Compaq Presario 5000 Series Desktop Computers (5423US)

Compaq Presario 5000 Series Desktop Computers (5423US)

Compaq Presario 5000 Series Desktop Computers (5423US)
Manufacturer: Compaq
Product Type: Personal Computer

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com Product Description
Like its slightly more powerful cousin, the 5430US, Compaq's 5423US easily handles most any application thrown its way and provides plenty of room for expansion and future upgrades. This unit is a great choice for users who place high demands on their system, but are willing to sacrifice a bit of power in the interest of budgetary restraint.

Topping the unit's impressive list of features is one of today's most potent processors, Intel's 1.6 GHz Pentium 4. Although pricier than most alternative processors, including Intel's own Celeron and Pentium III and AMD's Athlon and Duron, Pentium 4 chips are generally faster where it counts most--clock speed. And of the numerous Pentium 4 processors Intel currently markets, the 1.6 GHz model is just a few rungs from the very top.

For the 5423US, Compaq matches this capable Intel processor with more than enough high-end memory to operate any program currently available and most any conceivable level of multitasking. With 512 MB of RAM at your disposal, it may be years until you even need to even contemplate upgrading to the one full gigabyte the system supports.

The 5423US offers something else most prebuilt computers do not--a decent video card. Packed with a generous 64 MB of video memory, the system's nVidia GeForce2 MX graphics board will comfortably operate all 2-D and 3-D tasks and pump out smooth frame rates and detailed textures at all but the absolute highest 3-D game screen resolutions. Truly serious gamers may want the additional performance perks of a GeForce3 or GeForce4 card, yet had best be prepared to drop quite a few more dollars in the process.

With the 5423US, data storage, movement, and backup should never be a problem. Its monstrous 80 GB UltraDMA hard drive offers oodles of space for even the most software-intensive workplace or gaming environment. Its 16x CD-RW drive permits fast burning of audio and data backup or data transferal CDs. Its 3.5-inch floppy disk drive supports any programs or files you might still store on a floppy disk, and its 16x DVD drive smoothly and accurately plays your favorite movies. And if you ever do want to add another drive, the unit's two spare expansion bays are ready to accommodate.

The 5423US is packed with a variety of tools to enhance day-to-day computing. A built-in 56K modem supplies basic Internet connection speed, and a 10/100 Mbps Ethernet card offers multiple computer networking and high-speed Internet potential. The system's Compaq USB Internet keyboard sports an assortment of convenient one-touch multimedia and Internet controls, and its IEEE 1394 FireWire port supports fast data transfer between computers and peripheral devices such as camcorders.

Other important amenities include four USB ports (two of which are handily positioned at the front of the case), a serial port for older mice and external modems, a parallel "printer" port, and an integrated AC97 Soundmax II Audio chip with support for Dolby Digital surround sound. Compaq has not included a monitor or speakers in the package, allowing users to choose and configure their own display and audio setup. The list of pre-installed software includes the Home Edition of the Windows XP operating system, Microsoft Money 2001, Microsoft Works 6.0, Quicken Financial Center/Quicken New User Edition, and InterVideo WinDVD.

Compaq Presario 5000 Series Desktop Computers (5423US)
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • Still kickin' after all these years...
  • Compaq Presario 5012US
  • Compaq 5000 Series: Perfect for Music, Games, and More!
  • Best Computer Ever Created!!!
  • Junkiest computer I have used
 Compaq Presario 5000 Series Desktop Computers (5423US)

Manufacturer: Compaq
ProductGroup: Personal Computer
Binding: Personal Computers

CategoriesCategories | Electronics | Accessories & Supplies | Audio & Video | Camera & Photo | Car Electronics | Computers & Add-Ons | GPS & Navigation | Home Automation & Security | Office Electronics
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Accessories:
  1. Targus NW03BM Noteworthy Optical Screen Scroller Mouse
  2. Targus PA235U Universal Monitor Stand - Black
  3. Targus PAUM01U Ultra Mini Retractable Optical Mouse
  4. Netgear WGR614 54 Mbps 2.4 GHz Cable or DSL Wireless Router
  5. Netgear WG311 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter

ASIN: B00005YWDQ

Amazon.com Product Description

Like its slightly more powerful cousin, the 5430US, Compaq's 5423US easily handles most any application thrown its way and provides plenty of room for expansion and future upgrades. This unit is a great choice for users who place high demands on their system, but are willing to sacrifice a bit of power in the interest of budgetary restraint.

Topping the unit's impressive list of features is one of today's most potent processors, Intel's 1.6 GHz Pentium 4. Although pricier than most alternative processors, including Intel's own Celeron and Pentium III and AMD's Athlon and Duron, Pentium 4 chips are generally faster where it counts most--clock speed. And of the numerous Pentium 4 processors Intel currently markets, the 1.6 GHz model is just a few rungs from the very top.

For the 5423US, Compaq matches this capable Intel processor with more than enough high-end memory to operate any program currently available and most any conceivable level of multitasking. With 512 MB of RAM at your disposal, it may be years until you even need to even contemplate upgrading to the one full gigabyte the system supports.

The 5423US offers something else most prebuilt computers do not--a decent video card. Packed with a generous 64 MB of video memory, the system's nVidia GeForce2 MX graphics board will comfortably operate all 2-D and 3-D tasks and pump out smooth frame rates and detailed textures at all but the absolute highest 3-D game screen resolutions. Truly serious gamers may want the additional performance perks of a GeForce3 or GeForce4 card, yet had best be prepared to drop quite a few more dollars in the process.

