EggXpert

Specifically looking to get either a quad core AMD Phenom

but does not come with monitor.

or an X2 that comes with monitor.

I told him it might have been better to go with quad core is it is a high percentage increase of performance over the dual core.  He's bing kind of rash and just bursted into the room that he wants to go buy it now.  SHould h be aware of anything?

He wants to use it for school work as well as some gaming.

Unless his schoolwork includes a lot of Photoshop, video editing or seriously heavy-duty mathematics programs he should stick with the dual-core. More bang for the buck right now for a simple Word/gaming machine, IMO.

You should also let him know that Gateway uses seriously low-end components and that he should expect to be spending time with tech support or even sending it in for "repairs." (read: replacement of the low-end parts that have given up the ghost)

I totally agree with u. It is featuring at AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 Dual-Core Processor, 3GB memory, 400GB hard drive and burns/play DVDs/CDs. These are all enough for school working and gaming.

Yes, avoid gateway (or any other prebuilt for that matter).

I made the mistake of buying a gateway and while I haven't had any problems yet the components are very cheap. The only recognizable brand names in the whole case are the AMD processor and the Nvidia mobo.  Right now I'm saving money to build a new rig because there is absolutely now way to upgrade anything other than new a video card and the bios is hard locked so you can't overclock at all.

How about a Dell?

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