HP Pavilion S3020N Desktop PC (AMD Athlon 64 Processor 3800+, 1 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, SuperMulti DVD Drive, Vista Premium)

by HP

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 13 x 10.9 x 4.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 21.5 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000OCPZ2M
• Item model number: S3020N
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,992 in Computers & Accessories (See Top 100 in Computers & Accessories)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: March 8, 2007

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The HP Pavilion s3020n Slimline desktop PC gives you all the power of a fully loaded home/office desktop in a sleek, silver-and-black chassis that's one-third the size of a traditional PC tower, enabling you to place it unobtrusively anywhere--from your office to entertainment center to kitchen. You can easily burn your home video productions to DVD for friends and family with the dual-layer, multi-format LightScribe DVD/CD burner, which enables you to store up to 8.5 GB of data on a DL disc. And thanks to its integrated Wi-Fi capabilities (802.11b/g), you don't need to worry about stringing Ethernet cable from your broadband modem in another room.

This desktop is powered by the 2.0 GHz AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ dual-core processor, which increases the efficiency and speed of the PC while running multiple programs and the latest multi-threaded software. It features a spacious 250 GB hard drive, 1 GB of installed RAM (2 GB maximum), Nvidia GeForce 6150LE video card with 128 MB of dedicated memory (and up to 319 MB of shared memory), multi-format memory card reader, a wide variety of connectivity options (including both USB 2.0 and FireWire), and digital audio output for home theater surround sound.

This desktop 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: AMD's Athlon 64 X2 3800+ dual-core processor is built for tomorrow's 64-bit applications, which will require a processor with significant power. It outperforms the highest-performing AMD Athlon 64 4000+ single-core processor on multi-tasking benchmarks by up to 30 percent. Dual-core technology is like having two processors working together, each one taking care of different applications, so power-users actually experience greater performance when multiple applications are running. Digital media enthusiasts will appreciate the enhancements while simultaneously working in high-definition video and photo editing and audio mixing programs. It includes such AMD features as HyperTransport Technology (which increases the communication between integrated circuits) and Enhanced Virus Protection.

  This 2.0 GHz processor offers a system bus with speeds up to a blazing 2000 MHz and each core offers a 512 KB L2 cache--for a 1 MB total. (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.)

• Hard Drive: The extra-large 250 GB Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive (7200 RPM) offers a wealth of storage space, perfect for storing 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 1 GB of installed RAM (2 x 512 MB DDR2) is a good start, but you'll want to add more RAM to handle today's demanding multimedia and productivity suites. It provides two DIMM slots and has a 2 GB maximum RAM capacity. 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 4x DVD-R DL Write Once, 8x DVD+R DL Write Once, 16x DVD+R, 8x DVD+RW, 16x DVD-R, 6x DVD-RW, 5x 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 an HP multimedia keyboard and optical mouse (both PS/2) and remote control.

Screen, Video & Audio
This desktop features an integrated Nvidia GeForce 6150LE graphics/video card with up to 319 MB of shared video memory (allocated from the system RAM). Nvidia's exclusive TurboCache technology allows direct rendering from the GPU to system memory by leveraging the bi-directional PCI Express bandwidth. The TurboCache Manager dynamically allocates memory for maximum system performance while intelligent software algorithms maximize application performance. It also offers an integrated audio card that can produce high definition surround sound configurable to 8 speakers.

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
This desktop has an integrated 54g wireless LAN that's fully compatible with 802.11b/g wireless networks. For expansion, this Slimline desktop has one PCI slot (occupied), one 5.25-inch external bay (occupied), and one internal 3.5-inch bay (occupied). It comes with the following external connections:

• 5 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
• 1 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) port for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals
• 2 PS/2 ports for connecting keyboards and mice
• 1 VGA monitor port
• 15-in-1 multi-format memory card reader, compatible with CompactFlash I/II, IBM Microdrive, Secure Digital (SD), miniSD, MultiMediaCard (MMC), Reduced Size MultiMediaCard (RS-MMC), MultiMediaCard Plus (MMC plus), MultiMediaCard Mobile (MMC mobile), Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick Pro Duo, SmartMedia, and xD Picture Card
• 1 line-in, 1 line-out, and 1 microphone
• Audio output: digital audio out, surround sound speakers--rear, side, center

It also has an integrated 56K modem (V.90) and an RJ-45 LAN network port (for a 10/100 Ethernet connection to networks and DSL/cable modems).

