Compaq Deskpro EP Model 6400/6400CDS

Compaq Deskpro EP Model 6400/6400CDS

The real story behind this Pentium II-400 Compaq Deskpro is its versatile design and useful management features. This well-crafted corporate PC offers networking capabilities, including a 100-mbps ethernet card and utilities for starting and configuring the system from a central server. But subpar performance and watered-down components keep it out of Best Buy territory.

At $3079, this Deskpro is priced in the middle of the 400-MHz pack, but its PC WorldBench score of 200 puts it near the bottom among its peers. Still, the system outpaces all Windows 95 PCs based on slower CPUs and includes a 56-kbps modem. But other components fall short. The 6.4GB hard disk is about 2GB smaller than the average for Top 20 power systems--and is less than half the size of the largest drives--while the 12X­24X CD-ROM drive is slower than most. The system also lacks a Zip drive.

The 6400CDS benefits from Compaq's attention to quality. This sturdy system features an innovative design that can mount drives either vertically or horizontally, allowing for proper orientation whether the case is set as a desktop or a tower. The case opens easily to reveal a spacious interior with a duct that channels blown air directly onto the CPU.

Compaq offers toll-free technical support 24 hours a day and provides a three-year warranty on parts (one on labor). Our calls to the support line revealed competent technicians and timely service, and system documentation is thorough.

SUMMARY

PRO: Network ready, includes modem CON: Slightly slow for a PII-400