The Gateway FX7026 offers blazing-fast processing, and a whole new world of multimedia entertainment. The FX7026 features an Intel quad-core Core 2 Quad Q9300 processor, 4GB of DDR2 RAM, and whopping 640GB hard drive capacity. With a GeForce 8800GT graphics card and 7.1-channel HD audio on board, you’ll experience stunningly crisp video and bold, rich audio from your HD media!
The FX7026 comes pre-loaded with Windows Vista Home Premium, which turns your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center. In addition to playing and creating DVD movies and managing your digital audio library, Vista makes it easy to record and watch your favorite TV shows. The DVD SuperMulti drive with Labelflash laser-etches custom artwork and labels directly onto the discs. The lightning-fast 15-in-1 media reader lets you transfer your photos, videos and music in no time flat!
With the included a multimedia keyboard, a mouse, and a pair of USB-powered amplified stereo speakers, you’ll be completely absorbed by this new multimedia experience! The FX7026 offers powerful multi-tasking and multimedia performance at a very affordable price.
Intel Desktop Processor with "Genius" RatingRated with "Genius" (five brains), the Intel quad-core CPU provides massive throughput for processor-hungry applications and breaks the speed limit for intense content creation, advanced 3D gaming and HD video encoding.
Intel Core 2 Quad Q9300 ProcessorThe Intel Core 2 Quad Q9300 processor integrates four independent processor cores, each running at 2.50GHz, in one physical package with a shared 6MB L2 cache and a 1333MHz FSB to blow through processor-intensive tasks in demanding multitasking environments. The new 45nm quad-core technology optimizes thermal performance for reduced power consumption and noise.
NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT Graphics CardThe NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT graphics card equipped with a 65nm G92 core, 512MB memory and a PCI-Express 2.0 interface brings about a new level of gaming and multimedia performance. The GeForce 8800 GT fully supports DirectX 10 for unparalleled graphics realism and features NVIDIA's revolutionary PureVideo HD technology for unsurpassed Blu-ray and HD DVD movie picture quality.
4GB DDR2 MemoryThe Gateway FX7026 is preinstalled with 4GB of DDR2 memory to handle almost any application. With such huge memory, programs and software are more responsive and hence the productivity gets increased.
Dual 320GB 7200rpm SATA Hard DrivesThe two built-in 320GB 7200rpm SATA hard drives deliver decent capacity and performance ideal for use in the office. With the SATA interface, upgrade your storage with mainstream desktop HDDs in the market.
Windows Vista Home PremiumMicrosoft's innovative Windows Vista Home Premium provides the productivity, entertainment and security you need from your desktop and brings your world into sharper focus with its breakthrough design.
Pros: The FX7026 is a solid machine for the price, combining a decent (if not spectacular) Intel-sourced motherboard, a Q9300, an overclocked EVGA 8800GT (650/950x2), 4GB of RAM and Vista64 Home Premium at a price that's roughly equal to the cost of building an identically specced box yourself. Its absolutely ripped through every game I've thrown at it so far, but I've yet to pick up a copy of Crysis to truly test it. The case is largely toolless, with thumbscrews for the side panel and HDD cage and a locking clip for the expansion slots. Surprisingly, it's not too cramped, given it's size (and the presence of a duct on the CPU cooling solution that routes the exhaust through the side panel). The machine is almost inaudible during general operation, though noise does pick up when you start to throw more demanding applications at it.
Cons: Expansion options are fairly limited by the µATX motherboard (2 PCIEx1 and 1 PCI slot) and 'just barely enough' 400W power supply. While the case is fairly easy to work in and with, it won't be mistaken for an enthusiast's piece, with limited cooling options and an odd faux-carbon fiber and orange color scheme that may be a bit off-putting. The included mouse is an extremely basic 400dpi 2-button + wheel unit and the speakers are pretty tinny sounding - not terribly surprising given that they draw power from a USB port(!).
Overall Review: As a turnkey gaming machine solution, the FX7026 is an interesting set of compromises that would closely mirror those made by the average 'builder on a budget', with only a few additional concessions to cost-cutting. The only real weak point in my opinion is the PSU, but that's a fairly easy/inexpensive component to replace down the road. Those just looking for an easy way to be able to play modern PC games or a fairly high-performance 'all-round' machine on a budget are Gateway's target market here and this machine does a great job of catering to them.