Gateway DX4200-09
Manufacturer: Gateway Part number: DX4200-09
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- While the Gateway might appeal to users who value storage over speed, you can find more features in PCs that cost just a little less, and more performance for just a little more. That leaves this Gateway with little to recommend it.
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Where to buy
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|---|---|---|---|---|
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 | | In stock Order Now-Ships Today | as of 11/24/2009 |
CNET editors' review
Gateway DX4200-09 price range: $459.96
- Reviewed by: Justin Yu
- Edited by: Rich Brown
- Reviewed on: 02/27/2009
The good: Plenty of room for expansion; large hard drive.
The bad: Competition offers faster performance and more features.
The bottom line: While the Gateway might appeal to users who value storage over speed, you can find more features in PCs that cost just a little less, and more performance for just a little more. That leaves this Gateway with little to recommend it.
The DX4200-09 is another one of Gateway's midrange PCs built for light to moderate users in mind. Spending $510 on this model gives you a 1.8GHz quad-core CPU, 4GB of RAM, an integrated graphics chip, and a 640GB hard drive. If you can stretch your budget a bit and put an extra $50 forward, HP offers the Pavilion a6700y desktop that matches components but outperforms the Gateway across the board. If you care less about performance and want more features in your desktop, Acer's $470 Aspire X1700 outclasses this Gateway on that front. We'd only recommend this system to the handful of you who might value hard-drive size above all else.
The chassis of the Gateway DX4200-09 recalls the DX4200-UB001A that we reviewed last year. The front faceplate looks exactly the same, with a media manager, dual-layer DVD burner, and an open bay below to add an extra drive. There's a FireWire port as well as a couple of personal audio jacks at the bottom.
The rear gives you more of the same ports that you get up front, like a few extra USB inputs, another FireWire port, a collection of audio jacks, and an HDMI port to connect the computer to an HDMI-equipped monitor or television. Although it's easy to glaze over the included components, Gateway does give you ample room to make internal upgrades. There's room for two extra memory chips, a PCI slot (in addition to another occupied by the 56k modem), a smaller 1x PCI Express slot, and a 16x PCI Express slot for a graphics card. You can also drop two more hard drives into the exposed bay, in addition to adding another forward-facing optical drive.
| Gateway DX4200-09 | HP Pavilion a6700y | |
| Price | $510 | $ 560 |
| CPU | 1.8GHz AMD Phenom 9100e Quad-Core | 1.8GHz AMD Phenom 9150e Quad-Core |
| Memory | 4GB 800MHz DDR2 SDRAM | 4GB 800MHz DDR2 SDRAM |
| Graphics | 256MB (shared) ATI Radeon HD 3200 integrated graphics chip | 128MB (shared) Nvidia GeForce 6150SE integrated graphics chip |
| Hard Drives | 640GB, 7,200rpm | 500GB 7,200rpm |
| Optical Drive | dual-layer DVD burner | dual-layer DVD burner |
| Networking | 10/100Mbps Ethernet LAN | Gigabit Ethernet; 802.11b/g Wi-Fi |
| Operating System | Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 (64-bit) | Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 (64-bit) |
The $560 HP Pavilion a6700y offers almost a component-for-component match to our Gateway, save a few subtle differences that give HP the ammunition to pull ahead. For example, both systems share the same CPU clock speed and built-in RAM, but the Gateway has a larger hard drive and more video memory than the HP. We suspect that portioning off more integrated video memory actually hurts the Gateway on our application tests. HP also gets you gigabit Ethernet and 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi. We don't require either in low-end midtower PCs like these, and in fact we think HP could have spent its features budget more wisely in that system. But by outpacing the Gateway and giving you Wi-Fi, the HP looks a lot more appealing.
(Shorter bars indicate better performance)
(Shorter bars indicate better performance)
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Rendering Multiple CPUs | |
Rendering Single CPU |
Our performance benchmarks solidify our buying recommendation: the Gateway trails the rest of the competition in every single test, most notably in the Cinebench and multitasking results, where HP enjoys the major advantage by comparison. In terms of features and performance, the HP a6700y takes the prize, but storage stackers and users itching to expand will be satisfied with the Gateway.
Per usual, Gateway offers a one year warranty with the DX4200-09 that covers parts and labor. You can also receive toll-free, 24-7 phone support via the Gateway call center. Finally, the Gateway Web site offers a comprehensive list of FAQs as well as driver downloads and model specs for comparison shopping and system troubleshooting.
Find out more about how we test desktop systems.
