HP Pavilion Elite m9060n Desktop PC (Intel Core 2 Quad Processor Q6600, 3 GB RAM, 640 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium)

by HP

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 7 x 16.6 x 15.5 inches ; 34 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 21 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000VE4C86
• Item model number: M9060N
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 28, 2007

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The updated chassis with sleek piano black paneling and components is far from the most significant improvements in the multimedia powerhouse HP Pavilion Elite m9060n desktop PC. It's powered by Intel's newest processor--the Viiv-enabled 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600--which delivers four complete execution cores within a single processor for unprecedented performance and responsiveness in multi-threaded and multi-tasking business/home environments. You can also go wireless and clutter-free with wireless keyboard, mouse, and remote control, and it includes a built-in wireless antenna for 54g Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g).

You won't have to choose one format over another, thanks to the combination Blu-ray/HD DVD optical drive, which provides stunning high-definition clarity from movie discs. You can also watch, record, and pause live TV programming as well as schedule the PC to record upcoming episodes or entire series. The built-in TV tuner (providing both standard NTSC and high-def ATSC transmission) and personal video recorder (PVR) let you watch, pause, rewind, and record live television--up to 395 hours on the dual 320 GB hard drives (for 640 GB of total built-in storage). An online Electronic Program Guide (EPG) lets you review the TV schedule and select individual episodes or entire series, so you can watch your favorite shows on your own time, at your own convenience. And you can easily burn TV shows and home video to DVD for friends and family with the dual-layer, multi-format LightScribe DVD/CD burner (16x for DVD±R), which enables you to store up to 8.5 GB of data on a DL disc. LightScribe technology burns custom, silkscreen-quality labels and artwork directly onto LightScribe-enabled discs, right inside the drive.

Built-in drive bays fit optional HP Personal Media Drives and Pocket Media Drives, for up to 660 GB of additional storage that you can carry away with you when you go (media drives not included). Other features include 3 GB of installed RAM (8 GB maximum), NVidia GeForce 8500 GT graphics (with 512 MB of dedicated video memory), Gigabit Ethernet, 15-in-1 memory card reader, up to 8 channels of surround sound output, FM tuner, and a remote control with up to 16 feet of range.

This PC also comes preinstalled with Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, which includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center. In addition to easily playing your DVD movies and managing your digital audio library, you'll be able to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV). Vista also integrates new search tools throughout the operating system, includes new parental control features, and offers new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures.

The Basics

• Processor: With four execution cores, the 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Quad Processor Q6600 blows through processor-intensive tasks in demanding multitasking environments and makes the most of highly threaded applications. Whether you're creating multimedia, annihilating your gaming enemies, or running compute-intensive applications at one time, new quad-core processing will change the way you do everything. The Q6600 has a top-of-the-class 1066 MHz front-side bus (FSB) and dual 4 MB L2 caches (for a whopping huge 8 MB shared L2 cache). (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)

  With four complete execution cores in a single processor, you get four dedicated, physical threads help operating systems and applications deliver additional performance that enhance multi-tasking and multi-threaded performance across many types of applications and work loads. The Smart Memory Access feature improves system performance by hiding memory latency, thus optimizing the use of available computer data bandwidth to provide data to the processor when and where it is needed. The Advanced Digital Media Boost feature effectively doubles the execution speed for instructions used widely in multimedia and graphics applications. And with the Intel 64 Architecture, the processor can access larger amounts of memory. With appropriate 64-bit hardware and software, platforms based on an Intel processor supporting Intel 64 Architecture can allow the use of extended virtual and physical memory.

  This processor also includes Intel's Viiv technology, which allows you to quickly turn the PC on and off (after initial boot) with a touch of the included remote thanks to Intel's Quick Resume function. It also offers specially-designed software that makes network configuration easy, for connecting to portable media players, DVD players, TV sets and stereos.

