Hewlett Packard (KR785UT) PC Desktop

I really wish our company would purchase the exact same make and model PC whenever the need for a new PC arises.  Then again, I'm not quite sure if that's possible, since it seems that HP changes their models so often.

The new HP dx7500 isn't much different than the HP dx2400 I reviewed. The front fascia has the same glossy look, except this time around, there are no visable vents or grills.  This actually makes it look better than the dx2400. The dx7500s were purchased as replacements for old dinosaurs (HP D220 and dx2000), and while the dx7500 isn't much different from the other HPs we already have, we still no shortage of dx2300 and dx2200 users drooling over one.

Who said inner beauty is what matters?

Configuration
The motherboard of the dx7500 uses the same components in their entire dx7500 line. The things that you can configure online are CPU, memory, hard drive, and optical drive. None of these components affect driver installs.

I've noticed that the new dx7500 uses a new Intel chipset compared to the older Intel 945 series on the previous dx2300. The network chipset also differs, which makes interchanging dx2300 hard drive images nearly impossible.

However, the dx2400 and dx7500 have the same Intel chipset (G45/G43 series), which also shares the same integrated graphics as well.  In fact, everything is the same between the dx7500 and dx2400 except for one thing: the network card.  While the dx2400 uses the Realtek RT-8168C/8111C Gigabit PHY, the dx7500 uses Intel's new 1000 Pro Gigabit PHY.  This makes the hard drive images for the dx2400 work on the dx7500, but we would have to install the NIC driver manually.  It's still better than installing everything from scratch!

The components that are consistent to all dx7500 models are:

Sound - Reaktek HD Audio
Chipset/Video - Intel G33/G31 Express chipset and integrated video
Intel 1000 Pro Gigabit PHY (PCIE Gigabit)

These components can be configured to your liking online, but when I received the dx7500, it was configured as such:

CPU - Intel Core 2 Duo E7400 (2.8 GHz, 1066 MHz FSB, 45nm, 3 MB cache)
Memory - 1x 1 GB of Samsung DDR2 PC-6400
Hard Drive - 80 GB SATA Western Digital
Optical Drive - SATA DVD-ROM drive (HL-LG)

As you can see, it is a fairly ho-humm work PC. The memory was bumped up from the default dx2400 configuration of 512 MB to 1 GB, and is also using a faster bus speed (800 to 1066 MHz).  We still order an extra 1 GB to add to this configuration to make the total to 2 GB.

Expansion
The ability to upgrade is also very important in a corporate PC. This gives an organization the flexibility to keep up with the ever growing technology leaps without spending more on new equipment. While most mini-tower PCs are considered hard or impossible to upgrade, the HP Compaq dx7500 is pretty good in this area. Still, the small physical size of the mini-tower case still limits you in a few departments. But it is roomy enough for your hands to navigate around inside.

The physical size of the case only allows for 2 externally accessible 5.25" drives, one of which is already used by the included optical drive. This means you can install one additional 5.25" drive, but that's it. There is only a single externally accessible 3.5" drive bay, since a floppy drive was not ordered with my current build. I suggest, in this day in age, to install an internal 3.5" multi-card reader. Inside of the case, you can stuff 2 total internal 3.5" hard drives. Of course, one is already used, so you have 1 more spot left. Or if you decide not to use the 3.5" external bay, you can just not take off the cover and use it as a 3rd internal drive bay.

The hard drive cage needs to be removed in order to install the drives, however. It requires a single flat head or hex driver (both patterns are cut out on the screw, just like all HP/Compaq PCs).

The motherboard is a standard mini-ATX formfactor, but is actually inverted (installed on the other side of the case). This allows the CPU and the heatsink to be near the bottom rear of the case, which closer to the rear fan and side panel grill for better cooling.

Just as well, the mini-ATX motherboard gives plenty of expansion slots. Every single slot is free for upgrades, since most of the devices integrated on the motherboard is all you'd ever need. This time around, there are no PCI slots!  The dx7500 is very forward looking, allowing only for PCI-E cards.

Memory slots have also grown to a total of 4 (3 free). The dx2300 only had 2 total, which is a nice little upgrade from the previous model. You still get 4 SATA connectors, two of which are used for the HDD and DVD-ROM drive.

1x PCI Express 16x Lanes
3x PCI Express 1x Lane
4x DDR2 memory slots (3 free)
4x SATA connectors (2 free)

The power supply included is a standard ATX sourced from Lite-On. It offers 350W of power (an upgrade from the dx2400's 300W PSU), and an array of power connectors. A good amount is left for you to add additional devices.

PSU Connectors
4x SATA (2 free)
2x Molex
1x mini Molex
1x 4-pin 12v Aux (used on motherboard)
1x 24-pin ATX (used on motherboard)


Externally, the ports offered have been upgraded over the dx2400.  There are now digital coaxial SPDIF for audio input and output, which allows for surround sound signals for an external decoder (such as a reciever or speakers).  Another great upgrade are the DVI and VGA outputs, allowing you to do dual-screen setups without purchasing a seperate video card.

REAR
2x PS/2 ports (keyboard/mouse)
1x VGA (video)
1x DVI (video)
4x USB 2.0 ports
1x Firewire (IEEE 1349)
1x Gigabit Ethernet Jack
3x Audio Ports (Line Out, Headphone, Mic In)
2x coaxial SPDIF (input, output)

FRONT
Power Button
3x USB 2.0
1x Firewire (IEE 1349)
Headphone and Mic In audio jacks

The case inside isn't very cluttered, and is very easy to gain access to everything. The power cables were tied together so that it wouldn't create a mess, but it isn't like Dell's cable management, which involve the case being designed so that the cables can be tucked and routed with hooks throughout the inside of the case. Also Dell's cables seem to be the exact lengths they need to be for the cable run.

While speakers are not included in the package, the internal speaker is good enough for an office environment. It's not the kind that just beeps - it does allow you to listen to music and hear your videos. It may be hard to hear if you place the mini-tower on the floor by your feet, though. A good pair of speakers need to be paired up with this computer if you wish to have any sound quality better than a telephone. My suggestion for the users who request speakers (computer-based teleconference) is to use a good quality pair of headphones or even a headset with boom mic if they need to communicate.

The Upshot
The HP Compaq dx7500 is a very easy PC to support in mass since they all use the same driver set. CPU, memory, hard drive, and optical drive choices may customized due to the individual's need, but the same basic hard drive image from the dx2400 can be used on it.  The only change is the network driver.  After installing the Intel driver for the network bits, the new hard drive image can be used for both the dx2400 as well, making support easier, and also save hard drive space on our Ghost server.

Performance varies, of course, but on my particular set up, it is quick enough for us to use our web-based support tools, AS400, and running administrative tasks with Active Directory.  The usual such as Microsoft Office 2007, Outlook, and surfing via Internet Explorer 6, 7, and 8 ran without a sweat either.



Previously Reviewed Boring Work PCs
HP Compaq dx2200
HP Compaq dx2300
HP Compaq dx2400
Dell Optiplex 520 (Old Config)
Dell Optiplex 520 (New Config)
Dell Vostros 200
Dell Latitude D630