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Delivering an amazing high-end home entertainment experience, DirectX 10 gaming, and power for the most demanding PC tasks, the HP Pavilion m9520f Elite desktop PC is powered by the 2.5 GHz quad-core Intel Core 2 Quad Q8300. With four cores in a single processor, the Core 2 Quad and the 8 GB of RAM (maximum capacity) deliver excellent multitasking and multimedia performance, and it's a perfect match for the pre-installed 64-bit version of Windows Vista Home Premium. You can also go wireless and clutter-free with wireless keyboard, mouse, and remote control, and it includes the next step in Wi-Fi networking with a Draft-N wireless LAN (802.11b/g/n). 
The sleek, black m9520f multimedia powerhouse (see larger version; monitor not included). | A recessed landing pad on top of the chassis offers a convenient place for connecting USB and FireWire devices. One touch of the HP Easy Backup button lets you back up your files instantly, helping to protect irreplaceable photos and files. It comes with a combo optical drive with Blu-ray Disc playback for watching your favorite films in crystal-clear resolution and SuperMulti DVD burner with LightScribe technology that lets you etch custom, silkscreen-quality labels and artwork directly onto LightScribe-enabled CDs and DVDs. This Pavilion Elite offers a built-in drive bay to fit an optional HP Pocket Media Drive, for up to 160 GB of additional storage that you can carry away with you when you go (media drive not included). Other features include a 750 GB hard drive, Nvidia GeForce 9600 GS graphics with up to 2558 MB of total available graphics memory, HDMI and DVI video outputs, 15-in-1 memory card reader, up to 8 channels of surround sound output, and Gigabit Ethernet wired networking. It comes with a wired keyboard and mouse. The pre-installed 64-bit version of Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium (Service Pack 1) 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 - 2.5 GHz Intel Core 2 Quad Processor Q8300 processor
- 750 GB hard drive
- 8 GB RAM (8 GB maximum)
- Combo Blu-ray Disc Read-Only and DVD±R drive
- Quad-mode Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n)
- Nvidia GeForce 9600 GS graphics (up to 2558 MB total)
- Windows Vista Home Premium (64-bit, SP1)
|  | | The Basics
- Processor: With four execution cores, the 2.5 GHz Intel Core 2 Quad Processor Q8300 blows through processor-intensive tasks in demanding multitasking environments and makes the most of highly threaded applications. Part of Intel's "Penryn" line of 45nm processors, it features new hafnium-infused circuitry to reduce electrical current leakage in transistors and help this desktop run cooler. It also features Intel Trusted Execution Technology, which provides hardware-based mechanisms that help protect against software-based attacks and protects the confidentiality and integrity of data stored or created on the client PC.
Whether you're creating multimedia, annihilating your gaming enemies, or running compute-intensive applications at one time, new quad-core processing will change the way you do everything. The Q8300 has a top-of-the-line 1333 MHz front-side bus (FSB) and a 4 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.) You get four dedicated, physical threads help operating systems and applications deliver additional performance that enhance multi-tasking and multi-threaded performance across many types of applications and work loads. The Smart Memory Access feature improves system performance by hiding memory latency, thus optimizing the use of available computer data bandwidth to provide data to the processor when and where it is needed. The Advanced Digital Media Boost feature effectively doubles the execution speed for instructions used widely in multimedia and graphics applications. And with the Intel 64 Architecture, the processor can access larger amounts of memory. With appropriate 64-bit hardware and software, platforms based on an Intel processor supporting Intel 64 Architecture can allow the use of extended virtual and physical memory. - Hard Drive: The ginormous 750 GB Serial ATA hard drive (7200 RPM) provides more than enough capacity for storing a large audio and video library, as well as extra space required for video editing. This SATA hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to Firewire and USB 2.0.
This desktop also includes a drive bay that fits an optional HP Pocket Media Drive, which enables you to add up to 160 GB of additional storage. The Pocket Media Drive also works with any USB-enabled PC, for easy transferring of multimedia files from other computers in your home. - Memory: The 8 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. The 8 GB of RAM maximizes this desktop's capacity.
- DVD/CD Drive: This HP desktop is capable of playing back Blu-ray Disc movies in stunning clarity, as well as playing your current library of purchased and burned disc content. This desktop can also write standard DVD and CD media. The BD drive offers up to 6x speeds for reading BD-R/RE discs. It also offers the following write speeds for standard DVD and CD discs: 4x DVD±R DL, 16x for single-layer DVD±R, 8x DVD-RW, 6x DVD-RW, 40x CD-R, 24x CD-RW, and 5x for DVD-RAM.