• Hard Drive: The incredibly huge 640 GB capacity from the dual 320 GB Serial ATA (SATA) hard drives (7200 RPM) offers a wealth of storage space--enough for storing up to 395 hours of television programming, a vast multimedia collection, or for editing digital video. This SATA hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to FireWire and USB 2.0.

• Memory: The 3 GB of installed RAM (PC5300, 2 x 1 GB, 2 x 512 MB) is a good start, but you'll want to add more RAM to handle today's demanding multimedia and gaming software. It also offers a top-of-class 667 MHz speed. This desktop has an enormous 8 GB maximum RAM capacity (4 x 2 GB). To receive the faster data transfer benefits of the dual-channel DDR2 RAM, any RAM additions require memory modules of same capacity and clockspeed.

• DVD/CD Drive: Get the best of both high definition worlds with the combination Blu-ray/HD DVD disc drive--both of which provide superior image and sound quality of high-definition images and multichannel surround sound. This multiformat DVD/CD drive is also compatible with writing both DVD+ and DVD- disc formats as well as dual-layer (DL) DVD+/-R discs, which can store up to 8.5 GB of data. It features 8x DVD-R DL Write Once, 8x DVD+R DL Write Once, 16x DVD+R, 8x DVD+RW, 16x DVD-R, 6x DVD-RW, 12x DVD-RAM, 40x CD-R, 32x CD-RW write speeds and 40x CD-ROM, and 16x DVD-ROM read speeds.

  This LightScribe DVD+/-RW drive lets you laser-etch silkscreen quality text and images on to CDs and DVDs . Your software, PC and discs work together for a no-hassle way to burn just the labels you want. After you burn content, just flip the disc over, reinsert and burn your label--anything from a simple title to a full-disc work of art.

• Keyboard & Mouse: This desktop comes with a wireless HP keyboard with extended range (up to 30 feet) and a wireless optical mouse.

Video & Audio
Video is powered by the integrated NVidia GeForce 8500 GT graphics/video card with 512 MB of dedicated graphics memory. Windows Vista can also allocate up to 1791 MB of total graphics memory from the system memory. With support for Microsoft DirectX 10 Shader Model 4.0 and High Dynamic-Range Lighting (HDR), it lets you rip through all of today's most advanced and cutting-edge games and applications. Power through games at record speeds with vividly realistic, sun-up to sun-down HDR lighting effects, and crank up 16x full-screen anti-aliasing without missing a beat. The fully unified shader core dynamically allocates processing power to geometry, vertex, physics, or pixel shading operations, delivering up to 2x the gaming performance of prior generation GPUs.

The video card includes composite TV out, DVI video out and HDMI audio/video out options. This PC also offers an integrated audio card that can produce high definition surround sound configurable to 8 speakers.

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
This desktop can be wirelessly networked with the integrated 54g Wi-Fi LAN (802.11b/g). You also get super-fast wired connectivity via the Gigabit Ethernet port (10/100/1000). For expansion, it includes drive bays that fit an optional HP Personal Media Drive (for adding 500 GB of storage) or an optional HP Pocket Media Drive (for adding 160 GB of storage)--for a total of up to 660 GB of extra storage. For expansion slots, it has one PCI (available), two PCI Express x1 (occupied), one PCI x16 Express slot (occupied), two 5.25-inch bays (one available), three 3.5-inch bays (one available), and the following external ports:

• 6 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players (2 in front, 4 in rear)
• 2 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) port for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals (1 in front, 1 in rear)
• Composite video, S-Video, and analog audio inputs
• Video out: S-Video, DVI, HDMI, and VGA
• Headphone and microphone jacks
• Digital SPDIF audio input/output
• Surround sound speakers--rear, side, center (subwoofer)
• 2 PS/2 ports for connecting keyboards and mice
• 15-in-1 media card reader on the front, compatible with CompactFlash (Type I and II), MicroDrive, SmartMedia, Memory Stick/Pro/Duo/Pro Duo, MultiMedia Card, Secure Digital, XD Picture Card, RSMMC, MMC Mobile, MMC+
• 56K modem

Operating System
Windows Vista Home Premium is the operating system for users with advanced computer needs, and it includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center for watching DVD movies and accessing your digital audio library. You can also use Windows Media Center to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV) and to access new kinds of online entertainment content. Computers that include Windows Vista Home Premium and an auxiliary Windows SideShow display will also allow you to access key data even when your computer is off. It is also easier than ever to share files between other PCs in your household and to manage your laptop computer settings to more securely connect via Wi-Fi.

Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools and technologies to help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting to a wireless network, or just reading e-mail. All editions of Windows Vista include new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures long before you have lost any important personal data. And, all Windows Vista editions include parental control features that allow you to manage and monitor your family's use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, and other activities.

Preloaded Software
Includes Microsoft Works, Microsoft Office 2007 Student and Teacher Edition (60-day trial), Muvee Autoproducer Basic Edition, Roxio Creator 9 and MyDVD Basic, HP PhotoSmart Essential, and Symantec Norton Internet Security 2007 (with 60 days of Live Update).

Dimensions & Weight
This desktop measures 16.61 x 7.0 x 15.51 inches (LxWxD) and weighs approximately 24.25 pounds.

What's in the Box
This package contains the HP Media Center m9060n desktop PC, wireless keyboard, wireless mouse, remote control, and power cord. It is backed by a limited warranty for parts and labor for one year from date of purchase as well as technical telephone assistance for one year. Software is also covered for 90 days from date of purchase.

Product Description

HP M9060N Pavilion Elite Desktop PC. The HP Pavilion Elite delivers an amazing high end home entertainment experience, DX10 3D Mainstream gaming, and power for the most demanding PC tasks. This premium PCs enhanced features and technology puts everything you need where you want it. Go wireless and clutter free with wireless keyboard, mouse, and remote control. The Pavilion Elite PC also features a built in wireless antenna for 802.11 b/g networking. Press the HP Easy Backup button and instantly back up your files. The built in TV tuner and personal video recorder, PVR, let you watch, pause, rewind, and record live television. The free online Electronic Program Guide, EPG, lets you review the TV schedule and choose a single episode or an entire series. Two built in drive bays fit an optional HP Personal Media Drive, for up to 500GB of additional storage and/or an optional HP Pocket Media Drive for up to 160GB or up to 660GB of additional storage space. The SuperMulti DVD burner with LightScribe technology lets you create custom, silkscreen quality labels and artwork directly onto LightScribe enabled CD and DVD discs. Place USB/Firewire devices on the recessed landing pad for easy access. The front panel 15 in 1 memory card reader makes it easy to transfer photos, music, and other files to and from your digital camera and other peripheral devices.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Choice Overall, December 28, 2007

By 

Boyet - See all my reviews

This review is from: HP Pavilion Elite m9060n Desktop PC (Intel Core 2 Quad Processor Q6600, 3 GB RAM, 640 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium) (Personal Computers)

HP Pavilion Elite m9060n Desktop PC (Intel Core 2 Quad Processor Q6600, 3 GB RAM, 640 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium)

I have the M9060N unit for a month now. I intended this for video and photo editing mainly. I have since reconfigured this to 4GB memory and added a third SATA2 320GB HD using the space inside the box reserved for HP's slip-in drive.

I picked this because of its HDMI output (besides Quad Pro), which amazingly connects to my Sony LCD BRAVIA 40-in in full HD resolution (1920x1080p). I am impressed with its built-in NVIDIA graphics card. The memory usage usually doesn't get into higher than 70% range until I simultaneously work on Google Earth (memory hungry), Adobe Photoshop Elements 6.0 editor and Premiere Elements 4.0.

I thought the era of BSOD is gone with Vista but it happened once with those 3 programs simultaneously open. Vista blamed it on NVIDIA graphics driver (with use of Google Earth would crash although very rarely).

I have rendered a 25-minute HDV captured as MPEG2 file to H.264 in one hour. I also rendered an edited 16-minute .AVI file to flash video for upload to YouTube using Premiere Elements 4.0 It took about 50 minutes with lots of superimposed JPEG photos.