With the 5423US, data storage, movement, and backup should never be a problem. Its monstrous 80 GB UltraDMA hard drive offers oodles of space for even the most software-intensive workplace or gaming environment. Its 16x CD-RW drive permits fast burning of audio and data backup or data transferal CDs. Its 3.5-inch floppy disk drive supports any programs or files you might still store on a floppy disk, and its 16x DVD drive smoothly and accurately plays your favorite movies. And if you ever do want to add another drive, the unit's two spare expansion bays are ready to accommodate.

The 5423US is packed with a variety of tools to enhance day-to-day computing. A built-in 56K modem supplies basic Internet connection speed, and a 10/100 Mbps Ethernet card offers multiple computer networking and high-speed Internet potential. The system's Compaq USB Internet keyboard sports an assortment of convenient one-touch multimedia and Internet controls, and its IEEE 1394 FireWire port supports fast data transfer between computers and peripheral devices such as camcorders.

Other important amenities include four USB ports (two of which are handily positioned at the front of the case), a serial port for older mice and external modems, a parallel "printer" port, and an integrated AC97 Soundmax II Audio chip with support for Dolby Digital surround sound. Compaq has not included a monitor or speakers in the package, allowing users to choose and configure their own display and audio setup. The list of pre-installed software includes the Home Edition of the Windows XP operating system, Microsoft Money 2001, Microsoft Works 6.0, Quicken Financial Center/Quicken New User Edition, and InterVideo WinDVD.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Still kickin' after all these years..........2006-08-13

This is a comment from mid-2006, so understand that the four stars are kinda relative: I'm saying this can be a good PC for the kind of user who wants to run serious office-type software, get on the Internet and maybe do a bit of amateur photo editing on the side. I'm not recommending a 5 year old machine for state-of-the-art gaming or for pro level graphics and photo manipulation! (This should be obvious, but I thought I'd better say it anyway.)

My review is based on a Presario 5000 with a 933 MHz Pentium III, 256K L2 cache. Be aware that there are many models in the 5000 series and a lot of them are much lower powered. The Athlon and PIII models are the best, though, and came in the highest speeds.

My example came from a thrift store, in like new condition and with exactly its original equipment; it was priced a bit high at 80 bucks in August of '06... but I think it was worth that and more.

Running Windows 2000 Professional SP4 (instead of the unloved Windows ME system it came with), this is a fast Presario on MS Office, Quicken, etc., even with the marginal 128 Mb of PC100 3.3 volt RAM it originally had. But since "obsolete" PC100 memory can be had now for next to nothing, I recommend stuffing the machine with two sticks of 256 Mb: That will give it a total of 512 Mb - the max my example will accept - and with it I have run even Photoshop quite successfully.

All in all, a lot of bang for the buck, and pretty respectable performance for most of us who just want to surf the 'net and occasionally run something from Office. Of course, I'd prefer that $10,000, build-it-yourself gaming computer they just wrote up in Maximum PC... Sigh.

2 out of 5 stars Compaq Presario 5012US.......2004-04-13

Aside from the fact that it's difficult to find a way to remove the drives - no screws that I've found, I got a run around when trying to obtain tech support. It seems that a common problem is with the CD drive door eventually opening and closing non-stop without being able to read a disk. Compaq wouldn't even send me a restore disk that wasn't included when I bought my computer new. Of course, they would let me buy one which I didn't. My extended warranty is basically worthless, and all Compaq and HP did was try to get me to pay even more money for additional phone support. It looks like I'll have to pay for a new CD drive myself or fix it. I'd never buy another Compaq or HP product. To me, service and reliability go hand in hand.

5 out of 5 stars Compaq 5000 Series: Perfect for Music, Games, and More!.......2004-03-21

I got the Compaq Presario 5000 series model # 5BW160 as a Birthday Present from my Aunt. It is the best computer I've ever used! It has:

1. Intel Pentium 3 700 MHz
2. CD-ROM drive
3. CD-RW drive (perfect for music)
4. 56k Modem
5. 20 GB Hard Drive (plenty of storage)
6. Floppy Drive
7. 128 MB RAM of Memory (11 allocated for video chip)
8. Cool Internet Keyboard!
9. And L O T S more!

This computer was built for the true computer user. It has everything you need to get started. It even comes with Windows 98 Second Edition, the best-selling Operating System in the world. With Windows 98 Second Edition, you can do the following:

1. Surf the net (my favorite feature)
2. Use programs like Wordpad, Notepad, Internet Explorer,and more!

Do yourself a favor and get this Compaq Pesario today while you still can! You won't regret what it can do!

5 out of 5 stars Best Computer Ever Created!!!.......2004-02-22

I bought this computer not so long ago, and I can say only one thing about it - it's AMAZING!!! I paid $2,999 and I don't regret it. It's the best computer I have ever had, which never gave me any kind of problems. I can do word processing, programming, graphics and surf the Net, all at the same time, and it will never freeze or slow down. As a computer programmer, I can say that it has a wonderful internal structure and integrity. When you work you can hardly hear any fan noise, it boots up, shuts down and hybernates really fast saving all your important settings and work for the next session. It contains marvelous internal parts from the leading most trusted hardware companies. It also comes with awesome software titles. Compaq and HP have done a tremendous job on building this great "baby." I would recommend this computer to everyone!

1 out of 5 stars Junkiest computer I have used.......2002-09-01

I bought this computer in March. It is the worst computer that I have had. The CD- Writer, only works half the time. I have the 40 gb hard drive and every time you go over 10 gb, you have to restore the computer. The CD-ROM drive does not close anymore, you have to push it in. There is a short on the left speaker, it does not work anymore. The computer has many lock-ups and freezes. Some times windows does not even start-up. I would recommend Gateway or Dell, they have a lot more opitions, and better value than compaq

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