Gateway Parts

Computer parts upgrade help; for a Gateway?

i wanted to do 2 primary upgrades.....this is the computer i have right now.... http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/gateway-sx2800-01/1707-3118_7-33699400.html 1) RAM upgrade to 8 gb..............which actual model? 2) Graphics Card Upgrade.......not too crazy, but a step up from what this already has....... ....any advice?

Public Comments

1. Only install more than 4GB of memory if you're using a 64 bit operating system. Otherwise, it's useless. 32 bit OS's can't see any more than 4GB. As for graphics card, any off-the-shelf 16x PCI Express video card should suffice.
2. What do you want to do with this computer? First off, the RAM upgrade is probably useless. Unless you're working in programs like Photoshop, AutoCad or doing heavy-duty video editing there's no advantage to having 8gb over 4gb. For regular applications and games, that additional memory has no effect. Moreover, only 64-bit version of Windows are capable of seeing more than 4gb of installed RAM anyway! If your computer came with a 32-bit version of Windows, the operating system wouldn't even recognize the additional RAM was present! Because it's a slimline with a weak proprietary power supply (you can't upgrade the psu on this model) the best graphics cards you can install are: Low-profile Radeon 5450- slower but newer, uses less power: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125314 Low-profile Radeon 4650- earlier generation model, less energy-efficient but faster: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102829 http://www.techspot.com/review/244-ati-radeon-hd-5450/page6.html