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Finally an affordable gaming notebook

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Zap

Elite Member
Gateway P-6831FX in stock at BestBuy for $1350

Core 2 Duo
3GB RAM
250GB HDD
DVDRW slot load FTW
17" widescreen
NVIDIA GeForce Go 8800 GTS 512MB

Looks like the only major weakness is the CPU is a lower end C2D. According to Gateway this notebook can take two SATA HDDs, but no mention of RAID. Sure there are notebooks that have 8800 GPUs in SLI, but none of them are anywhere near this cheap.

This might be a special edition for BestBuy because the cheapest configuration that Gateway lists is $1600, but with a faster CPU. Heck, can buy an even faster CPU for that difference at Newegg, and have a spare to sell on Ebay.
 
Sort of a slow processor, low resolution. Sure, the graphics card is solid, and can no doubt run most any game at that resolution, but I worry if the processor will be unable to send the data to the graphics card fast enough.

Oh yea, and it is using the older chipset and processor.

Honestly though, this is all just me poking holes in it 🙂
 
Originally posted by: Parasitic
Looks a little low on the resolution side for a 17" though? Or is that just a typo?
Click to expand...

Looks like a typo. Someone seems to have gotten it already in this thread and the resolution appears to be 1440x900 for this model.

True, some of the components aren't anything special, but the main selling point here is the GPU. And for under $1400 it's quite a buy if your strictly a gamer.
 
Actually doesn't look too bad. I tried to spec an equivalent system using desktop components and it comes out to be $1100.
 
The biggest problems with laptops were that the graphics were bottlenecked severely. They still are. You only really need a 1.6Ghz C2D to push an 8800M and the gains you will receive by upgrading it to 2.2Ghz will be negligable.

I'd love to see a system balanced, rather than given a super fast CPU, only to be crippled with a shatty GPU.

1.6Ghz C2D + 8800M is a perfect setup and saves money. Now, I just wish I could find a smaller laptop with the same specs. I feel somewhat cheesy and stupid lugging around a 17" notebook in the airports... I remember my old Inspiron 8600... I was embarred to run it through security because it was so big and always gathered comments (Holy Crap! Is that a docking station?)... That ruined me for life... I now prefer 14" or at most, 15.4".

Anyway, I do want to say this is a really good deal from Gateway. If 17" is you thing, this is a great buy. Plus, I think only the 17"+ Get the 8800M currently.
 
1) The resolution is actually 1440x900
2) It is Penryn compatible so you can upgrade the CPU later if necessary
3) $1350

Looks like a great deal to me
 
powerful mobile CPU + weak IGP or low end GPU = meh.
middling CPU + discrete 8800 = better.
good CPU + discrete + swivel and touch sensitive screen so I can do gaming, tablet sketching, and PS = happy. (too bad it will never happen)
 
Why is it so difficult to put an eSATA port in a notebook? Last time I checked, only Asus had it and only in one model.
 
Originally posted by: corkyg
Why is it so difficult to put an eSATA port in a notebook? Last time I checked, only Asus had it and only in one model.
Click to expand...

Check again.
It comes standard on the Gateway P-6831FX (and all P-FX models)
 
I think this is a nicely balanced laptop as well. You shouldn't have any problems pushing full 1440x900 resolution with a 8800GT and a 1.6ghz C2D.

I don't like 17" myself, thats why I have the 15" MBP with a 8600 and a 2.2ghz C2D. Perfect balance for me in a smaller form factor.
 
I like 17", I'm using an Inspiron 9300 with a 6800 Go right now (and CoD4 is playable, but just barely).
I bought one, I doubt I can provide any more information than the guys over at notebookreview, but I'll do my best to answer any questions once it shows up this week.
I expect to upgrade the CPU somewhere down the road. Today is the last day to pick it up for $1,250 (and get a free PC game $50 or under).
 
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