Gateway 700GX

12/10/03 - Gateway has taken an interesting path to performance computers. Rather than building a new and different system like Dell with its XPS, Gateway has designed performance packages around their standard line of desktop PCs. The top of the line 700GX is based upon the 700 line of desktops.

Powering this performance system is the new Intel Pentium 4 3.2GHz Extreme Edition. Its extended cache allows for improved performance in most applications, but the cost difference between it and the standard 3.2GHz CPU is significant. Its disappointing for such an expensive system to only ship with 512MB of PC3200 memory.

Storage on the system is handled by a 160GB Serial ATA hard drive. Gateway offers a 500GB Serial ATA RAID0 array as a very expensive upgrade option. One of the nice aspects of the 700GX is the inclusion of a multiformat DVD+/-RW burner along with a 16x DVD-ROM drive. Most performance system only offer DVD burners as an option.

Graphics are powered by an NVIDIA GeForceFX 5950 Ultra 256MB graphics card. This provides excellent DirectX 9 and OpenGL performance even with high resolution and anti-aliasing. Also included with the system is a Gateway 19" CRT monitor, something not found with most performance desktop systems.

Audio is handled by a Sound Blaster Audigy 2 audio card which provides excellent clarity. The system comes standard with a 2 speaker system unit with subwoofer and an option for a 5.1 surround setup.