Gateway 500GR Desktop PC (3.00 GHz Pentium 4 (Hyper-Threading), 512 MB RAM, 200 GB Hard Drive, DVD+/-RW Drive, CD-ROM Drive)

Other products by Gateway

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 35 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0002OTF8W
• Item model number: 500GR
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #4,638 in Computers & PC Hardware (See Bestsellers in Computers & PC Hardware)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: August 22, 2004

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description
The Basics Taking advantage of several recent technological innovations yet priced in the same ballpark as many desktops that do not, Gateway’s 500GR Desktop PC is a powerful yet affordable computing centerpiece ideal for virtually any office, personal or leisure environment. Businesspeople will appreciate the unit’s powerful Pentium 4 processor and huge hard drive, while multimedia buffs will love the comprehensive connectivity and advanced DVD recording facilities. Gamers will probably want to upgrade the unit’s 3D graphics capabilities or explore other Gateway computers such as the more expensive yet more capable 550GR.

Processor
At the heart of any computer lies the CPU (or processor), a massive collection of miniature transistors that governs the speed and power of the entire unit. The Gateway 500GR features an Intel Pentium 4 530 CPU. New for 2004, this is an upgraded version (nicknamed "Prescott") of the venerable Pentium 4 chip, featuring one full MB of Level 2 cache and a more generous data "pipeline" than prior models. Operating at a scorching 3.0 GHz and of course sporting Intel's Hyper-Threading technology (Hyper-Threading allows a single CPU system to behave at times as a dual CPU system, thus adding substantially more speed to some high-end applications), this is a strong CPU that’s ready for any situation.

Memory
Computers typically store information on their hard drive, but they keep frequently and recently accessed data in Random Access Memory (RAM) for faster retrieval. More RAM means more efficient computing, superior multitasking and less strain on your hard drive. For the Gateway 500GR, Gateway has installed 512 MB of 400 DDR memory, configured in a dual channel setup for even faster response. This is an average RAM allotment for a computer of this caliber, but its rated speed is comparatively quick. As such, it is more than enough for most multitasking situations and complex applications. Moreover, the system’s mainboard is constructed to support RAM upgrades to a whopping 2 GB.

Video
CPU’s are usually so busy doing basic calculations that they need help translating visual output to the viewing screen. This is the duty of the graphics card (or graphics controller). A graphics controller with "dedicated" video memory is preferable to a controller that "shares" the system’s main memory, as it will better handle complex procedures. The Gateway 500GR features an Intel Graphixs Media Accelerator 900 with 64 MB of shared video memory. Though this is a "shared memory" card, it is part of Intel’s brand new lineup of integrated video controllers that purportedly offer 170% faster performance than prior shared memory controllers. Hence, the system will deliver good performance in 2D applications and satisfactory performance in most low-end and midlevel 3D applications. However, gamers and 3D artisans who utilize the latest software and demand solid frame rates and extremely high resolutions will nevertheless want to upgrade to a graphics card with at least 128 MB of dedicated video memory.

Display:
Gateway has not included a display screen, thus allowing you to continue using your current monitor or select from today’s many alternatives.

Sound
The Gateway 500GR produces stereo and surround sound via an Intel High Definition Audio chipset with support for six distinct audio channels and one subwoofer. Gateway has also enclosed a pair of amplified desktop speakers, though serious audiophiles may want to upgrade to a three-piece subwoofer-enhanced set or a surround sound configuration.

Hard Drive
At 200 GB, the unit’s internal hard drive is spacious enough for a massive allotment of files and applications and a comprehensive music, video/photo and multimedia library too. Furthermore, this particular hard drive is exceptionally quick -- sporting a fast 7200 RPM speed, an 8 MB buffer, and a futuristic Serial ATA connection. These are all comparatively recent innovations, each increasing the overall speed and performance of the system.

