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General discussion

eMachines T5026; eMachines tech support

Jan 14, 2005 3:40AM PST

Has anyone had any experience with the T5026, which just came out? It comes with DDR RAM (PC 2700) - do you know if it can it accept DDR2 RAM? Can you swap out the video card?

Has anyone had experiences (good or bad) with eMachines support?

Discussion is locked

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eMachines tech support is no more.
Jan 14, 2005 5:03AM PST

It's Gateway now.

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How is Gateway's support?
Jan 14, 2005 5:07AM PST

OK, then how is Gateway? I'm trying to choose between Dell and eMachines.

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Fine for me. Gruesome for some. Here's the issue.
Jan 14, 2005 5:10AM PST

While support of the machine is fair, many callers are calling in with issues that are about applications, the OS and a very high percentage with SPYWARE issues. You will find support of such to be less than you would want from any of the vendors.

The hardware issues are covered from what calls I've made.

Bob

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Gateway / Emachine support. Are you sure???
Jan 24, 2005 9:35AM PST

I was told Gateway was not taking support calls for Emachines, not yet anyway. I'll have to contact Gateway to find out for sure, since I am seriously considering purchasing the new Emachines T5026. It sounds like a great deal at approx. $599.00. Anyone heard much about this emachine or own one?

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Very happy new owner
Jan 25, 2005 9:45PM PST

I purchased the eMachines T5026 recently as a replacement for my aging Dell XPS desktop and I am pleased with it. The T5026 is super-fast with all the usual tasks (websurfing, MS-Office, CD burning). I have it connected to a Netgear wireless router with my home network of three PCs and shared broadband Internet connection. The T5026 easily supported my Samsung SyncMaster 17" LCD monitor (purchased separately.) and HP printer. The convenient media card reader works very well with my digital camera's SD cards and Picasa2. The DVD and CD drives are fast and work well. I cannot comment on customer support because I haven't had a problem.

I purchased a MS wireless keyboard and mouse to reduce the numbers of wires attached to my PC. Both work very well.

I searched competitive brands and couldn't find better value. I recommend the eMachines T5026!

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eMachines = Poor Customer Service
Mar 22, 2005 2:29PM PST

I have the T5026. When I first got it, I was happy. Best bang for the buck. But as time went on (4 weeks to be exact), my computer just froze right after the Windows XP loading screen. eMachines have not been helpful and keep giving me BS every call, always redirecting me to someone, always telling me to call this number and that. They told me to bring my computer in to BestBuy and I wouldn't get charged ANYTHING because it was still under 1 year warranty. I said alright. Brought it and, yup, couldn't get my computer back unless I pay $60. I mean, it's not much, but please don't tell a college student he doesn't have to pay and finds out he does! Seems to be a "memory or motherboard problem". Well, which one is it?? Well, sending my T5026 out in a couple days, getting it fixed my eMachines HOPEFULLY. When it come back, I will sell it and get HP or Compaq or build my own computer. No more eMachines for me!

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It can be a good idea...
Apr 26, 2005 9:47AM PDT

to record any calls you make to customer service and support. There are laws against saying one thing and doing another. Make sure you tell the person on the other end that you'll be recording the call. Get his or name, and record the time and date. Keeping a written log is always a good idea, but a recording really strengthens your position if they start playing "he-said, she-said".

Wink JDM

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Impressed!
Jan 18, 2005 4:31AM PST

Hi
I have had a Dell for a number of years, but recently was looking at the Emachines T5026 for a friend. I was very impressed with the machine " alot of bang for your buck" Emachines have a fairly good reputation in the mags. It has been bought by Gateway, but should take a while to see the effect of this.
Lastly I called their tech support twice the other day to ask about their warranty, I received a reply in 22 seconds the first time and 28 seconds the second time. I WAS IMPRESSED!!! - from North AMerican support.
Dell support has been ok, but the wait is far longer and they have put a lot of their tech support outside of North American it seems.I would very very seriously consider the T5026 if I were looking for a computer for myself. I am excited about this machine, and if my experience with the two calls I made to the support line is the norm (and they were also very pleasant people) then that is SUPERB!

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EMachine tech support.
Jan 23, 2005 8:07PM PST

Can you tell me when you contacted EMachine's tech support; were you able to contact them on a toll-free number or were you required to call a LD number?

I went to EMachine's website last month; looked for a link to contact them; none was available although I did send an email to their tech support which asked me to list my model number; serial number and such.

