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HP Pavilion R3-5300G/8GB RAM/256GB SSD Desktop $598 (Was $998) + Delivery ($0 C&C/ in-Store) @ Harvey Norman

680

I just picked up one of these bad boys. Actually I don't know if it's a bad boy because I don't know a lot about computers, just enough to keep me out of trouble. I did a bit of research and it looks OK for the price and suits what I need it for - web browsing and photo editing with a little bit of office work thrown in. I'll add another 8gb or ram and maybe a GTX1650 (pretending to be computer savvy but found that on the interweb) and it will do me for a few years. It's $100 cheaper than the refurbished deal on the HP website. It looks like HN are selling off the silver model because the black one is still $998.

HP Pavilion R3-5300G/8GB/256GB SSD
System Features from the HP website
Operating System - Windows 11 Home
Processors - AMD Ryzen™ 3 5300G (up to 4.2 GHz max boost clock, 8 MB L3 cache, 4 cores, 8 threads)
Processor Footnote - [6] Multi-core is designed to improve performance of certain software products. Not all customers or software applications will necessarily benefit from use of this technology. Performance and clock frequency will vary depending on application workload and your hardware and software configurations. Intel’s numbering, branding and/or naming is not a measurement of higher performance.
Processor Family - AMD Ryzen™ 3 processor
Chipset - AMD Promontory B550A
Memory - 8 GB DDR4-3200 MHz RAM (1 x 8 GB)
Memory Slots - 2 DIMM. Memory Note Transfer rates up to 3200 MT/s.
Storage Hard Drive Description - 256 GB PCIe® NVMe™ SSD
Optical Drive - DVD-Writer
Cloud Service - 25 GB Dropbox storage for 12 months
Display And Graphics - AMD Radeon™ Graphics
Front Ports - 1 SuperSpeed USB Type-C® 5Gbps signaling rate; 2 SuperSpeed USB Type-A 10Gbps signaling rate; 2 SuperSpeed USB Type-A 5Gbps signaling rate; 1 headphone/microphone combo; 1 microphone
Rear Ports - 4 USB 2.0 Type-A; 1 audio-in; 1 audio-out; 1 microphone; 1 RJ-45
Expansion Slots - 2 M.2; 1 PCIe x16; 1 PCIe x1
HP 3-in-1 memory card reader
Video Connectors - 1 HDMI-out 1.4; 1 VGA
Audio Features - 5.1 surround sound
USB black wired keyboard and mouse combo
Network Interface - Integrated 10/100/1000 GbE LAN
Wireless - Realtek RTL8821CE-M 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (1x1) Wi-Fi® and Bluetooth® 4.2 combo
Power Supply Type - 180 W Smart AC power adapter
Dimensions Without Stand (W X D X H) 15.54 x 30.3 x 33.74 cm
Package Dimensions (W X D X H) 49.9 x 40 x 28.7 cm
Weight 5.96 kg Package Weight 8.2 kg

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closed Comments

  • +21

    ✅plays Crysis *

    It’s an upvote from me

  • +16

    If you don’t specifically need native windows support a refurb M1 Mac mini is only $180 more from Apple, should smash this performance wise. Also has office productivity software built in.

    • i have enough PCs but this mac mini m1 refurb is interesting as i also have intel macs and would be interesting to see how the m1 goes as i can’t justify m2 prices.

    • Do you have a link to the refurb store?

    • 30% more money, for a refurb. Seems like apples and…

      • +4

        Apple's refurbs are practically brand new. Brand new everything, except the motherboard which is pulled from a returned Mac and thoroughly tested.

      • +1

        I don’t think you have any concept of how much better value this option actually is ;)

      • +2

        agree if some random company refub, but this is apple refub…

        • You also get Apple warranty and consumer law coverage, as well as support.

          I think the only downside from a refurb is if it arrives with any cosmetic damage for whatever reason and it might not come in the original box? Been a while since I've dealt with it but there's basically no downside.

    • Is it easy enough to install windows on one?

