Description:
The Basics Taking advantage of several recent technological innovations yet priced in the same ballpark as many desktops that do not, Gateway's 505GR Desktop PC is a powerful yet comparatively 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, multimedia buffs will love the comprehensive connectivity and advanced DVD recording facilities, and gamers should get along quite well with the system's adequate 3D graphics performance. Though you can certainly spend more for a desktop computer, the Gateway 505GR delivers most everything a demanding user needs at a reasonable price point. 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 505GR features one of today's fastest CPUs, an Intel Pentium 4 530. 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 beefy 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 505GR, Gateway has installed a whopping 1024 MB (1 GB) of 400 DDR memory, configured in a dual channel setup for even faster response. This is a ton of memory even for a high-end machine, and its rated speed is comparatively quick. As such, it is more than enough for any multitasking situation or complex application. 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's integrated on the mainboard and "shares" the system's main memory, as it will better handle complex procedures. The Gateway 505GR features a new style of video controller -- a sort of hybrid between high-end standalone "dedicated memory" cards and less impressive integrated "shared memory" controllers. It's called the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900, a module that is indeed integrated on the motherboard but features more refined components than traditional integrated controllers. Indeed, though it shares the computer's main memory, it shares so much of it (up to 224 MB) that it's quite capable of strong 3D performance if the computer in question has enough main memory to go around. Fortunately, the Gateway 505GR has oodles of memory. Serious gamers and 3D graphic animators will prefer a standalone video card for its extra sophistication (superior shading and antialiasing), but most will find this controller adequately displays even high-end 3D motion. 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 505GR 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 Double Layer Multi-Format drive through which you can not only do everything above but also take advantage of new double layer DVDs (twice the capacity of traditional DVDs). Moreover, with two optical drives you can make extremely fast CD copies. Connectivity and Expansion
With no less than 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 (often used for fast data transfer from digital camcorders) and a versatile 8-in-1 card reader for reading memory cards from devices such as digital cameras, PDAs and more. Communication options include an integrated 10/100Mbps Ethernet LAN interface for high-speed access to networks and the Internet, and a 56K data/fax modem for low-speed dial-up connections Operating System and Software
The Gateway 505GR features a comprehensive software package headed by Microsoft's Windows XP Home Edition operating system. Gateway will also pre-install Microsoft's Money 2004 financial center, Microsoft's Works 8.0 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.
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