Looking for a Pentium 4 in a moderately priced desktop? The Gateway Performance 1300 features an excellent mix of components, including a 1.3GHz processor, 20GB hard drive and a 48x CD-ROM drive. The downside: a GeForce2 MX graphics processor instead of a GeForce2 Ultra and a no-frills 17-inch monitor.
Isn't competition wonderful? The Pentium 4 processor was announced in November and already you can buy Pentium 4 systems for less than AU$4,000. Intel recently released the 1.3GHz Pentium 4 to help fill the gap between the 1.13GHz Pentium III and 1.4GHz Pentium 4. One of the first desktops with this slightly slower Pentium 4 processor is Gateway's Performance 1300. Despite its moderate price, it offers some surprisingly powerful components.
Along with the 1.3GHz Pentium 4 processor, our review unit included 128MB of RDRAM, a Ultra ATA 20GB hard drive, and a Mitsubishi 48x CD-ROM drive. Unlike some other mid-priced systems, this one has a real graphics card in an upgradeable AGP slot. The graphics card features the nVidia GeForce2 MX graphics processor with 32MB of SDRAM. Unfortunately, the 17-inch monitor included with our review system fell far short of the graphics card's capabilities. The Gateway-branded EV700 monitor can only handle 1,280 x 1,024 with a refresh rate of 60Hz. That refresh rate would quickly tire most computer users, so the practical top resolution is 1,024 x 768 at a much more comfortable 85Hz refresh rate. When you order this system, you may want to request a better monitor and pay the difference in price if you want to run at a the higher resolution.
The desktop performed reasonably well on our benchmark tests for a machine in its price class. But Gateway's decision to use nVidia's MX chip rather than the Ultra makes it less than ideal for its intended market of homes and multimedia-based offices. Again, you could pay extra when you order and move up to an Ultra-based graphics card -- or opt for a similarly priced 1.1GHz Athlon-based Select 1100 with the better-performing Ultra card. If you're intent on buying a P4, however, the compromise in graphics cards is a cost-effective solution.
With the CD-ROM, and floppy drives installed, the only front-accessible drive bay is a single 3.5-inch bay. The full-size tower case also features two front-mounted USB ports, so you won't have to dig around back to plug in your favorite USB peripherals. If you plan to use the 1300 for games or music, you'll likely be pleased with the audio system. Our review unit came equipped with a SoundBlaster Live! sound card that connects digitally to a pair of Boston Acoustics BA735 speakers with subwoofer.
The Gateway Performance 1300 is an excellent way to jump on board the Pentium 4 bandwagon -- without having to max out your credit card. You won't get a lot of extras, but you also won't be stuck with substandard components. It's a reasonably configured system, offered at an attractive price.
Gateway Performance 1300 Pentium 4, 1.3GHz
Company:Gateway Australia
Ph:1300 302 315
Price:Base price AU$3,799 with CD burner AU$4098
Rating:
8%
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