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Boasting a sleek and shiny black-and-silver chassis, the HP Pavilion a6720f desktop PC comes loaded with the all tools you need to easily create, manage, share, and enjoy your digital photos, home videos, movies, and music. You can easily burn your home video productions to DVD for friends and family with the dual-layer, multi-format DVD/CD burner, which enables you to store up to 8.5 GB of data on a DL disc and provides a super-fast 16x DVD±RW write speed. It also includes LightScribe technology for personalized silkscreen-quality, laser-etched CD/DVD labels created right in the drive. 
The sleekly black HP Pavilion a6720f (monitor not included). | This desktop is powered by the AMD's 2.2 GHz Phenom X4 9550 quad-core processor, which increases the efficiency and speed of the PC as well as improves multimedia and gaming performance. Store more music, videos, and data on the super-sized 640 GB hard drive capacity. Other features include 6 GB of RAM (which can be bumped up to 16 GB), Nvidia GeForce 9100 graphics (with 256 MB of dedicated graphics memory), 54g Wi-Fi networking, Fast Ethernet wired networking, a wide variety of connection ports on both the front and rear of the box, and a 15-in-1 memory card reader that's compatible with today's most popular digital camera formats. It comes preinstalled with the 64-bit version of Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium (Service Pack 1), which includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center. In addition to easily playing your DVD movies and managing your digital audio library, you'll be able to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV). Vista also integrates new search tools throughout the operating system, includes new parental control features, and offers new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures.  | Spec Check - 2.2 GHz AMD Phenom X4 9550 quad-core processor
- 640 GB hard drive
- 6 GB RAM (16 GB maximum)
- Dual-layer Lightscribe DVD±R drive
- Nvidia GeForce 9100 graphics (256 MB dedicated)
- Windows Vista Home Premium (64-bit, SP1)
|  | | The Basics
- Processor: This desktop is powered by AMD's 2.2 GHz Phenom X4 9550 quad-core processor was designed for megatasking--running multiple, multi-threaded applications such as processor-intensive visual design and modeling and serious 3D games as well all your digital multimedia. With an integrated memory controller and shared L3 cache, AMD Phenom X4 9000 Series processors have low-latency access to main memory for amazingly rapid system response and phenomenal system performance. The 9550 has 2 MB of L2 cache in addition to 2 MB of L3 cache and a 2000MT/s system bus.
All AMD Phenom X4 9000 series processors feature AMD64 with Direct Connect Architecture to blast through performance bottlenecks and provide direct access to DDR2 memory. AMD's HyperTransport 3.0 technology now provides support for full 1080p high-definition video. And with the next generation Cool'n'Quiet 2.0 technology reducing heat and noise, the AMD Phenom X4 9000 Series quad-core processor delivers seamless multitasking and optimum energy efficiency. - Hard Drive: The large 640 GB Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive (7200 RPM) offers a wealth of storage space, perfect for storing a vast multimedia collection or for editing digital video. This SATA hard drive has a 3Gb/s interface speed that enables up to 300MB/s data transfer rates (double the speed of the current SATA interface of 1.5Gb/s).
- Memory: The 6 GB of installed RAM (PC6400) helps boost the amount of available video RAM that's shared with this notebook's video card. It also offers a fast 800 MHz speed. This desktop has an amazing 16 GB maximum RAM capacity (4 x 4 GB) when used with a 64-bit operating system (4 GB when used with a 32-bit OS). To receive the faster data transfer benefits of the dual-channel DDR2 RAM, any RAM additions require memory modules of same capacity and clockspeed.
- DVD/CD Drive: This multiformat DVD/CD drive is compatible with writing both DVD+ and DVD- disc formats as well as dual-layer (DL) DVD+/-R discs, which can store up to 8.5 GB of data. It features 12x DVD±R DL Write Once, 16x DVD±R, 8x DVD+RW, 6x DVD-RW, 12x DVD-RAM, 40x CD-R, 32x CD-RW write speeds and 40x CD-ROM, and 16x DVD-ROM read speeds.
This LightScribe DVD±RW drive lets you laser-etch silkscreen quality text and images on to CDs and DVDs . Your software, PC and discs work together for a no-hassle way to burn just the labels you want. After you burn content, just flip the disc over, reinsert and burn your label--anything from a simple title to a full-disc work of art. - Keyboard & Mouse: It comes with an HP multimedia keyboard and scroller mouse (both with PS/2 connections).
