Gateway P 172S FX

I'm considering buying Gateway P 172S FX
Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor2 T5750 (2.00GHz, 667MHz, 2MB L2 cache); Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium (32-bit) SP1;3072MB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM (1-1024MB & 1-2048 MB module);160GB 7200rpm Serial ATA hard drive w/ 8MB cache4;8x Multi-Format Dual Layer Slot Load DVD-RW w/ DVD-RAM
NVIDIA® GeForce® 8800M GTS with 512MB of GDDR3 discrete video memory
Intel® PM965 Chipset;17.0" WXGA+ Ultrabright TFT Active Matrix (1440 x 900 max. resolution);Integrated 1.3 Megapixel Web Cam; Integrated Realtek 802.11b/g Wireless Networking;High-Definition Audio- 2 Channel, Built-In speakers, embedded microphone, headphone/speaker jack, and microphone jacks;Primary 9 Cell Lithium Ion battery (7800mAH) w/ 1 Yr. limited battery warranty;Download Tracking (what's that?)2906039R - P-172S FX Edition;
Media Card Reader 5-in-1 media card reader;Integrated V.92 56K modem
Integrated RealTek 10/100/1000 Ethernet Adapter;Windows Vista® Home Premium Backup Media (32-bit)
Cost=$1,399.99
Several questions: can i customize gateway? and can I change the processor in Gateway option myself?

 

Gateway don't have any options for customising the notebook at their end. You're stuck buying one of the models they offer.

The processor can be changed quite easily if you're willing to void your warranty, it's as easy as taking the cover off, removing the old processor, cleaning old thermal paste, reapplying new thermal paste and putting in the new processor. There is a pictorial tutorial on how to accomplish that around here somewhere as well.

I have no idea what download tracking is either.

Lastly, I would suggest you buy the retail model from best-buy instead, the P-6860. It's got a 1.83 Ghz processor versus the 2.0 Ghz processor on the 172S FX but more memory (4 GB), more HDD (320 GB), 64 Bit OS and Draft N wireless.

 

Thx,man. I am just not sure about replacing the processor. I'd really like T9300 though, but not sure that I'll be able to do it myself.

 

Maybe you can find someone to help you out in your area. Otherwise, just open it up and have a look at the processor and how its seated and see if you can gather the courage to attempt it.

I don't think its that hard but its a bit unnerving for someone with no prior experience of doing things like that to tackle.

You aren't supposed to rip the heat pad off the northbridge though, that'll muck up everything, so be careful.

 

I's not hard but things happen. Be aware that retail and GW direct warranty are not the same caliber. With Gateway direct you have access to a 1-800 with better tech at hand and cheaper extended warranty's if your inclined.

 

and 6860 is $50 cheaper.

 

I know that. But the processor issue is driving me crazy.Besides,I'd like to have a higher resolution than the one proposed (supposedly around 1920X1050).

 

if you mean by 1920x1200 then u might as well get the 172XFX which i think goes for around 2k. 2.0 ghz of cpu is enough for gaming if thats what your gonna use it into.