from a generic to a better standard.

With a standard CD-ROM, you can add a DVD-ROM or a DVD burner. Get a capture card as well.

I have a Compaq computer too. It is 12 months old. It was manufactured as a basic with minimum specifications for WinXP. The performance and compatibility wasn’t the best then. The computer couldn’t handle the demands. It was a bit slow. The modem is always excellent.

The computer is now upgraded with the extra RAM, an extra HD and the OS reverted from WinXP to Win2000. It is now much better.

It is now used mostly for Internet surfing.

I am not saying don’t get it, have it and get the rebate.

[Greg12]

I don't have alot of money so this computer is budget.

I can't afford this confirguation from dell.


oh i'm gonna strip the software when i get it


This is so cheap compared to gateway and dell.

yeah i said i have a dvd-rw to add. Why buy anouther one? save a few bucks.

[ChrisX]

I don't have alot of money so this computer is budget.

Yeah, I see ya. My Compaq was also a budget priced like yours. You are doing pretty well at $638.00 after the rebate. Very cheap for the specs!

I don't think Compaq is making them any more as they have merged with HP. Your machine is a superseded model.

My Compaq computer didn’t have the capture card either and now got WinTV.

Getting the computer upgraded from the manufactured standard is where you bear the costs. In some brands, you may not be able to upgrade at all due to limitation of design and size.

I hope this computer will get what you want after the improvements.

[tenders]

when you get it all fixed up,let me know,then i'll trade ya

[Greg12]

I'm gonna buy it but i'm a get a nVida card with 64meg DDR memory.

[ChrisX]

I'm gonna buy it but i'm a get a nVida card with 64meg DDR memory.

Good on you, Greg. Your new computer will keep you busy and you’ll enjoy it.

What about the OS, WinXP? Are you going to install the proper Microsoft WinXP instead of the factory pre-installed version with Compaq’s programs?

This is up to you.

[homerpez]

Hmm... I wanna add my $0.02 to this, even though I have a feeling you already bought the thing...

NEVER get a Compaq, HP, or DELL. (I say "no Dell" mainly because the price for what you get is excessive, and it's still not great for those who like to re-customize later)...

Compaq, HP are completely proprietary, down to the RAM. Don't get it, because if you ever want to upgrade ANYTHING, you'll have to buy it from them.

I have definitely seen better systems out there for far cheaper, the only question would be the monitor... I still think you could easily beat the $1000 price tag, even with a new monitor, if you shop around a little... look at some of the smaller mail-order shops with good reputations, they often will have good bundles that still use good components.

The main thing I don't like in your config is the video card... I simply don't understand why anyone would bother buying a Geforce 4 MX board - they're damned near useless.

Get a Geforce 4 Ti 4200 board - it's MUCH better, and still in the cheap range (I bought mine at $180 when they first came out, now they're under $150). Mine has 128MB RAM, it's much faster than the MX, and it has Video IN/OUT.

[vitualis]

I actually quite like Dell, however, you don't get it because of a great price. You choose it because they use conservative and reliable parts and their warranty and after-service is good (at least in Australia).

Regards.

[ChrisX]

I'm gonna buy it but i'm a get a nVida card with 64meg DDR memory.

Good on you, Greg. Your new computer will keep you busy and you’ll enjoy it.

What about the OS, WinXP? Are you going to install the proper Microsoft WinXP instead of the factory pre-installed version with Compaq’s programs?

This is up to you.

Greg, if you going to install the normal OS, WinXP Pro. I forgot to tell you that the drivers may still needed to be installed from Compaq's CD or downloaded from the Compaq's web site.

An example, Microsoft's Win2000 or WinXP can't see Compaq's modem then I have to get the driver for it.

The display adapter was another problem for me for Compaq's graphics card and I think you should be ok with the nvidia card.

[ChrisX]

NEVER get a Compaq, HP, or DELL. (I say "no Dell" mainly because the price for what you get is excessive, and it's still not great for those who like to re-customize later)...

Compaq, HP are completely proprietary, down to the RAM. Don't get it, because if you ever want to upgrade ANYTHING, you'll have to buy it from them.

I have definitely seen better systems out there for far cheaper, the only question would be the monitor... I still think you could easily beat the $1000 price tag, even with a new monitor, if you shop around a little... look at some of the smaller mail-order shops with good reputations, they often will have good bundles that still use good components.

The main thing I don't like in your config is the video card... I simply don't understand why anyone would bother buying a Geforce 4 MX board - they're damned near useless.

Get a Geforce 4 Ti 4200 board - it's MUCH better, and still in the cheap range (I bought mine at $180 when they first came out, now they're under $150). Mine has 128MB RAM, it's much faster than the MX, and it has Video IN/OUT.

Yes, homerpez, I already warned Greg12 the consequences of getting a manufactured computer such as Compaq. I found getting a computer custom built is so much better, cheaper and so much easier for future upgrades. Getting Compaq is his choice.

