HP adds HPE with 6-core Phenom II, updates desktops
updated 03:35 pm EDT, Mon September 27, 2010
HP HPE gets 6-core AMD, Pavilion, Slimline update
HP today overhauled its desktop line to modernize it and give it more choices. The top-end HPE desktop now has the option of AMD chips and can use Phenom II processors in place of the costlier Intel equivalents, up to a 3.2GHz six-core model. Graphics choices also get more aggressive with up to a Radeon HD 5770 in the best version.
Having a second choice has lowered the prices of the HPE line. HP hasn't said what system will command the $560 base price, though it's likely to be the simplest AMD model with a 3GHz quad-core Phenom II, 8GB of RAM, a Radeon HD 5450 for video and a 1TB disk. It and other desktop updates are available both online and in store today.
The Pavilion p6600 represents HP's full-size but budget desktops and scales up to a 2.8GHz Phenom II with only one of four models having the option of going Intel through a 3.2GHz Core i3. Prices start at a low $300 for a 2.9GHz Athlon II quad-core chip, 4GB of RAM, integrated Radeon HD 4200 video and a 750GB hard drive.
Small form factor models get an update in the Slimline s5600. These act mostly as more compact equivalents but peak at a 2.9GHz quad Phenom II with Radeon HD 5450 video. Getting the smaller system raises the price slightly to $330 and provides a lower-speed, dual-core 3GHz Athlon II, 3GB of RAM, integrated Radeon HD 3000 graphics and a 640GB drive.
