Reviews from around the WebPowered by alaTest
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alaTest.com
Editors' rating: 79
Summary: alaTest has collected and analyzed 12 reviews of HP Workstation xw6400 from international magazines and websites. Experts rate this product 65/100 and users 83/100. Comparing these reviews to 68852 other Desktops reviews gives this product an overall alaScore™ 79/100 = Good.
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computerarts.co.uk
Editors' rating: 60
Summary: The xw6400 is a fairly generic, fast PC range that can be reworked for professional content creation with extra cost and effort. If you're starting out and need something quick and powerful, it's worth considering, but it won't suit those looking for ...
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digitalartsonline.co.uk
Editors' rating: 70
Summary: Our review unit has just a single processor, which you could upgrade with another chip in the future. It's the Intel Xeon E5310, which is the slowest of the quad-core range and runs at 1.6GHz. The specs are completed by 4GB of RAM, an nVidia 1500 ...
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videomaker.com
Summary: If you need a computer with superior processing power, this is definitely a great solution.
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.
General purpose desktop computer
These days, $500 to $1,500 will net you a desktop with a dual-core CPU and enough power to run productivity apps, view and edit vacation photos, manage MP3s and videos, and even play many of today's games--the core activities most common to families, students, and the general purpose PC user. At $1,000 and up, you should easily be able to perform those tasks. Spend around $500, and in most cases you'll still be able to run common tasks without delay, although 3D gaming becomes a stretch. You will definitely find a dual-core chip in a $500 desktop (you should insist on a dual-core chip these days, unless your budget keeps you under the $500 mark), but Vista could still give you trouble. Be sure the PC is equipped with at least 1GB of memory, and it's a good bet that you'll be able to smoothly run Vista. Add in a 128MB graphics card, and you'll get the Aero effects with little to no performance loss.
Read more in the Desktop Buying Guide
See more General purpose desktop computer products
Desktop computer memory size
One GB of memory is the recommended minimum to run Windows 7 and additional memory will make multitasking and graphics run smoother. Business workstations are apt to have a lot more memory to run industrial strength software. Choosing a lower memory configuration may save you money; however, most of the highest-rated desktop computers on CNET have 2GB.
See more Desktop computer memory size products
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
Microsoft Windows 7 system requirements
Ready for Windows 7?
If you want to run Windows 7 on your PC, here's what it takes:
- -1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
- -1 gigabyte (GB) RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit)
- -16 GB available hard disk space (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)
- -DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver
Additional requirements to use certain features:
- -Internet access (fees may apply)
- -Depending on resolution, video playback may require additional memory and advanced graphics hardware
- -For some Windows Media Center functionality a TV tuner and additional hardware may be required
- -Windows Touch and Tablet PCs require specific hardware
- -HomeGroup requires a network and PCs running Windows 7
- -DVD/CD authoring requires a compatible optical drive
- -BitLocker requires Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 1.2
- -BitLocker To Go requires a USB flash drive
- -Windows XP Mode requires an additional 1 GB of RAM, an additional 15 GB of available hard disk space, and a processor capable of hardware virtualization with Intel VT or AMD-V turned on
- -Music and sound require audio output
from windows.microsoft.com
CNET product brief
Description: This configuration of the HP Workstation xw6400 is a Xeon dual core-based, high-end personal computer.Compared to other high-end desktops on the market, it is inexpensive at around $1,600.This desktop comes with 4 GB RAM, and a 160GB hard disk.
Pros: None noted, given available product data.
Cons: None noted, given available product data.
Suitability: Suited for those who want a powerful computer for multimedia or power-hungry applications.The Xeon dual core based processor installed on this machine is designed for processor intensive applications, or for use in a workstation class PC.This system's product line was designed for large business use.
Value: In general, this desktop's features seem very weak, even for its inexpensive price.However, if you were to judge strictly by CPU speed, the price of a high-end PCs with similar speed is about 30% higher.
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.
HP Workstation xw6400 (Dual Core Xeon 5130 2GHz, 4GB RAM, 160GB HDD, XP Pro): 
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