HP Pavilion 514n Desktop PC (2.2 GHz Celeron, 256MB RAM, 60GB hard drive)

by HP

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 30 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000083JYF
• Item model number: DA191A#ABA
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #19,356 in Computers & Accessories (See Top 100 in Computers & Accessories)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: January 13, 2003

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

As one of the most cost-effective models in HP Pavilion's lineup, the Pavilion 514n Desktop PC delivers modern computer basics at an incredibly affordable price point. Those who constantly strain their computer with processor-intensive applications, the latest 3-D games, and severe multitasking may want to look elsewhere, but the Pavilion 505n is a solid choice for those who can't afford or don't require the blazing speed of a state-of-the-art machine.

At the heart of the Pavilion 514n lies a surprisingly capable 2.2 GHz Intel Celeron processor. HP has matched this budget-conscious CPU with 256 MB of PC2100 DDR SDRAM, an integrated Intel Extreme graphics chipset with 64 MB of shared (not dedicated) memory, and a respectable 60 GB hard disk. Other data handling tools include a 3.5-inch diskette drive for older or smaller applications and backup needs, and a CD-Writer/DVD-ROM combo drive through which you can play and burn audio CDs, archive large amounts of information, and, when the work is done, enjoy the latest Hollywood blockbusters.

The Pavilion 514n sports a number of amenities that only a few months ago were reserved for more expensive systems, including a full half-dozen ultra-fast USB 2.0 ports for speedy interaction with plug and play peripherals, a two-button PS/2 scrolling mouse, a convenient HP Internet Command Center keyboard, and a pair of small but adequate Polk Audio desktop speakers.

The unit does not offer an IEEE 1394 FireWire port for interaction with supporting peripherals such as digital camcorders, but it does feature a 56K modem for low-speed Internet and email access and a 10/100Base-T networking interface for high-speed e-communications. Bundled software includes Microsoft's Windows XP Home Edition, the versatile WordPerfect Productivity Pack and Intuit Quicken Financial Center. HP has not included a monitor, thus allowing users to independently select a model based on their own preferences.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

49 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good system for everyone except for 3D gamers, February 15, 2003

By 

Dave (Portland) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: HP Pavilion 514n Desktop PC (2.2 GHz Celeron, 256MB RAM, 60GB hard drive) (Personal Computers)

This system is a good choice for most people looking for a reliable, low cost computer. HP does a good job of covering the needs of most users, but this system has a week spot: 3D gaming.

A quick review of the components:
CPU: 2.2 GHZ Celeron - all the Celerons sold in new systems today are based on the same `core' as the P4. The only difference is that the Celeron has about half the on-die cache as the P4. This is one of the things that will impact 3D gaming, however it won't have a major affect most other applications used by normal users.

Video: Built "Intel Extreme" graphics (can not be upgraded) - This is fine for most users, and will play all the games out today. However you will not be able to play newer 3D games at there highest settings, and this will only get worse as the years go by. On the other hand 2-D games will run fine on this system for many years to come. So I would not buy this system if you want to play the latest 3D games. If you want to play 2D games (such as card games or strategy games), or pre-rendered 3D games (such as Myst style games), you will find that this system won't even blink.

The other components (hard disk, ram, CD-RW drive, DVD drive) are all perfect for the typical user. They should be more than enough for the life of the system. It has built in networking for those building a home network, or who want to connect to a high-speed Internet provider via Cable or DSL. It also has USB 2.0, which is great for MP3 players, scanners, and other external add-ons. With USB 2.0 you can also add high-speed upgrades such as extra hard drives or a DVD burner without opening up the computer. A nice feature for those not technically inclined.

The speakers are small and the sound won't be great. Try them out, and if they don't work for you replace them.

The software bundle is good: DVD player, MP3 software, Photo editing software and the Word Perfect productivity suite cover 90% of your software needs.

HP reliability is very high, so for most, but not all users (those 3D gamers I mentioned), this is a good low cost computer system you can expect to last for a long time.

If you are looking for a good low cost monitor to go with it, look at the Samsung monitors.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Had it for 4 months but........, October 2, 2003

By 

Ed "tazzedout82364" - See all my reviews

This review is from: HP Pavilion 514n Desktop PC (2.2 GHz Celeron, 256MB RAM, 60GB hard drive) (Personal Computers)

As of Sept 2003 the PC would not power up. So I have to ship it to HP in CA to see what's the matter. Thank God it's still in warranty! The tech support was good and I hope the repair will be the same.
The reason I gave 4 stars is because the shared graphic card can't be upgraded.

UPDATE: You can upgrade the graphics by adding a PCI card. I added an ATI Radeon 9250 Diamond Stealth with 256MB of memory. Now I can play those games wich gave me an error saying my video memory wasn't enough to play the game although Doom 3 still gives me fits with choppy frame rate now and then.
Next upgrade will be a bigger hard drive around 400-500GB. You'd be surprised how fast you can eat up a 60GB hard drive with only a handfull of games loaded!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars No Microsoft Works, June 18, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: HP Pavilion 514n Desktop PC (2.2 GHz Celeron, 256MB RAM, 60GB hard drive) (Personal Computers)

Be warned, in the event that it matters, that the Microsoft Works Suite listed is NOT part of the software package. It was not included on my computer and an HP representative tells me that this listing is an error. I'm slightly annoyed. It's not really the reason I bought the computer, but I did note the inclusion of this software when I was making the decision.

Otherwise it's great.