Mick Lockey

Compaq Presario S3000nx

At $749, this Presario is the second-to-least-expensive PC we've seen lately. Each model in Compaq's new line of midrange AMD-based systems comes swathed in a sleek, all-black case with silver accents on the front--a step above the bland beige boxes we usually see in this price range. The case's front is nicely designed too, with two well-labeled USB 2.0 ports located behind a sturdy door, augmented by four more USB 2.0 ports on the back.
In PC WorldBench 4 tests, the S3000nx achieved a disappointing score of 93, the lowest mark posted by any system we've seen with a 1.67-GHz Athlon XP 2000+ CPU and 256MB of DDR266 memory. The low-end performance could be a serious problem if you were planning to use this system for processor-intensive tasks (such as editing graphics or videos), but it should be fine for basic tasks such as browsing the Web or sending and receiving e-mail. The S3000nx's integrated ProSavageDDR KM266 graphics put most high-end gaming off-limits. The system uses a less-powerful graphics chip set than you'll find on most graphics boards, and it depends on main system memory, which produces slower results than using dedicated graphics memory. In our tests, frame rates dipped below 10 frames per second at most resolutions, and we saw problems with imperfect lighting and loss of details in textures. You can add a graphics board to the AGP slot, which should improve overall graphics performance.
The minitower case in the configuration we received provided enough room for modest upgrades, including two open drive bays (one for removable-media drives and one for hard drives), one open memory socket, and two open PCI slots. The S3000nx's interior was somewhat untidily organized. For instance, to add memory you'll have to unplug the power connectors to the 40GB hard drive and the 48X/24X/48X CD-RW drive so you can access the open memory socket. If you want to watch DVD movies, you'll have to add a DVD-ROM drive in one of the external drive bays--but this particular model cannot be customized. Compaq sells it only in the tested configuration; so if you want any upgrades to the system, you should buy one of the customizable models in this range and get the upgrades at the outset.The image quality on the 17-inch Compaq FS7550 monitor was average: Text was legible and sharp at all but the smallest font sizes, and colors on a photo screen looked bright. The JBL Platinum two-speaker (no subwoofer) set delivered adequate sound quality, though the bass notes were a bit overpowering. One of the satellites includes a handy headphone jack, and each speaker has small hooks so you can attach them to the sides of the CRT's cabinet--a neat and convenient space-saving idea. The black-and-silver keyboard has only three hot-keys--two for adjusting volume settings, and one for powering off the computer. None of the programmable keys we've seen on other Compaq models are included. Keystrokes on the keyboard felt mushy. The bundled software is aimed at families. It consists of Microsoft Works 7.0, Encarta Encyclopedia Deluxe, Microsoft Money 2003, and an array of Disney games. The user's guide covers troubleshooting and upgrading, and the system comes with a well-illustrated setup poster.
The S3000nx is attractively priced, but its performance falls well below what you can get from slightly more expensive systems.

Buying Information

Compaq Presario S3000nx PC WorldBench 4 score of 93, 1.67-GHz Athlon XP 2000+ CPU, 256MB of DDR266 SDRAM, Windows XP Home, 40GB hard drive, 48X/24X/48X CD-RW drive, integrated ProSavageDDR KM266 graphics using SMA, 17-inch Compaq FS7550 monitor, JBL SP08A11 speakers, network adapter, V.92 modem, Minitower case; Microsoft Works 2003, Microsoft Money 2003. One-year parts and labor warranty; 24-hour weekday toll-free support. $ 749 PC WorldBench 4 score of 93, 1.67-GHz Athlon XP 2000+ CPU, 256MB of DDR266 SDRAM, Windows XP Home, 40GB hard drive, 48X/24X/48X CD-RW drive, integrated ProSavageDDR KM266 graphics using SMA, 17-inch Compaq FS7550 monitor, JBL SP08A11 speakers, network adapter, V.92 modem, Minitower case; Microsoft Works 2003, Microsoft Money 2003. One-year parts and labor warranty; 24-hour weekday toll-free support. http://www.hp.com 800/888-0220