Gateway 500MC-C67-18 desktop computers are a retired model no longer sold by Gateway. Because the model is retired, your business likely won't be able to buy a Gateway 500MC-C67-18 computer new, although some Gateway 500MC-C67-18 computer suppliers may offer refurbished or used models. While you may not find suppliers of Gateway 500MC-C67-18 desktops, you can upgrade your current model to make it like new.

Gateway 500MC-C67-18 series desktops were loaded with fast processors made especially for multimedia applications. But, other Gateway 500MC-C67-18 features lag behind the times and hinder the multimedia performance of the computer. Update Gateway 500MC-C67-18 computers to meet the demands of modern software and the Internet as both now require faster and more powerful hardware than they did at the time this model came on the market. Consider these options when updating Gateway 500MC-C67-18 desktops:

1. Give Gateway 500MC-C67-18 desktops more speed and power for modern software with additional RAM.

2. Make the Gateway 500MC-C67-18 model PC equipped to handle the modern demands of the Internet and multimedia projects by installing dedicated video memory from a video card.

3. Update the software to make it more secure.

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

Upgrade the Gateway 500MC-C67-18 computer's RAM

Gateway 500MC-C67-18 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 for the three-slot model. Maximize the RAM to take full advantage of the Gateway 500MC-C67-18's multimedia capabilities.

I recommend: Lexar Media's Crucial 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. MemoryStock offers live technical support to help you get the right memory.

Enhance graphics and install a video card in the Gateway 500MC-C67-18 computer

In the past, only high-end games required a dedicated video card. However, the graphics and video now available online 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, TigerDirect and PC Mall.

Update the operating system of the Gateway 500MC-C67-18 computer

Even the 768-megabytes of RAM supported by the three-slot Gateway 500MC-C67-18 model is not enough to support the memory-hungry Windows Vista and its multimedia features. However, you can better equip Windows XP to handle multimedia applications by installing Service Pack 2. In addition to improving the performance of your computer, this increases the security of your operating system.

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

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Upgrading your Gateway 500MC-C67-18 computers with flat panel monitors gives your employees more desktop space as well as sharper and crisper displays.
• •  Further enhance the flexibility of Gateway 500MC-C67-18 workstations by adding wireless keyboards and mice.