Gateway FX6831-03 Desktop PC (Black)

by Gateway

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 19 x 17.7 inches ; 31 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 39.2 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0031U1J2O
• Item model number: FX6831-03
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,726 in Computers & Accessories (See Top 100 in Computers & Accessories)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: January 17, 2010

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Gateway FX6831: Gaming Supercomputer

With a streamlined racing car-like design complete with mesh venting inhale and red lighting effects, the Gateway FX6831-03 desktop computer provides a fantastic entertainment and gaming experience. It combines quad-core processing power via the Intel Core i7-860 with cutting edge graphics processing via the ATI Radeon HD 5850 graphics card with 1 GB of discrete video memory--perfect for visually rich apps and the most vivid DirectX 10 games. They're complemented by 16 GB of DDR3 RAM and a 1.5 TB hard drive for maximum storage right out of the box. This FX model also includes Blu-ray Disc drive for viewing movies in crystal-clear HD resolution as well as a separate SuperMulti dive for creating your own DVDs and CDs.

Enjoy the next generation of video playback with the HDMI output, which allows a single cable to transmit uncompressed high-definition video and audio to your digital TV or capable external monitor. A myriad of front-accessible ports make it easy to connect, including the Digital Media Card Reader for convenient connection and downloads from your digital devices. And with a touch of a button, you can turn your monitor into a media slideshow of your favorite photos with the unique photo frame button.

The Gateway FX6831 desktop PC with mesh venting inhale, red accents and red lighting effects for a racing car-like design.

Pre-installed with the Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium operating system (64-bit version), you'll be able to easily create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos, and music. Windows 7 is the easiest, fastest, and most engaging version of Windows yet. Better ways to find and manage files, like Jump Lists and improved taskbar previews, help you speed through everyday tasks. Windows 7 is designed for faster and more reliable performance, so your PC just works the way you want it to.

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Key Features

• Streamlined racing car-like design brings visual excitement from its engine car designed start button to the mesh venting inhale, red accents and red lighting effects.
• 2.8 GHz Intel Core i7-860 processor (with Turbo Boost Technology up to 3.46 GHz) delivers maximum processing power in response to peak demands. Intel's Turbo Boost technology maximizes speed for demanding applications, dynamically accelerating performance to match your workload--providing more performance when you need it the most. It also comes equipped with Intel HD Graphics--an advanced video engine that delivers smooth, high-quality HD video playback, and advanced 3D capabilities, providing an ideal graphics solution for everyday computing.
• 1.5 TB SATA hard drive (7200 RPM)
• 16 GB DDR3 RAM (1333 MHz; maximizing capacity)
• ATI Radeon HD 5850 graphics with 1 GB of dedicated video memory. Loaded with advanced technology and support for Microsoft DirectX 11, the HD 5750 has the power and premium features you need for fully immersive gameplay as well as the capability to expand your visual real estate across up to three displays. With ATI Eyefinity technology, you get the ultimate immersive gaming experience innovative "wrap around" multi-display capabilities.
• Watch Blu-ray Disc movies in crystal clear resolution with the read-only Blu-ray drive; this desktop also includes a second dedicated 16x DVD±R/RW SuperMulti drive capable of reading/writing of CD-R/RW, DVD±R, DVD±RW, DVD±R DL, and DVD-RAM.
• HD audio provides your system with the support it needs to handle the most cutting-edge audio content (including 7.1-channel surround sound). Plus, you'll hear more of your tunes and tones, with auditory playback coming out at a higher quality than systems without HD sound.
• Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000)
• Multi-in-One digital media card reader compatible with CompactFlash (Type I and II), CF+ Microdrive, MultiMediaCard (MMC), HC MMCplus, HC MMCmobile, MMCplus, MMCmobile, Reduced-Size MultiMediaCard (RS-MC), Secure Digital (SD) Card, miniSDHC Card, miniSD Card, microSD Card, SmartMedia, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo
• HDMI port for connecting to a compatible HDTV or home theater receiver for uncompressed digital audio and video via a single cable. Also includes standard analog VGA video output.
• Next-generation eSATA port (combined with one of the USB ports) offers a transfer speed of 3GB/s, delivering enhanced scalability and doubling the bus bandwidth for high-speed data retrieval and saves. It allows easy sharing and transfer of entertainment content and digital media on external devices.
• Gateway Recovery Management enables you to create a default backup disk and an application and driver backup disk, restore the system to factory default, reinstall apps and drivers, manage password settings, recover from the hard drive ,and recover from your factory recovery disk.
• Windows 7 Home Premium makes it easy to create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos, and music. And you can watch shows for free when and where you want with Internet TV on Windows Media Center. Get the best entertainment experience with Windows 7 Home Premium.
• Get more features with Windows Anytime Upgrade. It's the best way to add features to Windows 7, takes as few as ten minutes, requires no software or downloads, and you'll keep your existing programs, files, and settings. Windows will walk you through the simple upgrade process.
• Pre-loaded software includes Microsoft Works SE 9.0 for word processing and spreadsheet work. Enjoy a 60-day trial version of Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007.
• Dimensions: 7.5 x 19 x 17.7 inches (WxDxH)
• Weight: 31 pounds
• Warranty: 1 year parts and labor with toll-free technical support

