Compaq Presario SR1030NX Desktop PC (2.16 GHz Athlon XP 3000+, 512 MB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, DVD+RW/CD-RW Combo)

by HP

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 33 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0001Z95JG
• Item model number: SR1030NX
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: March 29, 2004

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Maximize your multimedia experience with the Compaq Presario SR1030NX desktop PC, featuring both DVD and CD writers and multi-format memory card reader. The SR1030NX also features a huge 160 GB hard drive, 512 MB of installed RAM, and a fast 2.16 GHz AMD Athlon XP 3000+ processor. For even more speed and storage capacity, check out the Compaq SR1050NX (2.2 GHz Athlon XP 3200+) or SR1090NX (64-bit, 2.2 GHz AMD Athlon 3400+)--both with 200 GB hard drives.

The Basics

• Hard Drive: The extra-large 160 GB Ultra DMA hard drive (7200 RPM) offers more than enough storage for all your documents, digital photos, and MP3 collection.
• Processor: The 2.16 GHz AMD Athlon XP 3000+ processor offers a high level of performance that's equivalent to a 3.0 GHz Intel Pentium 4 processor--speedy enough for PC gaming, graphic design software, and multimedia creation. It also features a 333 MHz front-side bus (FSB) speed and a 512 KB L2 cache.
• Memory: The SR1030NX comes with a 512 MB built-in memory (1 x 512 MB DDR SDRAM, 333 MHz)--a good start for power users. It has a 2 GB maximum memory expansion (2 x 1024 MB).
• CD/DVD Drive: This desktop PC comes with two optical drives: a CD-ROM (48x read speed) and a DVD+RW (for writing data and video files from your camcorder to discs). The combo drive has 16x write, 10x re-write, 40x read speeds for CDs--which is slow in comparison to other desktop models of this caliber--while the DVD+RW portion has 4x write, 2.4x rewrite, and 8x playback speeds (DVD movie discs require 8x). It's compatible with the DVD+RW format, one of two formats for rewriteable DVDs.
• Keyboard & Mouse: The SR1030NX comes with a HP Home Professional keyboard and scroller mouse (both with PS/2 connections).

Sound and Graphics
The SR1030NX features audio and video cards that are integrated into the computer's main board. The sound card uses the AC'97 (Audio Codec '97) standard (configurable to 6 channels of audio). The video/graphics card has up to 64 MB of shared video memory. It is suitable for good range of gaming graphics and multimedia video playback, but might not stack up for ultra-realistic 3-D PC games.

Connectivity and Expansion Slots
For expansion, the SR1030NX has two 5.25-inch external bays (none available), two 3.5-inch bays (none available), three PCI slots (two available), and one AGP 8x slot (available). It comes with a built-in floppy drive and the following external connectors:

• 7 USB 2.0 ports (3 in front, 4 in rear) for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
• 2 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) ports for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals (1 in front, 1 in rear)
• 1 parallel port for connecting older printers and scanners
• 2 PS/2 ports for connecting keyboards and mice
• 1 VGA monitor port
• 1 serial port for older peripherals such as early PDAs
• 1 microphone, 1 headphone, and 1 line-in jack in the front
• 9-in-1 media card reader on the front, compatible with CompactFlash (Type I and II), MicroDrive, Smaredia, Memory Stick/Memory Stick Pro, MultiMedia Card, Secure Digitial, and XD Picture Card

It also has an integrated 56K modem (V.92) and an RJ-45 LAN network port (for a 10/100 Ethernet connection to networks and DSL/cable modems).

Preloaded System and Software
The SR1030NX comes with the Windows XP Home Edition operating system, and it also features Microsoft Works (for working with word processing and spreadsheet documents). Other preloaded software includes Microsoft Money 2004, Quicken New User Edition 2004, Norton Antivirus 2004 (with 60-day LiveUpdate subscription) and Personal Firewall 2003, Adobe Acrobat Reader, Encarta Encyclopedia 2004 Standard Edition, Adobe Photoshop album (starter edition), RecordNow 6.5 (for burning CDs), WinDVD SE 4.0 (for DVD playback) and WinDVD Creator 2, MusicMatch Jukebox, and Apple iTunes.

What's in the Box
This package contains the Compaq Presario SR1030NX desktop PC, power cable, keyboard, and mouse. It is backed by a limited warranty for parts and labor for one year from date of purchase.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Compaq see's the light, June 16, 2004

By 

"bkast" (Fort Wayne IN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Compaq Presario SR1030NX Desktop PC (2.16 GHz Athlon XP 3000+, 512 MB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, DVD+RW/CD-RW Combo) (Personal Computers)

This is the first new computer I have bought from a manufacturer in all the years since the IBM PS/2 systems first arrived. I have always upgraded or built my own from components. Why the change you may ask. Its due to the fact that this machine has two unusual features .

First off it has completely standard hardware and the case is among the simplest to access. The interior is well organized and cleanly laid out. All the expansions slots are easy to use and the case can be entered without even a screwdriver. This is a major change for Compaq. A large number of their previous systems had little modifications to the ATX form that made hardware changes difficult for the end user.

The second reason is that the included hardware has a great price to power ratio. Nothing in it is unworkable or even truly bargain basement in quality. The included DVD writer truly closed the deal for me.

Also of note is the software bundle. It includes a few standard applications and some media management software. Nothing to special it would seem. And that to is a plus as Compaq used to install a plague of customized software that caused endless issues for me in the past. Small bits of custom software remain but are now easily uninstalled or disabled.

The systems includes every port needed for easy device connection except a standard joystick connector. This isn't much of a fault in this age of USB devices.

For the devoted non-Microsoft crowd I can proudly say that after a little bit of effort I managed to resize the NTFS partition on the installed 160 gig hard drive. This system now gladly dual boots mandrake Linux 9.2 without any issues.

I would suggest only two affordable changes depending on your needs. One is if you are going to do any gaming add a AGP video card. The integrated savage video will serve the email and video watching crowd well. But gaming seems to be very limited on it. The addition of a left over Geforce 5200 turned my system into a acceptable games station . Also the on-board audio is good but not great. Add a SoundBlaster live value if you have one laying around its easy and well worth it.

One last design feature to mention is the fact that it has front ports for most any device. This truly comes in handy for those who love their USB cameras and joysticks. As well as any devotees of 1394 fire wire and the various flash memory card standards. It even includes microphone and headphone jacks.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very good!, August 19, 2005

By 

S. Khan (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Compaq Presario SR1030NX Desktop PC (2.16 GHz Athlon XP 3000+, 512 MB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, DVD+RW/CD-RW Combo) (Personal Computers)

I got this computer for $485 on amazon, under the "acceptable condition tab" which made me quite skeptical at first. Computer arrived on time--and it packs some serious power. 160 HD, 3000+ XP which is equivalent to a pentium 3.0 GHZ, and a 512 MB RAM.

Pros: fast, powerful, easy-to-use-ports on the front for hooking up audio, camera sticks etc etc. Very good condition, there were exactly two blemishes on the casing, very minor...AND an agp slot (unoccupied, i'll get back to that later). Recovery dics were included, mouse, keyboard. Norton antivirus subscription.

Cons: Comes loaded with lots of commercials (which can be easily uninstalled if you wish). PC power cable was embarrassingly short, the onboard graphics card is essentially useless, so that AGP slot will come in handy :P (a nice video card will improve your multimedia & entertainment options).

...and my biggest concern yet... NO SP pack 2. This can leave your computer vunerable to all sorts of $!@#. So get those windows updates as soon as you configure your internet settings.

Overall very good computer, add an AGP vid card (THAT'S A MUST if you plan on gaming).