The Bottom Line
Pros
- Larger Hard Drive and DVD Burner
- Includes Speakers
Cons
- Slightly Slower Processor to DX430S
Description
- Intel Pentium D 915 Dual Core Processor
- 1GB PC2-4200 DDR2 Memory
- 250 7200rpm SATA Hard Drive
- 16x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Burner
- Intel GMA 950 Integrated Graphics
- Intel HDA Audio and Stereo Speakers
- v.92 56Kbps Modem and 10/100 Ethernet
- Six USB 2.0, Two FireWire and 15-in-1 Reader
- Vista Home Premiume, MS Works 8.5, McAfee Internet Security
Guide Review - Gateway GT5404 Retail Budget Desktop PC
4/26/07 – The most direct comparison for the Gateway GT5404 retail system is the direct sales Gateway DX430S. They have much of the same base parts and have a similar yet distinctively different look that also applies to the internal components.
The biggest complaint about the DX430S is the storage. It falls behind the industry with a smaller 160GB and a CD-RW/DVD combo drive. The GT5404 retail model distinguishes itself from the DX430S by coming equipped with the larger 250GB hard drive and a dual layer DVD burner. This is especially important for anyone looking to use the computer for digital video editing.
The other area of difference between the direct and retail systems is the processor and memory. This is where the DX430S has a bit over the GT5404. Both systems use the Intel Pentium D 900 series dual core processors. The DX430S has a slightly faster 925 model while the GT5404 uses a 915 model. The difference is fairly slight that in average computing the user can't really tell the difference. In addition to this though, the DX430S uses faster PC2-5300 DDR2 memory compared to the more standard PC2-4200 DDR2 memory of the GT5404.
Of course there are other differences between the two systems, such as the DX430S including a 17” LCD monitor while the GT5404 has a lower price and lacks this. But for the most part they are very similar. Either will provide a solid general purpose computing platform and it really comes down to shopping preference and storage vs. processor in deciding which of the two better suits your needs.