What's in the Box

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
This desktop provides ultra-fast Gigabit Ethernet wired networking. It includes two PCI slots (available), one PCI x1 Express slot (available), one PCI x16 Express slot (occupied), four 3.5-inch HDD bays (three available), and two 5.25-inch ODD bays (one available).

• 10 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players (4 in front, 6 in rear)
• 1 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) port for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals
• 2 eSATA ports
• Video out: HDMI and 2 DVI
• Headphone and microphone jacks; digital audio output
• Surround sound speakers (5 audio ports)
• 2 PS/2 ports for connecting a keyboard and mouse

What's in the Box
This package contains the Gateway FX6831-03 desktop PC, power cord, mouse, keyboard, and printed documentation

It also comes with the following software: Microsoft Works (applications for word processing, spreadsheet, calendar, and e-mail); 60-day trial of Microsoft Office 2007; Norton Internet Security 2009 (60-day trial); Google Toolbar

Product Description

Gateway FX6831-03 Desktop PC comes with these specs: Intel Core i7-860 Processor 2.8GHz with Turbo Boost Technology up to 3.46GHz, Windows 7 Home Premium, Intel H57 Express Chipset, 16GB DDR3 Memory, ATI Radeon HD5850 Graphics Card with 1GB Discrete Video Memory, 1.5TB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive, 16X DVD±R/RW SuperMulti Drive and Blu-Ray Disc Drive, Multi-in-1 Digital Media Card Reader, High-Definition Audio Support with 7.1-channel Audio Support, 10 - USB 2.0, Keyboard and Mouse, 31.0 lbs. | 14.1 kg (system unit only), 1 Year Parts and Labor Limited Warranty with Toll-Free Tech Support, Registration/ Limited Warranty Card, Norton Internet Security Suite 2009 Trial

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WICKED fast!, April 3, 2010

By 

Craig Hartley "hotdog" (Houston, TX USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Gateway FX6831-03 Desktop PC (Black) (Personal Computers)

Like many, I wanted to avoid the whole Vista fiasco, so the Gateway FX6831-03 is my first new computer in seven years.

You only have to look at the specs: a powerful I7-860 processor coupled with a ATI5850 video card and an insane 16 gig of DDR3 memory to know this is a blazing fast machine at a modest price, so I'm going to talk about the out of the box stuff. I ordered the Gateway FX6831-03 desktop PC from Amazon via standard shipping and it arrived in good shape from J&R Music and Electronics in less than a week.

First, I opened it up to look inside. The case is crummy sheet-metal with screws, but the layout looks solid with no glaring problems and a big power supply (I've uploaded some photos into the "customer image" section). It has front-loading bays to add two more hard drives to its internal 1.5 TB drive. So far I've added a 1 TB Hitachi SATA drive to handle just HD video files. Setup was a bit tricky--I was expecting a simple plug and play, but I had to go into the device manager and format the new drive before it would show up. It's all good now.

The interior is tight because of the "cooling tower" on the CPU and the massive video card. Wedging in additional PC cards would be tough, though I would be hard pressed to think of what else to add! It has two disk drives--one CD/DVD burner and one CD/DVD/Blu-ray player; I replaced the CD/DVD burner with a Pioneer 205 Blu-ray/CD/DVD burner. I also supplemented its single case fan with two additional fans out of an excess of caution in this powerful machine.

The exterior is really sweet with red glowing racing stripes, an extremely fast multi-card reader and LOTS of USB ports (10!), FireWire, HDMI and more. You can nestle your iPod or MP3 player on a little indented platform on top, right next to two USB ports.

Turning on the Gateway FX6831-03 was a pleasant surprise. First there was a pretty good "whir" sound, then it settled down to dead quiet. I had to double-check that the fans were going! It is also quite energy efficient: my computer, modem/router/WiFi and 24" LCD monitor only use 108 watts while performing most tasks.

The setup was a snap. I don't know which was better: the new machine or the 64 bit Windows 7 Home Premium. In any case, unlike my previous Windows machines, I was able to get on line in seconds instead of wasting half a day fiddling with settings.

