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The HP Pavilion Slimline s5710f ($419.99 list, at Staples) is one small form factor (SFF) computer desktop that is priced and equipped as an entry-level gadget. For a little over $400, you can get a small, quiet desktop that can perform much faster than a similarly-priced nettop. But there are so many features missing on the Slimline, it might as well have been put in a mini PC chassis like a nettop: The system is larger, yet doesn't take advantage of the extra space. The system is okay out of the box, but it is essentially non-upgradable. It feels as though HP took too much out to hit a price point, and that's not how you want to feel about a purchase that's supposed to last you five to seven years.

Design and Features
The s5710f comes in the same Slimline chassis that HP has used since the s5120f in Mid-2009. It has a minimalist design, with a faceplate made of glossy black plastic and black painted metal sides. There are perforations on the side and top, with a warning sticker telling you to avoid placing the s5710f's side panel up against a wall so you won't block the cooling vents.

PerformanceThe s5710f was no slouch on our benchmark tests, thanks to its AMD Athlon II X2 460 processor and 3GB of DDR3 memory. It's not the fastest desktop in its class, but did complete the Handbrake test in less than three minutes (2:55) and the Photoshop CS5 test in just under six minutes (5:58). In comparison, the Intel Core i3-powered Gateway SX2850-33 ($549.99 list, 3.5 stars) was faster (2:24 Handbrake, 4:15 CS5). On the other side, Atom-powered nettops like the Asus Eee Box EB1501P (11:20 Handbrake, 19:17 CS5) and Lenovo IdeaCentre Q150 ($399 direct, 4 stars) (12:31 Handbrake, 23:38 CS5) were much slower. I would feel comfortable recommending the s5710f if you were planning on doing an occasional photo or video edit. But if 3D gaming is ever in your future, I'd skip this desktop and go with something with a fully functioning PCIe x16 card slot: The s5710f has poor 3D performance, and there's no way to upgrade it.
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