slightly old but need opinions

[noexpert]

Was bought a little while ago, cheap online prebuilt.

Here are the main specs:

AMD x2 3600
Asus m2n-mx se
onboard graphics
1GB DDR2 667
8024 400w Colors IT Case

A mid-range graphics card is on its way.

The rig is mainly for work but some gaming too. Do you think the x2 3600 is too weak or is it fine.
How long overall do think this will last?

I'd like to hear your opinions on what you guys think and how do you rate it.

Thanks

 

[utaka95]

That cpu is probably fine for day to day use - but with 5200's selling for $130 on newegg why not upgrade? And get 2 gigs of DDR2 800 while you're at it, ram prices are so low now it makes my jaw drop.

 

[aevm]

For games like Crysis, I'd rate it a 0 (refuses to install, or works at 3 fps). For watching movies, surfing, Word and Excel, Solitaire, Simcity, maybe even Diablo, I'd rate it a 10 (perfect).

For work that involves lots of typing and clicking it's a 10. For something that requires tons of CPU power (like video encoding or compiling code) it's a solid average computer.

Would a new computer improve your productivity and allow you to make more money, say $50 more every day? If yes, it's worth upgrading right now. If not, I'd keep this one and add a second GB of RAM.

 

[noexpert]

Yeah i'm thinking of upgrading to another 1gb because its so cheap and its a easy performance boost.

But have had the x2 3600 for only a little while, do i really need the upgrade or is it fine for moderate use. Not a hardcore gamer.

 

[noexpert]

For games i was thinking of getting the 256mb HD 2600XT gddr3, because i'm not sure the psu can take anything more powerful. Also thats best i could find for 60 pounds budget.

I accept games like crysis is going to play poorly on this card but maybe low-medium but like i said i'm not a hardcore gamer

 

[KyleSTL]

If you're doing a fair amount of gaming, I would say get off the onboard video. Throw in a GF 7600/7800 or X1650/1950 and you should be plesantly surprised at the power of your computer.

 

[aevm]

Take a look here:

http://www23.tomshardware.com/graphics_2007.html?modelx=33&model1=712&model2=716&chart=277

The 7900 GS or 7600 GT cards are better than the 2600 XT in games, and they should also work with your existing PSU.

The X1950Pro and especially x1950XT would be even better, but you'd need a new PSU for them and if you're not that much into gaming they're overkill.

I think these are the best bang-for-the-buck cards these days, try to pick one of them.

 

[noexpert]

Take a look here:

http://www23.tomshardware.com/graphics_2007.html?modelx=33&model1=712&model2=716&chart=277

Seeing that benchmark, i didn't realize the HD 2600xt was worse than a 7600gt; can that be said for all games?.

Thanks for pointing that out i'll probably look at either the 7600gt or the 7900gs.

btw to be specific i think the PSU has 20A on the +12V rail. Considering the fact that it seems cheap, could it be lower, but i think its fine

 

[aevm]

I dunno about **all** games. Some favor ATI, some nVidia, and some depend on the CPU more than on the video card anyway. Try Google if you want more benchmarks, it usually works for me.