Gateway throws Core i7 CPUs into two new FX6800 gaming desktops

Although we actually got to see just how potent the Core i7 was way back in September (at least, that's what was hinted at "off the record"), the chip had yet to go on sale until this week. Now that it's had its formal launch party, Gateway's joining the masses in offering up two new FX Series PCs with Intel's freshest silicon. For the gamer on a budget, the FX6800-01 gets going at just $1,249.99 and packs a Core i7-920 processor, 3GB of DDR3 RAM and an ATI Radeon HD4850 video card. For those with cheddar to burn, the $2,999.99 FX6800-05 steps it up with a Core i7-940, ATI Radeon HD4870 X2 graphics card and 6GB of DDR3 memory. The high-end beast also includes a 1TB hard drive plus an 80GB SSD, and both models can be outfitted with a Blu-ray drive should you choose. For the complete specs list, have a glance at the full release just after the break.

New processing technology breaks barriers with extreme performance for intense gaming and high impact entertainment

IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 17, 2008 -- Gateway today announced two new
models in its FX Series of desktop PCs featuring Intel's fastest
desktop platform technology to date, the Intel(R) Core(TM) i7
processors and the Intel(R) X58 Express chipset. The new Core i7
processors feature faster, intelligent multi-core technology that
automatically applies processing power where it's needed most,
delivering an incredible breakthrough in PC performance.

An unrivaled value at just $1,249.99, the Gateway(R) FX6800-01e means
the world of extreme gaming and turbo-charged fun isn't limited to
high-priced systems costing thousands of dollars. At its heart lies
an Intel Core i7-920 processor, providing gamers with the critical
horsepower to pwn even the most worthy opponents. Partnered with an
ATI Radeon HD4850 video card, 3GB of DDR3 triple channel memory and
high definition audio, it delivers the performance, graphics and audio
necessary for those who want to experience their digital entertainment
full throttle.

"The new Gateway FX6800-01 featuring the Intel Core i7-920 Processor
is another example of our commitment to bringing high-performance into
the mainstream price range," said Glenn Jystad, senior manager,
desktop products for Gateway. "The screaming performance this desktop
delivers is more than enough for most gamers, and leaves them with a
lot more money for games, as well as the ability to play them better
than ever before."

Hard-core gamers who crave white-knuckle rushes and heart-palpitating
action will find the Gateway(R) FX6800-05 delivers all that and more.
Aggressively priced at $2.999.99, it is fueled by the even more
powerful Intel Core i7-940 processor, making it the ultimate holiday
gift and game crusher. Realistic heart-stopping, jaw-dropping visuals
are provided by ATI Radeon HD4870 X2 graphics card and 6GB of DDR3
memory for spine-tingling fun.

And the excitement doesn't stop there. In addition to its massive 1TB
hard drive, Gateway takes it to the next level, adding a revolutionary
new high-speed drive -- an 80GB Intel High Performance Solid State
Drive. This industry-leading drive can't be beat for drive-intensive
applications with extreme performance needs. Devoid of moving parts,
it provides faster and more reliable data storage than traditional
hard drives, with less heat and noise.

"Solid state hard drive technology on a gaming PC will make a huge
difference in the fun factor," continued Jystad. "Currently used in
mission critical environments, users are seeing boot up times that are
two to three times as fast and they are running cooler and quieter,
and without data fragmentation, all of which are hugely valued by
gamers as well."

"Fueled by the best desktop processors on the planet -- with Intel
Hyper-Threading and Intel Turbo Boost Technology -- the new Gateway FX
Series desktops will transport gamers to a new level of performance
and PC enjoyment," said CJ Bruno, vice president, sales and marketing
group and president, Intel Americas, Inc. "Not only can the new Intel
Core i7 processor handle today's most complex and immersive games, but
it's also powerful enough to handle tomorrow's gaming advances,
ensuring these new systems will continue to meet customers' needs for
years to come."

