Gateway FX7024 w/free game for 1200 @ Best Buy

[Admiral Moo]

Any thoughts on the rig Best Buy is selling this week for pretty cheap? I'm seriously thinking about buying this because it has basically everything I've been looking for on custom-PC builder websites, for a lot cheaper than I've seen anywhere else. Throw in the huge monitor and the free game, and it looks pretty sweet.

My only major concerns with it are to make sure it can be upgraded in the future and that the quad core is only 2.4 gigs. Anybody out there have this system or care to share their thoughts? I'd appreciate it!

Thanks in advance!

System Specs:

Warranty Terms - Parts
1 year limited
Warranty Terms - Labor
1 year limited
Product Height
15.6"
Product Width
7.2"
Product Weight
21.8 lbs.
Product Depth
16.1"
Processor Brand
Intel®
Processor Platform
Intel® Viiv(TM)
Processor (javascript:winopengld('1083716230738','pcmcat3820 0050027','cat12080'))
Intel® Core(TM)2 Quad
Processor Speed (javascript:winopengld('1083716230979','pcmcat3820 0050027','cat12080'))
2.4GHz
System Bus (javascript:winopengld('1083716231597','pcmcat3820 0050027','cat12080'))
1066MHz
Cache Memory (javascript:winopengld('1083716231665','pcmcat3820 0050027','cat12080'))
4MB + 4MB on die Level 2
System Memory (RAM) (javascript:winopengld('1083716231937','pcmcat3820 0050027','cat12080'))
3GB
System Memory (RAM) Expandable To (javascript:winopengld('1083716236490','pcmcat3820 0050027','cat12080'))
8GB
Type of Memory (RAM)
PC2-5300 DDR2
Hard Drive Type (javascript:winopengld('1083716232062','pcmcat3820 0050027','cat12080'))
SATA II (7200 rpm)
Hard Drive Size (javascript:winopengld('1083716235838','pcmcat3820 0050027','cat12080'))
500GB
Graphics (javascript:winopengld('1083716236524','pcmcat3820 0050027','cat12080'))
NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT
Video Memory (javascript:winopengld('1083716235920','pcmcat3820 0050027','cat12080'))
512MB (dedicated)
Personal Video Recorder (PVR)
No
TV Tuner (javascript:winopengld('1083716238297','pcmcat3820 0050027','cat12080'))
No
MPEG (javascript:winopengld('1083716236935','pcmcat3820 0050027','cat12080'))
Yes
Audio
High-definition audio (7.1-channel support)
Speakers
Amplified stereo
Built-in Web Cam
No
Modem (javascript:winopengld('1083716237122','pcmcat3820 0050027','cat12080'))
56 Kbps* ITU V.92 *Capable of receiving 56 Kbps downloads. However, current regulations limit download speed to 53 Kbps.
Network Card (javascript:winopengld('1083716237203','pcmcat3820 0050027','cat12080'))
Built-in Intel® 10/100 Mbps Ethernet LAN (RJ-45 connector)
Wireless Networking
None
Recordable DVD Drive (javascript:winopengld('1083716238563','pcmcat3820 0050027','cat12080'))
Yes, double-layer DVD±RW/CD-RW
Recordable DVD Drive Speeds (javascript:winopengld('1083716238811','pcmcat3820 0050027','cat12080'))
8x DVD+R DL; 8x DVD-R DL; 18x8x16 DVD+RW; 18x6x16 DVD-RW; 12x DVD-RAM; 48x32x48 CD-RW
Direct-Disc Labeling
Yes
Digital Media Reader or Slots
Yes, digital media card reader
Total Expansion Bays (javascript:winopengld('1083716239020','pcmcat3820 0050027','cat12080'))
3 (3.5"), 2 (5.25"), 1 Portable Media Drive Bay
Available Expansion Bays
1 (3.5"), 1 (5.25"), 1 Portable Media Drive
Total Expansion Slots (javascript:winopengld('1087340576286','pcmcat3820 0050027','cat12080'))
1 PCI, 2 PCI-E x1, 1 PCI-E x16, 4 DDR2
Available Expansion Slots (javascript:winopengld('1087340576286','pcmcat3820 0050027','cat12080'))
2 PCI-E x1
USB 2.0 Ports (javascript:winopengld('1083716239272','pcmcat3820 0050027','cat12080'))
8 (2 front, 6 rear)
IEEE 1394 Ports (javascript:winopengld('1083716239354','pcmcat3820 0050027','cat12080'))
2 (1 front, 1 rear)
S-Video Outputs (javascript:winopengld('1087340818871','pcmcat3820 0050027','cat12080'))
1
Additional Audio/Video Connectors
2 DVI-I, 7 audio
Serial Ports (javascript:winopengld('1083716239462','pcmcat3820 0050027','cat12080'))
None
Parallel Ports (javascript:winopengld('1083716239311','pcmcat3820 0050027','cat12080'))
None
Game Ports (javascript:winopengld('1083716239499','pcmcat3820 0050027','cat12080'))
None
Keyboard Description (javascript:winopengld('1083716240046','pcmcat3820 0050027','cat12080'))
Multimedia
Other Control Devices (mouse, etc.)
USB optical 2-button wheel mouse
Operating System (javascript:winopengld('1083716241291','pcmcat3820 0050027','cat12080'))
Windows Vista Home Premium
Software Included
Microsoft Works 9.0, Money Essentials; Gateway BigFix; Adobe Reader and more
Thanks again folks!