- Keyboard & Mouse: It comes with an HP multimedia keyboard and scroller mouse (both with PS/2 connections).
Video & Audio
Video is powered by the Nvidia GeForce 9600 GS graphics/video card, which provides 768 MB of dedicated video RAM and offers up to 2558 MB of total available graphics memory as allocated by Windows Vista. Enabled by PureVideo HD, movies come to life with outstanding picture clarity, ultra-smooth video and vivid color. The lifelike images have up to six times the detail of standard DVD movies. Delivering state-of-the-art graphics performance, The GeForce 9600 GS graphics card is sure to give you the power and performance you crave to play the hottest DirectX 9 and DirectX 10 titles. Its 16x full-screen antialiasing technology delivers superior quality along with astounding performance and since it's optimized for Windows Vista. The video card includes VGA and DVI video out as well as HDMI audio/video out options. This PC also offers an integrated audio card that can produce high definition surround sound configurable to 8 speakers. Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
This desktop can be wirelessly networked with the integrated Draft-N Wi-Fi LAN (802.11b/g/n). Based on the draft 802.11n Wi-Fi specification, it offers up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range as existing 802.11g wireless. It's also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks. It has one PCI expansion slot (available), two PCI x1 Express slots (one available), one PCI x16 Express slot (occupied), two 5.25-inch bays (one available), three 3.5-inch bays (one available), and the following external ports: - 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)
- Video out: DVI, HDMI, and VGA
- Headphone and microphone jacks
- Audio: Digital SPDIF audio input/output, analog input/output
- Surround sound speakers--rear, side, center (subwoofer)
- 2 PS/2 ports for connecting keyboards and mice
- 15-in-1 media card reader on the front, compatible with CompactFlash (Type I and II), MicroDrive, SmartMedia, Memory Stick/Pro/Duo/Pro Duo, MultiMedia Card, Secure Digital, XD Picture Card, RSMMC, MMC Mobile, MMC+
- 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet
- 56K modem (V.90)
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
This desktop measures 16.61 x 7.0 x 15.51 inches (LxWxD) and weighs approximately 24.25 pounds. Power
What's in the Box
The HP Pavilion Elite m9520f 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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 Has everything I need and is fast. |
| Review Date: February 9, 2009 |
| Reviewer: AC, TN USA |
| I just bought this computer from Amazon a couple of weeks ago. It arrived on time in good shape. Set up was easy with no issues. I researched various computers and found this HP was the best priced for what is offered. I was especially interested in the HDMI out and the built in wireless card. I running it direct through a cable modem now but I may move it to the bed room and run it from my home network linked to a HDTV at some point in the future. I was primarily interested in a Media Center PC configuration that offers the flexibility to go wireless. I was not interested in a TV tuner. Other HP models offer this option for a few hundred dollars more. This one has plenty of power and speed. It runs quite and cool. The quad core processor should handle my needs for years to come. I am very satisfied so far. |
Core2 Quad Media Center PC as advertised with very reasonable price
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| Review Date: May 1, 2009 |
| Reviewer: ignition, California |
UPDATE:
Customers planning on upgrading to Windows 7 should be aware of the fact that this Core2Quad Q8200 Intel CPU WILL NOT support Windows XP running in Virtual Mode of Windows 7. This could be a real deal breaker for those who plan to get away from Vista and benefit by running Windows XP in virtual mode. Most people purchasing this level machine are willing to upgrade the video cards, tuners and other small hardware, but very few will want to upgrade the CPU on such an inexpensive machine.
This HP meets all the RAM and OS requirements for running Windows XP in virtual mode while using Windows 7. This Q8000 Intel CPU does not! It is possible that Intel may change the design of the Q8000 series to support this Windows XP virtual mode after May 2009.
This could be a real deal breaker for some. I wish I had purchased a Q9300 series or other Intel or AMD CPU machine which specifically supported this feature in Windows 7.
I will now have to dual boot Windows XP and Windows 7 or Vista on this machine, or go to a backup machine. Dual booting instead of running Windows XP in virtual mode can be problematic. If you intend to get Windows 7 (and I think almost everyone will run away from Vista as soon as possible), AND you want to also run your Windows XP programs and hardware while in Windows 7, make sure your AMD or Intel CPU supports this Windows feature. Those who do not intend to run Windows XP in virtual mode under the new Windows 7 OS will be content with this rig.
Windows 7 64bit Ultimate can be had free (for one year)from Microsoft, along with the supporting Windows XP virtual mode for those CPU's supporting. Windows 7 (which could be called service release 3 of Vista)will be a must have to all who plan on abandoning Vista itself.
