This PC is a monster, in both size and performance. Don't expect a mid-tower here, this is a mid tower on steroids. It has 5 Sata ports for lots of expansion and plenty of front case slots. Only one PCI x16 slot, so no way to upgrade to Crossfire video, but not an issue with the video options available. There are 4 available PCI x4 slots and 2 PCI slots available. There is also a floppy controller available if you still need legacy support.
Only drawback was FedEx delivery. Took 7 days from Texas to Pennsylvania, which was excessive. Upgrade to faster delivery for the extra $$$ if you need it right away.
All in all, if you don't want to build your own, this is the workhorse to get. Enjoy!!
As a gamer I highly recomend this PC. I upgraded to play extremely entensive games like WAR, Oblivion, AoC and I am not disappointed. I purchased a base model with the Q9400 processor and dropped my own 9800 GT into the PC. 4 star rating for features because I wasn't able to fit Vista Ultimate in on my budget.
All alround great bang for your buck, and highly upgradable. If you aren't ready to build your own gaming rig this is the PC for you.
Only con I can think of was FedEx shipping. They were very slow. 7 days in transit. UPS would have had it to me in 3 days.
(i) the fan appears to revv up (at startup) then it regulates normal after about five to fifteen minutes in operation, and
(ii) during startup, the hard drive seems to have a slow response time (at kicking in). Perhaps this correction is available via a patch driver (available in Support/Drivers department).
Other than these two small issues, HP outdid it again. I'm impressed and most importantly happy with the product.