      • M1/M2 chip Macs you need to install either parallels or VMware or maybe virtual box to use windows. Otherwise if you have an Intel based Mac you can boot natively using bootcamp

  • +6

    Ok boomer

    • +6

      I see what you did here

    • +27

      Sadly for me it's a nickname I've had since I was a kid. I'm not even a boomer…Sigh….

      • +17

        Is it because you shop at HN?

      • +7

        Do all the young people blame you personally for stealing their houses?

        • What do we call our parents who used to have all the houses and wealth before we did, boomer breeders?

        • LOL.

      • +1

        what do you need your own computer for in prison?

    • +2

      I resemble that reference

  • This is or the M2 Mac Mini??

    • +2

      Depends what you want it for. Do you want native Windows and Linux support and parts upgradability? Then go this, otherwise the M2 will smash this in terms of performance, will run silently, has better IO (IMO), is smaller, uses less power etc.

      • Apart from M2 is not upgrade-able nor is repairable, this one is, you can upgrade from 256GB to 1TB for under $100.

    • +1

      The performance of the M2 is overrated. Normies won't know the difference. Get which ever Operating System you're comfortable with.

      • If the performance doesn't matter much, and it's just for general work/web/office, this is a poor choice.

        Plenty of similar prebuilts with slightly older CPU for less.

        The 5600g is the drawcard in this one.

  • +1

    Optical drive. Unusual these days to include one. Could be useful for some. HP must have a warehouse or two with modules to move. Doesn't say BD though, that would of pushed the cost up.

    • +4

      the drive is good for ripping your old cd collection to flac or a recovery cd.

    • +1

      DVD can still be handy when you need it, if you have kids who borrow DVDs from library.

    • +2

      They are also good to be used as a retractable tray to support a cup of coffee

      • +6

        I use mine as a ham delivery system for my hungry computer.

    • +1

      Definitely unusual. Even if you need one, this doesn't increase its value though since you can buy a slim external USB DVD drive for some $15 on ebay.

    • +12

      Looks like you’re out of meds…

      • -1

        Yep the affiliates fear for their dirty money!

    • +5

      WinAmp is back BABY!

  • +6

    I think it is more of an "old boy" than "bad boy" :-)

  • +4

    I would recommend you add the additional RAM, it will improve performance in both the CPU and graphics as the memory will be accessed in dual channel.

    The price of graphics cards is still inflated, I wouldn't buy one now unless you actually need it. The small power supply really limits your options. Hopefully some new low power options hit the market soon, the 1650 is getting old now, it's hard to recommend one when it was cheaper 3 years ago.

    • +3

      I don’t thing the 1650 will work with the 180W power supply.

  • Probably "ok" for mum or dad who needs a new PC for basic stuff, sending emails, youtube and the likes of it.

    Not really going to be suitable for any intensive work loads, and the RAM and storage are going to be limiting factors.
    I'd suggest with the awkward price point of $600 it would be hard to do much better with a custom build, but if you could spend 800-1000 you could double or triple the performance in key areas.

    • +5

      Wrong. You can do much better for less.
      https://au.pcpartpicker.com/list/N8hwd9
      This HP is a dud. Imagine being tricked by that inflated RRP even with that DVD warning sign.

      • +1

        Plus Windows, dvdrw, wireless kb&m, assembly?

        • Exactly. This cpu flies! scores 13000 on cpubenchmark… For basic daily pc use and no no no Il, I'm not saying make it a gaming PC by adding everything then the cost goes up heaps! For most average people 8gb, 256 is fine and external HDs, ssds etc are so cheap as we see here daily , the CPU being the most important part is a good one for this purpose (even overkill) I'm tempted to buy it but I have 5 AIOs and a few desktops sitting around that I don't use so I won't (but it's veryyyyy hard being an addict ozbargainer!!!)

        • +2

          +$20 for windows key online if you really need to remove the activate windows logo.
          +$10 for the eWaste k/m this HP has.
          +$0 because DVD isn't a thing. +$5 for a DVD capacity usb drive.

