Compaq Delves Into DDR Memory

Compaq Computer has unveiled a new desktop PC designed to give users an extra graphics punch. Running on an Advanced Micro Devices processor, the new PC uses DDR, an emerging high-speed memory type.

Compaq also announced a new low cost desktop PC. The new Presario units, announced Wednesday, are available immmediately direct from Compaq's Consumer Web site.

The Presario Series 7000z model 7QS, which is priced from $1299, is Compaq's first desktop to include the DDR (double data rate) SDRAM memory technology, a company spokesperson says. DDR SDRAM doubles the data transfer rate in a chip set to give users an edge when working with graphic-intensive applications or creating digital content.

The memory standard is being promoted by AMD, Via Technologies, and several memory makers as a cheaper alternative to RDRAM (Rambus DRAM). RDRAM is based on proprietary technology from a memory technology design company Rambus.

The 7QS is offered with AMD's Athlon processor at speeds ranging from 1 GHz to 1.2 GHz. Compaq will also include MyMovieStudio video editing software and DVD-R technology for writing information onto DVDs.

The PC maker also unwrapped its Presario 5000z series model 5UV PC, which is priced from $799, including a 15-inch monitor. The low-cost machine comes with an AMD Athlon or Duron processor with speeds ranging from 800 MHz to 1 GHz, Compaq representatives say.