8/14/06 – HP was one of the launch partners with Intel for the Core 2 Duo processor. Unlike many of their previous systems though, they are currently offering the latest desktop processor only in a customizable system that can be ordered from the web. This allows the consumers a bit more flexibility in the system they can get, but it means consumers won't be able to buy one in the stores just quite yet. Let's take a look at what HP has to offer ...
Processor: Customers have the choice of three models of the Intel Core 2 Duo processor for the Pavilion d4600y system. The two lower choices of the E6300 and E6400 run at lower clock speeds and have half the cache of the higher E6600 model. All three are dual core processors that perform exceptionally well with just about any task thrown at them including PC gaming. Those looking for the best performance might want to consider the E6600.
Memory: Memory for the Pavilion d4600y is available in three different capacities and two different memory speeds giving six options. The smallest memory amount available is 1GB which is sufficient for most computing tasks without much of a slowdown. Those doing more memory intensive applications can upgrade to 2GB or even 4GB of total RAM. Memory speeds include PC2-4200 and PC2-5300. Both work fine but the PC2-5300 offers a small speed increase.
Hard Drives: HP's provides a variety of storage options with a mix of different drives. The smallest configuration is a single 160GB SATA drive that is below what most systems offer. 250GB and 400GB SATA drives are also available for larger storage capacities. Users have the option of choosing either RAID0 for performance or RAID1 for security with both the 250GB and 160GB hard drives.
CD/DVD: Unlike the hard drive storage, choices for optical storage are minimal. The Pavilion d4600y comes standard with a single 16x DVD+/-RW dual layer drive from HP that also supports Lightscribe media for burning labels directly into compatible media. The only option is for users to add a 16x DVD-ROM drive into the second drive bay, something most users don't really require.
Graphics and Display: Graphics card choices are quite limited and this might be the biggest problem with the d4600y. The default graphics card is a GeForce 7300LE with TurboCache. This means half of the 256MB of memory is taken from system RAM and it has limited 3D capabilities. Users can upgrade to a GeForce 7500LE with slightly improved performance or a Radeon X1600XT which is good for high resolution 3D gaming albeit with limited filtering. Users have a wide choice of monitors they can buy with the PC.
Audio: By default, the Pavilion d4600y does not come with any speakers. Users have the option of upgrading to simple stereo speakers from HP or selecting some Logitech 2.1 or 5.1 speakers. As for the audio, it comes with integrated HDA 7.1 audio or the choice of a Creative Sound Blaster 4. The upgraded audio card is not much of a choice though as the X-Fi cards offer better features and support.
Ports: The HP Pavilion d4600y comes standard with a large number of expansion ports. A total of ten USB 2.0 ports are available for connecting external peripherals along with two FireWire ports for connecting peripherals or digital camcorders. A 9-in-1 media reader is also included standard for reading digital flash cards.
Software: HP typically provides a large array of software with their preconfigured systems found at retail stores, but that isn't the case with the Pavilion d4600y. Windows XP Media Center Edition is the standard OS and Microsoft Works 8.0 suite is included. Security software is not standard and must be purchased as an upgrade.
Overall Impressions: In addition to the specifications already talked about, HP also offers a remote and TV tuner option for the Pavilion d4600y. This enables the system to become a fully capable multimedia PC system that can record and playback TV.
HP's Pavilion d4600y overall is a good general purpose desktop computer system. Performance should be quite strong for just about any task thrown at the system, particularly with the higher end E6600 Core 2 Duo processor. The one area that it tends to fall behind is in the graphics area. Those looking to make this into a gaming system might be better off buying the base graphics configuration and upgrading the system on their own.
What the HP does do well with is the pricing. It is possible to get a very limited configuration with Intel's latest processor for less than what many other companies are charging for this new technology. The price can quickly rise with the addition of optional or upgraded hardware. Consumers must be very careful when choosing parts to match their budget and needs.
Software is a bit of an issue with the Pavilion d4600y compared to their preconfigured models. Users must upgrade the system to get items such as security and multimedia applications such as CD/DVD burner. These are typically included with their retail systems and are another expense to factor in when purchasing.
