The centerpiece of the Gateway DX420B is its processor. While most budget
systems are generally using processors that are several generations behind, the
DX420B uses the latest technology Intel Core 2 Duo. Even though it is the
slowest of the Core 2 processors, it has performance that can rival even some of
the previous generation high end processors. Gateway provides 512MB of PC2-5300
DDR memory that matches well although can limit it when multitasking.
Because Gateway put so much into the processor, the storage capabilities do
suffer. The 160GB hard drive is an average size for a budget desktop and will
hold plenty of programs and files, although digital video could quickly use up
the space. The big problem is the decision to include a 48x CD-RW/DVD combo
drive over a full DVD burner. While it can read and write to CD media, it can
only read DVD discs.
Graphics are supplied by a GeForce 7300LE card that is a step up from
integrated graphics albeit not 3D gaming except at lower resolutions or quality
levels. The big thing to note is that the 256MB memory size is really comprised
of 128MB on the card and 128MB of system memory.
Two final notes. First, Gateway does provide security software for the
DX420B, but productivity applications are not included. Second, the system does
provide a larger number of USB and FireWire ports allowing for plenty of
external peripheral support.
