Posted: 11/30/2009 2:19:46 PM EDT
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I have a dell E310 that is a Pent 4 3.0 GHz with 1 gig RAM running Windows XP.
Would I see a big benefit from a new Intel Core 2 Duo 2.93 Ghz with 4 gigs RAM running Win 7 ? This is a home computer used for email and general web surfing, no gaming. I cannot run flight sim software (video will not support the sim S/W). I generally have 4 to 6 tabs open (primary browser = Firefox) plus T-Bird email. I would like to be able to run MS Flight Sim and Combat Flight Sim. Thanks in advance |
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Which versions of FS and CFS? Also you will probably need a new motherboard, unless you get lucky and can transplant the new CPU into the Dell mobo... You can probably run FS2002 and CFS2 with just a memory upgrade on your machine...CFS3 was a POS, and FSX is a mega resource hog. You could probably run FS2004 with a memory and video upgrade... |
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I'd upgrade on the cheap. Core2Duo, a new motherboard, a cheapish video card (9600gt perhaps?) and 4 gig of ram. In Aus that would be about $400. Cheaper in the states.
That would drastically improve your machine, while not being a massive ballbuster. It will play all current games. And still be a good general PC for quite a few years to come.. Ever pulled apart a puter before? |
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Quoted:
I have a dell E310 that is a Pent 4 3.0 GHz with 1 gig RAM running Windows XP. Would I see a big benefit from a new Intel Core 2 Duo 2.93 Ghz with 4 gigs RAM running Win 7 ? This is a home computer used for email and general web surfing, no gaming. I cannot run flight sim software (video will not support the sim S/W). I generally have 4 to 6 tabs open (primary browser = Firefox) plus T-Bird email. I would like to be able to run MS Flight Sim and Combat Flight Sim. Thanks in advance Yes, you would. I noticed a big benefit going from 3gb ram, quad-core and XP to 4gb, same cpu and Win 7. Much better. |
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Quoted:
I can buy a new Dell with those specs including a 19 inch LCD monitor for about $500. Yes, I have upgraded computers before. IMO it's generally not worth it, better to get a newer one. Like Tyman said, a Core2 Duo is a big upgrade. Worth it. Lately I've found that you can't beat budget computers upgrading or building yourself. Once you start getting into more performance oriented systems, then you can save money. Save cash or get better components for the same cash. |
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Quoted:
I can buy a new Dell with those specs including a 19 inch LCD monitor for about $500. Yes, I have upgraded computers before. IMO it's generally not worth it, better to get a newer one. Check out Slickdeals and the computer deals/coupons that are posted on the site before deciding anything. Dell Outlet is a great site as well to pick up desktops for decent prices. |
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He's not going to be able to upgrade that Dell. Assuming he can put a new CPU in, I bet Dell will make it next to impossible to update the BIOS which would be required prior to the new CPU.
Then there is the matter of power supply. IIRC Dell uses proprietary PSU's, meaning he'll have to buy one of theirs(overpriced) to power the new video card that would be needed to play FS. FSX even with a quad core and excellent video card still makes computers chug at highest settings. |