Video & Audio
Video is powered by the integrated Nvidia GeForce 9100 graphics/video card, which provides 256 MB of dedicated video memory. It features NVidia's PureVideo technology--which provides great picture clarity, smooth video, accurate color, and precise image scaling for video content--and full support for Microsoft DirectX 9.0 for stunningly realistic cinematic effects for all DirectX-compatible applications. It also has an integrated audio card that can produce high definition surround sound configurable to 8 speakers. Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
This desktop has an integrated 54g wireless LAN that's fully compatible with 802.11b/g wireless networks. For expansion, it has three PCI Express x1 slot (available), one PCI Express x16 slot (available), two 5.25-inch bays (one available), and three 3.5-inch bays (two available). It comes with the following external connectors: - 6 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players (2 in front, 4 in rear)
- 2 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) port for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals (1 in front, 1 in rear)
- 2 PS/2 ports for connecting keyboards and mice
- Video output: 1 VGA, 1 DVI
- 2 headphone and 2 microphone (front and rear)
- Digital coaxial audio input/output as well as surround sound speaker outputs (rear/side/center)
- 15-in-1 multi-format memory card reader, compatible with CompactFlash I/II, IBM Microdrive, Secure Digital (SD), miniSD, MultiMediaCard (MMC), Reduced Size MultiMediaCard (RS-MMC), MultiMediaCard Plus (MMC plus), MultiMediaCard Mobile (MMC mobile), Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick Pro Duo, SmartMedia, and xD Picture Card.
- 10/100 Fast Ethernet
- 56K modem
Operating System
The 64-bit version of Windows Vista Home Premium (with SP1) is the operating system for users with advanced computer needs, and it includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center for watching DVD movies and accessing your digital audio library. You can also use Windows Media Center to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV) and to access new kinds of online entertainment content. Computers that include Windows Vista Home Premium and an auxiliary Windows SideShow display will also allow you to access key data even when your computer is off. It is also easier than ever to share files between other PCs in your household and to manage your laptop computer settings to more securely connect via Wi-Fi. Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools and technologies to help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting to a wireless network, or just reading e-mail. All editions of Windows Vista include new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures long before you have lost any important personal data. And, all Windows Vista editions include parental control features that allow you to manage and monitor your family's use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, and other activities. Preloaded Software
- HP MediaSmart Software Suite: Your one-stop multimedia and entertainment center to create photo slideshows, share personal videos, listen to your favorite music playlists and watch DVD movies.
- muvee autoProducer Basic: Automatically create professional looking home videos and burn to DVD.
- Cyberlink DVD Suite Deluxe: Automatically fix and edit videos and create CDs and DVDs. Edit, burn and archive data to discs.
- Microsoft Works 9: Includes a word processor, spreadsheet, database and calendar.
- Microsoft Office Home and Student Edition 2007 (60-day trial version).
- Adobe Reader 8: Read and print PDF files.
- Norton Internet Security 2009 protects your PC and your identity when you email, bank and shop online; 60 days of protection updates included.
Dimensions & Weight
It measures 16.3 x 6.9 x 15.25 inches (LxWxD) and weighs approximately 22 pounds. What's in the Box
The HP Pavilion a6720f desktop PC comes with a power cord, keyboard, and scroller mouse. It is backed by a one-year warranty for parts and labor from date of purchase, one-year technical phone service, and 90 days of software application support. Note: Monitor not included.
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 Cheap and very powerful |
| Review Date: February 23, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Michael N. Davis, Albuquerque |
We bought this in package form along with an HP monitor and printer to replace our aging desktop. It completely screams when asked to do anything multimedia related, and cruises on native MS programs like Office 2007 as well. If you really want to get some performance out of it, install OpenOffice and Firefox, as both seem to take advantage of the hardware and outperform their MS brethren by wide margins. I can't help but think what Linux would do on such a machine.
The only problem we had, and it WAS frustrating, was that a technician bent a pin in the wireless card during install. It was nothing that anyone would have noticed visually, and the system initially performed well, but after a day, the bad connection was too much and the wireless card only worked intermittently. After an all night session talking with HP Service in India, I located the problem. A new wireless card, free of charge and with straight pins, fixed the situation. I can't hold it against HP. The card initially worked on start-up, so it probably passed the bench tests. These things happen, even at Apple and Dell. HP's customer service was patient and effective, and the new part arrived in 2 days.
