The HP Compaq dx6100 desktop computers were sold primarily to businesses. They were built to fit in the small spaces common in most workplaces, with both HP Compaq dx6100 microtower PC and slim tower PC models available. The 2.8GHz Intel Pentium 4 processor was one of the first to support hyper-threading, which was an exciting new feature that allowed the operating system to treat one processor as two, increasing efficiency.

Even though the HP Compaq dx6100 desktops aren't the newest, fanciest computers available, they remain dependable business desktops. The following links will help you save money by making the most of HP Compaq dx6100 desktops still in use in your office:

1. For an immediate performance increase, upgrade the memory in your Hewlett Packard dx6100.
2. Use the best software resources to get the most out of your HP dx6100.
3. Download any missing troubleshooting documentation or user guides for your HP Compaq dx6100 desktop PC.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase and install additional memory in your HP dx6100 office PC

Both slimline and microtower versions of the HP Compaq dx6100 computer have four memory module slots. The motherboard supports up to 4GB of DDR-SDRAM memory. The DIMMs should be PC2700 333 MHz or PC3200 400 MHz DDR-SDRAM DIMMs. Upgrading system memory is one of the most cost effective ways of increasing system performance.

I recommend: You can be sure you're purchasing the right memory upgrade by ordering from UpgradeComputerMemory or Memory-Up.com.

Make the most of your older HP dx6100 with best software resources

For a minimal investment, you can own a software toolkit that will help you perform HP dx6100 PC maintenance and optimization. Such kits can also act as emergency kits for rescuing and recovering your precious data and system. There are also some great software tools if you're looking for something less comprehensive.

I recommend: Order the award-winning Spotmau PowerSuite Professional. This suite is incredibly powerful, and will help you do almost anything you can think of, including troubleshooting, backup and PC optimization. It is truly one of the best all-in-one computer toolkits. Windows Accelerator is another award-winning program that will help you perform much needed maintenance to increase the speed and performance of your older PC.

Know where to find troubleshooting info and maintenance guides for your HP dx6100

Nowadays most companies don't ship the full service and maintenance manuals for their PCs even when you order them new. For those guides, you normally have to visit the vendor website and download and print them yourself. The vendor website also offers basic troubleshooting support.

I recommend: The most comprehensive source for documentation is Hewlett-Packard. You can download white papers, user guides, troubleshooting information, service and maintenance information and even getting started guides. The HP Business Support Center is a resource for troubleshooting your HP dx6100, downloading any necessary drivers, and even finding out how to dispose of the computer once its outlived its usefulness.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  You can greatly extend the life of your HP Compaq dx6100 desktop computers just by performing simple maintenance tasks. It's probably been sitting underneath a desk for years, so drag it out every few months and blow out the inside with an air duster. Regularly defragmenting the hard drive will extend its life by around 25%. Make sure that the computer is properly cooled, so consider adding an extra case fan. All of these rather simple things will keep that older computer in tip-top shape.

Hewlett Packard dx6100 is a microtower series that HP discontinued, yet still remains as a preferred model among small businesses. This HP dx6100 series gained popularity through its use of new technology, Intel's Hyper-Threading, which allows for more efficient multi-tasking and increased online business management.

HP Compaq dx6100 desktops have several other features that made it attractive to small and medium-sized businesses:

1. The Hewlett Packard dx6100 comes with anywhere from 40 to 160 GB of hard drive space—one of the widest ranges available in an out-of-the-box system.

2. 6 USB 2.0 ports and Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 graphics make the HP Compaq dx6100 immediately ready for applications in multimedia and other functions that rely heavily on external devices.

3. With an Intel Pentium 4 processor, HP Compaq dx6100 desktops work at a speed of up to 3.4GHz.

4. The HP dx6100 comes with either Windows or Linux operating systems.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Compare the HP dx6100 to similar HP computers

The HP Compaq business desktop dx6100 microtower was not the only computer of its kind. HP has since produced several other desktops within their business computer product line. Check out some of these newer models before you settle on the older HP dx6100 technology.

I recommend: Look into the 2000, 5000, and 7000 series of HP business desktops. These series offer similar pricing with more advanced capabilities in processing and multitasking.

Look into other companies that offer products similar to the HP dx6100

Compaq HP dx6100 features fast processing and graphic capabilities. Fortunately, other brands of computers offer the same benefits. Apple computers, although more expensive, can give you these features and more.

I recommend: With a 320GB hard disk drive, the Apple Mac Pro has some of the best processing power in the industry as well as advanced graphics capabilities. The iMac offers specs more comparable to the HP dx6100, with a much more reasonable price.

Find HP dx6100 vendors online

Hewlett Packard no longer makes and sells HP Compaq dx6100 desktop computers, but you can still find HP Compaq dx6100 Desktop distributors online.

I recommend: TigerDirect and Best-Price.com both offer new HP Compaq dx6100 desktop computers. For refurbished computers with a limited warranty, you can check out other HP Compaq dx6100 Desktop vendors, such as RefurbDepot.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you do not have an IT department, you should strongly consider purchasing newer, supported technology than the Hewlett Packard dx6100. Aside from a warranty, you'll likely get step-by-step help as you need.
• •  Determine which computer features contribute the most to your business. For example, if no one in your business works with graphics and design, consider purchasing a more affordable desktop that does not include the advanced gaming and graphics capabilities of the HP dx6100.