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 8, Microsoft Office Home and Student Edition 2007 Trial, Symantec Norton Internet Security 2007 (with 60 days of Live Update), Roxio Creator/MyDVD (with LightScribe technology), Muvee autoProducer (for creating professional-looking home videos and burning to DVD), HP Photosmart Essential, and HP Total Care Advisor.

What's in the Box
This package contains the HP Slimline s3020n desktop PC, keyboard, mouse, 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 S3020N Pavilion Slimline Desktop PC. Get all the power and functionality of a fully loaded desktop PC in a space saving design that is one third the size of a conventional tower. The HP Pavilion Slimline features the exclusive HP Pocket Media Drive bay that allows you to add instant storage and works with any other USB enabled PC. The front panel 15 in 1 memory card reader makes it easy to transfer photos and 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. The Windows Vista Home Premium 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.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars GREAT COMPUTER FOR UNDER $500, June 7, 2007

By 

William M. Gibson (Washington DC) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: HP Pavilion S3020N Desktop PC (AMD Athlon 64 Processor 3800+, 1 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, SuperMulti DVD Drive, Vista Premium) (Personal Computers)

First, to the person who was ranting about the rebate, check it out. Amazon has updated the dates so everything should be cool.

I've had the computer for about 3 weeks now. Its fine. I have a powerhouse computer in my home office, but needed something small to stick in the built in desk in my kitchen. Mainly for my kids, but also for me when I don't feel like trotting all the way downstairs. Where else can you get a dual core with a gig of memory, wireless Lan, and all the other usual goodies, for under $500. I've had no problems.

To the person who complained about the computer being slow, just know what you are getting into. This computer does not have the fastest processor or fastest graphics card on the market today. Can you do extensive photo or video editing on this computer? No. Can you play the latest graphic intensive games on this comptuer? No, because the graphics card is puny. Can you do word processing and spreadsheets? Absolutely, with no problem. Can you watch videos or listen to CD's? Yes. Can you surf the internet? Yes. Does the wireless Lan work? No problem whatsoever. Picked up my home network the minute I turned the computer on.

So, don't spend less than $500 and expect to have the latest, fastest and best computer out there. For that, plan on spending around $2000. If you want a very capable, very functional, very stylish, very small, and very inexpensive computer for your kids (or to stick in another room), then this is perfect.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Compact, fast, great PC., June 4, 2007

By 

L. Olson (Cincinnati, OH United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: HP Pavilion S3020N Desktop PC (AMD Athlon 64 Processor 3800+, 1 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, SuperMulti DVD Drive, Vista Premium) (Personal Computers)

First off, I give the PC unit 5 stars, and I give the Vista software 3 stars. This makes an average of 4 stars.

I purchased this unit from CompUSA about 10 days ago and have nothing bad to say about the unit itself. I purchased a 22" LG LCD monitor for it, and the picture is outstanding! I also purchased the HP Pocket media drive that slips right into its own little slot. The unit recognized it instantly and voila, another 80 Gbytes of drive space. The PC unit is compact, fast, and pulls up my programs immediately. If I take 2 15" laptops and place them on top of each other, that is the size of this unit.

The unit has never locked up on me. I've played CD's and DVD's and they play perfectly. The fan is very quiet, and the unit does not build up much heat at all. It took some fumbling around before I could place my CD's and DVD's in the vertical slot, but after a couple of times, no problem.

I do think the Vista OS needs some tweaking here and there, but, mainly minor stuff. But that's a Microsoft issue, not HP. I've had to upgrade some of my favorite software packages to make them Vista compatible, but they were due for an upgrade anyway. I still have Win XP on my 2 laptops and my older desktop. Other things like MS Office 2002 loads and runs perfectly w/o upgrading to Vista. Vista is not very user friendly when trying to hook it into my wireless home network, and I spent a weekend trying to make it see my other units and the printers via wireless. It's all in how you tweak the firewall. But again that is Microsoft, not HP.

Everything is running smoothly now, and I would not hesitate to recommend this product to anyone.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fast as I expect, May 24, 2007

By 

happy cust "Z" (Virginia, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: HP Pavilion S3020N Desktop PC (AMD Athlon 64 Processor 3800+, 1 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, SuperMulti DVD Drive, Vista Premium) (Personal Computers)

I definitely disagree with the above review, I order my one on Sunday (May, 20th) 11:50 pm and received on Wednesday (May, 23rd) by 4:00 pm. Amazon offers 2 days delivery and keep their word. The rebates could be place on time, and base on my search this was the best price. The equipment is small but powerful just like I expected.