Gateway DX4840-15c: a desktop for some of us

So you’re wondering, “Why is rgbFilter running a review of a desktop system?” As devout proponents of nomadic computing why should we even consider these anachronistic mainframe-wannabe boat anchors? Why? Because. Because we are fans of that implausible trinity, the Good, the Fast and the Cheap. This one came very close.

I’m going to be a little sorry to see this review model sent back to its maker. Here’s a quick look at what it has inside:

Processor Type: Intel Core i5 650- Dual Core
Processor Speed: 3.2GHz
RAM: 6GB DDR3
Hard Drive Capacity: 1 TB – Western Digital, 5400 rpm
Optical Drives: 16X DVD+/-R/RW Drive
Graphics: 1 GB ATI HD5570
Dedicated Video Memory: Yes
Audio Output: HD Audio with 5.1-Channel
Sound Card: Intel H57 Express
Integrated WiFi: 802.11 b/g/n
Card Reader: Yes
DVI Output:Yes
HDMI: Yes
Keyboard:Full Size
Mouse: Optical
USB 2.0 :4 – Front; 6 – Back
VGA Output: Yes
Available Memory Slots-4 Total (0 Available)
Available Optical Bays-1 Available External 5.25″
Available PCI Slots-1 Available
Available PCI-E Slots-2 PCI Express X1 (1 Available)
Energy Star Qualified:No
Power Supply: 300W
Processor Cache: 4MB

The final package amounts to a tastefully designed unit . The basic inputs and outputs are all available on the top and front (card readers, microphone, headphones, 2 of the USB’s). This layout is handy but could prove to be a dust magnet however the general build of the unit is solid and very quiet (every reviewer of this unit has mentioned this feature and other than when the burner is running, it’s true). For the demands of current gaming, it is more than adequate (the lagless run of Mass Effect 2 was pure Hollywood with no Bollywood semi-sync) and it can probably handle the needs of light, web only, media production. The spec sheet lists a hard drive capacity of one but after opening the case, there is room for 3 standard 3.5 drives and an unused optical disc bay as well as 4 available SATA connectors. To make use of this  for serious online storage one would probably have to upgrade the power supply to something above the  300 watt unit it ships with. Warranty coverage or expandabilty? Your choice.

The optical mouse was very well behaved but the keyboard was a joyless, for-emergencies -only device; keep you favourite keyboard-there is no competition for it here.

Included with the review computer was a very solid 24″ monitor, the Gateway FHX2402L. It was a joy. The tiny little adjustment buttons were not designed for ham fisted individuals like myself but they work and you might find that, like myself, you too will want to turn down the brightness on this very sharp, very clear screen.

The specs on this one are;

24-inch LED backlight display
Resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels
12,000,000:1 contrast ratio
250 cd/m2 brightness
DVI and VGA connectivity
An HDMI input
16:9 aspect ratio
2ms response time

And it’s all very clearly visible. Gaming, reading, picture editing or just watching DVD’s on this monitor was a pleasure. It was merciless at revealing flaws in film to video transfers and made good stuff look great. Which is what you’d want a monitor to do.

Eventually it all comes down to price. The monitor is very fine and well worth a look. Future Shop currently lists this at $269.99. The DX4840-15c is another matter. Last year my sons built a gaming computer for about the same price as this unit ($799.99 at Future Shop) and I’d have to say the DX matches their efforts pretty much one for one. Gateway has made a good move here in considering gamers as a target group. Specs that are good enough for that crew are often more than enough for other people that need desktop power like artists, filmmakers and musicians. The DX4840-15c is a good machine, keep its few limitations in mind and have a look at it. If nothing else Gateway has defined a very good middle for price and performance.