I didn't own an EMachine at the time nor do I own one now; I simply had some questions about one of their new models so I sent them an email anyway; I never received a response.

I didn't bother calling them; if memory serves me correct; I don't believe a number was available although I could be wrong. One thing I read in community forums about EMachines; many owners of EMachines complained of faulty power supplies in their desktop computers. What's considered a good rated power supply in wattage; that I don't know but I'm sure there are others on this board much more knowledgable than I am who could probably answer that question.


Big Steve
Biloxi, MS


End Of Message
01/24/05

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Look here maybe...
Jan 23, 2005 11:46PM PST

As to any power supply from emachine if it fails: Basically any OEM supplied system builds one using a p/s unit that fits the needs of the model build. What happens upon upgrading or adding onto a system places extra power demands which can exceed if only temporary(boot-up) what a p/s can offer -OR- simply put it can't cut it no more. On top of that older p/s untis do wear&tear and added stress of wattage output only hastens the failure process when it does happen, sooner or later. Below is an emachine link with telephone#s maybe more if you check the website.
http://www.emachines.com/support/service_programs.html#call

good luck -----Willy Happy

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EMachine tech support contacts.
Jan 24, 2005 12:55AM PST

Thanks for the information.


Big Steve
Biloxi, MS


End Of Reply
01/24/05

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T5026 does not have PCI express!
Feb 3, 2005 3:13AM PST

I purchased the T5026 2 weeks ago and loved it, but I had to return it due to this problem. All the documentation floating around said it has a PCIe slot(Compusa, etc.), but when I opened it up to put in a PCIe video card, it was nowhere to be found. EMachines customer support also confirmed that this was a misprint on their part.

DOes it even have an AGP slot? Or are you stuck w/ integrated Graphics/PCI card?

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No PCI -Express x16 slot.
Feb 3, 2005 11:57AM PST

Sorry to hear about your misfortune. Whenever checking on a computer with Integrated Graphics it is good to note and lookup the chipset number to see if the computer also has a PCI-Express x16 slot or AGP slot. The T5026 emachine chipset of Intel 915GV is shown in the specifications listed at the Emachine site, and also the specs at Best Buy. I don't see any T5026 emachines listed any longer at CompUSA.

The 915GV chipset is for the new Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) 900, which is a upgrade from their Intel Extreme Integrated graphics 2. The 915GV does not have a AVG Graphics slot. The only emachine that I can find at the moment with an AGP slot is the T3256 which has a AMD Athlon, and no emachine with a PCI Express x16 slot.

Other new Intel 9XX chipsets that have the Integrated GMA 900 with no PCI-Express x16 or AGP slot:

915GL
910GL

9XX Intel chipsets with PCI-Express x16:
915G has both Integrated GMA900 and PCI Express x16.
915P has PCI Express x16 only.
915PL has PCI Express x16 only.

8XX Intel chipsets with Integrated Extreme Graphics and no PCI or AGP slots:
865GV
845GV
845GL

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EMachines and graphics cards.
Feb 3, 2005 12:46PM PST

John:

If I were to purchase a new desktop PC from anyone; not necessarily Emachine and all that I intended to use my new PC for was basic home office work; email; web surfing; personal finance and word processing; I'm not a gamer; could I get by with an integrated video card or would you recommend that I consider a minimal independent video card in any new desktop PC configuration?

I hope to eventually purchase a high end LCD monitor; one with both analog as well as digital video inputs although based upon my actual needs that might be considered overkill; anyway I would like to eventually move up from my current flat screen CRT to a flat panel LCD. Will integrated video work for me? Would integrated audio also work for me or should I also consider purchasing a separate audio card as well?

Big Steve
End Of Message
02/03/05

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Not John, but no gaming why would you need a graphics card?
Feb 3, 2005 12:54PM PST

nm

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Re: Integrated Graphics
Feb 3, 2005 4:05PM PST

The new Intel Integrated 'Graphics Media Accelerator' (GMA)900 that is on the 915GV, 915GL, 910GL, and 915G Intel chipsets are a improvement over the integrated Intel Extreme Graphics 2, and integrated Intel Extreme Graphics. If you are not doing current or future state of the art current gaming like Doom3, etc.. and don't plan on using high end graphics programs, or computer development graphic programs, then the integrated GMA 900 would do you well, even with LED.
Here is some of what Intel has to say about the GMA900:

"Incredible visual quality with native 16x9 formats for wide screen flat panels, motion compensation for smooth DVD playback and support for popular HDTV display formats.

