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CNET editors' buying advice
We have not reviewed this product but here is CNET's buying advice on Desktops. This content was chosen based on the features included with this model of desktop.
Desktops computer processors
The central processor (CPU) is the heart of any computer system and the best test as to whether a desktop computer or notebook fits your needs. The trouble is, processor names like Athlon and Celeron are as undescriptive as system names like Latitude and Pavilion. Here's a quick guide to see which chip is a fit:
| Manufacturer | Processor name | Processing power | Designed use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intel | Core i7 | Very high | Gaming and graphics |
| AMD | Phenom | Very high | Gaming and graphics |
| Intel | Core 2 Quad | Very high | Gaming and graphics |
| AMD | Athlon | High | Mainstream |
| Intel | Core 2 Duo | High | Mainstream |
| AMD | Sempron | Medium | Entry level |
| Intel | Celeron | Medium | Entry level |
| Intel | Pentium Dual Core | Medium | Entry level |
| Intel | Atom | Low | Small form factor desktop |
| Via | C7-M | Low | Small form factor desktop |
| Intel | Pentium | Low | Budget |
| AMD | Opteron | Very high | Server |
| Intel | Xeon | Very high | Server |
See more Desktops processor products
CNET product brief
Description: The HP Pavilion a6530f - Phenom X3 8450 2.1 GHz is a phenom X3-based, budget desktop PC.Compared to other value-oriented PCs on the market, it is midpriced at around $655.This PC comes with 4 GB RAM, and a 640GB hard drive.
Pros: Has a nVidia GeForce 6150 SE graphics chip, which is somewhat better performing than some similarly priced PCs.Also, this PC has a shared video memory (UMA) Video Memory/ Memory Allocation Technology, which is considerably more favorable than some similarly priced PCs.The huge 640GB drive installed on this machine will provide oodles of room for storing thousands of applications and files.Also, this machine's phenom X3 based CPU is fast enough to handle demanding applications, such as database and development software.
Cons: None noted, given available product data.
Suitability: Suited for homes or businesses where price is a concern.Comes with a DVD writer, allowing you to convert home movies from your digital camcorder onto DVD's.Make sharing photos with friends on dial-up modems easier: put them on a disc with the CD writer in this computer.The nVidia GeForce 6150 SE based graphics on this computer will be fine for web-browsing and general purpose computing.
Value: In general, this PC has great features for the money.However, this desktop manages to combine class-leading processing power with ample storage.
Suggestions: (1) Using this PC's Firewire (1394) port, you can connect to many digital camcorders and other equipment and rapidly upload data to the computer's hard drive.(2) If you plan to be playing the latest 3-D games, you may want to invest in a more powerful video card from NVidia or ATI, which are popular with the gaming community (requires an open AGP or PCIe slot).
CNET's Product Briefs are generated by a software tool that combines product specifications with knowledge of our editorial experts. They do not reflect hands-on assessment or labs testing. For more information about how we create Product Briefs, contact us.
