HP D530 3.0 GHz Tower XP Pro Computer (Refurbished)

As always, Overstock delivered in quick time, about 4 business days. I was actually shocked at the condition of this computer both inside and out as it was clean as a whistle with nary a nick or scratch on it. It looked brand new. I've had my son's older gaming computer since he went to college and had already done some big upgrades to it over the years. I even replaced the processor once, but when that failed again (after two years), I knew I had to either invest money in another much older processor for compatibility or salvage what I could and move up as a brand new computer was out of the question given I just bought a netbook for mobile computing . My first thoughts turned to finding an older refurbished computer, but most did not have the necessary internals to handle those things I wanted to strip out of my old computer like an available AGP slot for the older video card or extra RAM slots that could later be used to further upgrade my RAM. The Dells on Overstock and elsewhere, while cheap, didn't provide enough information for me to assess what I could beef up or not and Dell's website is hideous to use for older products unless you have a serial number or service tag. Those that did provide information really couldn't be upgraded considerably. However, HP's website had the entire computer manual for this computer available, easily located, which gave all the internal information you'd need as well as other info. This computer was PERFECT for my needs. One of the biggest pluses, outside of the AGP slot for my older 128MB video card, is that the RAM can be upgraded to as much as 4 GBs meaning this won't become obsolete and slow as programs grow in complexity. The manual even told you exactly what type of RAM you'd need and the necessary configuration in the four slots. Before I installed my own RAM, this computer still ran briskly and smoothly. Now with 2GB's (one 1GB, one 512k, and the original two 256k sticks it comes with) it's zippier than my older computer that had the much slower, older processor. The processor on this computer is also an excellent value and speed for a refurb being a Pentium versus Intel's line of cheaper, slower processor the Celeron. This weekend's project is to install the video card, Soundblaster audio card, and the DVD writer. I'll deal with the 160GB hard drive on another day as I'm unsure whether I can simply add it as a second drive when it runs a different version of XP (Home) or if I'll have to wipe it clean. That's another plus for this system, Windows XP Professional. That's Microsoft's best OS right now. Vista is awful. Additionally, the amount of USB slots is excellent with two of the six located in the front for easy access along with headphone and mic jacks. For those who are not ready, willing or able to do any upgrades, and aren't huge power users outside of your basic computer stuff like internet surfing, email, listening to music, and Office programs, bookkeeping, photo importing, etc. this is an excellent value with good bones that you can always later upgrade should your needs change. And the one-year warranty on a refurb is the best I've seen. Most are only 60-90 days. Thanks again Overstock for a great experience!