Pros & Cons
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- Quad core processor.
- Solid performance.
- Super quiet.
- Sleek, compact design.
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- Limited upgrade potential.
- Lots of bloatware.
- Integrated graphics.
- Monitor not included.
Gateway SX2802-01 Specs
| Graphics Card: | Intel GMA 4500MHD |
| MULTIMEDIA TESTS - CineBench R10 (xCPU): | 10220 |
| MULTIMEDIA TESTS (minutes:seconds) - Windows Media Encoder Test: | 0:41 |
| Operating System: | Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium |
| Photoshop CS4 Scripts (minutes:seconds): | 1:47 |
| Primary Optical Drive: | Dual-Layer DVD+/-RW |
| Processor Family: | Intel Core 2 Quad |
| Processor Name: | Intel Core 2 Quad Q8300 |
| Processor Speed: | 2.5 GHz |
| RAM: | 4 GB |
| Storage Capacity (as Tested): | 750 GB |
| Tech Support: | Two years |
| Type: | Mainstream |
| Type: | Value |
The Gateway SX2802-01 ($499.99 list at Costco) lends credence to the old saying that good things come in small packages. This small form factor (SFF) desktop system offers solid quad-core performance and a sizable hard drive, and its whisper quiet. As with most SFF desktops, internal upgrade options are limited, but there are plenty of external ports for connecting to various peripherals, including an HDMI port that lets you connect digitally to an HDTV.
Design
The SX2802-01 uses the same space saving chassis as its predecessor, the
The chassis is not tool-free, but there's not a whole lot of room for expansion anyway. Removing the side panel gives you access to two vacant PCIe slots (one 16X and 1X), but because the system has such a low profile it will only accept half height expansion cards. The 144-watt power supply will also limit your upgrade choices. As is typical of an SFF system there is no room for additional drives of any kind. But there are two available memory slots should you want to add more RAM at some point, though you'll have to remove the DVD drive to do so. The SX2802-01 is extremely quiet and runs cool, making it ideal for use in a home theater environment.
Features
There's a nice selection of connectivity ports around back to satisfy even the most demanding multimedia user. In addition to four USB ports, an eSATA port, Ethernet and VGA ports, and two PS/2 legacy ports, there are five jacks that support the 6-channel integrated audio subsystem, and if you choose to integrate the SX2802-01 into your home theater setup, there's a digital/optical audio output and an HDMI output. Video is driven by Intel's integrated GMA X4500 graphics solution, which is more than adequate for video playback and very light gaming, but you'll need a more powerful graphics engine for serious 3D gaming.
The SX2802-01's 750GB hard drive offers plenty of storage for photos, music, and video files. It comes with
Performance
The SX2802-01 delivers excellent performance for the price. Powered by a 2.5GHz Intel Core 2 Quad Q8300 CPU and 4GB of DDR2 memory, it outperformed the Gateway SX2800-01 and the Dell 537s across the board. Its PCMark Vantage score of 5,917 was more than 1,400 points higher than the SX2800-01 and more than 2,000 points higher than the Inspiron. However, it couldn't match our latest Editors' Choice in the budget category, the
The Gateway SX2802-01 is a great choice for multimedia enthusiasts who demand solid quad-core performance but have limited space and limited finances. As with any small form factor PC, you don't get much in the way of upgradability, but that's the trade-off for choosing a space-saving desktop system. If you prefer an expansion-friendly mid-tower system, the HP Pavilion p6267c-b is your best bet, and it comes with a nice 25-inch monitor.
BENCHMARK TEST RESULTS: Check out the test scores for the
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