System configurations:
Gateway DX4200-09
64-bit Windows Vista Home Premium; 1.8GHz AMD Phenom 9100e Quad-Core
; 4GB DDR2 SDRAM; 256MB (shared) ATI Radeon HD 3200 integrated graphics chip; 640GB 7,200rpm hard drive.
Dell Inspiron I530-120B
64-bit Windows Vista Home Premium SP1; 2.8GHz Intel Core 2 Duo E7400; 6GB 800MHz DDR2 SDRAM; 128MB (shared) Intel GMA 3100 integrated graphics chip; 750GB 7,200 rpm Seagate hard drive.
Dell Inspiron I530S-119B
64-bit Windows Vista Home Premium; 2.5GHz Intel Pentium Dual-Core CPU E5200; 4GB 800MHz DDR2 SDRAM; 128MB (shared) Intel GMA 3100 integrated graphics chip; 500GB 7,200rpm hard drive.
HP Pavilion a6700y
64-bit Windows Vista Home Premium SP1; 1.8GHz AMD Phenom X4 9150e; 4GB 800MHz DDR2 SDRAM; 128MB (shared) Nvidia GeForce 6150SE integrated graphics chip; 500GB Seagate 7,200rpm hard drive.
HP Pavilion a6750y
64-bit Windows Vista Home Premium SP1; 8GB DDR2 SDRAM 800MHz; 256MB DDR2 ATI Radeon HD 3200 Graphics card; 750GB 7,200 RPM Hitachi hard drive.
User reviews
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Great deal for a good computer
by keithrjackson on October 19, 2009
Pros: 64 bit system is a good thing. This system is available for under $350. At $500 it is a decent computer. At $350 it is a bargain. Quad cores for this price? Really?
This unit also qualifies for a free Windows 7 upgradeCons: The on board video is average at best and you only have a 300w power supply. Seen batter cases and the drive doors are hokey.
Summary: I just replaced a single core 2.0 Ghz machine with 1.5 gigs of memory to this. Four cores, 1.8 Ghz, 4 gigs of memory expandable to 8....
Summary: I just replaced a single core 2.0 Ghz machine with 1.5 gigs of memory to this. Four cores, 1.8 Ghz, 4 gigs of memory expandable to 8.
Something else to note if you are buying one of these. Make sure you get one with something other than the 9100e chip. Mine came with a 9150e, others came with 9750 or 9550 chips. The 9100e was rather suspect.
HDMI out is a great bonus. I am going to put a blue ray drive in this and see what it can do.
This is a great computer for person on a budget or a student. It is fine as it is for whatever work you have to do on it. But for around $200 (which you do not have to spend at once), you can add another 4 gigs of memory ($70), a decent video card ($70) and a 500w power supply and you have a computer that will allow any and all gaming. -
Using this computer for 60 days now with no problems.
by MisterMurr on July 23, 2009
Pros: Good storage space, like quad processor speed, ram ok, I added an addition 2 gig making a total of 6 gig in system. Excellent room for expantion on hard drive along with ram.
Cons: Don't like 300 power supply, should start with 500 watt. Most computers are used for gameing. So use 512 not a 256 video card please.
Summary: Ok guess I'm happy with this system or I would not have bought it. It's a good system for the money. Just get a video card that works ...
Summary: Ok guess I'm happy with this system or I would not have bought it. It's a good system for the money. Just get a video card that works for You.
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I used this computer for 13 days of lite use, it failed
by tbyars on March 25, 2009
Pros: I didn't really have enough time with the machine to gain any real likes or things that impressed me too much.
Cons: I don't like the fact that the computer suffered a motherboard failure in less than 20 hours of use, and Gateway support doesn't seem to be too worried about that, and even less worried about getting a working computer back to me.
Summary: I purchased a DX4200-09 on 2/22/09 from Best Buy and set it up the next day. On March 9, my wife could not get the computer to boot. ...
Summary: I purchased a DX4200-09 on 2/22/09 from Best Buy and set it up the next day. On March 9, my wife could not get the computer to boot. After a call to Gateway support, they decided the computer sufered a video failure (on board video) so I returned it for repair via Fed Ex as instructed. After two weeks, all they have been able to tell me is that the repair part is on back order.
I spoke to a level two support tech this morning who told me I would get my computer back whenever it was fixed. He could not give me a time frame for repair. I asked, considering it was a brand new machine, couldn't my hard drive be transfered to a new machine to complete the repair. He said no, was quite rude and hung up on me.
Frankly, after the treatment I recieved this morning, I have accepted the fact that I have probably seen the last of that computer. We'll just save up until we can afford another. It WON'T be a Gateway.
