The Gateway 500MC line of computers are media center desktops tailored to multimedia applications. The Gateway 500MC-C67-17 desktop came with a fast Pentium 4 3.2 Ghz processor, which is still acceptable for multimedia applications. However, other Gateway 500MC-C67-17 specs need to be updated to fully maximize the computer's multimedia capabilities.

Updating the Gateway desktop 500MC allows your business to squeeze a few more years out of the computer before upgrading to a new system. Consider these options when updating the Gateway 500MC-C67-17 PC:

1. Give Gateway 500MC-C67-17 desktop computers more speed and power for modern software.

2. Make the Gateway 500MC desktop computer better equipped to handle modern multimedia applications.

3. Update the software to make it more secure.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Upgrade the memory of the Gateway 500MC-C67-17 desktop PC

Gateway 500MC-C67-17 computers were built with two different motherboards: one with two RAM slots and one with three RAM slots. Each slot accepts up to a 256-megabyte RAM chip for a total of 512-megabytes on the two-slot model and 768-megabytes on the three-slot model. Maximize the RAM to take full advantage of the Gateway 500MC-C67-17.

I recommend: Allmemoryupgrades.com specializes in the type of memory used in Gateway 500MC-C67-17 desktops. Lexar Media's Crucial also offers RAM guaranteed to be compatible with your computer's motherboard. If you're upgrading more than one PC in your office, Pricewatch.com lists several RAM dealers in one place offering the lowest prices on the market.

Install a video card in the Gateway 500MC desktop PC and enhance graphic capability

In the past, only high-end games required a dedicated video card. However, the graphics and video now available on the Internet also require at least some dedicated video RAM as do many software applications. A dedicated video card is also important if your employees plan to use the computer for any multimedia editing, multimedia presentations or video conferencing.

I recommend: Upgrade the video RAM with a 128-megabyte video card, giving you plenty of graphics power for most projects. Video cards are available from online retailers such as NewEgg.com and Geeks.com.

Update the operating system of the Gateway 500MC-C67-17 desktop

Even the 768-megabytes of RAM supported by the three-slot Gateway 500MC-C67-17 model is not enough to support the memory-hungry Windows Vista and it's multimedia features. However, installing Service Pack 2 for Windows XP improves the performance and security of your operating system.

I recommend: Download and install Service Pack 2 directly from Microsoft for free. Alternatively, visit The Software Patch. The Software Patch offers a free download as well and scans your operating system for errors.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Upgrading your Gateway 500MC-C67-17 desktop with a flat panel monitor gives your employees more desk space as well as a sharper and crisper display.
• •  Always check the return policy before you buy a part online. This protects you in case you have compatibility issues.