HP Pavilion M8400F Desktop PC (AMD Phenom Quad Core 9500 Processor, 3 GB RAM, 720 GB Hard Drive, DVD Drive, Vista Premium)

by HP

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 15.2 x 10.8 inches ; 42.9 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 21 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0015L5EPY
• Item model number: M8400F
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: February 2, 2008

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The easy-to-use HP m8400n Media Center PC is the complete home PC system that delivers more entertainment choices, and brings them together in one place with easy access from anywhere in the room.

This desktop is powered by AMD's 2.2 GHz AMD Phenom 9500 quad-core processor, which delivers the ultimate megatasking experience by providing direct and rapid information flow between four processor cores, main memory, and graphics and video accelerators. It also features 3 GB of installed RAM (800 MHz; 8 GB maximum), NVidia GeForce 8500 GT video card (with 256 MB of dedicated video memory), 15-in-1 memory card reader, and up to 8 channels of surround sound output. A built-in drive bay fits an optional HP Personal Media Drive (PMD), for up to 500 GB of additional storage that you can carry away with you when you go (PMD not included).

This PC also comes preinstalled with Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium (Service Pack 1), 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: This desktop is powered by AMD's 2.2 GHz AMD Phenom 9500 quad-core processor, which can speed through advanced multitasking, processor-intensive visual design and modeling, serious gaming, and stunning digital media and entertainment. With an integrated memory controller and shared L3 cache, AMD Phenom 9000 Series processors have low-latency access to main memory for amazingly rapid system response and phenomenal system performance. The 9500 has 2 MB of L2 cache in addition to 2 MB of L3 cache.

  All AMD Phenom 9000 series processors feature AMD64 with Direct Connect Architecture to blast through performance bottlenecks, and AMD's HyperTransport 3.0 technology now provides support for full 1080p high-definition video. And with the next generation Cool‘n’Quiet 2.0 technology reducing heat and noise, the AMD Phenom 9000 Series quad-core processor delivers seamless multitasking and optimum energy efficiency.

• Hard Drive: The incredibly huge 720 GB capacity from the dual 360 GB Serial ATA (SATA) hard drives (7200 RPM) offers a wealth of storage space--enough for storing up to 440 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 (PC2-6400, 2 x 1 GB and 2 x 512 MB) will get you moving, but this desktop has room enough for 8 GB of RAM (4 x 2 GB) to speed along your multimedia and gaming applications. It also offers a top-of-the-line 800 MHz speed. 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: This multiformat DVD/CD drive is 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: It comes with an HP multimedia keyboard and scroller mouse (both with PS/2 connections).

Video & Audio
Video is powered by the integrated NVidia GeForce 8500 GT graphics/video card with 256 MB of dedicated graphics memory. Windows Vista can also allocate up to 1535 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
For expansion, this desktop features a drive bay that fits an optional HP Personal Media Drive--which enables you to add 500 GB of storage for your video and music libraries. It has one PCI expansion slot (occupied), two PCI x1 Express slots (both available), one PCI x16 Express slot (occupied), two 5.25-inch bays (one available), three 3.5-inch bays (occupied), 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)
• Video in: Composite video, S-Video
• Video out: S-Video, DVI, HDMI, and VGA
• Headphone and microphone jacks
• Audio: Digital SPDIF audio input/output, analog 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+
• 10/100 Fast Ethernet
• 56K modem (V.90)

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, Cyberlink DVD Suite, PC Recovery, HP PhotoSmart Essentials, and Symantec Norton Internet Security 2008 (with 60 days of Live Update).

Dimensions & Weight
This desktop measures 15.16 x 7.6 x 16.54 inches (LxWxD) and weighs approximately 32 pounds.

What's in the Box
This package contains the HP Pavilion m8400f 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 as well as technical telephone assistance for one year. Software is also covered for 90 days from date of purchase.

Note: Monitor not included.

Product Description

HP Pavilion M8400F Media Center Desktop PC. The HP Pavilion Media Center desktop PC is designed and built for your digital life. Take control of your digital entertainment with a PC that helps you consolidate, organize, movies, music, photos and videos. 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. The SuperMulti DVD burner with LightScribe technology lets you create custom, silkscreen quality labels and artwork directly onto LightScribe enabled CD and DVD discs. A built in drive bay fits an optional HP Personal Media Drive, for up to 500GB of additional storage that you can carry with you when you go. NVIDIA GeForce 8500 graphics processors are essential for accelerating the Microsoft Windows Vista experience, powering Microsoft DirectX 9 and DirectX 10 games. The Windows Vista Home Premium with service pack 1 operating system is the preferred edition for home desktop PCs. With extensive digital entertainment features, expanded search capabilities and the fluid, three dimensional Windows Aero user interface, it provides a truly extraordinary user experience. Windows Vista Service Pack 1 provides the latest operating system improvements and enhancements from Microsoft. AMD Phenom processors enable true multi core solutions for a new dimension in performance that deliver an exquisitely powerful, intensely visual and strikingly efficient computing experience

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazingly Fast, Best price for a Quad-Core., April 28, 2008

By 

paper tiger "Adriel August" (Carlisle, PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: HP Pavilion M8430F Desktop PC (2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Processor, 4 GB RAM, 750 GB Hard Drive, DVD Drive, Vista Premium) (Personal Computers)

The biggest seller of this PC to me was the price of a quad-core and that it is scary quiet. The only noise you will ever hear from this PC is the CD drive and maybe the hard drive if you're in a very very quiet room.

