Gateway SX2800 vs SX2840

[danrfxz]

Hi,

I am looking at buying a small, cheap HTPC. I have all of my media stored on a networked server, so so I don't need to worry about storage capacity. It won't be used for gaming (as I have a dedicated gaming PC). I want something that can play 1080p videos, DVDs, and Blu-Rays (if I decide to buy a drive for it). I was recently drawn to the Gateway SX2800 series for their small form factor, performance, and price.

My question regards a cost/performance analysis. A local retailer has refurbished (with warranty) SX2800's (Core2Quad) on sale. They also have the SX2840 (Core i3) in stock. There is a $160 price difference.

Does the SX2840 have a significant enough performance gain to justify the cost? Will either (or both) of these machines meet my needs? I'd considered a Mac Mini (with the GeForce 9400M), but it's just too expensive to really be an option.

Thanks!

 

[saint19]

Hi, wich is the price of both rigs?

 

[danrfxz]

Hi, wich is the price of both rigs?

Gateway SX2800-01 $399.99
Gateway SX2840-01 $559.99

 

[saint19]

What specifications have the PCs?

 

[danrfxz]

What specifications have the PCs?

Any spec that isn't listed below is identical between the two.

SX2800-01

Operating System Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium (64-bit)
Processor Intel® Core 2 Quad Processor Q8200
Processor Speed 2.33GHz
Level 2 Cache 4MB Level 2 Cache
Front Side Bus 1333MHz Frontside Bus
RAM Installed 4GB DDR3 RAM
Memory Configuration (2) 2GB DIMM Memory Modules
Memory Slots Available (2) Available 240-pin DIMM Slots
Hard Drive 640GB 7,200RPM Serial ATA Hard Drive
Video Card Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator X4500 Video Chipset

SX2840-01

Operating System Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit)
Motherboard Chipset Intel® H57 Express Chipset
Processor Intel® Core(tm) i3-530 Processor
Processor Speed 2.93GHz
Level 2 Cache 4MB Level 2 Cache
RAM Installed 6GB DDR3-1333 RAM
Memory Configuration (2) 2GB DIMM Memory Modules, (2) 1GB DIMM Memory Modules
Memory Slots Available (0) Available 240-pin DIMM Slots
Hard Drive 1TB Serial ATA Hard Drive
Video Card Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator X4500HD Video Chipset

 

[saint19]

Well, the 2nd looks like a good option, BUT personally i do will not buy a refurbished PC. I think that with $620 you can get a basic system for your needs.

 

[danrfxz]

Well, the 2nd looks like a good option, BUT personally i do will not buy a refurbished PC. I think that with $620 you can get a basic system for your needs.

So you'd buy the more expensive Core i3 based system? Also ... where did you get the $620 number from?

Thanks.

 

[saint19]

Well, currently I have a Phenom II X4, so, the i3 would be not a option for me. Like I said, the price for this configuration is a good option BUT I prefer build the system my self or if I buy, buy it new.

This is the configuration for the $ 620 rig.

CPU $ 98,99 Here
MOBO $ 99,99 Here
RAM $ 114,99 Here
GPU $ 99,99 Here
HDD $ 54,99 Here
PSU $ 89,99 Here
CASE $ 61,99 Here

Total: $ 620,93 + MIR + SHIPPING.