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Gateway ships quad-core desktop into US stores

Gateway let slip a quad core desktop into some major US retail outlets today. It's called the Gateway FX, it costs from $2099.99 and - as you will guess from the price tag, it is aimed at the PC enthusiast and "digital creation" markets.

The base spec includes Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 processors, 512MB ATI Radeon X1950 CrossFire video cards, Gigabit Ethernet, and 500GB hard drive. There's a 1000GB option too. According to Gateway the only choices available for a quad-core system in the US retail channel "have been extremely expensive propositions from boutique specialists".

Gateway's FX packs plenty more bangs per buck, according to an analyst, John Spindler of Current Analysis, wheeled out by the company to support the launch. "Not only is Gateway the first major manufacturer to put a quad-core desktop in retail," he says, "but the aggressive price point sends a message to both consumers and retailers: pay attention to this system, because Gateway means business in expanding the enthusiast sector. The value proposition of the Gateway FX Series is astounding when we compare it to similarly configured systems; in some instances, it has an incredible $1,000 price/performance advantage."

This ratio will surely drop: Intel cut trade prices for Quad cores last week by 40 per cent. And we guess that the "extremely expensive" boutique specialists will be chopping their prices any day now.

The Gateway FX is for sale in selected Best Buy, Micro Center and J&R stores and online through the websites of Best Buy, Circuit City, CompUSA, J&R and Micro Center. And let's not forget - from Gateway too. ® ®

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