Is this new computer a mistake?

muskrat · 16 Jul 2012

Last week my brother bought a new inexpensive desktop to replace a a laptop. The desktop is an HP P2 -1124 with an AMD-E300 dual core processor with 4G RAM. The only info I can find on the processor is that it came out last year and was used for Notebook computers. What is it doing in an inexpensive desktop?

Second question. I always thought that new computer should outperform an old computer, but he is using the new desktop to replace an Acer laptop he bought in 2010 which had an Intel T4400 dual core(the T4400 came out in 2009).
Is this a step up?

bobkn · 16 Jul 2012

If you believe the Passmark benches:

PassMark CPU Lookup

PassMark - Pentium Dual-Core T4400 @ 2.20GHz - Price performance comparison

the AMD-E300 is greatly inferior to the T4400 in performance. The E300 is listed as an "APU", which means that its integrated graphics are supposed to be relatively good. However, it seems to be aimed at the Atom CPUs. (For low power netbook/tablet use.)

The specs for the HP Pavilion P2-1124 are here:

HP Pavilion p2-1124 Desktop PC Product Specifications HP Pavilion p2-1124 Desktop PC - HP Customer Care (United States - English)

The interesting feature is its external 65W power supply. A common notebook external power supply is a 90W unit.

If your brother is interested in performance, he has just done a major downgrade.

FuturDreamz · 16 Jul 2012

Is he able to return the computer?

ICIT2LOL · 17 Jul 2012

As Bob says mate never a good idea to buy inexpensive machines and I always say without researching them first. It probably would have been a good idea to ask in here for opinions first if one is not sure.

I have had several friends who have bought those little Atom based thingies against me telling them they are not much chop and got me to set them up for performance but heck you have to wring the living daylights out of them to get any speed.

Is what Future says an option or can he afford another better machine and keep this one as a back up? as I don't like his chances of getting the retailer of accepting it back and if he does it isn't going to make them very happy.

If that is an option post back here for advice from members - stacks who can steer you in the right direction.

Victor S · 17 Jul 2012

muskrat said:

Is this a step up?

It sure is if his laptop was kaput.
If it does what he needs it to do, and he didn't get hosed on the price, it' all good.
If it doesn't do what he wants, then it's a bad purchase.

ICIT2LOL · 17 Jul 2012

Well according to this HP Pavilion p2-1100 Desktop PC series*-* HP Pavilion p2-1119 Desktop PC Product Specifications - c03155043 - HP Business Support Center the machine is basically a small 10-11" laptop type based Desktop with much the same performance as the small laptop itself. What is worrysome is the fact that the CPU is soldered onto the mobo so if it lets go then you may as well bin the thing as you would have to just about replace the mobo.

Specs on the CPU itself are not bad but not what I would be wanting out of a small desktop - How does AMD's new E-450 chip stack up? - Liliputing

Now muskrat how much did your brother pay for this mate? if it's not too rude a question? Because I set up a very nice little Acer (am not keen on those either but....) for an old fellow last week which he paid about $565 (AUD) for and it had an i5 core and 4Gb in it plus Windows the Home version and not that awful Starter that those tiny things come with (hopefully your brothers machine had Home version on it) plus keyboard mouse and speakers. It ran really fast and after the usual tweaks from the Brink's tutorial "Optimise" went like a rocket.

Sorry to sound so pessimistic mate but really it needed researching first

Look I am not critcising I do like HP stuff as I have found them in the most part well built I am just really sorry that this might be an expensive lesson to be learning now.

muskrat · 17 Jul 2012

My brother paid $280.00 for the computer,monitor not included, at Best Buy in New York City. Intended use: surfing the internet and sending emails. No gaming.

bobkn · 17 Jul 2012

muskrat said:

My brother paid $280.00 for the computer,monitor not included, at Best Buy in New York City. Intended use: surfing the internet and sending emails. No gaming.

Sounds like it may serve him perfectly well.

(His old notebook may have been overkill by comparison.)

pparks1 · 17 Jul 2012

As others have said, based on his needs, this low power machine may fit the bill perfectly.

ICIT2LOL · 17 Jul 2012

Yeah well if that is all then I suppose it's ok but it begs the question why ditch the laptop if that is all he wanted a computer for?