'Compaq X' Gaming PCs From HP

[Suhit Gupta]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1558,1626003,00.asp?kc=ETRSS02129TX1K0000532' target='_blank'>http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1558,1626003,00.asp?kc=ETRSS02129TX1K0000532</a><br /><br /></div><i>"In November, the PC giant said that the new systems would launch in July, a timetable HP has met. The firm will offer both a platform based on the Intel Pentium 4 and AMD Athlon64, although HP is holding off on a PCI Express-based system for now. In an odd juxtaposition, HP is entering the gaming market while Alienware, a traditional boutique PC house catering to gamers, has made a push into the government, healthcare, and small business market ... The GX5000T offers a range of Pentium 4 processor choices from 2.8 to 3.4 GHz, while the GX5000Z allows users the choice of an Athlon 64 model 3500+, 3800+, or FX-53. Prices for the GX5000T will begin at $1,648.99, while a base model of the GX5000Z will cost $1,598.99."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/images/compaqpc.jpg" /><br /><br />Very cool. And it is nice that HP has chosen nVidia cards for this PC because we have all (hopefully) seen that the nVidia 6800 cards have been outperforming the ATI x800 in the latest DOOM 3 benchmarks. The PCs also allow for high speed and high capacity drives as well as large amounts of RAM. (I know someone out there is working to integrate that drool emoticon :)).

[dean_shan]

I think that is a bad spot for the front mounted USB and Firewire ports.

[Jason Dunn]

I think that is a bad spot for the front mounted USB and Firewire ports.

Yeah, absolutely. Hopefully there are a couple on that front panel somewhere...

[Jason Dunn]

And it is nice that HP has chosen nVidia cards for this PC because we have all (hopefully) seen that the nVidia 6800 cards have been outperforming the ATI x800 in the latest DOOM 3 benchmarks.

But how significant was the difference? I read a head to head comparison in Maximum PC recently and the difference was like 5% - the ATI was faster at some things, the nVidia was faster at others. In fact, they gave the nod to the ATI as the overall better card because the nVidia card was so power hungry and noisy. Either card kicks ass in 3D gaming though, that's for sure. 8)

[Suhit Gupta]

I think that is a bad spot for the front mounted USB and Firewire ports.

Yeah, absolutely. Hopefully there are a couple on that front panel somewhere...
Nope, only on top AFAICT. But I don't mind that position as I always put my machines on the floor. But I can see how it would be a problem for those that put their desktops on their desks. But I am guessing there will still be ports in the back.

Suhit

[Suhit Gupta]

And it is nice that HP has chosen nVidia cards for this PC because we have all (hopefully) seen that the nVidia 6800 cards have been outperforming the ATI x800 in the latest DOOM 3 benchmarks.
But how significant was the difference? I read a head to head comparison in Maximum PC recently and the difference was like 5% - the ATI was faster at some things, the nVidia was faster at others. In fact, they gave the nod to the ATI as the overall better card because the nVidia card was so power hungry and noisy. Either card kicks ass in 3D gaming though, that's for sure. 8)
The difference was significant enough from what I could tell, more like 10-15%. But ATI is obviously refuting those results. And it looked like nVidia was doing better than ATI in almost 80% of the benchmarks. Well, I will be having access to both cards soon and I have DOOM 3 on preorder so I will try and post my own (humble) opinions.

Suhit

[Lee Yuan Sheng]

Eh, what the heck.. it's a modded Coolermaster Wave Master case. Did they leave in the god ugly blue LED's behind that front bit of metal?

[Suhit Gupta]

Eh, what the heck.. it's a modded Coolermaster Wave Master case. Did they leave in the god ugly blue LED's behind that front bit of metal?
This picture - http://www.extremetech.com/image_popup/0,1554,s=201&iid=56105,00.asp - does not really answer your question but it comes close. Answer - yes. :(

Suhit

[dean_shan]

But I don't mind that position as I always put my machines on the floor. But I can see how it would be a problem for those that put their desktops on their desks. But I am guessing there will still be ports in the back.

I keep mine on the floor but at home I like to kick back and stick my feet on top of the tower.

[Suhit Gupta]

But I don't mind that position as I always put my machines on the floor. But I can see how it would be a problem for those that put their desktops on their desks. But I am guessing there will still be ports in the back.

I keep mine on the floor but at home I like to kick back and stick my feet on top of the tower.
Well, perfect time to create that USB powered foot massager then. ;-)

Suhit