Unfortunately, the computer has no setup disks, and the setup instructions were of the pathetic "don't use this machine in the shower" sort. After removing some bloatware and downloading about 50 updates (true!) I loaded and tweaked dozens of personal programs. Note: Windows 7 doesn't use Outlook Express--it uses Windows Live Mail. Also, Windows has a nice (free!) anti-virus Microsoft Security Essentials program that won't bog down the system. Simple stuff, sure, but it was new to me and much appreciated. Rebooting only takes about 60 seconds.

You can also use Windows Easy Transfer between your new and old machine, but it I couldn't make it work via USB cable. I had to use an external hard drive. It took several hours and is a bit buggy. Also, start planning on moving all your e-mails and e-mail addresses to your new machine.

Most of my old (some very old) programs work on the Gateway FX6831-03. High end products like Photoshop CS5, Photomechanic, Pinnacle Studio HD and games like Supreme Commander 2, Dragon Age and Age of Empires III are amazingly fast even at highest resolution! For instance, Photoshop CS5 loads in six seconds! I've only had it a few months, but this machine is everything I could possibly want. Note of warning: Gateway is reported to have HORRIBLE customer support, but I figured it would be worth the risk. If I ever have a problem, I'll update this review.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Computer - Gateway Support NOT, March 24, 2010

By 

S. Camire - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Gateway FX6831-03 Desktop PC (Black) (Personal Computers)

The 6831-03 Gateway has the most bang for the buck by far when shopping for a new desktop.

16GB of DDR3 RAM - The most RAM you will find in a desktop of this price.
Intel's new i7 860 processor - Not quite the best, but pretty close.
ATI's new 5850 video card with 1GB of on-board memory - Again, not quite the best, but pretty close.
1.5TB Sata HDD - Plenty of fast storage.
Blu-Ray optical drive - Generic, but gets the job done.
7.1 HD Audio - Also generic, but gets the job done.
Win 7 64 Bit Home Premium - Sure wish it was the Professional edition.

NO DOCUMENTATION OR SOFTWARE BACKUP DISKS !!!!! Not even a quick setup sheet to show a newbie how to connect everything.

The computer came from JR Music and Computer world. The first one they shipped never made it to POST. I called JR and their support center couldn't help me so they referred me to Gateway's support center.

What a JOKE Gateway's support is. I ended up having to call Gateway 3 times. Twice I spoke with offshore agents that had accents so thick that I could barely understand what they said and were completely clueless; they recommended boxing up the BRAND NEW computer and sending it back to them to be repaired. YEAH RIGHT. Finally the 3rd person I spoke with I could at least understand and he recommended sending the computer back to JR. He also explained that the computer doesn't come with documentation because it is all online. The user's guides that Gateway provides are VERY basic and intended for someone that has very little computer knowledge; no content whatsoever on things like the video card or HDD or optical drives... As far as the backup software goes - hopefully the HDD never crashes. There is a hidden 16GB partition that contains all of the software shipped with the system that can be accessed during the boot sequence to perform a system restore. Anyway, back to JR's.

The support I received at JR's made me a lifelong customer. They were very helpful and professional. To expedite the shipping of a replacement computer I paid for a new one, and as soon as they received the defective computer they posted the credit to my card.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sweet deal., April 11, 2010

By 

Ralf Thiede "Dr. Ralf Thiede" (Charlotte, NC USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Gateway FX6831-03 Desktop PC (Black) (Personal Computers)

Unless you need the ultimate, top-of-the-line video card from ATI more than the 16gb of RAM, this rig is a sweet deal. The computer is fast and whisper quiet, which is an advantage for me because I also make sound recordings. Blue-ray HD movies look crisp and smooth, and the massive hard drive reads and writes impressively fast. I partially migrated from an XP computer using LapLink's PCmover Professional (sixty bucks well spent), and installing all those peripherals clustering aroung my desk took all but a day of finding the appropriate Windows 7 drivers on the manufacturers' web sites. I use this machine at home for both research/productivity and hobby. If you comparison shop for a computer to use for sound recording, photography and video editing, and everyday workhorse productivity, this one surely gets you the most bang for the buck at the moment. It is fast enough that your 32-bit software will run at least as fast as it did on your old computer, likely faster, but it shines with 64-bit applications. Very highly recommended.

A word about Gateway: I always read product reviews and do my homework before I buy anything, and this turned out to be the third Gateway computer in a row for me (my first PC was a Northgate - remember those?). Each has worked flawlessly. I tinker and tweak, and Gateway computers (as do Apple machines, truth be told) always impress me with their quality engineering. So two thumbs up here, too.