The Bottom Line
Compaq's Presario S4300nx desktop system is a mixed group of technology that provides a decent system with a few clear flaws.
Pros
- Large Capacity Hard Drive
- Potential for Upgrading
Cons
- 800MHz CPU Using Only PC2700 Memory
- Poor 3D Graphics
Description
- Intel Pentium 4 2.4 GHz Processor with 800 MHz Bus on an i865G Based Motherboard
- 512MB PC2700 DDR Memory (2 DIMMs for Dual Channel)
- 120 Gigabyte Hard Drive
- 48x CD-RW and 16x DVD-ROM Optical Drives
- Integrated AC '97 Audio
- Intel Extreme 2 Graphics Processor with 64MB Shared Memory
- Intel 10/100 and v.90 56Kbps Modem
- Six USB 2.0 and Two IEEE 1394 Firewire Ports
- Windows XP Home Operating System
Guide Review - Compaq Presario S4300nx
8/17/03 - It is a shame to see many manufacturers cutting components to reduce costs, and that's exactly what Compaq did with its Presario S4300nx. This system overall is a decent system, but two major flaws exist in its design. First, it uses the latest Intel i865G which allows for 800MHz CPU and PC3200 memory. While Compaq has included the 800 MHz bus CPU, they have only included PC2700 memory which limits the performance of the system as a whole. Another area that is lacking is the graphics. The Intel Extreme 3D graphics will not be able to produce very good results for anyone looking at 3D graphics. The Integrated AC '97 audio will be acceptable for most computing tasks, but audiophiles will want to upgrade the sound card as well.