          Still cheaper and better. You can even get better laptops for cheaper that this HP trash. The CPU is literally the lowest entry level last gen CPU.

          +$50 if you can't build something as simple as this in 15 min. Note that this type of prebuilts use proprietary MB and case design that will make doing anything a hassle and kill resale.

      • Although possible the need to potentially RMA it is a point I should have mentioned when I was considering writing my post.

  • +4

    Should also look into Beelink mini pc. Similar priced but better parts

  • Power Supply Type - 180 W Smart AC power adapter
    I'll add another 8gb or ram and maybe a GTX1650

    Will it have the juice?

    • +1

      Don’t think so.

  • +16

    I'm not sure this is much of a bargain.

    For one thing, you could build one with twice the RAM and 4x the storage (with APU, RAM and SSD being a bit faster too) for around the same price.

    Better PSU for that future GPU upgrade too.

    Surely there are better prebuilts around this price, then…?

    PCPartPicker Part List

    Type Item Price
    CPU AMD Ryzen 5 5600G 3.9 GHz 6-Core Processor $192.00 @ Amazon Australia
    Motherboard MSI B550M PRO-VDH WIFI Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard $179.00 @ MSY Technology
    Memory *Patriot Viper Steel 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3600 CL18 Memory $66.00 @ Amazon Australia
    Storage *ADATA Legend 710 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 3.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive $68.25 @ BPC Technology
    Case Azza Luminous 110F MicroATX Mini Tower Case $42.00 @ MSY Technology
    Power Supply Thermaltake TR2 500 W ATX Power Supply $58.80 @ Skycomp Technology
    Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts
    Total $606.05
    *Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
    Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-04-02 09:25 AEST+1000
    • +1

      Have to add windows too yeah?

    • +9

      For one thing, you could build one

      That's your first mistake. This PC isn't catered for those who build…. it's Harvey Norman. When someone doesn't know computers and wants something to work out of the box.

      • +3

        Exactly ^ I always love this comparison on pre-built PCs

        The target buyer definitely isn't someone who can just whip together a bunch of parts and buy an "illegal" Windows key off the internet

      • +2

        Plus
        In most places, you need to pay $5+ on postage, even though it says Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts.
        Doesn't come with windows (that's another $20+ or whatever)
        No DVD-Writer on the list.
        Not that matters but Azza Luminous is a butt ugly.
        You get one year warranty as a whole, warranty on individual parts is a pain in the ass, especially through MSY.
        And last, if I want to build a PC, I would build something with the latest and greatest, not something worth $600 almost outdated, and not worth the time.

  • Best post. Thanks boomer.

  • +3

    Yeah a lot of people (especially older whom I work with in the home and small buz tech space) do not have a clue about how to build a PC and don't want to waste time or money trying to it paying someone to. This 1, you just press ON and off you go. It Is a good deal while maybe not the deal of the century ?!!

  • Would a 2070 Super fit in this?

    • No you'd need to upgrade the PSU. You'd need to check the physical dimensions too.

  • +4

    Not sure why anyone would buy this as sellers such as BPC Tech are selling prebuilts with non-proprietary parts with better specs (e.g. https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/758572)

    • +3

      Because OzBargain has become about purchase validation and shilling.

      • +2

        So Jazkool is shilling for BPC despite the massive pathetic shitshow they have going on right now? 😜

        • lol they picked the same cheap case I did…. Hope they have decent airflow….

          • +1

            @Forfiet: I never understand why system builders go for those cases with no airflow. If they're doing cheap cases like Darkflash it's only a tad more for one with airflow.

            In BPC's case they can't say because it'll cost extra fans. They pocket the included fans with all cases so they have a shitload stocked up.

            • @Clear: My techfast Allied case from a few years back was fine for airflow, but it is also a larger case….

              I don't dislike the darkflash, but my intention wasn't airflow but a cheap case to slap weeb decals on as my lab/office pc…. (My computers rarely look fun)

              My components and loads won't suffer badly with my fan setup…. So yay!

