Like its slightly more powerful cousin, the 5430US, Compaq's 5423US easily handles most any application thrown its way and provides plenty of room for expansion and future upgrades. This unit is a great choice for users who place high demands on their system, but are willing to sacrifice a bit of power in the interest of budgetary restraint. Topping the unit's impressive list of features is one of today's most potent processors, Intel's 1.6 GHz Pentium 4. Although pricier than most alternative processors, including Intel's own Celeron and Pentium III and AMD's Athlon and Duron, Pentium 4 chips are generally faster where it counts most--clock speed. And of the numerous Pentium 4 processors Intel currently markets, the 1.6 GHz model is just a few rungs from the very top.
For the 5423US, Compaq matches this capable Intel processor with more than enough high-end memory to operate any program currently available and most any conceivable level of multitasking. With 512 MB of RAM at your disposal, it may be years until you even need to even contemplate upgrading to the one full gigabyte the system supports.
The 5423US offers something else most prebuilt computers do not--a decent video card. Packed with a generous 64 MB of video memory, the system's nVidia GeForce2 MX graphics board will comfortably operate all 2-D and 3-D tasks and pump out smooth frame rates and detailed textures at all but the absolute highest 3-D game screen resolutions. Truly serious gamers may want the additional performance perks of a GeForce3 or GeForce4 card, yet had best be prepared to drop quite a few more dollars in the process.
With the 5423US, data storage, movement, and backup should never be a problem. Its monstrous 80 GB UltraDMA hard drive offers oodles of space for even the most software-intensive workplace or gaming environment. Its 16x CD-RW drive permits fast burning of audio and data backup or data transferal CDs. Its 3.5-inch floppy disk drive supports any programs or files you might still store on a floppy disk, and its 16x DVD drive smoothly and accurately plays your favorite movies. And if you ever do want to add another drive, the unit's two spare expansion bays are ready to accommodate.
The 5423US is packed with a variety of tools to enhance day-to-day computing. A built-in 56K modem supplies basic Internet connection speed, and a 10/100 Mbps Ethernet card offers multiple computer networking and high-speed Internet potential. The system's Compaq USB Internet keyboard sports an assortment of convenient one-touch multimedia and Internet controls, and its IEEE 1394 FireWire port supports fast data transfer between computers and peripheral devices such as camcorders.
Other important amenities include four USB ports (two of which are handily positioned at the front of the case), a serial port for older mice and external modems, a parallel "printer" port, and an integrated AC97 Soundmax II Audio chip with support for Dolby Digital surround sound. Compaq has not included a monitor or speakers in the package, allowing users to choose and configure their own display and audio setup. The list of pre-installed software includes the Home Edition of the Windows XP operating system, Microsoft Money 2001, Microsoft Works 6.0, Quicken Financial Center/Quicken New User Edition, and InterVideo WinDVD.
