Considering a Gateway SX2800 -- hardware to handle Blu-ray?

[toupsz]

Hi, all,

We are replacing our aged HTPC and I want to put in something relatively cheap that will suit our needs. While we're currently just doing web streaming video (so max 480p on Hulu and Netflix), I want to make sure that the machine can handle the next step (a Bluray player).

I'm looking at a Gateway SX2800 (since it seems to be cheaper than I could build myself), but my only concern is the lack of a true video card. It is an Intel Quad Core machine with 4GB of DDR3 RAM, but it has Intel 4500 Integrated Graphics.

So, does anyone know if this machine will be able to handle 1080p Bluray? I'm just not sure how much Bluray relies on the video hardware versus just slamming the processors. I'm hoping someone here does know.

As far as upgrading its video capabilities, the possibilities are limited, as you need a lowpro PCI X16 and the power supply is only 220W. I also really appreciate the integrated audio / video on HDMI.

Thanks in advance!

Best,
-Zach

[onyxbfly]

I would not buy/ endorse anything gateway except for their monitors, they use various models at my work and they fail all the time for various reasons. I would endorse gateway lcd's lol they look good relatively inexspensive and I'm sure they are outsourced lol. Im sure if you look around you will see that you can build a nicer rig for less.

[McBain]

Originally Posted by onyxbfly

I would not buy/ endorse anything gateway except for their monitors, they use various models at my work and they fail all the time for various reasons. I would endorse gateway lcd's lol they look good relatively inexspensive and I'm sure they are outsourced lol. Im sure if you look around you will see that you can build a nicer rig for less.

Gateway is owned by Acer.

[katala]

If you need a box, this is one to beat. There are 2 separate issues, the specs and the reliability.

Gateway reliability: do a full burn in and test the system for at least 3 days, I do 7 days, so if anything fails, it fails during the instant return guarantee of the seller, not the 1 year warranty of gateway. The reports of gateway tech support are abysmal, so if you are savvy doing your own PC troubleshooting, this machine ROCKS

Tip: If you build it yourself, you'd have to troubleshoot all the issues this box could do, IF it didn't work. You won't be able to slap together a box this good building it for the same money.

Performance: best in its class. However, you'll may need to upgrade the video card for gamers because its slower in 3d rendering to it competitors, its fine for movies, and it does not come with blu-ray. If you replace it with a BD burner in here you need it to be SATA.

http://www.testfreaks.com/desktop-co...00-01/reviews/

[kris26]

Originally Posted by toupsz

Hi, all,

We are replacing our aged HTPC and I want to put in something relatively cheap that will suit our needs. While we're currently just doing web streaming video (so max 480p on Hulu and Netflix), I want to make sure that the machine can handle the next step (a Bluray player).

I'm looking at a Gateway SX2800 (since it seems to be cheaper than I could build myself), but my only concern is the lack of a true video card. It is an Intel Quad Core machine with 4GB of DDR3 RAM, but it has Intel 4500 Integrated Graphics.

So, does anyone know if this machine will be able to handle 1080p Bluray? I'm just not sure how much Bluray relies on the video hardware versus just slamming the processors. I'm hoping someone here does know.

As far as upgrading its video capabilities, the possibilities are limited, as you need a lowpro PCI X16 and the power supply is only 220W. I also really appreciate the integrated audio / video on HDMI.

Thanks in advance!

Best,
-Zach

Hey man
I have the gateway model computers from last 6 years no problem what so ever

but one thing though any pc/notebook we buy must need to update from their websites for patches and etc.

i trust gateway i been using 3 pc's and laptop

now with your system config compatability to bluray:

u did mentioned intergrated videocard...if you use just for bluray playing and burning HD videos its good enough.(meantime wait until video cards go on sale ans u can get really good card for relatively cheap)

now my concern is 220W power supply unit
i might be wrong ...iam not comfortable with 220w psu with quadcore ,4gb memory

please do your research and ask in forums too on this.

good luck and have fun

[DrasticPlastic]

The 512 meg Gigabyte Radeon 4350 is a low profile ready graphics card with HDMI and very low power consumption, I would definitely reccomend this card for your system.

[crackinhedz]

I bought a refurbished gateway about a year ago...still going strong no problems whatsoever. I always love the gateway hater comments, never holds any weight.

All products and manufacturers have problems here and there. To pretend all gateway products will be lemons...sillyness.

Enjoy the new PC.

ps. you can always upgrade the video card.

[crackinhedz]

Originally Posted by kris26

now my concern is 220W power supply unit
i might be wrong ...iam not comfortable with 220w psu with quadcore ,4gb memory

I have a core duo 6600 quad with 4gb ram Vista sp2, and Im assuming 220w...everything ok. (although im not positive about the 220w...is there a way to check without opening the case??)

[kris26]

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

I have a core duo 6600 quad with 4gb ram Vista sp2, and Im assuming 220w...everything ok. (although im not positive about the 220w...is there a way to check without opening the case??)

If you bought it from retailer store
yes u can just enter the model number in their website or google it will give you all the info.
if you bought from somebody who built you have open the side cover atleast

or there's a small softy tha will give you all the details but iam not sure where i saw that but google is the best way

[crackinhedz]

Originally Posted by kris26

If you bought it from retailer store

I bought it from CompUSA, but the link is no longer valid.

...I do have an app that can show me my equipment...just gotta figure out where I store it on my hard drive!

[kris26]

you can highlight it and save it notepad/word pad
or google the model number and then save the whole page as pdf

[onyxbfly]

Originally Posted by McBain

Gateway is owned by Acer.

Yes you are absolutely correct. Compaq is owned by HP and one can not help but notice that HP are better made than Compaqs. My issue with Gateway is that they sold their warranty support to MCP. MCP purcahsed Gateway business warranty support while gateway was still vending machines to diff companies, now that these units are failing, Gateway nor MCP wants to service them. Everybody passes the buck. I stand by my original statement, gateways are the worst. And I think the OP can build something for less.

[katala]

Originally Posted by onyxbfly

Yes you are absolutely correct. Compaq is owned by HP and one can not help but notice that HP are better made than Compaqs. My issue with Gateway is that they sold their warranty support to MCP. MCP purcahsed Gateway business warranty support while gateway was still vending machines to diff companies, now that these units are failing, Gateway nor MCP wants to service them. Everybody passes the buck. I stand by my original statement, gateways are the worst. And I think the OP can build something for less.

Reliability of Gateway aside, You can build a similar box for under the Gateway's street price of $430 only if your current box is 2-3 years old and already 64 bit OS, and uses SATA interface:

CPU: $140
Mobo with DDR3 support: $110
4G RAM DDR3: $50
Subtotal: $300

If you replace the drives or upgrade Vista, then you're at the price of buying a new box:

640 GB Drive : $50
SATA DVD Burner: $50

Vista or Win7 Upgrade: $90

All above not including S&H or sales taxes.

Finally the labor and troubleshooting getting this all running!

[onyxbfly]

All in all you are absolutely correct, I tried various configurations and the best I could come up with was $463.96 (750gb hdd why pay more for a 640 when you can get 750 for less) including shipping and handling. And to be honest that includes a case and psu that I'm not overly fond of. Dollar for dollar that gateway cant be beat for the price. If the OP isnt a tech person or inclined to deal with assembly etc. Not to mention having to pay for an OS......

In retrospect I discussed this with soem knowledegable people and they have enlightend me on gateways warranty suppport for home users. And as a former certifed gateway tech it is as it was back in the day, very comparable in response time to dell, hp etc. So if the OP decides to go forward he should be getting a good deal. I appologize for letting the daily horror stories of gateway warranty support cloud my judgement.