One of the bigger problems major brands face is presenting a case design that appeals to the majority of target buyers. Gateway might not be breaking new ground in its BTX design, but its quality finish and attention to details speak volumes of the quality within. Later handling of internal components proved the chassis as well-finished as the shell.

A look around the back hints at the parts inside, with the X1950 Crossfire Edition graphics card (top) easily differentiated from the second X1950XTX by its Crossfire cable connector. Also noteworthy are the 120mm exhaust fan and single-thumbscrew card clamp.

One place Gateway (as well as Brand D) usually beat cheaper rivals (and most home builders) is in power supply quality, simply because the companies want these components to outlast the optional 3-year warranty. A look at the label of this 700W unit from the highly-respected Delta Electronics brand should silence naysayers.

Fifty amps total across four 12V rails equals 600W, in addition to 3.3V and 5V loads, for a combined peak output of 700W.