The 8xx chipsets don't use the new GMA 900, but rather the integrated Intel Express Graphics 2 which is no slouch for normal non-high end games, and is a improvement over the regular Intel Express Graphics.

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Re: Integrated Graphics
Feb 3, 2005 4:57PM PST

I was very impressed with Graphics, I got this computer last weekend and bought, The Lord Of The Rings: The Battle For Middle - Earth, and loaded it up and tried it with video in options of game on high, and it worked great no lag at all, I thought for sure I would have to lower the video level of game to be able to play it, with out the people moving 1 mile in hour, but they all moved fine even when there was alot of people on screen at once no problems, The main reason I brought this up was I had been reading in alot of other fourms that alot of people had problems with some of their video cards handiling this game on high.

It isnt the best in the world when it comes to upping the video card but I am going for what I can with this system and the nice price, I figure the BFG GeForce FX 5500 OC 256MB DDR/PCI/TV-Out video card and up it with one more gig of ram and I will be good to go.

In case someone was looking for ram, I had a hard time at first cause the people at best buy couldn't get the right ram, so I called kingston, and they gave me model number for ram that fits this computer
KVR333X64C25K2/ and after slash type 512 1g 2g which ever your looking for in a google and it will pop up, I had a hard time finding out what to get at first hope this can help someone else out.

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Re: Upping your machine.
Feb 4, 2005 4:41AM PST

Gee, thanks for the good info. In order for it to apply to others could you give a little more info..like..

What is the model # of the emachine. That may tell us some of this info:

Do you know which Integrated graphics it has...like is it the new GMA 900 or the Extreme Graphics 2, or the Extreme Graphics. Do you know what chipset?

Since you are going to get a PCI Video Card, can assume you do not have an AGP slot. Realize you are trying to make this a high end gaming machine, but some things to consider, since this is a emachine(right) and even a new one not configured by the designers to be a high end gaming machine:

A 128MB card would save you money as there are no current games that I know of that require a 256MB card. This 256MB is to feed on high end competition rollers ego, possibly give them a couple fps, and sell them new cards for the future. Don't believe you could tell the difference at all with your emachine. New games, for at least quite a few more years will operate OK on a 128MB card...they want to sell games.

You may need to up your power source wattage as the new card will draw more power. The emachine may have 200W or lower, and you may need a minimum of 300W, with 350-400 mo better. Many non gaming computers come with the power to operate what is on the computer at the time of new purchase. Adding other things like a better video card, DVD or CD burners, etc will draw more power.

I do not know of any games that require more than 512MB of RAM, and in the past some computers have problems with more than 512MB RAM and had to remove sticks to bring it down. It depends on your computer. High dollar ones that have 1 gig of RAM have no problems. I play Doom 3 without a flaw on 512MB of RAM. The game, so far as I can determine, requires about the highest requirements of any game...requiring at least 384MB RAM, a minimum 1.5GHz processor speed, a WinXP or 2000 Operating System, and specific Video Cards.

Yes, Kingston and Crucial.com will give the correct RAM by just keying in your specs to their sites. Everyone should check them before adding RAM.

Regards,

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Re: Upping your machine
Feb 5, 2005 4:20PM PST

(Gee, thanks for the good info. In order for it to apply to others could you give a little more info..like..

What is the model # of the emachine. That may tell us some of this info:

Since you are going to get a PCI Video Card, can assume you do not have an AGP slot. Realize you are trying to make this a high end gaming machine, but some things to consider, since this is a emachine(right) and even a new one not configured by the designers to be a high end gaming machineHappy


Sorry I thought this whole thread was about eMachines T5026

(I do not know of any games that require more than 512MB of RAM)

I know alot of people playing EQ2 and they seem to have problems with anything under 1 gig of ram, I know I was reading different post the other day on some sites and eq's site it's self, and people there was talking possable 2gigs, to get full effects.

It isnt very hard to up power supply is it? never tried or even looked into it for that matter.

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Your machine
Feb 6, 2005 7:37AM PST

Hi Mideon,

Sorry, you came into the thread and emachines has several dozens model numbers, and people do talk about a certain brand of machine, but they may be talking a different model number even tho the discussion in the thread may be on a specific model number.