Note that in buying computers for home and office over the past three decades, this is the first Gateway I have purchased, and the only initial failure I have ever experienced. -
Fantastic. Can't wait to get mine.
by donovandisaster on March 15, 2009
Pros: Specs, design, value, everything about it.
Cons: 300W PSU, No Wi-Fi, but I have a Wi-Fi card from a previous system.
Summary: I tried this computer out at my local Best Buy. I had Windows Media Center running and it never slowed or lagged at all. I was comparing with the HP ...
Summary: I tried this computer out at my local Best Buy. I had Windows Media Center running and it never slowed or lagged at all. I was comparing with the HP A6700Y, which had terrible lag on the OS itself. It is replacing a 2 month old Macbook, and also an older Compaq Evo. The Macbook has been "repaired" numerous times and still has the same problems, such as extremely poor connectivity, and i am sitting directly next to my router. But this is not a review of the Macbook. The 300W PSU is not enough for a fast graphics card, but it can be easily replaced. I had a Gateway E-Series computer from 2002 which got stolen, and I never had one problem with it. I will be getting mine tomorrow hopefully. I will post another review when I buy the Gateway.
I have had this computer for over a week now. I havent had one single problem with it. I have put in the old drive from my old Compaq Evo and now I have 800GB of HD Space. The gaming on it is great. I have The Sims 2 with all expansions installed and it is on the highest settings and it never lags at all. This is a great computer for a gamer and an everyday user, and for the price, it cannot be beat.
Updated on Mar 27, 2009 -
Great Base PC for multimedia and games
by je_fletch on March 10, 2009
Pros: you definitely get your moneys worth with this computer.
Plays most games without problems
Decent video card and processor
4GB Ram and large Hard DriveCons: Windows Vista!!!
Some upgrading required for extreme Gaming
Trial versions of office and nortonSummary: Love computer. For 500 Bucks it is a good workhorse, good speeds and enough ram to run vista the right way. Plays games well, and has lots of capabilities for ...
Summary: Love computer. For 500 Bucks it is a good workhorse, good speeds and enough ram to run vista the right way. Plays games well, and has lots of capabilities for HD, gaming, multimedia, and as an office computer as well
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Awesome comp for the price
by larryf333 on March 4, 2009
Pros: Very fast, more than enough RAM, decent integrated graphics, comp states that the 256MB video RAM is dedicated not shared. Plays mid-level games just like it is. Throw in a decent Video Card and it makes an awesome gaming machine.
Cons: Only comes with a 300w power supply. You will need to upgrade if you are getting a really good graphics card. Windows Vista x64 still too young with too many issues that need to be addressed.
Summary: Excellent deal for the money. Throw a little more money in it and you have an awesome and capable machine! It's very easy to upgrade with plenty of room ...
Summary: Excellent deal for the money. Throw a little more money in it and you have an awesome and capable machine! It's very easy to upgrade with plenty of room inside!
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Best Buy For your Buck
by elChado on February 10, 2009
Pros: Lots of Memory, Storage and Processing for the Price.
Cons: 400 Watt Power supply Not comfortable with Aftermarket Upgrades. On Board Graphics by ATI leave a little to be desired.
Summary: When weighing the options, All the Cons are Eradicated by taking advantage of the PCI-E slot and Upgrading to a better Graphics Card and buying a 550+Watt Power Supply. ...
Summary: When weighing the options, All the Cons are Eradicated by taking advantage of the PCI-E slot and Upgrading to a better Graphics Card and buying a 550+Watt Power Supply. This combined with A Prompt Deletion of the Gateway Bologna from the registry and You've created a monster.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Gateway
- Part number: DX4200-09
- Description: Affordable quad-core power to fuel your multimedia demands is what you get with the Gateway DX4200-09 desktop. Thanks to the AMD Phenom processor and ATI Radeon graphics, you'll blaze through digital media projects as you unleash your creativity. Even labor-intensive tasks are no match for this powerful machine, which boasts 4GB of onboard memory so you can store more data.
