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Do you want quasi-multiprocessing, with Intel's Hyper-Threading Technology, or the real thing, with the dual-core Pentium D chip? HP gives you the choice in its entry-level CAD and digital content creation workstation, the HP XW4300.

Based on the Intel 955X Express high-end performance chipset with 1066MHz front-side bus and up to 4GB of dual-channel DDR-2/667 memory (or up to 8GB of DDR-2/533), the XW4300 offers a choice of 64-bit-capable Intel Pentium 4 640 (3.2GHz) through 670 (3.8GHz) processors -- each with 2MB of Level 2 cache plus Hyper-Threading -- or the dual-core Pentium D 840 (3.2GHz) with 1MB of L2 cache per core.

An integrated 3.0Gbps Serial ATA 2 RAID controller handles up to four drives or 2 terabytes of storage (an Ultra320 SCSI controller and drives are optional), while one PCI Express x16 slot offers 2D and 3D graphics choices ranging from ATI's FireGL V3100 and V5100 to Nvidia's Quadro FX 540 or 3400. A 460-watt power supply and Broadcom Gigabit Ethernet controller are standard.