i3-2100 good for gaming?

braber95

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I just ordered a new i3-2100 for my xbox case mod gaming pc. I'm using a geforce 8600gt but was just curious on gaming potential. Thanks!
 
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Kindredsouls

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Intel Core i3-2100 is a decent entry level gaming CPU. The Nvidia 8600 GT is very low end at this point. If memory serves, that was a high end GPU about 5 years ago, but that's a long time for a GPU.

It will all depend on what games you're looking to play and what graphic settings you want to play them at. If you had to choose which of the two parts to upgrade first I would probably start with the GPU. With a more modern GPU you should be able to play most games at medium settings, even with that CPU.

I hope that helps, and good luck!
 

KnowItAll

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i3-2100 is a very good gaming cpu. But that video card, no. What is your resolution?

If your at 1680x1050 or below, the 2100 and a 6870 or better would max out just about any game with the exception of a few heavy hitter MMO's.

 

braber95

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I haven't put anything together yet, this is all on the drawing board. Only looking for low to mid settings on games like Fallout, MW3, etc.
 

Kindredsouls

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I'm not entirely positive what you mean by a x1 slot board. I assume you mean the board only have one PCIe x16 slot on it.

I would recommend an Nvidia GTX 650 Ti Boost, since it sounds like you're on a tight budget.
 

braber95

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It only has 1 PCIe x1 slot.
 

Kindredsouls

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What is the precise model of the motherboard you have?
 

braber95

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H61H2-I3
 

Kindredsouls

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In my opinion... any PCIe x1 discrete graphics card is purely made for one purpose; to get you video. Usually for low profile computers, like a media center computer attached to a TV. The card you have linked would probably run games from 2008~ and back decently, but anything modern I wouldn't count on it. Really, you need a motherboard that has 1 or more PCIe x16 slots on it. If you search around you can find some fairly nice boards at relatively low prices. I just picked up this board for my wife for $60 on newegg two weeks ago: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157302&Tpk=ASRock%20H77%20Pro4%2fMVP%20LGA%201155&IsVirtualParent=1

 

braber95

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But the 610 has a higher core clock, memory size, and 48 CUDA cores rather than the 8600's 32. How is it better?
 

braber95

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Well I'm cramming everything into an old xbox case, so I went with a mini itx for space saving. I guess I'm not looking to play recently released games as I have another computer I'm planning on upgrading later. I really only want a system to run games at low-mid settings. Sending the mobo I have right now back would be a huge pain, but I suppose it's do-oable. The only criteria is that the mobo is mini-itx, lga 1155, and under $100.
 

Kindredsouls

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Ah ok, well that helps to know what your goal is! :)

Yeah, if you're ok with running olderish games then that is probably doable with the card you sent me. I'm not convinced though that the HD 4350 is actually any better then the 8600 you have right now. Especially if you weren't planning on spending any more money. I would probably stick with the 8600.

Knowing this is more of a secondary computer helps too. I'd just hate to see you get your hopes up that you can run BF3, Farcry 3, or something along those lines but you wouldn't be able too. Even on low settings. Most Indie games, Company of Heroes 1, possibly Starcraft 2 on low settings, should all be doable.
 
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braber95

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Thanks for all the help, and I will be sure to be more specific in the future! ;) I think I'll check out some boards with x16 slots, and then just save up for a higher-performing gpu.