General
- Type Personal computer
- Product Form Factor Tower
- Built-in Devices LED panel
- Width 7.1 in
- Depth 17.3 in
- Height 16.3 in
- Weight 24.3 lbs
- Desktop type Budget desktop system
Processor
- Type AMD Phenom X4 9100e / 1.8 GHz
- Multi-Core processor technology Quad-Core
- 64-bit processor Yes
- Installed Qty 1
- Max processors supported 1
Cache Memory
- Type L2 cache
- Installed Size 2 MB
Mainboard
- Chipset type AMD 780G
- Data bus speed 3600 MHz
RAM
- Installed Size 4 GB / 8 GB (max)
- Technology DDR2 SDRAM
- Memory Speed 800 MHz
- Memory Specification Compliance PC2-6400
- Form Factor DIMM 240-pin
- Features Dual channel memory architecture
- Configuration Features 2 x 2 GB
- Upgrade Rule Max 2 x 2 GB module
Storage Controller
- Type Serial ATA - Integrated
- Controller interface type Serial ATA-300
Storage
- Hard Drive 1 x 640 GB - Standard - Serial ATA-300 - 7200 rpm
- Hard Drive (2nd) None
- Hard Drive (3rd) None
Optical Storage
- Type DVD±RW / DVD-RAM
- CD / DVD read speed 48x (CD) / 18x (DVD)
- CD / DVD write speed 48x (CD) / 16x (DVD) / 12x (DVD-RAM) / 8x (DVD Double layer)
- Disc Labeling Technology Labelflash Technology
Optical Storage (2nd)
- Type None
Storage Removable
- Type None
Monitor
- Monitor Type None.
Graphics Controller
- Type Integrated
- Graphics Processor / Vendor ATI Radeon HD 3200
- Video Memory 256 MB (max)
- Max Allocated RAM Size 256 MB
Audio Output
- Type Sound card - Integrated
- Sound card name Integrated Audio
- Sound output mode 7.1 channel surround
- Audio output compliant standards High Definition Audio
- Speaker(s) 2 x Right / left channel
Input Device
- Type Mouse, Keyboard
Mouse
- Mouse technology Optical
- Mouse interface USB
- Mouse features Scroll
Telecom
- Modem Fax / modem
- Max transfer rate 56 Kbps
- Protocols & Specifications ITU V.92
Audio Input
- Type None
Networking
- Networking Network adapter - Integrated
- Data Link Protocol Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet
Expansion / Connectivity
- Expansion Slots Total (Free) 1 ( 0 ) x Processor - Socket AM2, 4 ( 2 ) x Memory - DIMM 240-pin, 1 ( 0 ) x PCI Express x16, ( 0 ) x PCI Express x1, 1 ( 0 ) x PCI
- Interfaces 1 x Mouse - Generic - 6 pin mini-DIN (PS/2 style), 1 x Keyboard - Generic - 6 pin mini-DIN (PS/2 style), 6 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 pin USB Type A ( 2 in front ), 1 x Display / video - VGA - 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15), 1 x Network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T - RJ-45, 1 x Modem - Phone line - RJ-11, 8 x Audio - Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, 1 x Audio / video - HDMI - 19 pin HDMI Type A, 2 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire)
Printer
- Type None
Miscellaneous
- Cables Included Power cable ( 1 pcs.)
Power
- Power device type Power supply
- Power provided 300 Watt
Operating System / Software
- OS Provided Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit Edition
- Software CyberLink Power2Go, Microsoft Works 9.0, Microsoft Money Essentials, Norton 360 (60 days trial), Microsoft Office 2007 Home and Student Edition (60 days trial)
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - Parts and labor - 1 year
Card Reader
- Card reader 15 in 1 card reader
Accessories
- SMART memory - 512 MB - DIMM 240-pin - DDR2 (33232735)23.98
- Logitech G19 (33485079)169.99 - 199.99
- Logitech Cordless Desktop EX 100 (31205065)35.97 - 89.99
- Saitek Cyborg Keyboard keyboard (33073269)65.17 - 75.99
- OCZ Alchemy Series Elixir II Keyboard - keyboard (33625258)18.00 - 18.05
- General Electric Wireless Office Keyboard keyboard , mouse (31294542)42.99
- Logitech V220 Cordless Optical Mouse for Notebooks (32481206)24.94 - 29.99
- Logitech Performance Mouse MX (33769469)89.99 - 109.99
- Logitech VX Nano Cordless Laser Mouse (32554802)50.61 - 69.99
- Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 8000 - mouse (32062182)39.00 - 89.99
- Microsoft Wireless Notebook Presenter 8000 - mouse (32072164)49.95 - 92.00
- HP Deskjet D1560 - printer - color - ink-jet (33019326)65.00
- HP Color LaserJet CP1215 (32902714)189.99 - 382.00
- HP LaserJet P2035n (33376043)217.99 - 299.99
- HP LaserJet P1006 (32733805)89.99 - 199.99
Manufacturer info
- Gateway
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Gateway products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.gateway.com/
- Address:
14303 Gateway Place, Poway, CA 92064 - Phone: (800) 846-2000