The HP Compaq dx6100 is a relatively inexpensive but reliable desktop computer. Hewlett Packard created this computer in two different models: the HP Compaq dx6100 Microtower PC and the HP Compaq dx6100 Slim Tower PC.

Hewlett Packard has since stopped manufacturing this particular model of desktop, but if you happen to find some for sale and are thinking of purchasing a few for your office, arm yourself with some HP Compaq dx6100 desktops advice and ratings before you sign on the dotted line.

1. Get the technical specifications of the HP Compaq dx6100 desktop to see if it has the functionality you need.

2. Compare the ratings of the HP Compaq dx6100 desktop pc from distributors.

3. Read reviews written by users of the HP Compaq dx6100 computer.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Peruse the Compaq dx6100 standard features

You should get to know the computer before you consider a purchase. If you know the technical details of the models you are currently using, you should compare these to the technical details of the Hewlett Packard dx6100. After all, if you are considering a new computer purchase, you want more functionality, not less.

I recommend: The official Hewlett-Packard site has an entire section dedicated to the HP Compaq dx6100 desktop. Within this section, you can find the standard features, technical specifications. and after market options available for the particular model. You can also find detailed technical specifications at ICEcat.biz,as well as some aftermarket options.

Find the downside of the Compaq dx6100

After people make a purchase and they run into a problem, they usually call the customer service hotline. If the call to customer service isn't satisfactory to them, people have been known to detail their frustrations online for all others to read. If you want to know the downside to a product, all you have to do is search.

I recommend: At FixYa, a technical support and repair service site, you can read what some users have been saying about a beeping noise the HP Compaq dx6100 desktop computers make. The Hewlett Packard Development Company also has a section that details issues that users have run into and offers solutions.

See what the ratings are for the Compaq dx6100 in blogs and forums

You should see what the day-to-day users of the computer have to say. How the machine functions on a daily basis should be of utmost importance to you if you are considering using it for your business. You can also see whether any users have had to make upgrades to their computers to make them work faster or have had any problems purchasing additional equipment for their computers.

I recommend: You can find a few reviews of the computer at Retrevo. They not only provide user reviews, but they also offer information that links you to what is posted in blogs and forums for the HP dx6100. At Computing.Net, you can find postings that relate to issues consumers have run into with the HP Compaq desktop dx6100.

The HP Compaq dx6100 desktop PC was sold mainly to small business with limited space. Currently discontinued, it originally came in microtower and slim tower models. The HP Compaq business desktop dx6100 microtower fit nicely under a desk, while the slim tower was meant maximize real estate on a desk by sitting directly beneath a monitor.

Although the HP dx6100 can no longer be purchased new, you can purchase it from various online retailers specializing in refurbished PCs. With a few upgrades, it can be a solid business PC in spite of its age. The following online resources will familiarize you with HP Compaq dx6100 desktops pricing and costs:

1. Save money and purchase refurbished HP Compaq dx6100 computer for your office.
2. Purchase a memory upgrade for your Hewlett Packard dx6100.
3. Add additional storage space by upgrading the hard drive in your HP dx6100.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Order a pre-owned or refurbished HP dx6100 for your office

The 2.8GHz Intel Pentium 4 processor that came standard with the hp dx6100 was one of the first to support hyper-threading. Although this is no longer a new feature, it makes this desktop one of the first to allow operating system to treat one processor as two, which increased efficiency. Because of this, the dx6100 is still a solid business PC.

I recommend: HP dx6100 desktops come and go on the various websites known for selling refurbished computers. You can check TigerDirect or RefurbDepot.com for current deals.

Order a memory upgrade for your Compaq dx6100

One of the effective ways to increase the performance of your HP Compaq dx6100 desktop computers is to increase system memory. The motherboard in these older desktops supports up to 4GB of DDR SDRAM memory. Compatible memory takes the form of PC2700 333 MHz or PC3200 400 MHz DDR SDRAM DIMMs.

I recommend: You can purchase anything 128MB, 256MB, 512MB and 1GB sticks of memory from UpgradeComputerMemory. The price points for these upgrades range between $13 and $50. Memory-Up.com sells 256MB, 512MB and 1GB sticks for between $20 and $40.

Upgrade the storage capacity in your HP Compaq dx6100

The Hewlett Packard dx6100 offered a wide range of hard drive capacity when it was originally released. It came with anywhere from 40 to 160 GB of hard drive space. An 160 GB hard drive is a decent size, even in today's systems. However, if the desktop you have purchased only came with 40 GB, you may want to consider upgrading to a larger drive.

I recommend: Any IDE hard drive is compatible with the HP dx6100. You can purchase a hard drive from between 120GB to 500GB at Geeks.com, for prices ranging from $25 to $100. NewEgg stocks IDE hard drives in sizes from 80GB to 500GB for between $35 and $75.