Optical Drive
An optical drive is essential in today’s computing world. A "CD-ROM" drive allows you to install CD-based applications and play music CDs. A "CD-RW" drive adds CD "burning", so you can also backup your important files to long-lasting discs and create personalized music CDs. With a DVD-ROM drive you can enjoy all of the above plus watch the same big budget DVD movies you watch on your home entertainment system. And with a DVD-RW drive, you can also "write" home movies to durable discs and archive files to DVD (DVDs boast more than seven times the storage capacity of a CD).

This system features two optical drives -- a CD-ROM drive for playing music and data CDs, and a DVD +/- RW drive through which you can do everything else listed above. Moreover, this drive supports "double layer" DVD recording, which effectively delivers nearly twice the capacity of the traditional DVD format.

Connectivity and Expansion
With a truly grand total of seven high-speed USB 2.0 ports, you’ll have plenty of room for plug and play gadgets such as digital cameras and printers. Gateway has also included a trio of IEEE 1394 "FireWire" ports (commonly used for fast data transfer from digital camcorders) and a versatile 8-in-1 Digital Media Manager for reading memory cards from devices such as digital cameras, PDAs and more. Communication options include a standard 100 Mbit Ethernet adaptor for high-speed Internet and network communication, and a V.92 data/fax modem for low-speed dial-up connections.

Operating System and Software
The Gateway 500GR features a comprehensive software package headed by Microsoft’s beefy Windows XP Home Edition operating system. Gateway will also pre-install Microsoft’s Money 2004 financial center, Microsoft’s Works 7.0 productivity package, Microsoft’s Picture It Premium photo and graphic editing suite, and a variety of high-end multimedia utilities such as the superb Nero 6 Suite CD and DVD burning package.

Control
The system includes a Gateway Premium Multimedia Keyboard and a two-button mouse with scroll wheel.

Product Description
Since its foundation, Gateway has been a consistent innovator in the PC industry, starting with a business model that provides maximum value to its customers. Gateway was the first PC manufacturer to bring to market such customer-focused concepts as integrated Internet services, a broad selection of peripherals and software, a personalized Internet portal and bundled Internet access with the purchase of most Gateway PCs.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This Baby ROCKS!, September 2, 2004

By	Craig J. Weatherford (TUCSON, AZ) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Picked one of these up the last week of August, 2004.

+: The SATA hard drive makes this baby scream! This P4 3.0GHz 512mb PC3200 DDR machine beat the pixels off my P4 3.2GHz 1.0gb PC3200 DDR w/128mb ATI RADEON 9600 that uses an ULTRA ATA hard drive. I couldn't find a machine with all of the same features at a better price. P4 530 HT w/1mb level 2 cache, dual layer 8.5 gig DVD burner, 200gb hard drive, 48x CD-ROM, 7 USB ports, 3 firewire, plus serial and parallel ports and built-in 8-in-1 media reader. The audio sounds perfect when connected to a surround sound speaker system, only fair when using the speakers that ship with it.

-: Replace the ball mouse with an optical mouse. The 64mg video is adequate for business use, but lacks TV/DVI-out or TV-in.

Overall: I was sold on the SATA hard drive, 7 USB ports, 400mhz DDR dual channel memory, P4 530 3.0GHz HT w/1mb level2 cache. Upgrade the video card and you've got one heck of a beast to be reckoned with.

7 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars THE WORST COMPUTER I HAVE EVER OWNED., November 27, 2004

By	Poker Player "Sunny" (Las Vegas, NV USA) - See all my reviews

I have had this computer for 7 weeks, and I've had nothing but problems. I bought it new from Best Buy and because it's past their 14 day return policy, the only thing they will do is take a look at it, IF I BUY their extended warranty.
I have been on the phone NUMEROUS times (to a 605 Utah phone number, NOT an 800#) with GATEWAY. Twice within 24 hrs. they told me to run the restore DVD.
Do you really think that a new computer should LOCK up EVERYDAY upon booting up????
I've asked for a replacement, and Gateway said that I could ship back the computer, and they would fix it.
OKAY....What do I do in the meantime for a computer that I need for my work???? Is this a bad joke??

It is now Feb. 2009, and I still have this computer. I had to replace every component in it. Note: I had to do the replacing. Fateway sent me the parts, and I was the one that had to become a technician.