Compaq Presario 5420US Desktop (Athlon XP 1700+, 512 MB RAM, 80 GB hard drive)

by Compaq

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 17 x 8.9 x 17 inches ; 25.5 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 36.5 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00005UT2S
• Item model number: Presario 5420US
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: January 7, 2002

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The affordably priced Compaq Presario 5420US desktop is well equipped to handle any level of business or task-oriented computing. At the heart of the system is one of the best combinations of value and high-end performance in AMD's processor lineup, the Athlon XP 1700+ CPU. This translates into extremely snappy access to commonly accessed data and enough power for even the most demanding applications. To further ensure you won't get bogged down by continual hard drive accesses, Compaq has also included an enormous 512 MB of RAM.

With the 5420US, data storage, movement, and backup should never be a problem. Its huge 80 GB UltraDMA hard drive offers more than enough space for all the programs and files most users will ever need. Its 16x CD-RW drive permits fast burning of audio, data backup, or data transferal CDs. Its 3.5-inch floppy drive supports any programs or files you might still store on a floppy disk, and its 16x DVD drive smoothly and accurately plays your favorite movies.

Clearly, the unit's weakest link is its support for 3-D gaming graphics. Although the integrated Savage4 AGP graphics card is fine for business and non-entertainment 2-D applications and most games made prior to the turn of the millennium, its 8 MB of video memory simply isn't enough for today's most desirable titles. Some users may also see its lack of a monitor as a negative, though others will find the freedom of selecting their own monitor or using one from a previously owned system to be a distinct advantage. One thing is certain--you must furnish your own set of speakers to enjoy the system's 3-D audio capability.

Despite these potential drawbacks, the 5420US is packed with a variety of perks to enhance your computing environment. A built-in 56K modem supplies basic Internet connection speed. A 10/100 Mbps Ethernet connection permits multiple computer networking and high-speed Internet potential. The system's Compaq USB Internet keyboard sports an assortment of convenient one-touch multimedia, Internet, and e-mail controls, and its mouse features a scroll wheel. Other important amenities include four USB ports (two of which are handily positioned at the front of the case), a serial port for older mice and external modems, a parallel "printer" port, and two spare drive bays for future expansion.

To help get you started, Compaq has installed the Home Edition of the Windows XP operating system and an assortment of useful software applications, such as Microsoft Money 2001, Microsoft Works 6.0, Quicken Financial Center/Quicken New User Edition, Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0, America Online 6.0, InterVideo WinDVD, Netscape Navigator 6.1, and a one-year subscription to Microsoft Encarta Online Deluxe Encyclopedia.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another big step forward., January 22, 2002

By 

Rheumor (New Orelans) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Compaq Presario 5420US Desktop (Athlon XP 1700+, 512 MB RAM, 80 GB hard drive) (Personal Computers)

The 3rd in the 5400 line, this model doubles the RAM and hard drive size of the 5410 and like that model, includes a NIC (network interface card) to make networking and fast access connections to the Internet more simple. It also features a CD burner that's twice as fast (16x). More importantly, the Athlon CPU (Central Processing Unit, or 'the brain') is much better than the Celeron CPU found in the lower end models. This will allow for better gaming graphics and faster overall function. Few users would find this machine inadequate.

4 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Compaq computer review, February 23, 2002

By 

Carmen R. Pace (Dallas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Compaq Presario 5420US Desktop (Athlon XP 1700+, 512 MB RAM, 80 GB hard drive) (Personal Computers)

The computer was nice, however I was shocked that the price only contained a hard drive but the set up was easy and the programs included are really great. It's a kick-a-- hard drive.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Too good to be true, August 16, 2003

By 

glennie34 (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Compaq Presario 5420US Desktop (Athlon XP 1700+, 512 MB RAM, 80 GB hard drive) (Personal Computers)

I bought the computer at circuit city and it was a nightmare. it freezes up constantly. not very good for games,microsoft office, typing papers,or watching dvd's and on a fast network in college it freezess constantly. I wouldnt recomend it to anyone except and older person who uses the computer for really simple tasks not for college or home users. It will bring headaches and you will only have to buy another computer anyway. i have to buy another computer now. if u are a colege student stay away from it.