The PC is very quiet. I agree that HP's documentation could be better. Even their online doc is insufficient. I dared not go to HP's web for tech support due to previous experience. Just researched the answers myself. Windows Media Center receives my digital HD stations and plays Bluray/HDDVD. I have successfully passed Dolby Digital through its SPDIF coax to audio/video receiver for 5.1 sound. The PC's TV tuner is no better than my 3-yr old HD TiVO TV tuner, which outputs to Windows Media through S-video in the back. Wireless keyboard and mice work fine even when someone is using the cordless phone unless I happen to be playing PC games with the keyboard. I connected the KB/mouse USB receiver in front for better and longer range. I have yet to figure out how to turn on built-in RAID support...perhaps later if needed. Again not enough docs both online and hard. Also how to capture analog video through front video ports and how to easily remove bloatware...oh well.

UPDATE dated 01/11/08: After running out of Web sources, I finally chatted with HP's online support, which after 2 hours, albeit needlessly, confirmed that the front video ports are NOT yet enabled by Vista and the other video capture software vendors. They said they are in talks with Microsoft and the vendors to support these video ports. Fortunately, my DV camera can pass through analog video through its Firewire connection (A/D) - so I can keep capturing/editing.

I have not pursued the RAID option, which can be turned on through the BIOS and Intel's Storage Matrix built-in. HP's box came with a slight doc about this but not accurate and helpful. So far, I have not experienced any crashes during capturing, editing, and rendering that I might attribute to hard drive performance.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding!!, May 3, 2008

By 

Marti DeGregorio (Olivehurst, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: HP Pavilion Elite m9060n Desktop PC (Intel Core 2 Quad Processor Q6600, 3 GB RAM, 640 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium) (Personal Computers)

This computer does it all. The piano black exterior is great to look at, and the performance is excellent. I couldn't be happier with a purchase. I did run into an issue with the power supply fan not working, however HP service was exceptional and they not only replaced the power supply, but sent someone to my home to put it in. The entire process took only a few days. Since then, the computer has been everthing I hoped it would be and more.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Impressive..., February 27, 2008

By 

Brandon (Iowa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: HP Pavilion Elite m9060n Desktop PC (Intel Core 2 Quad Processor Q6600, 3 GB RAM, 640 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium) (Personal Computers)

Well, I purchased this for a excellent price form a national retailer that was/is going out of business. I am replacing my 4-5 year old Sony Desktop that I am finding hard to give up. Now, I purchased it knowing I couldn't return it if there was a problem since all sales were final. Unfortunately there was a problem, seems the TV tuner card installed in the computer was 'bad'.

Knowing I couldn't send it back to the store I went trough the common steps to try and correct the problem (update/install new drivers), no luck so I called HP... Their tech phone service is great! The tech gave me a couple more options to try and again with no luck we determined the card was bad. He sent me another TV tuner card, it arrived in two days! I plugged it in and my computer works flawlessly, quick easy fix and couldn't be happier. Dell should take some pointers from the customer service rep I talked to at HP!

Now on to the computer... this thing will do anything I ask it to. Very powerful and lightning fast, hard to beat the built in DVR/TV Tuner Card and the impressive video card. I don't care too much for Windows Media Center that is included with Vista but I am getting use to it, most problems I have/had with it were due to the bad TV tuner card. I have erased some of the software `junk' installed by HP, (now if they would only keep that out of the computer to begin with). For the price I bought it at I don't think you could find another Blue-ray/HD DVD equipped computer. Can't wait to give the Blue-ray a try.

Having opened the computer and changed the card, I now see where users say there need to be more room in there! I am not sold on HP's pocket drive and Media Drive, I feel the space could be better used or left empty for the purchaser to decide what to use that wasted space for.

Overall I am VERY impressed with this computer now if it can stand the test of time as my old Sony desktop did I will be extremely happy! Yes this computer deserves the 5-stars even with the minor and easily fixed problem.