HP PRO TOWER 290 G9 Desktop PC Review: A Solid Workhorse?
HP PRO TOWER 290 G9 Desktop PC Review
The HP PRO TOWER 290 G9 is a desktop PC designed for everyday tasks and general productivity. It’s powered by an Intel i3-12100 processor, comes with 4GB of RAM, and offers 1TB of storage. I recently got my hands on this machine and put it through its paces to see if it’s a worthy contender in the budget-friendly desktop market. Let’s dive into the details.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The HP PRO TOWER 290 G9 is aimed at users who require a reliable desktop for basic tasks like web browsing, email, document editing, and light multitasking. It’s a compact and space-saving machine, making it suitable for both home and office environments.
Key Features
The HP PRO TOWER 290 G9 boasts a range of features that contribute to its functionality and user experience:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel i3-12100 |
| RAM | 4GB |
| Storage | 1TB HDD |
| Graphics | Intel UHD 770 |
| Optical Drive | DVD-RW |
| Operating System | Free DOS |
| Connectivity | Wired Mouse & Keyboard |
| Color | Black |
Performance
For everyday tasks, the HP PRO TOWER 290 G9 delivers a smooth and responsive experience. Web browsing is snappy, documents open quickly, and light multitasking doesn’t pose any significant issues. However, you’ll notice some limitations when dealing with more demanding applications. For example, video editing or photo manipulation tasks might lead to lag or longer loading times. The integrated Intel UHD 770 graphics are sufficient for basic video playback but aren’t suitable for gaming or intensive graphics work.
I found the 4GB of RAM to be somewhat limiting for modern operating systems and applications. While it can handle basic workloads, you might experience sluggish performance when multiple programs are running simultaneously. Upgrading the RAM would be a worthwhile investment to improve performance.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Affordable price point.
- Compact design, saving space.
- Reliable performance for basic tasks.
- Includes DVD-RW drive for disc compatibility.
Cons:
- Limited RAM might require an upgrade for optimal performance.
- Integrated graphics not suitable for demanding tasks.
- No pre-installed operating system.
Final Verdict
The HP PRO TOWER 290 G9 is a budget-friendly desktop PC that’s suitable for everyday tasks like web browsing, email, and light productivity. It’s reliable and compact, making it an attractive option for users on a tight budget. However, its limited RAM and integrated graphics might require upgrades for more demanding tasks. If you’re looking for a desktop primarily for basic computing needs, the HP PRO TOWER 290 G9 is a solid choice.