[dragonsho]

It's alright. You could build the same thing for around 700-800 probably with better ram. It was kinda hard to read that the way it was formatted so I didn't go through all of it because alot of it was useless info like the size of the case. If you want to know any parts to build your own just ask.

Edit:
Oh, also, does that come with a monitor? If not, I would say that's not really a good deal.

[Admiral Moo]

Intel Core 2 Quad Core 2.4 gig
3 gig RAM
Geforce 8800GT 512 MB

Those are the basic specs.

Yes, it comes with a 22" LCD monitor.

I know I could build it myself for cheaper, but I neither have the time, nor energy to put into this right now, and it seems like it will suit my needs and provide a basic set up for me to mess around with later.

[Vega$]

If you have 1200 dollars to spend, go ahead. Pay your bills first, because it wouldn't be cool sitting out doors homeless with a new computer and nothing to use it on haha.

All jokes aside lol, um anything from gateway gets my vote. I would say that spending over 1,000 dollars for a computer is a bit steep, should of been 700 or 800 dollars.

Peace

[ZerotypeX]

In the front of BB's ad, it says no interest for 18 months when you spend over $699.99 worth of computer stuff. I'm guessing you will have to apply for the BB credit card, might be worth it for some people.

[crazybear]

well its depends what kind game you going to play....i would suggest you get the Fx7020 with AMD LIVE Quad-Core 9600 Possessor, maybe im never a intel fan, but AMD always has better performance in gaming. With Fx7020 you only spend $100 dollar more and you can get the system with TV tuner (come with control)...but both system are top build gaming pc system..and with only $1000 $1099, nothing really can beat this price!

PS...well you said it come with a huge monitor...and i really suggest you get the Fx7020 with TV tune out~~watching TV on your computer WOOT!

[dragonsho]

That's a pretty good deal since it comes with the 22" monitor. Definitely get the Intel. From what I know AMD isn't up to par with Intel yet on multicore cpus. It's a pretty good deal. You'll def want to change the ram if you're gaming though.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145034

great ram and only 34$ after rebate.

[necrojustice]

that's a great deal w/ monitor! I just picked up an 8800gt for my system and it's like night and day. I'm about to start saving for a whole new system before long, it's gonna be my graduation gift to myself this fall! Woohoo

[n25philly]

well its depends what kind game you going to play....i would suggest you get the Fx7020 with AMD LIVE Quad-Core 9600 Possessor, maybe im never a intel fan, but AMD always has better performance in gaming. With Fx7020 you only spend $100 dollar more and you can get the system with TV tuner (come with control)...but both system are top build gaming pc system..and with only $1000 $1099, nothing really can beat this price!

PS...well you said it come with a huge monitor...and i really suggest you get the Fx7020 with TV tune out~~watching TV on your computer WOOT!

That amd advice is about 3 years late

[amusedtoe]

This is actually a really good deal since you build this exact same computer entirely from scratch it's going to run you more right now even before shipping, which is always expensive for those heavy towers and monitors, and any other expenses. Can't forget that you get a pretty darn nice monitor with it that you'd be spending $350 to get otherwise. If my credit didn't suck so bad that I couldn't get a Best Buy card I'd have got one today.

The Phenoms are actually better when just compared to the Q's straight up because they're true quad core. The problem is that when you throw most applications at them almost nothing can utilize either chip properly so the Intel still wins. That and you do pretty much have to get a 7 series mobo and run two 3870's in Crossfire to get the most from it.

[Admiral Moo]

I just placed my order today and will pick it up tomorrow. I'll deal with changing the memory around in a few months, after I've recovered from buying this rig.

I already have a TV Tuner USB stick, so I'll just plug it into this computer and be up and running.

[evilmojo12542]

i am running a gateway and it sucks! i can build one cheaper nad a hell of a lot better than what i bought this one for 2 years ago.

[gongoose]

I have this computer (with a 24' Westy Monior) and it rocks! Plays every game on max settings. Team Fortress 2 is smooth as butter with maxed settings in 32 player servers. I'm playing through Crysis right now at 1440x900 on all high settings with minimal frame rate hitches. I'm extremely pleased with it.

[dragonsho]

I have this computer (with a 24' Westy Monior) and it rocks! Plays every game on max settings. Team Fortress 2 is smooth as butter with maxed settings in 32 player servers. I'm playing through Crysis right now at 1440x900 on all high settings with minimal frame rate hitches. I'm extremely pleased with it.
Just curious, what resolution do you run TF2 at?

[gongoose]

Whatever the max is on there, cant remember off hand.

[Serik]

The max res on a 24'' is 1920x1200.

I can run TF2 at that res with medium settings on my 3.5 year old rig. Either my Radeon 9800pro or the Source Engine is doing something right...maybe both :)

[MFKC]

A shop here in town has some @$879.95. I'm going in to pick it up today - seems like a great deal. Hooking it up to a VX2035WM and geeking out the rest of the day.

http://www.buydakota.com/product_info.php?cPath=1_111&products_id=815

[n25philly]

It's a nice build except for the horrible ram they put in there. It would be cheap to replace it though.