In addition to their powerful engines, the FX Series desktops offer
numerous user friendly features that add convenience, flexibility and
value to their overall proposition.

Hidden pop-out doors keep ports tucked away, out-of-view and free from
dust and debris. A pop-up on the top of the system provides
convenient access to media ports and the Smart Copy button, which
simplifies the storing of digital photos. A hidden pop-out on the
front hides the i/o ports most often used for temporary items such as
a microphone, headphone, and 1394 cables.

Touch-sensitive media control buttons make it easy to control DVDs,
music play lists and TV functionality. Both the models can include
Blu-ray Disc(TM) optical drives.

The FX6800 PCs come standard with two internal hard drive bays.
Customers can also quickly and easily add a third and fourth hard
drive by simply sliding out a tray located on the front lower section
of the chassis. A completely tool-less process, users simply insert
the hard drive into the tray and Vista will immediately recognize and
configure it for use.

A backup button on the front of the system is tied to the backup
feature found in Vista. Using this button, consumers can quickly and
confidently copy their files to any storage location they choose.

Specifications, Pricing and Availability

Gateway(R) FX6800-01e: Available now at leading retailers for a MSRP
of $1,249.99.
1. Intel Core i7-920 Processor (2.66Gz Quad-Core w/ Intel
Hyper-Threading & Turbo Speed Technology, new 8-thread CPU
architecture with automatic acceleration up to 2.93GHz on a single
core)
2. Intel X58 Express Chipset
3. ATI Radeon HD4850 w/ 512MB Discrete Video Memory
4. 3GB (3072MB DDR3 1066MHz Three Channel Memory [3 x 1024MB])
5. 750GB SATA II hard drive (1) (7200RPM, 16MB cache)
6. 18X DVD+/-R/RW SuperMulti Drive featuring LabelFlash(TM) Technology(2)
7. 15-in-1 High Speed Digital Media Card Reader with Smart Copy Button
8. Windows Vista Home Premium 64-Bit with Service Pack 1
9. (8) USB 2.0 Ports, (2) PS/2, (2) IEEE 1394a, (2) eSATA, RJ-45,
RJ-11, (8) Audio Ports, (1) Serial Port
10. HDMI Connector v1.3 (via DVI-HDMI dongle)
11. 500W Power Supply

Gateway(R) FX6800-05: Available now at leading online retailers, with
an MSRP of $2,999.99.
1. Intel Core i7-940 Processor (2.93GHz Quad-Core w/ Intel
Hyper-Threading & Turbo Speed Technology, New 8-thread CPU
architecture with automatic acceleration up to 3.20GHz on a single
core)
2. Intel X58 Express Chipset
3. ATI Radeon HD 4870 X2 Graphics w/ 2048MB Discrete Video Memory
4. 6GB (6144MB DDR3 1066MHz Three Channel Memory [3 x 2GB DIMM])
5. 1000GB SATA II hard drive (1) (7200RPM, 16MB cache)
6. 80GB SSD (Solid State Drive)
7. 18X DVD+/-R/RW SuperMulti Drive featuring LabelFlash Technology(2)
8. 15-in-1 High Speed Digital Media Card Reader with Smart Copy Button
9. Windows Vista Home Premium 64-Bit with Service Pack 1
10. (8) USB 2.0 Ports, (2) PS/2, (2) IEEE 1394a, (2) eSATA, RJ-45, (8)
Audio Ports
11. HDMI Connector v1.3 (via DVI-HDMI dongle)
12. 1000 Watt Power Supply

Gateway Limited Warranty, Service and Support
The Gateway FX Series Desktops are backed by a one year limited
warranty(3). Gateway's commitment to quality and reliability is
evident in its award-winning line of PCs as well as in its exceptional
service and support programs(4). In addition to the company's
standard limited warranty options, its extensive online support center
helps customers maximize their PC investment; it gives them easy
access to customer support representatives and information on
important issues such as warranties, technical issues and upgrading.