Question about this computer...

I have asked before for advice on certain computers because I really need a new one. At the moment I am on a older Dell 386 w/ 1400mhz and the only thing I think keeping me in game it has a gamers card - nVIDIA. But I do freeze a lot and feel anytime I will be "new patched" out of SL. I really don't know alot about computers and so wanted your help on what you think about the one I found....

Gateway AMD 64 Live
AMD Athlon 64 X 2 Dual Core - Processor 4200+
Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 software
2048MB DDR Memory
320GB Hard Drive
nVIDIA GeForce 6100 Graphics
TV Tuner

There is another that isnt Dual Core and no TV Tuner...

Gateway AMD 64 Athlon
AMD Athlon 64 Processor 4000+
Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 software
1024MB DDR Memory
200GB Hard Drive
nVIDIA GeForce 6100 graphics

I Know the second one doesnt have as much Memory or Power but my concern is the dual core... I thought people were having problems with DuaL Core in SL and was told to do something to the computer and I am just not savey enough to mess with the internal workings. But I don't want to have to buy another one any time soon.

Maybe get the second one and have a better nVIDIA card put in? I was reading the 6100 is slow and not that great:/ hmmmm

I went to look at Video Cards and looks like BFG is nVIDIA? And is a 7600GT OC a good one?

I know most people will say to learn about computers but that is not an option for me as I am on a very high Oxygen level (started on 2 liters per min. now at It has messed up my comphrension so that sometimes even what might be the simplest instructions for some sadly just doesnt work for me :/ It has to be pretty layman terms .. spelled out in detail for me to "get it"

I appreciate any help anyone can give me. Is it safe to get the first Computer and do you think it is a good one? I know I dont need a TV Tuner but it comes with it Thanks

Go for the dual-core and use WinLauncher XP until LL implement dual core support fully. You might want to try for a pokier grafix card, live a 6500 or a 7000-series.

Yeah, the duel core is great for many things and allows you to run Photoshop and SL at the same time without a significant slowdown. The duel core problems are minor and are easily worked around. The 6100 is an intigrated video solution and likely won't run SL worth a hoot, you have a rocking computer otherwise. An Nvidia 7600 or better would make that a serious gaming rig for SL and other games.

The Nvidia 6100 is indeed a piece of crap. Not only is it slow, it shares system RAM, which will further slow you down. Even worse, it will only grab 32MB. SL on 32MB is possible, but you will have to turn down all settings. Gateway should be ashamed of themselves for pairing decent CPUs with crap intergrated graphics.

Go with a 7600GT.......its a beefy graphic card..... dual cores are wonderful. ( if i can only get mine working. ) You can always add DDR later 2Giga is always a better way to go.

Those are both pretty expensive computers. I'll bet you can find a better use for your money if you have that much to spend.