I got the graphics board, Geforce 4 Ti 4200 - it certainly is excellant, an awesome experience. My specs is the same at 128 RAM like yours. Again, he buys what he wants and his choice with his money.

[Greg12]

This isn't a pre-built

I'm customizing this through staples


I don't have the money to build my own system. I may just buy XP pro for an extra 70 dollars. I mean I should use a legal copy. ANd i could install that on my notebook to.

I'll try to destroy as much compaq crap as I can.

I dont have the money to buy a fancy card. I"m dropping an old ATI all in Wonder for a tv card.


I just need a cheap computer for video capture, a few games like Caesar 3, interneting and downloading.

[ChrisX]

I'll try to destroy as much compaq crap as I can.

You need to clean re-install the hard drive for a new WinXP Pro. This the best way to get rid of Compaq's crap, format the HD then install a new OS.

The extra programs Compaq is doing with WinXP was annoying and a duplication and not needed. I still use Compaq's keyboard and the "Internet Zone Buttons" no longer work. Compaq's driver for the keyboard links aren't compatible.

If you need any help, ask.

Chris

[Greg12]

**** STAPLES TO HELL.


they can't find this system anywhere now that I go to buy it.

[nfl2k2]

if you do decide to get a compaq, you had better format--> reinstall. either Windows 2000 or XP, stay away from 9x... or be prepared for problems.

[Ducatti20]

Although I tend to recommend staying away from Compaq's in particular, it's not a bad price. As long as there is no internet rebate, as mentioned before, and you're willing to not have the upgrade flexability (although, lets face it... 2.4GHZ is gonna be sufficient for years).

[Greg12]

actually they said their is an unused IDE jumper slot to add a second hard drive.

They also threw in a 15inch LCD for half price. Daewood

[ChrisX]

actually they said their is an unused IDE jumper slot to add a second hard drive.

They also threw in a 15inch LCD for half price. Daewood

My Budget priced Compaq Computer is also a limit on upgrading. However, I already managed to add another hard drive and an extra RAM into it. I got the computer re-formatted to Win2000. The factory WinXP was annoying.

I didn't get a monitor with it and I already got the 17" LG. I got the unit, the keyboard and the mouse. The Creative speakers free and work well.

I can't do much more on this Compaq computer, perhaps another CD-ROM or getting a DVD-ROM installed, this is it. I have no plans to do anymore on it. I am happy having it for Net surfing.

Compaq is advertising in my local papers on budgeted price computers, just the unit without the Monitor, keyboard and mouse. Very cheap, but still too expensive with low specs. Hard drive space is only 20GB and only 128MB RAM. The machines are superseded and I wouldn't buy it.

My advice to anyone considering getting Compaq; get the facts first and know on what you will be getting. It is great as a second basic computer and a limit on upgrading.

I don’t recommend purchasing the Compaq computer for the future.

[Greg12]

This system should be ok for DV editing.

512 megs of RAM is pretty nice, 2.4 ghz P4 should work well, I had to settle for an 80 gig hdd, but their is an empty jumper slot.

[ChrisX]

This system should be ok for DV editing.

512 megs of RAM is pretty nice, 2.4 ghz P4 should work well, I had to settle for an 80 gig hdd, but their is an empty jumper slot.

80GB is still massive in size anyway and it is a shame that can't get 120GB. Is this still the Compaq? Looks as though you will still add another HD later.

I have another computer which is for capturing and any to do with video processing. Virtual Dub is in there. This computer is also 80 GB HD plus another 20GB HD. I do find the HD size as ideal and the filing system is NTFS.

Greg, I hope you do well with your new computer.

[Greg12]

this isn't the exact same one, but it's a compaq.

This one was ready out of box so i'll have it wednesday.


I want to thank everyone for their comments and feedback.

[Greg12]

update

THe system works very nicely, the NIC Ethernet is a bit of a problem, u have to unplug the modem sometimes several times to make it reconize the precense of a local network (my cable modem isn't seen by computer), even though i connect directly to it.

It's great for capture and can process several 12 gig files overnight.

80 gigs is big,

I can't seem to make ASPI reconize the drives though.

Overall i'm pleased.

[zzyzzx]

If you can ditch the CD-ROM drive and get a credit for it I would. No need when your just going to install a DVD-ROM anyway (if I understand you correctly). And even if your not how much extra for a DVD-ROM instead of a CD-ROM drive?

[Greg12]

I had to get a different model. this one has a CD-RW and DVD-ROM./

[ChrisX]

Greg, it is great things are working out nicely for you.

80gig sure is so big and the winner is you. You got it. I do find 80gig tremendous for me.

I did have the same problem of the computer with the networking and the modem not seen. I already warned you this before somewhere here in this thread.

You have to get the compatible drivers for them.