New HP Pavilion zv5000z and Compaq R3000Z Feature 64-bit Processors

Hewlett-Packard Co. isnow sellingtwo new notebooks that feature Advanced Micro Devices Inc.'s (AMD's) Mobile Athlon 64 processor in addition toa previously unannounced version of its older Athlon XP-M processor, the Athlon XP-M 3000+. The new HP Pavilion ZV5000Z notebook is being offered with two different processor configurations, the AMD Athlon 64 3000+ (1.80 GHz with 1MB L2 Cache) or the AMD Athlon 64 3200+ (2.00 GHz with 1MB L2 Cache). The new Compaq R3000Z notebook is being offered with these sameproccessors in addition to the Athlon XP-M 3000+ (64-bit w/64-bit processing disabled, 256MB L2 Cache) .

HPShopping.com has the new HP zv5000z Notebook Available with AMD Athlon 64 processors.

HPShopping.com is shipping the new Compaq R3000Z Notebook that features a choice of three AMD processors in its configuration, two of which are Athlon 64 processors and one of which is being dubbed the Athlon XP-M 3000+

It seems that the new Athlon XP-M 3000+ processor wasproduced at HP's request, AMD disabled the 64-bit capability of its Mobile Athlon 64 chip and reduced the L2 Cache from1MB to 256KBin order to produce this new chip. Chip makers do thisquite oftenin order to offer a lower-priced chip that PC makers can use in lower-end systems. For example, Intel's Celeron chip is a scaled-down version of its Pentium 4, and AMD's Duron is a slimmed-down version of the Athlon XP. Using the same chipset architecture for this new Athlon XP-M as the Athlon 64 chip also means that HP can use the same motherboard for all configurations of the R3000Z notebook.

HP is the second notebook maker to offer a 64-bit capable notebook. EMachines was the first manufacturer to release such a notebook in the M6805 and M6807 notebooks it now sells.

 

Having looked at the comparable eMachines system based on the A64, I wasn't overly impressed with it's "build quality" - the shiny plastic just looks kind of cheap. So I was excited to learn that HP/Compaq would be offering a laptop based on the A64 - until I checked their site:

1> It's paired with an nVidia GeForce 4 420/440 Go. This is a pretty old graphics chip at this point - it's outclassed by nVidias own mobile 5650 offering - and the Mobility Radeon 9600 (available on the eMachines system - and the other 3000 series systems at Compaq) simply wipes the floor with the 420/440 Go.

2> For some reason, several options are available on the R3000T series systems that are unavailable on the R3000Z - No DVD-RW, Only 3 HDD Types, and fewer wireless offerings. For systems that have similar dimensions you'd think they could offer similar configuration choices.

It's only advantage is the better resolution display, and superior build quality over the eMachines systems. Unfortunately, HP/Compaq doesn't seem to be fully behind this new architecture, and have made some cost cutting decisions (although a similarly equipped P4 system ala the R3000T can be built, but with better options for the same money, not to mention a Mobility R9600) - that severely mitigate the power that the A64 would otherwise deliver.

 

Anyone know which one is better - Pavilion or Pressario?

The price out to the exact amount for the same config, but I don't know which one to pick.

Any idea?

 

They are essentially the same. The Compaq branding is still around for the business side of the business. If this is for personal use, I recommend the HP. You'll find subtle differences that are designed for consumers.

Editor in Chief http://www.bargainPDA.com and http://www.SPOTstop.com

 

I was very interested in the A64. Being that I prefer AMD. All set to by the Compaq R3000Z series.

Be advised that The Motherboard is only a [ ]533 MHz font side bus and the memory that ships with it is only [ ]233 MHz. With that in Mind you will never see the difference from a standard AMD and the A64.

To see the benefits let alone reap the benefits of the A64. You need a much higher bus and Memory speed. Like an 800 MHz font side bus and match 400 MHz memory.

Until Compaq Gets there hardware up to speed for the A64 and the 64 bit software becomes available. It’s just not there so any other laptop would work just as fast and good.