knorman

I am new to gaming and would very much like to play Halo 2 or games in that field with no problems. My choice is limited to around $150.00. Please help me get the most bang for my buck. Here are the specs for my computer. I did upgrade the memory on this from 1GB to 2GB.

Gateway GT5473E Desktop
Specifications
Processor
AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 Processor 4000+
Dual-core 64-bit processor with AMD64 technology (2.1 GHz, 2 x 512KB L2 cache, 2000MHz HyperTransportTM system bus)
Operating System
Genuine Windows Vista™ Home Premium
Chipset
NVIDIA® GeForce® 6150
Memory
1024MB DDR2 memory, dual channel (2 x 512MB), 667MHz (PC2-5300) Expandable to 2GB 2 DDR2 slots (total), 0 DDR2 slots (available)
Video
NVIDIA® GeForce® 6150 integrated graphics up to 128MB of shared video memory
PCI-Express slot available for upgrade
Audio
Six-channel (5.1) high-definition audio
Amplified stereo speakers (USB powered)
Hard Drive
320GB SATA II (7200RPM, 8MB cache)
Optical Drive
16x DVD+/-R/RW SuperMulti drive up to 8.5GB with dual-layer media
Write max: 16x DVD+/-R, 8x DVD+R DL, 6x DVD-R DL, 8x DVD+RW, 6x DVD-RW, 12x DVD-RAM, 48x CD-R, 32x CD-RW
Read max: 12x DVD-ROM, 12x DVD-RAM, 48x CD-ROM
Digital Media Manager
High-performance 15-in-1 digital media manager up to 40x faster xD-Picture Card™, CompactFlash I (CF), CompactFlash II, Secure Digital™ (SD), Mini Secure Digital™ (Mini SD™), Multi Media Card™ (MMC), Reduced Size MMC (RS-MMC), MMC Mobile, MMC Plus, Memory Stick™ (MS), Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick Pro, Memory Stick Pro Duo, SmartMedia, IBM Microdrive™
Communications
PCIe modem
56k ITU v.92-ready fax/modem (RJ-11 port)
10/100 Mbps Ethernet LAN (RJ-45 port)
Interfaces
6 - USB 2.0 ports (2 front, 4 rear)
1 - VGA
2 - PS/2 ports (keyboard, mouse)
3 - Audio (rear): line-in (stereo), speakers/headphones (stereo), microphone
2 - Audio (front): microphone, front/headphone (stereo)
1 - RJ-45 Ethernet port
1 - RJ-11 modem port
1 - Parallel port
1 - Serial port
Expansion Bays Total Available
3 - 3 1/2" 1 - 3 1/2"
2 - 5 1/4" 1 - 5 1/4"
Gateway Portable Media Drive Bay

Input Devices
Premium multimedia keyboard
USB optical two-button wheel mouse
Case Design
Premium system design
Dimensions
15.50" (H) x 7.25" (W) x 16.50" (D)
Weights
23.4 lbs. (system unit only) Approximately 48.9 lbs. (box)

HawMan

Hey - Welcome to the Forum


I would look at Either of These :

XFX 7600GT
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814150185

Or

XFX 8600GT
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814150229


Although out of them i would go with the 8600GT as its worth the extra $20, and if you look at the Reviews it plays all of todays game at a nice framerate. Although if you do decide to buy it make sure you have a good enough PSU too.

knorman

PSU? Does anyone know what the power supply for this unit is and what I can put in it to upgrade?

1 g0t 0wn3d

You have to look on the inside of your computer its on the otherside of where you plug the power cord into typ the label here

TheMatt

This would be my choice. You will also need a PSU upgrade. This is a good choice.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371002

In my experience Gateways have always come with either a 300w or 350w PSU which often was not even enough for the stock hardware.

knorman

And this will fit into my computer? How hard is it to change out a psu?

HawMan

Changing a PSU isnt hard at all, You just disconnect all the connections inside the case that are part of the PSU, Remove the 4 screws at the back of the case, Slide the PSU out, Put the new one in, Secure it using the 4 screws then plug all the cables back in.

And yes Both the PSU & Graphics card will fit

aliox325

Hi, if you are on a low budget and want a really good card for low price go to ebay u may find a x1950pro or a 7900gs there for about 120-165$. Heres a video on how to install a video card and a psu both: http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-11319_7-6224085-1.html

Good luck!

knorman

Thank You

aliox325

no problem =D