Get a quad-core Gateway desktop for $290
Get a stylish, smartly equipped quad-core tower for under $300.
(Credit: Woot)I try not to go to the Woot well very often--it's a competing deal-of-the-day site, after all--but this is too good to pass up: a refurbished Gateway quad-core desktop system for $289.99. Shipping runs a mere $5.
Because it's Woot, the offer expires at the end of the day, and stands a good chance of selling out before then.
That's because this is a really nicely loaded tower. It packs a 1.8GHz AMD Phenom X4 9100e 64-bit processor, 4GB of RAM, a 640GB hard drive, and a SuperMulti drive with LabelFlash technology (LightScribe's red-headed cousin).
On the video side, you get an OK-but-not-great-for-games integrated ATI Radeon HD 3200 that borrows up to 256MB of system memory. On the plus side, it sports an HDMI port, meaning this system can easily pull media-center duty.
The system comes with Windows Vista Home Premium (64-bit). Alas, because it's a refurb, it doesn't qualify for a free upgrade to Windows 7.
It does, however, have the refurb-standard 90-day warranty. I don't consider that a major compromise, but some buyers might.
This is, I think, the lowest price I've ever seen on a quad-core desktop, and it's a nicely equipped one at that. If you've been looking for a cheap replacement for that aging XP box, look no further.
(By the way, if this does sell out, check back later. I'll find something else cool for your weekend!)
Rick Broida, a technology writer for nearly 20 years, is the author of more than a dozen books. In addition to writing CNET's The Cheapskate blog, he oversees BNET's Business Hacks. Rick is a member of the CNET Blog Network and is not an employee of CBS Interactive. Disclosure. Deals found on The Cheapskate are subject to availability, expiration, and other terms determined by sellers. Follow Rick on Twitter at cheapskateblog. 
It probably would be able to, but this is the bare minimum specs you'd look at. What really matters whilst video editing is graphics muscle, so look for the best graphics card you can find.
Also, I also make little videos (Sony SR11). Could I see some of your stuff somewhere?
You'll probably be just fine. You may end up needing to lay out some cash for an upgraded stand-alone video card (and potentially a power supply if you go that route) if this doesn't do it for you as-is. But as a base system, this is a good, cheap starting point. $290 is hard to beat.
http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/gateway-dx4200-ub001a/4505-3118_7-33138288.html
- by Mr. Dee September 12, 2009 10:05 PM PDT
- I would buy this to replace my aging Dell Dimension 8300.
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