Anyway, one of my computers is a emachine but I only changed out the RAM to increase it. I have change out the Power Supply on another of my computers, and it is pretty easy. Need to really pay attention to when you disconnect the cables marking/tag each one as to where they go, and of course ground yourself whenever you finger around inside the case to stop static electricity from zapping things. You might contact emachines to see if they have a special power supply like Dell, which is not the normal power supply that is installed. Also, make a post in the CNet Hardware forum for assistance if necessary.

Gee, I still do not know of any games that require more than 512MB of RAM. EverQuest 2 calls for 512MB and is not a CD game but an online game. I have never played it, as I am on a slow dialup...so useless. I have the recent CD Doom3 which is very demanding and the Half-Life 2 CD game, which play very good on 512MB of RAM.

Your T5026 has the new internal Integrated GMA 900 Graphics which is a great improvement from the past and should play quite a few games good without problems. The PCI card (not PCI-Express) you are getting should make it play all games A-OK even with 512MB RAM....tho increase the RAM to your satisfaction and pocketbook, and see if there is any noticeable improvement.

Regards,

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Integrated Graphics
Feb 19, 2005 7:57PM PST

John - I'm thinking of buying the E-Machines T5026, but am concerned about the integrated graphics card. My daughter wants to be able to play Sims 2 on the computer - and Sims 2 says it needs a video card with "32MB or more memory and one of these T&L capable chipsets: ATI Radeon 7200 or greater, or NVIDIA GeForce 2 or greater." Does the T5026's integrated graphics meet this requirement? If not, can I add a better video card? The salesman at BestBuy said I could - but the discussion on CNET makes me suspicious of that.

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Re: Integrated Graphics & T5026
Feb 20, 2005 3:18AM PST

The Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 (GMA 900 )is no slouch and can deliver over 1.5 times faster performance than previous Intel graphics. It also features acceleration for MS DirectX 9 for 3D performance. It will handle The Sims 2 game without problems, but will not do well on the new high tech games like Doom3, and some of those intense games of the future. A PCI Graphics Card (not the new PCI Extreme) can be installed in computers that do not have a AGP or PCI-Express X-15 slot, The PCI cards are limited in upgrade and not as proficient as AGP or the new PCI-Extreme.

If you run across some high end games that the GMA 900 will not handle, or when buying a new T5026 from Best Buy, I would let their store 'Geeks' install a PCI card.

My preference is for Nvidia cards and the Geforce 5700LE PCI (aprx $89) or the less expensive FX5200 PCI.

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Hope it's not too late!
Apr 26, 2005 1:27AM PDT

There is a little misinformation in John's post, the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 (GMA 900 )is no slouch, and will handle any 2D graphics with no problems, but I can assure you that you will have trouble playing the Sims 2 with this machine. I'm looking to upgrade to a PCI video card mainly because of frequent crashes caused by the Sims 2, and a couple of other games that have similar 3D rendering requirements. The problem lies in hardware skinning, (whatever that means) and it causes the games to lock up or throw the screen resolution completly out of whack, and the only way to get it back is re-boot. I don't want to scare anyone off though, it is a great system with the exception of the graphics card not being able to handle high end 3D very well.

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You are correct Mehcroh
Apr 26, 2005 4:37AM PDT

The Sims 2 may have lock up problems, and the Sims 2 Body Shop will not run. See below.

Of course Intel likes to put on the happy face for their new GMA 900 Integrated Graphics, however I suggest upgrading to the Nvidia FX5700LE PCI graphics card (which is the highest currently for PCI, $89 at Newegg ) for those that do not have a AGP or PCI-Express x16 slot.

Stuff gleaned from Intel:

"Based on older generation Intel Integrated graphics solutions, some conclude that it?s difficult to run modern 3D games on Intel hardware. The Intel GMA 900 graphics core is an integrated solution that has demonstrated the capability to run games released for the Christmas 2004 timeframe at playable frame rates. Some examples include:

* Prince of Persia* 2 (Ubisoft)
* Zoo Tycoon* 2 (Blue Fang/Microsoft)
* Medal of Honor Pacific Assault* (Electronic Arts)
* Final Fantasy XI Benchmark* (SquareSoft)

While there is agreement that the most demanding gaming environments will still require add-in graphics cards for hard core gaming, the mainstream consumer expects a playable experience with the games they purchase and the Intel GMA 900 has the horsepower and DX9 feature set to deliver that capability."

They also show these as compatible:

The Sims
The Sims: Hot Date
The Sims: House Party
The Sims: Livin' Large
The Sims: Makin' Magic
The Sims: Superstar
The Sims: Unleashed*
The Sims: Vacation*

The Sims 2 may have lock up problems. This is Intel solution:

"Symptom(s):

The Sims* 2 game crashes or freezes (locks up) during game play.

