-
Pros
- Big 1TB hard drive.
- Intel Core i3 CPU and 8GB of RAM.
- 802.11n Wi-Fi included.
-
Cons
- Short trial-period on security software.
- Too much needless bloatware.
- No HDMI, eSATA, or USB 3.0 ports.
HP Pavilion p7-1030 Specs
CineBench 11.5 Multimedia Tests: | 3.01 |
Crysis (DX10) (fps) - 1,280 x 720 - Medium - AA/AF= Off/Off: | 13 |
Crysis (DX10) (fps) - 1,920 x 1,080 AA/AF=4X/Off: | 2 |
Graphics Card: | Intel HD Graphics 2000 |
Handbrake Multimedia Tests: | 1:40 min:sec |
MULTIMEDIA TESTS - PhotoShop CS5: | 3:46 min:sec |
Operating System: | Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium |
PCMark7: | 2536 |
Primary Optical Drive: | DVD+/-RW (Plus Minus) |
Processor Family: | Intel Core i3 |
Processor Name: | Intel Core i3-2100 |
Processor Speed: | 3.1 GHz |
RAM: | 8 GB |
Storage Capacity (as Tested): | 1000 GB |
Tech Support: | 1-year warranty |
Tech Support: | parts & labor. |
Type: | Mainstream |
The HP Pavilion p7-1030 ($580 street) is an entry-level/mid-range
Design and Features
The p7-1030 is a mid-tower PC with a black aluminum chassis and a plastic front panel. The panel has the same glossy black finish we've seen on other entry-level desktops from HP, like the
The p7-1030 offers VGA and DVI video outputs, for hooking the desktop up to an external monitor or display—you could even utilize both outputs simultaneously for a dual-monitor setup. You won't be able to use your HDTV as a monitor, though, as there's no HDMI connection available. This exemption is usually the case when vendors want to keep the cost of a system low. Though it may not come with a monitor, the p7-1030 does include a wired USB keyboard and wired optical mouse. The keyboard is surprisingly comfortable, if perhaps on the mushy side, and its low-profile design is attractive. The mouse is also passable for a bundled device, but you'll want to pick up a new keyboard and mouse, if only to switch to something wireless that won't take up two of the six available USB ports.
Internally, the p7-1030 comes equipped with a spacious 1TB 7,200rpm hard drive, which is the same size and speed of the drive found in the Editors' Choice
The p7-1030 comes with several programs pre-installed on the hard drive. Some of these are useful, like a starter version of Microsoft Office 2010, a 30-day trial for Norton Online Backup, and a 60-day trial of Norton Internet Security 2011, but we've seen longer trial periods on competing systems, like the 90-day trial on the Lenovo K330-11691AU. The p7-1030 also comes with HP LinkUp, a program that lets you access other Windows 7 computers on the same local network. Even computers from other manufacturers can download the LinkUp software to share files. It's like having your own local cloud. Desktop links to websites like Netflix and Hulu aren't a problem, but you may be irritated by the multiple screen reading programs from Blio, Kobo, PDF Complete, and Zinio. You'll definitely want to remove extras like toolbars from Bing and Google.
Performance
The p7-1030 is also a capable desktop when it comes to media creation. In our Handbrake test, it finished encoding our video file in 1 minute 40 seconds, whereas the AMD-equipped Asus CM1730-05 took over 2 minutes to complete the task (2:03). The Dell i620-228NBK, on the other hand, just missed the 1:40 mark by 2 seconds. The p7-1030 finished Photoshop CS5 in 3:46. The only comparative system to produce better scores was the Core i5-equipped HP p7-1047cb, which produced times of 1:29 in Handbrake and 3:31 in Photoshop.
The p7-1030's integrated Intel graphics won't let you get too far in terms of 3D gaming; for the heavy lifting, a dedicated graphics card is necessary. The desktop wouldn't even run our 3DMark 11 graphics benchmark test, and without support for DirectX 11, it wouldn't run our Lost Planet 2 test either. The only test we could run was Crysis (DirectX 10), which scored an unplayable 13 frames per second at medium resolution and detail settings. You'll have to upgrade to a discrete graphics card to play anything more demanding than World of Warcraft at low settings.
As entry-level systems go, the HP Pavilion p7-1030 offers a surprisingly potent collection of hardware, with processing power and storage space that should satisfy entry-level shoppers. Features like 1TB of storage space and a full-fledged Intel Core i3 processor make it a compelling choice for anyone on a budget. Shoppers can buy it with confidence, but bargain hunters will note that the HP Pavilion p7-1047cb includes a monitor, and the Editors' Choice Dell Inspiron i620-228NBK offers a similar package for about $100 less.
BENCHMARK TEST RESULTS:
COMPARISON TABLE
More desktop reviews: