HP AIO 24 Pavilion 27 Desktops: Launch Details

Yes, HP launched the Pavilion 24 and Pavilion 27 all-in-one desktops in 2017, and they were sold for several years after that. These models were part of HP’s consumer lineup, offering a 23.8-inch and 27-inch display respectively, with a focus on a slim design and integrated speakers. This article covers the launch timeline, specifications, common issues, and what to consider if you’re looking at one today.

Launch Timeline and Positioning

HP introduced the Pavilion 24 and Pavilion 27 all-in-one (AIO) desktops in early 2017, showcasing them at CES that January. They were positioned as stylish, space-saving alternatives to traditional tower desktops, targeting home users who wanted a clean setup without separate monitor and CPU units. The 2017 refresh brought a new “floating” stand design and a rear-facing speaker bar that fired sound upward, a notable feature at the time.

HP continued to update the lineup with newer processors and minor design tweaks through 2018 and 2019, but the core “Pavilion 24” and “Pavilion 27” names remained. By 2020, HP shifted focus to its newer Envy and AIO models, and the Pavilion 24/27 were gradually phased out. If you search for them today, you’ll find mostly refurbished or used units.

Key Specifications and Configurations

The Pavilion 24 and 27 shared most of their internal options, differing mainly in screen size and resolution. Here are the typical specs you’ll encounter:

• Display: Pavilion 24 – 23.8-inch IPS, 1920×1080 (Full HD). Pavilion 27 – 27-inch IPS, 2560×1440 (QHD) on most models, though some entry versions were 1920×1080.
• Processors: 7th-gen Intel Core i5 or i7 (e.g., i5-7400T, i7-7700T) in 2017 models, later updated to 8th-gen (i5-8250U, i7-8550U) in 2018.
• Memory: 8GB or 12GB DDR4 RAM, expandable to 16GB in most models.
• Storage: Options included a 1TB or 2TB hard drive, or a combination of a 128GB/256GB SSD plus a 1TB HDD.
• Graphics: Integrated Intel HD Graphics 630 or NVIDIA GeForce 930MX (only on some 27-inch models).
• Ports: USB 3.0, USB 2.0, HDMI-in (for using the screen as a monitor), HDMI-out, Ethernet, and a headphone jack.
• Other: Built-in 720p webcam with privacy shutter, dual-array microphones, and a pop-up camera on some later versions.

Note that the 27-inch QHD display was a major selling point, as most competing AIOs at that price offered only Full HD.

Design and Build Quality

The Pavilion 24 and 27 were designed to look like a modern monitor, with the computer components hidden in a bulge behind the screen. The stand was a simple aluminum bar that tilted slightly but did not allow height adjustment. The rear speaker bar, developed with B&O, was a distinctive feature, producing surprisingly good sound for an AIO. The overall build was plastic but felt sturdy, and the cable management was decent, with ports accessible on the back and side.

One design quirk: the power button was located on the bottom-right edge of the screen, which some users found awkward. The webcam was either a fixed top-center unit or, on later models, a pop-up that hid when not in use.

Performance and Everyday Use

For everyday tasks like web browsing, office work, and streaming video, the Pavilion 24 and 27 performed well. The 7th/8th-gen Core i5 and i7 processors were more than adequate for that era’s software. The integrated graphics handled 4K video playback, but gaming was limited to esports titles at low settings. The optional 930MX on the 27-inch added a bit of power, but it was still not a gaming machine.

The QHD screen on the 27-inch was sharp and color-accurate, making it a good choice for photo editing or just enjoying high-res content. The Full HD screen on the 24-inch was fine, but some users noted it could have been sharper at that size.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

As these desktops age, a few issues have surfaced frequently:

• Slow boot times: If the unit has a 5400rpm hard drive as the primary drive, booting can take several minutes. Replacing the HDD with an SSD is the single best upgrade you can do.
• Wi-Fi dropping: Some models had a Realtek Wi-Fi card that was prone to disconnects. Updating the driver or replacing the card (if you’re comfortable opening the case) usually fixes it.
• Screen flickering: A few users reported flickering on the 27-inch QHD panel, often due to a faulty display cable or the refresh rate setting. Lowering the refresh rate to 60Hz or reseating the internal cable may help.
• Overheating: The slim design can lead to heat buildup, especially if the vents are dusty. Cleaning the fan and ensuring good airflow around the unit is important.

If you buy a used unit, check the warranty status and consider a thorough cleaning and SSD upgrade to extend its life.

How to Choose: Used vs. Refurbished

Since these models are no longer new, you’re looking at the used market. Here’s what to consider:

• Screen size: The 27-inch QHD is clearly better for productivity and media, but it’s also heavier and takes up more desk space.
• Processor generation: Prefer 8th-gen (2018) models over 7th-gen (2017) for better performance and efficiency, though the difference is modest.
• SSD vs. HDD: Insist on a model with an SSD, or factor in the cost of adding one.
• Condition: Check for dead pixels, scratches on the screen, and whether the stand is intact.
• Price: As a rough guideline, a used Pavilion 24 with an SSD should cost less than a similar-spec new entry-level AIO, but prices vary widely.

Avoid paying a premium for “gaming” versions, as the hardware is not suited for modern gaming.

Alternatives to the Pavilion 24/27

If you’re considering a desktop AIO today, you have several options:

• HP Envy AIO: The successor line, with slimmer bezels, better displays, and more modern components.
• Dell Inspiron AIO: A direct competitor with similar specs and price points.
• Apple iMac: More expensive but with superior screens and build, and macOS.
• Build your own: A mini-PC with a separate monitor gives you more flexibility and upgradeability, but takes up more space and requires more setup.

For most people, a new entry-level AIO or a mini-PC with a monitor will offer better value than a used Pavilion 24/27, unless you find a great deal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I upgrade the RAM in the HP Pavilion 24/27?

Yes, both models have two SO-DIMM slots, and you can upgrade to 16GB (2x8GB) by removing the back panel. The process is straightforward but requires a screwdriver and care with the ribbon cables.

Does the Pavilion 27 support VESA mounting?

No, the stand is proprietary and not VESA-compatible. You cannot mount the screen on a standard monitor arm without an adapter, which may not exist for this model.

Can I use the Pavilion 24/27 as a monitor for another PC?

Yes, both have an HDMI-in port that lets you connect an external device and use the screen as a display. However, you cannot switch to that input while the built-in PC is off; you need to turn the PC on and then select the input.

Is the webcam any good for video calls?

The 720p webcam is adequate for basic video calls in good lighting, but it’s not great in low light. The pop-up camera on later models is slightly better but still not comparable to a dedicated external webcam.

How do I open the case to clean or upgrade?

You need to remove the stand, then use a plastic pry tool to detach the back cover. There are clips around the edges. Once off, you’ll see the fan, RAM slots, and storage drive. Be gentle with the cables.

What is the maximum internal storage I can add?

Most models have one 2.5-inch drive bay (SATA) and one M.2 slot (SATA or NVMe, depending on the model). You can replace the existing drive with a larger one, but you cannot add a second 3.5-inch drive.

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