Overall, incredible machine. By our "Performance Gadget," we haven't even begun to max the processor or RAM out, even with the latest versions of Pinnacle Studio, OpenOffice, and MusicMaker.
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entire HP 6000 computer line
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| Review Date: June 4, 2009 |
| Reviewer: HarlemOfficial, |
| PLEASE READ THIS: It's important that when you all review which computer you purchased that you please state what model you bought. Amazon is taking all the reviews for the entire 6000 series, and merging them into one row of reviews. (Check a6700f, 6720f, 6750f and so on). It's a great idea to shop around, and see what other people are saying on the computer you're purchasing, to see if everything coincides with one another. By having reviews merged what one person experienced may not be the case with the other. |
Small Upgrades Do Wonders
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| Review Date: June 28, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Jason Norment, Indiana |
I originally bought this computer to replace a laptop and an older HP desktop that I was currently using. The thing that jumped out at me was the price and the quad-core. I was weary about using Vista, especially 64-bit but it works better than expected.
The first issue people have been having: drivers. I had absolutely none. Whatever I throw at this computer it finds the drivers (whether online or within the system already) and have had no issues. I'm not sure what kind of hardware other people have been using but I've tried different monitors, gaming hardware, printers, sound cards, video cards. No issues. So, can't complain there.
Secondly, the amount of bloatware is quite annoying at first. I got rid of it all because it only slows the system down and causes more frustration than necessary. The computer loads up fairly quickly once you remove the bloatware off of it.
Thirdly, the power supply is not sufficient for most add-ons so it was the first thing to go. I bought a 650W power supply along with a Nvidia GeForce 9800GT 512MB DDR3. The Windows Experience Score went up from a 4.3 to a 6.0 at this point. Absolutely amazing.
This computer plays Halo, Crysis, World of Warcraft, and any Flight Simulator version smoothly. Haven't had one issue. I can easily use TeamSpeak, Internet Explorer, iTunes, and FSX all at the same time. If anyone doesn't know, FSX will completely KILL a computer if it's not ready for it and this beast does well.
I'd have to say I'm happy with the overrall performance. Disk defrags take no time at all. Virus scans are quick (even full scans). Downloading takes absolutely no time at all and is a huge improvement from using a Intel Duo Core. 8GB of ram is more than enough as I haven't seen it use more than 6GB at a time. And, like mentioned before, it shines when multi-tasking. It's pretty neat to watch it sort out tasks for certain processors. |
An excellent buy especially at this price
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| Review Date: March 20, 2009 |
| Reviewer: couldbeyou, |
In my opinion this machine has many positives and very few negatives. Positives: The price is inexpensive, the machine is quiet, Its not a phenom II but it is a phenom. Very nice quad core product. It has 8 GB of memory more than enough to handle any vista. (I'm testing windows 7 and I won't need it on this machine.) Even the keyboard is better than most budget (not software loaded- you can buy it yourself cheaper anyway machines). I combed through amazon for something under a 1000 and I'm happy to say this tops the rest. Actually I can't think of a hardware feature making the price over 1000 worth it. Maybe a faster processor although AMD doesn't make a whole lot of them.
The performance rating on this machine for vista. Processor 5.9, memory 5.9, hard disk 5.9 (has 3/4 of a terrabyte)graphics for aero 4.3 gaming graphics 4.0.
Total base score 4.0
* based on a maximum base score of 5.0 at vistas release.
A couple of quick negatives: Ahh, Not an intel processor quad, have to buy your own monitor, there are video cards out there that will give vista a higher score. Be ready for a bombardment of trial offers. |
fast w/low power consumption
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| Review Date: May 20, 2009 |
| Reviewer: L. K. Grant, Edmonton, AB Canada |
| I purchased one of these a couple of months ago and have been very happy with it. I however wish it had come with Linux pre-installed because I installed Debian Linux and did away with Windows Vista, which unfortunately was included in the price. The machine is speedy and performs well at everything I've asked it to do. The computer is certified as a low power computer. A kill-a-watt meter indicates that it idles at about 43 watts, which is a huge savings over a machine I used to own that consumed over 100 watts. So the average user should be able to save on their electricity bill using this desktop. |
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