The Bottom Line
- Includes CRT Monitor
- Very Low Price
- No AGP/PCI-Express Slot
- Only 256MB Memory
- No DVD Playback Ability
Description
- Intel Celeron D 335 (2.8GHz) Processor
- 256MB PC3200 DDR Memory
- 40GB 5,400rpm ATA Hard Drive
- 48x CD-RW Burner
- Intel Extreme 2 Graphics with 64MB Shared Memory
- AC'97 Audio with Stereo Speakers
- V.92 56Kbps Modem, 10/100 Ethernet
- Four USB 2.0 Ports
- 17" VX750 CRT Monitor
- Windows XP Home, MS Works 8, Norton Anti-Virus
Guide Review - Gateway 3310S
4/26/05 - Not many manufacturers offer complete desktop PCs for under $500, but Gateway is one of the few companies that still does. Their latest low cost complete system is the Gateway 3310S.
Powering the 3310S desktop is the Intel Celeron D 335 (2.8GHz) processor. This is slightly slower than the average budget desktop computer, but it should still be plenty for the average user's computer tasks. It is matched up with 256MB of PC3200 DDR memory and is the minimum that I would recommend for any system with Windows XP. The system will experience slow downs if a number of applications are opened simultaneously.
Storage is below average for a budget desktop. The 40GB hard drive is about half the size and it runs at the slower 5400rpm speed compared to the standard 7200rpm. The system also comes with a 48x CD-RW drive. While this does allow users to create data and music CDs, it lacks the ability to playback any DVD movies.
Graphics are standard for a budget system. It uses the Intel Extreme 2 integrated graphics that is fine for 2D graphics, but lacks that power for any 3D applications. It also does not have an AGP or PCI-Express expansion slot. The one upside is that the system does come with a CRT monitor standard, making it a complete system compared to most budget desktops that require the monitor purchase separately.
In the end, the Gateway 3310S isn't a bad system when considering the price, but it does sacrifice features in order to be so inexpensive.
