Question 1

does this model come with a video card? if so what kind

Accepted Answer

There is no separate video board.  There is only the integrated video on the motherboard.  It is Intel based.  Based on the Intel Graphics control panel, it is the Intel HD Graphics 4600.  I don't do any gaming.  The video is fine for streaming video in HD (which I'm guessing would be the most graphic intensive activity I perform on my computer).

Question 2

Is there a monitor with this computer?

Accepted Answer

No.  Monitor was purchased separated...  I coincidentally bought an Asus large flat screen monitor, unaware at computer purchase that Asus had purchased Gateway Computers.....

Question 3

Can you use 2 monitors with this? I see that it was a VGA and HDMI connection.

Accepted Answer

I am going to prove it in 2 days, but i think so - with a bigger power supply or using HDMI+VGA.

After chatting with support, i was reminded that the power supply is only 300Watts, which is considerably lower than the requirements of most PCIE video cards. I ordered a 430 watt supply, and it should work. Right now, if you put the card in, it just boots to no video (onboard off as well).

The Gateway support folks did say that you should be able to use both the onboard VGA and HDMI to extend desktop to 2 monitors, and i'll probably try that as well.

Question 4

What psu can I use on this?

Accepted Answer

As of now there is not a replacement PSU available.  It uses a 8 pin connector instead of a 24 pin connector.  Power for the hard drive and dvd drive are also connected to the motherboard for power, not the PSU.  It's the strangest PSU I've ever seen.  Kind of a bummer cause other then the PSU this is a amazing machine.

Question 5

Is this able to have a second hard drive? I wanted to add an SSD to it.

Accepted Answer

yes, the machine is very upgradable and works well.

Question 6

Why won't this computer connect to wifi? It says that the driver is up to date, and I have talked with the internet provider and the problem seems to be the computer?

Accepted Answer

The first basic question I am going to ask you is, is your antenna installed on your wifi?

2nd question: If the antenna is installed, can you see the list of connections that are available?

3rd question: Does your computer not only connect to your internet? Have you tried connecting to another internet to just check to see if it works?

4th question: Try restarting your router, modem, and your computer. Restart the router and modem by disconnecting the power line for a minute. Sometimes, the modem has a built in back-up battery so disconnecting the power won't do anything. In this case, there is a reset button in the back of the modem, you just need a pencil, or something small and pointy, to poke it.

If the problem still persist, post here or etc and I'll try and help you troubleshoot the problem.

Question 7

This supposedly has a 5.1 channel out for the audio. Is that a digital out that I could connect to one of the digital coax inputs on my home theater receiver?

Accepted Answer

There is no digital optical out on this machine, only a pair of 1/8 inch (like for an iPod) one in front one on the top. There are open slots on the motherboard however if you purchased a card.

Question 8

Can I get Windows 7 instead of Windows 8?

Accepted Answer

You could install it yourself, but as of now gateway doesn't even have drivers for windows 8 on their site so getting drivers is no easy.  You have to use the hardware ID for each device to look up what you need.  If I were you I'd just install startisback or classic start to get the feel of 7 with windows 8.

Question 9

Can I still upgrade to a discreet graphics card in the future when this becomes obsolete?

Accepted Answer

Only using a extremely lower power graphics card as the power supply does not have any spare connections.  I'd say go with a different computer if there is ever a chance you will want to upgrade the video card as you will not be able to upgrade the power supply.

Question 10

This just says Intel HD graphics. What series/number specifically?

Accepted Answer

Intel HD Graphics 4600

Questions & Answers