Move into the entertainment experience you've been waiting for!
Unleash your creative side with the Gateway® SX2803 Desktop featuring a powerful Intel® Pentium® Dual-Core Processor, ample memory and a ton of hard drive space all packed into a sleek compact design that takes up very little desk space. Robust performance and features make it easy to do more exciting things with media and entertainment while enjoying easy usability everyday.
I've built, upgraded and repaired computers for over 2 decades. I'm a "cable-cutter" and have been stalking prices to replace my current P4-based home theater personal computer (HTPC)....Read complete review
I've built, upgraded and repaired computers for over 2 decades. I'm a "cable-cutter" and have been stalking prices to replace my current P4-based home theater personal computer (HTPC). This is a great small form factor system with features that are hard to find at this price. So far, all streaming online video content (including Amazon HD) and over-the-air recorded playback has been stutter-free.
Since I'm using as an HTPC, the first thing I did was open the computer case and replace the PCIe WiFi Card with an Avermedia HDTV Tuner Card. I have a wired network, but you could use a low-profile PCI TV Tuner card in the available slot. BTW, the inside is very well laid out, except the memory slots are under the DVD drive. Not really a problem to add memory later - DVD drive has quick release and slides out of the way easily. This also makes it easy to replace the DVD drive with a BluRay Combo drive.
Here are some tips for HTPC/easier set up:
1. Connect to HDTV with HDMI cable (not included). 2. DO NOT ACTIVATE NORTON 60-day trial during initial set up. 3. Create Recovery Disks immediately (need 4 DVDs) 4. Update Windows (Start -> Control Panel -> Windows Update). Install all important updates (48+) and optional update for video. 5. Uninstall Norton (Start -> Control Panel-> Programs and Features). 6. Download and install MicroSoft Windows Security Essentials (free!). NOTE: If your desktop icons and bottom toolbar are partially off the screen, keep your screen resolution at 1920 X 1080. You'll be able to adjust the horizontal and vertical aspect after Windows Update installs the optional video update (right-click anywhere on the desktop area and click "properties" on the pop-up).
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I bought one of these last week then had Staples replace it because Gateway's tech support said the HDMI problem was a hardware issue. It turns out that there was probably nothing wrong with the...Read complete review
I bought one of these last week then had Staples replace it because Gateway's tech support said the HDMI problem was a hardware issue. It turns out that there was probably nothing wrong with the first one... Just a total lack of information in the User Guide (which is only on the hard drive) combined with Tech Support who had absolutely no clue how to set up the computer to use the HDMI video output.
I'm still not fond of the misleading pictures Staples uses to sell this computer -- pictures edited to show a mouse and keyboard that have no wires, when the actual mouse and keyboard are wired, using up 2 USB ports.
I'm using the computer to feed video to my HDTV and it works well enough for that once I positioned the computer backwards so the back panel is facing the room so that I don't have the bright lights that Gateway designed into the top front of the case blinding me while watching the TV.
If Gateway provided decent documentation and competent tech support this could easily be a 4-star rating for a computer at its price with a 1 TB hard drive and built in Wi-Fi. I would recommend this computer to a friend, but only to someone who knew what he was getting and who would not expect any support from Gateway.
Setup was very easy and computing speed is much faster than the old platform I had been using. I have found no incompatibility issues with any devices I run from the computer. I think it is a good product for the value.
Customer service in the store was great, however I wish I was told how slow this computer is. I takes a long time to download pic's and such. Debating if I may take it back to the store.
I would like to know how well the processor works in this computer. I was told it is an older version so it wouldn't be as fast as the newer i3-i7 processors. But, do I really need an i3? I do multi-task on the computer with several programs and webpages open at once, plus I upload/download photos occasionally, but I don't do advanced gaming or watch movies on it, etc. etc. that I think would require more gusto.
Asked on 3/6/2012 by Behind the Times from Pottsville, PA
Yes, this is an older version of the I3-I7 Processors, however it does move at a fast 3.2GHz speed that will let you do most anything you want, especially when using the 64 bit program versions. When multitasking on your computer it's mostly the RAM that gives it the "Speed" we see on screen, pulling info in and out of memory as we switch back and forth from programs. This model comes with a large 4GB RAM installed, so watching movies and even playing graphic intensive games, on mid-level settings (using the on-board graphics card), will work fine for you.
Answered on 3/8/2012 by Community Answer from None
Q:
does this come with speakers? is the keyboard and mouse wired?
Yes, the Gateway SX2803-US20P desktop computer does come with a wired mouse and wired keyboard. However, speakers are sold separately and are not included in the box.
Answered on 3/7/2012 by Kayla T. from Staples
Q:
Does the version of Windows 7 installed include Service Pack 1, or is it an earlier version of 7 that needs to be updated by the user?
I would like to upload videos using my Canon ZR-85 mini to this computer. Do you have the correct cable? And is there slot on this computer that can do this?
The usb cable that came with your camcorder can be connected to this PC. This PC also has a Multi-in-1 Digital Media Card Reader if you are using an SD card with your camcorder.
Answered on 1/13/2012 by Dawn B from Staples
Q:
I want to share a Monitor with this computer and another one. I have DVI switch but this Gataeway does not have a DVI connection only a VGA, what are my options. Can I upgrade the graphics card with a DVI, and do I have to be carful about the power consumtion on a new card?
Asked on 12/23/2011 by paulgallen from Brimfield, MA
I received your inquiry through the Question and Answer Feature of Staples.com, because your inquiry is specific in nature it would be best resolved by the manufacture directly. Please call Gateway at (866) 539-3901, for technical specific support.
Answered on 1/13/2012 by Laura B from Staples
Q:
Do I need to upgrade the power supply if I want to add a graphics card in the open PCI slot.
I received your inquiry through the Question and Answer Feature of Staples.com and I apologize for I was unable to answer you directly. I believe this may be a question that the manufacturer will have to research further, please feel free to contact Gateway at 1-866-539-3901.
Answered on 1/12/2012 by Cara B from Staples
Q:
Can i add a TV tuner card to this item , OR , install a TV tuner card from a HP pavilion w. media center ?. are they compatible ..Thanks
I received your inquiry through the Question and Answer Feature of Staples.com and wanted to respond to you directly. Because your inquiry is specific in nature it would be best resolved by a member of our Technology team. They will be glad to help with your question. You may contact them by phone at 877-209-7282. Thank you for your inquiry
Answered on 1/11/2012 by Christina.M from Staples
Q:
what type of DVD do I need to create the system back up DVD and how many
This computer has a Super Multi drive and will support both "minus" (DVD-R/DVD-RW) and "plus" (DVD+R/DVD+RW) DVD formats, as well as DVD-RAM.
Answered on 1/11/2012 by Cara B from Staples
Q:
Does anyone know if this computer will run World of Warcraft on it's medium to high settings? I'm looking for a PC around this price that will do that.
Asked on 12/11/2011 by Anonymous from Gatlinburg, TN
The minimum specs you would need to play World of Warcraft is the Following: - Intel Pentium 4 1.3 GHz or AMD Athlon XP 1500+ - 1 GB or more of RAM - NVIDIA® GeForce® FX or ATI Radeon™ 9500 video card or better - 25.0 GB available HD space