Gateway FX6840-03e

Gateway FX6840-03E

This review is part of our , covering specific fixed configurations of popular systems found in retail stores. We're documented fans of Gateway's latest FX case design, at least for the most part, but we have reservations about the FX6840-03e, a specific $1,099 configuration. We'll give the Gateway some credit for its strong application performance scores, but a $1,149 Dell system offers a more versatile configuration for only a nominal price increase. We do like certain aspects of this Gateway system, but there's not enough value in this PC to recommend it. We like the Gateway case primarily because it introduces front-accessible hard-drive bays to a relatively mainstream PC. We're more used to seeing that feature on gaming desktops from boutique vendors. Not everyone will need the front-panel drive access, but it's a rare enthusiast design touch that is actually useful. The case design has some polarizing elements to be sure, its red accent lighting chief among them. It's also large enough to qualify as a full tower system, as opposed to the midtower PCs that have dominated our recent retail desktop round up. If you're particular about the look of your hardware, you may have some reservations about picking up the distinctive Gateway.