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Gateway is revamping its FX, SX and DX desktops with new features and streamlined looks, the PC maker announced Feb. 3.
A glossy FX Series for gamers and online entertainment looks fresh from the “Transformers” set, a DX Series sneaks in a Blu-ray drive at an impressively low price and an SX Series, at just $560, is petite but powerful and eco-minded.
Beginning with the FX Series-a shiny black, ridged tower with a very sci-fi red FX-Gateway has designed with the user in mind. There’s an angled media card reader, making cards easier to insert and remove, a recessed storage tray on top for placing cameras and other devices while data is downloaded, and high-definition headphone and microphone jacks front and center.
Conveniently located eject buttons and tool-less expansion bays are additional conveniences, though gamers are more likely to be impressed by the 1.5TB SATA (Serial ATA) hard drive (7,200RPM), ATI Radeon HD 5850 graphics and Intel Core i7-860 processor with Turbo Boost Technology, up to 3.46GHz, included in both models.
Both models also run Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit) and include a 16X DVD+ read/write SuperMulti Drive.
“When it comes to online entertainment, PC gaming and value, Gateway’s FX Series can’t be beat,” Steve Smith, Gateway’s senior desktop manager, said in a statement. Gateway is part of Acer. “While maintaining our price/performance leadership position, the new FX models boast a race car-like design with red accents and lighting, and include several new features that enhance the convenience and use of the PC.”
The FX6831-01, at approximately $1,300, offers 8GB of DDR3 (double data rate) dual-channel 1333MHz memory, while the FX6831-03, at approximately $1,700, comes with 16GB of DDR3 dual-channel 1,333MHz memory and a Blu-ray drive.
Blu-ray drives are also an option with the DX Series of desktops, which while more standard-looking are also glossy and modern-while still being “workhorses” in Gateway’s book.
The DX4831-03, priced at approximately $850, features an Intel Core i5 650 processor at 3.2GHz, with TurboBoost Technology up to 3.46GHz. There’s a Nvidia GeForce GT220 with 1GB of discrete video memory, 8GB of DDR3 dual-channel, 1,333MHz memory and a 1TB SATA hard drive. (A 1TB Green Product hard drive is said to run cooler and more quietly and to consume less energy.)
Along with Windows 7 Home Premium, users get the 16X SuperMulti Drive plus the Blu-ray disc drive.
But it’s the SX Series that may garner the most attention in the end, starting at approximately $560 and featuring an ultraslim case that makes it natural fit for a dorm, a living room-where its HDMI port will call out for an HDTV-or, literally, a desktop.
Along with the green 1TB SATA hard drive, the affordable SX Series boasts a 2.93GHz Intel Core i3 530 processor, integrated Intel GMA X4500HD graphics, 6GB of DDR3 dual-channel, 1,333MHz memory and the 16X SuperMulti Drive. As with the others, the OS is Windows 7 Home Premium, 64-bit.
All models are now available to begin shipping immediately.