  • +1

    It is not a deal for me.
    I would get an education discounted base m2 mini or a minisforum um690.

    • +1

      Why? Gerry needs more dog food and his affiliates will neg you if you hinder them!

  • +1

    Pretty sure HP stands for Horrible Products when it comes to consumer pcs.

    • Ask a mathematician to square HP with HN.

      • +2

        Horrible products and hopeless nonces?

  • +1

    you'll need to upgrade the PSU… stock 180W is way too low for 1650

    • Like a lot of trash prebuilts, this uses a proprietary power-supply and motherboard (not ATX) so not easily done.

  • how big is the box? bigger than my pillowcase size?

  • To some people, HP warranty is a good choice compare to DIY shop warranty. If the customers have any issues, they can bring it back to HN and get them to "deal" with it. For a dud computer, they can even get money back. For Windows 11, a legit OEM copy is $100+, if this computer is for a small business, the Windows License is worth every cents. As for power consumption, this box will not use 4X the power than a NUC, that's the worst case scenario. If the computer is idle, it most likely drawing 30W - 50W at most. This computer cooling should be better than a laptop/NUC of the similar processor type as it has a the bigger box (bigger fan, more fans, etc), the performance will be better under load as well as it won't throttle as much.

    • -4

      You're dead wrong on all points.
      You can get legit keys for $20.
      The NUC idles at 9.8W while the HP trash is 27W. Under max load the NUC is 34-43W (depending on TDP) while the HP landfill is 89W (don't forget the NUC is probably doing more work at max as well).
      Depending on the workload, the NUC outperforms this HP junk too, especially GPU workloads. It doesn't thermal throttle only power throttle.
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdfrY8FO7o0
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlZz-NPNg_I
      Post any data that validates your baseless opinions.

      • What is the processor of the NUC? (Mobile??). Also, there is no need to say Trash this and that. Just because you don't think it is the best deal, it doesn't mean trash. As I said, if you are comparing the same specs, the power consumption won't varies a lot as the CPU, chipset, ssd and memory are similar in power consumption.

        • -1

          Look at data - you are factually wrong. The real world measured power consumption is much higher in the HP, as well as theoretical - 3x worse at best.

          The NUC processor is 5500U - vastly superior than the 5300g in performance per watt. The HP is literal trash because the processor is the poorest binned chip, last gen and HN cant clear. I'm comparing same price not same spec. Comparing same specs the HP is terrible because every part of the HP hardware is low specification crap (single channel ram, non-ATX MB, non-ATX PSU, not even a wraith cooler). Yes for same specs the power consumption is the same poor power consumption - what is your point?

          • @brenwildman: 5500U is Mobile, 3500G is Desktop. It is like you are comparing motor bike vs V8 engine. They just have different use cases. I used to like Asus too but these days, they really have a hard time to get sleep function correctly with their BIOS.

            • @bobokingdom: Your analogy is terrible since it means the example NUC is a V12 (5500U is 6c/12t, 5300g is 4c/8t) faster than the HP 'V8'. Despite being in the mobile segment, the 5500U is equivalent performance to 5300g at much lower TDP (slightly lower single core perf, slightly higher multicore perf, high gpu perf, unlikely to be a noticeable difference). https://cpu-comparison.com/amd-ryzen-3-5300g/amd-ryzen-5-550…

              Mobile/Desktop label is simply a label and does not indicate performance of specific models - as clearly shown by the trash 5300g.

      • +2

        Can't get a legit key for $20. Those $20 keys are not legit and you are overpaying for dodgy keys.

  • How about Zen 2 / 3 technical differences? expansion slots on the main board. A legit Windows 11 license in BIOS than a $20 code on the web. A warranty that you can walk into a shop and let HN to deal with it? I am not trashing your suggestions, but I think the HP is a good and convenient choice for some people. In my own experience, I found Desktop will last much longer than laptop (NUC).

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