Adding Memory and Video Card
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Original Message
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Name: UConnJay42
Date: December 28, 2007 at 07:49:51 Pacific
Subject: Adding Memory and Video CardOS: Windows XP Media CenterCPU/Ram: 2 GB DDR2Model/Manufacturer: Gateway GT5228 |
Comment: First Here are my System Specs: Gateway GT5228 Memory: 2 GB DDR2 Processor: Athlon 64 X2 4200 2.20 GHz Capacity: 250 GB Power Supply: 300 watt Video Card: Integrated NVIDIA GeForce 6100 I'm looking to add 2 GB of this memory: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ... And I'm looking to add this Video Card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ... I would just like anyones feedback if these are good choices before I order them. I've never added these pieces before, so if anyone has any suggestions please let me know. Thanks!!!
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Response Number 1
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Reply: (edit)See response 5 in this for some info about ram compatibilty, and some places where you can find out what will work in your mboard for sure: http://www.computing.net/hardware/w... Correction to that: Mushkin www.mushkin.com Specifically, you would have to determine whether that ram with the module ID string F2-4200PHU1-1GBLA will work in your mboard for sure. If you can't determine that, don't buy it - get modules you can confirm will work. Your PS capacity is very much at a minimum, if not outright inadequate, for supporting a system with PCI-E slots and a PCI-E card in a slot, especially if the card requires a separate power connection from the power supply and draws more than minimal power from that - 430 watts or more would be much better. Take a look at the manufacturer's web site at the specs for the card model - sometimes minimum suggested PS capacity is stated in video card specs.
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Response Number 2
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Name: XpUser
Date: December 28, 2007 at 08:17:07 Pacific
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Reply: (edit)If your Windows is 32-bits, forget about shooting for a 4GB RAM system. Anything over 3GB will not be made available for your use. i_Xp/VistaUser
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Response Number 3
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Name: jam
Date: December 28, 2007 at 08:49:12 Pacific
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Reply: (edit)As stated by XpUser, anything over 3GB is basically wasted on a 32-bit OS. Either add another 1GB (2 x 512MB) to what you already have, or just leave it as-is. DDR2-533 RAM is the wrong memory anyway...you should have DDR2-800. If your Gateway came with DDR2-533 (which apparently it did), your systems performance is suffering because of it. At Outpost.com, you can usually find 2GB of DDR2-800 for less that $40 (after rebate). The video card you linked to is a good choice but as Tubesandwires pointed out, your power supply is most likely inadequate. Rather than getting RAM, I suggest you invest in a 500W (or higher) PSU & plan on spending at least $50 before any rebate is applied. Here's one possibility: http://shop3.outpost.com/product/47...
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