On a positive note, I found the free 64 bit Windows 7 Ultimate easily installed, found all drivers and even the new TV/FM tuner and other hardware I added to this machine better than Vista itself! I even get better reception and more HD TV channels over the air than I did using Vista on the same computer with the same antenna! The Windows Media Center "set up" under Windows 7 and many changes and new features correct many problems and deficiencies of Vista itself.
I have not otherwise altered my initial review which follows:
Purchased at J&R, although I spent much time reading these Amazon reviews first. J&R price and Shipping was great as always. Had concerns because there were many complaining about fan noise of the NVidia GForce 9500GS. Had no such problem, in fact this box is the most quiet I have ever had.
I have always built my own PC before. After a week at Newegg and Tiger Direct, I found I could not possibly buy the parts separate and build a similar machine without paying over $200.00 more and expending the labor to assemble it.
This is at the low end of HP's Media PC's. HP Media PC's with AMD CPU's are of course less expensive than Intel Core2 HP has the largest selection with the most varied prices of Media PC's by far. With 8 Gig RAM, 64bit Vista OS this box can do all your home office chores as well as serve as an inexpensive Media Center.
Yeah Vista is slow and a pain. And there are some additional Vista compatibility problems with runing a Vista 64 bit instead of 32 bit.
However, when you weigh the advanced Vista features (search, Windows Media Center support and a few other Vista OS advances) Vista still comes out better than Windows XP for a new computer with new devices and maximum RAM and 64bit. This is especially true when Windows 7 will be available for free for a year starting May 5 2009. Keep Windows XP on your older backup machine, or dual boot Vista and Windows XP until Windows 7 is released.
This is not a "gaming machine." This was the only HP I could find with an old PCI slot to fit my Digital TV/FM Tuner. I just added the tuner, a blu ray player, and this HP works perfectly.
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Great machine, (and I usually build my own)
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| Review Date: February 19, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Alphawolf, |
Fast, Hi. cap. storage (I also added a 1 TB external)and 8 GB of RAM make this a steal of a deal. I have had zero issues with Vista, and wouldn't go back to XP. Period. I am a photo. editor and this is all the machine I need to run 64 bit Lightroom and 64 bit Photoshop.
I really haven't found a single thing bad to say about it yet. I bought it in about December.
I was going to build my own (again) until I researched this one. I couldn't get close to the specs. of this one for the same money. |
Works very nicely
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| Review Date: March 2, 2009 |
| Reviewer: DVR, Morris Twp., NJ |
| This is a really nice computer; I have not had any of the problems that others have reported. It runs silently and does not run hot at all. Very fast, lots of memory, and I got a 22" screen so its visually very appealing. Games run very well as do blue ray movies. I had some issues with the TV tuner at first, but realized my signal was a little weak...worked it out after a day or so. Also has tons of storage and is easily expandable with HP "media drives" (which work with other computers too) as they are just USB. All-in-all I'm happy so far. |
Excellent computer and a real bargain
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| Review Date: May 29, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Special K, San Antonio, TX |
| This computer does pretty much what I want and then some. It seems to be carefully built, and the 8GB of RAM and the quad processor are way more powerful than I need. My own quibbles are with Vista, SP-1. Due to the "horsepower" of my computer, I do not notice any lack of speed in Vista overall, although boot-up is still slow. However, there are lots of quirky warning and nagging screens, many of which you can turn off. Yes, there are some hated blue screens, most of which have a work-around with either Vista or HP drivers. In particular, I had a real problem getting an HP television tuner to run without a blue screen of death. Granted, the tuner was from my three year old HP laptop, but still this should have not been much of a problem. My other problem was getting Vista to recognize a three year old Maxtor external hard drive. Finally, I am one of the idiots that still uses Palm's OS (Centro phone) and with the 64 bit Vista you simply cannot get Palm to Hot Sync with the computer unless you use Bluetooth, and I still do not have that running right. IE Explorer 8 still has plenty of problems. Adoble Flash Player will not download with the 64 bit IE 8 editions. It will download with the 32 bit IE 8, but IE 8 will not recognize this! That is just ridiculous. I paired my computer with the HP 2159m, a 21.5 inch full HD monitor which is spectacular. Also, the HP support system present on the computer and online is very good. Finally, the HP Easy Backup is about as easy to use as Apple's Time Machine, which had been the best backup system I had seen to date. I recommend this computer, particularly for the money. The only problem you will have is with Vista, and you just have to be a little bit "techy" to get past some of the problems there. If you are not in a hurry, wait for Windows 7. |
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