Why You Can Trust CNET Get a Gateway Core i5 desktop for $379.99
This powerhouse PC features a 1TB hard drive, 8GB of RAM, HDMI, and Wi-Fi. Only the graphics disappoint, but that's easily remedied.
Desktops are a dying breed, but they're still useful for people who want maximum horsepower -- especially for graphics -- at a minimum price.
Today only, and while supplies last, Geeks.com has the refurbished Gateway DX4860-UB33P Core i5-2320 desktop PC for $379.99, plus $20 for shipping. Regular price: $599.99.
This is a seriously loaded desktop -- with one exception. It's powered by a 3GHz Intel Core i5-2320 processor, 8GB of DDR3 RAM, and 1TB hard drive. Like USB peripherals? The tower sports a whopping 10 USB ports, two of them USB 3.0. Also included: a DVD burner, a media reader, and 802.11n Wi-Fi -- an unusual but welcome amenity in a desktop.
With specs like that, the Gateway should be able to handle every app you throw at it, from Office to Photoshop to SimCity 5. Well, maybe not every app: the system has only an integrated Intel graphics subsystem (with HDMI, at least), which should be fine for everyday computing, but probably won't handle higher-end graphics stuff.
That's kind of ironic given that people typically buy desktops for exactly that stuff. Still, if you find you need more graphics horsepower, it's a simple matter to drop in a high-end video card. Heck, maybe you've already got one you could pilfer from your existing desktop.
CNET hasn't reviewed the DX4860-UB33P, but it scored at least one Editors' Choice elsewhere, and five Amazon customers rated it 4.8 stars out of 5.
One other thought: the Gateway comes with Windows 7 Home Premium. If you're planning to buy a new PC and don't want Windows 8, now would be an ideal time; it won't be long before the latter is your only option.
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