Error: "The ialmrnt5 display driver has stopped working normally. Save your work and reboot the system to restore full display functionality. The next time you reboot the machine a dialog will be displayed giving you a chance to upload data about this failure to Microsoft."

Error: "The graphics adapter in this system experienced an internal error. Please contact your graphics adapter manufacturer for technical support. The application will now terminate."

Blue screen appears with STOP error 0x000000EA referencing the ialmrnt5 display driver file.

Solution:

Use the latest Intel(R) graphics driver to correct this issue. Refer to the driver README file for installation instructions as needed.

The Sims 2 Body Shop (Will not run...no workaround at this time)

Symptom(s):

Sims 2 Body Shop program will not run.

Error appears when trying to run the Sims 2 Body Shop program.

Error: " Direct 3D returned an error: D3DERR_INVALIDCALL! The application will now terminate."

Solution:

This issue has been recently reported and is currently being investigated. There is no workaround at this time. Additional information may be available at the game manufacturer's web site.

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Yes it is able to play sims 2
Nov 1, 2005 9:10AM PST

if sims 2 requires 32 meg of video, this will really do the thing because integrated memory supports up to 128 meg of shared video, shared video changes dynamically based on what you are doing, so if sims 2 needs 32 meg of video, it can support it. Hope this helps, Eric.

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Intel 915 GV
Feb 21, 2005 11:32AM PST

I just purchased the emachines T5026 and it arrives in a week because it is currently not in stock. I was wondering what chipset it has? If it has the Intel 915 GV chipset, doesn't it incorporate PCI-E? If it does not use that chipset, what does it use and why doesn't emachines update their specs?

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Re: Intel 915GV
Feb 21, 2005 1:34PM PST

Emachine does show the Intel 915GV chipset for the T5026 at their site:

http://www.emachines.com/products/products.html?prod=eMachines_T5026

Check with Intel and you will find that the 915GV chipset is part of the 9xx PCI Express line up and has PCI Express x1 I/O bus ports for more bandwidth than the regular PCI, but does NOT have a PCI Express x16 port for a video card. Nor does it have a external graphics port for an AGP graphic card.

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can we add new video card to T5026?
Mar 6, 2005 4:50AM PST

I bought Emachines T5026 and i am a high end PC gamer and i have tried some games like Medal of Honor:PA and it doesn't work on it. It says u need a GeForce 3 or higher video card. So can i add video card to this computer and if yes than which one will be the best?

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Re: T5026
Mar 6, 2005 10:44AM PST

Yes you can install a PCI video card (not PCI-Express or AGP card). I would suggest the Nvidia FX 5700LE aprx $89-$100, or the Nvidia FX 5200 aprx $68-$93. To purchase check Neweggg or places like Best Buy, Circuit City, CompUSA, etc...

http://www.newegg.com/app/manufact.asp?catalog=48&DEPA=1 on the left "Advance Search" click the arrow on 'Interface' and select PCI.

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Good Advice
Mar 20, 2005 3:47PM PST

I appreciate all the good info you have been posting, John. About a month ago I was seriously considering buying a T5026, but was confused about the conflicting info regarding the video. The company specs stated one thing while individual owners stated something else. With no disrespect intended toward others on this forum, it seemed unwise to take the word of unknown persons over that of the company. So I decided to snail-mail eMachines to ask, yes or no, does the T5026 have a PCI-express slot? I think if I had waited just a little longer and kept reading the posts here, I would have had my answer and would have felt confident about it. However. . .

I made it easy for them by giving my e-mail address for their reply. I have always had good results from writing hard-copy business letters to companies and public figures instead of e-mail. The former usually gets their attention, while the latter seems to be often ignored. I've received written replies from my congressman, from the CEO of a large rail corporation, and from a best-selling author.

Unfortunately, eMachines seem to put themselves above this group, and my request for clarification has been totally ignored. That, however, was good in another way because it gave me a lot of insight into their level of concern for buyers and potential buyers of their products. I figure that if they don't have the courtesy to answer the question of a prospective buyer, how much support and help can I expect after they have my money?

So I am looking elsewhere for a new desktop. And it will be made by a company that responds to potential customers. For those of you with a T5026, I wish you the best, but for anyone who has not yet plunked down your hard-earned dollars. . . well, you get the idea.