Multitasking is amazing. I've never used a computer as fast as this.

I've had Dell's, Alienware's, and Gateway's. This blows them all away. Dell has great customer service, but HP's CS isn't bad at all. Everyone else is asking so much more and offering less than what HP is offering. Dell was offering a computer simular to this one without a TV Tuner and a smaller hard drive for over $500 dollers more. That's just crazy.

HP honestly is a little more cheap when it comes to parts than Dell. But if you take good care of your PC you shouldn't have any problems. I had to return the first one of these computers I bought due to a broken front power button. Besides that, I haven't had any trouble at all.

I'm a huge multitasker. I have had 7 Mp3's downloading, Playing Crysis and Listening to music (WMP) and this computer didn't even think about slowing down at all. Also all of the office 2007 (not included) programs run amazingly quick and very very smoothly.

Vista is awesome. I've had Vista on three computers so far, and Vista on this computer runs the best. I have had a few little problems with the 64-Bit OS. Over-all it works great, but there are a few seperate folders for 32-bit programs and 64-bit programs. There are two Internet Explorers (32-bit and 64-bit). Not all web pages work in 64-bit. But all in all, what works in 64-bit runs much smoother and a bit quicker. None of the little tiny problems I've had with the 64-bit OS are worth talking about and would never stop me from buying this PC again.

There are way more than enough ports for me. Lots of USB and the media card reader in the front is great. An optical audio port would have been really nice, but I picked up a cheap external optical sound card and it works great. The HDMI output is a nice touch, but I found the DVI to VGA adaptor to hook it up to my 52'' LCD worked much better.

All in all, this is a perfect machine. Fast and super super quiet. A must buy if you are looking for the perfect media machine.

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great computer!!!, May 17, 2008

By 

H. Moxley "Harry" (East Lansing, MI USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: HP Pavilion M8430F Desktop PC (2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Processor, 4 GB RAM, 750 GB Hard Drive, DVD Drive, Vista Premium) (Personal Computers)

So, I buy a new desktop every five years or so, and my old XP with 1G was running pretty slow, so I figured time to switch machines. I looked around at the 'build your own' part of the HP and Dell sites, and they were a little expensive for what I wanted (quad processor, 4G RAM), and was prepared to plunk down $1300+ for the HP m9160f. Then I noticed this machine at Best Buy for $400 less, went on-line, checked out the reviews and made my purchase on Amazon (which was about $100 less than Best Buy).

This is a fantastic computer, fast and quiet. I'm not a gamer, but do like to download/play music and videos I find online while listening to radio, surf around, use business applications, etc. I've had this for three weeks, and it's done it all without breaking a sweat. Vista takes a little getting used to, but the transition wasn't as painful as I feared. Nor was transferring my files over, I just put them on my external hard drive and copied them back onto this machine. All XP hardware for the old computer (wireless keyboard and mouse, old Canon MP390 printer) hooked up fine, I just plugged the stuff in, along with my broadband cable, and it was ready to go. I also picked up a new HP w2207 monitor with the deal for $250.

This is simply an incredible upgrade for an incredible price, I'd recommend anyone looking for a state-of-the-art machine pick this up.

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best choice for a Media Desktop, May 12, 2008

By 

Wall Street IT Nerd (NYC) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: HP Pavilion M8430F Desktop PC (2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Processor, 4 GB RAM, 750 GB Hard Drive, DVD Drive, Vista Premium) (Personal Computers)

I am an IT professional, so I usually tend to prefer building my own machines. Nothing I could build could come close to touching this box. It is silent, fast, feature-rich, and very affordable considering the specs. Most importantly, everything works the way it should.

The one negative is the inevitable crap-ware they load up on it. It's going to take you some time to remove all the garbage (Wild Tangent games, etc...). Uggh. But this is easy to do even for a non-technical person, and every manufacturer loads this garbage up on their machines.

Specific features that shine:

-Digital TV Tuner works great... I didn't think I would use it but I am.

-750 GB Removable HD option is fantastic (go ahead and spring for it, worth every penny)

-Case is a little cheesy-looking but is DEAD SILENT

-Remote actually useful in living room situation

-Wireless configured in seconds

-Vista is ACTUALLY WORKING WELL AND IS EASY TO USE

I highly recommend this system for anyone but the most demanding user, and you really can't beat the price for what you're getting.

Enjoy!

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