14 DAY TRIAL // Computers come in a wide range of performance and design options, from simple mini PCs with just a token level of processing power to hulking behemoths of unmatched performance. The HP Pavilion 500z is one of the cheapest PCs out there that still has a good prowess level.
The HP Pavilion series is one that has been around for quite some time. HP likes to extend it every so often. This is one of those times.
The Pavilion 500z model isn't altogether new, but it gained our attention now for its significant price cut of $110 / €90. Quite low considering the hardware inside.
Admittedly, the AMD A6-7400K accelerated processing unit isn't the strongest chip in the world, with its two cores, but the 3.5 GHz clock is pretty good and the integrated Radeon R5 graphics are decent as well. Better than anything Intel CPUs can offer if nothing else.
That, coupled with the rest of the specifications, makes it a good starting system for everyone, easily allowing for upgrades later on.
The HP Pavilion 500z
The central processing unit (CPU) is actually an accelerated processing unit, as we said before (APU). The chip uses the FM2+ socket and is based on the Kaveri micro-architecture.
It is backed by 8 GB of DDR3 RAM, a considerable memory capacity even for high-end systems, despite the 500z not being intended as one, exactly.
However, the RAM does mean that you've got one base covered for when you decide to improve the computer after a while. It means you can spend your money on a graphics card instead.
The Radeon R5 may be decent, but you should still buy an add-in adapter if you plan to do anything more strenuous than web browsing and the like.
Storage is also well covered. 1 TB capacity might not be amazing for an HDD, but it's still considerable, especially compared to what an SSD would provide for a lot more money.
Other components include 802.11n WiFi, ports for VGA, DVI and Gigabit Ethernet, six USB 3.0 rear connectors, and Optional Bluetooth (for an extra $10 / €7).
Finally, a DVD Writer is located on the front of the case, along with an I/O panel (two USB 3.0 ports, headphone/mic jacks, a multi-card reader) and the power/reset buttons.
Availability and price
We already mentioned the price, but you can pay $25 / €20.35 for a 2 TB HDD instead of the 1 TB one, plus an extra $25 to swap the A6 APU for an A8 chip. A keyboard and mouse are included with the HP Pavilion 500z regardless, and the warranty is of one year.
