Would this be a good idea?

[Smoolean]

Alright, for a few months now I've been in the market for a new PC. All of the computers that caught my eye were around the $850-$1000 range. Then yesterday I see an eMachines (T6520) with everything those higher priced computers have, and maybe even more for only $600. I have only a few quick questions that I would really appreciate any help on:

*** It only allows 2GB memory max, instead of 4GB like I've seen in most other models. I plan on keeping this computer for 3-4 years, should that be a huge turn off?

*** It has a AMD Athlon 64 processor 3400+, I know in the past when I've posted here the overwhelming majority have swayed me towards AMD and away from Intel. My question is, with this specific processor, is it still new enough to where if I upgraded the graphics card I could play pretty much any game on the market today?

*** With the $300-400 I'd be saving by buying this computer instead of the others I've been thinking about... Which is the most affordable graphics card that will allow me to play HL2 on this setup?

*** I know that Intel's are supposedly better at multi-tasking. My version of multitasking is having Photoshop, Notepad, and Firefox open and constantly switching back and forth between the three. Is that even heavy duty enough multi tasking to notice the difference between Intel and AMD processors?

Thanks again,
Smoolean

 

[Hacp]

1) No it won't limit you if you plan on keeping it for 3-4 years.
2) Yes it will allow you to own any game
3) An affordable graphics card is the 6600GT AGP version. I would'nt go further than that, knowing how cheap emachines can be with their power supplies.
4) No, your version of multitasking is fine. Won't notice much of a speed decrease.

 

[Smoolean]

Thanks for clearing a lot up for me Hacp. Would the 6600GT PCI-e work just as well?

 

[SlitheryDee]

Originally posted by: Smoolean
Thanks for clearing a lot up for me Hacp. Would the 6600GT PCI-e work just as well?

Sure it will. Make sure you find out whether the video interface for that computer is PCI-E or AGP as they are not interchangeable.

 

[Smoolean]

It is indeed PCI-E, but I'm now curious about the whole power supply issue. Are there any stats that I can check to make sure that the computer can supply enough power for the 6600GT?

 

[Chris The Tech]

go to the website for the videocard and check if it requires a certain watt power supply and then see if the power supply meets this need and if it originally comes with enought 4-pin connectors for all your drives and your videocard. (if the card requires a 4-pin connector)

 

[SlitheryDee]

Originally posted by: Chris The Tech
go to the website for the videocard and check if it requires a certain watt power supply and then see if the power supply meets this need and if it originally comes with enought 4-pin connectors for all your drives and your videocard. (if the card requires a 4-pin connector)

I don't think the PCI-E version requires an extra molex connector.

 

[Hacp]

Ya i don't think it does either. I know AGP does though, since it cant give above 40 watts (am I wrong?)

 

[jackschmittusa]

For what it is worth, it has been my experience that Emachines uses components that seem to wring the least amount of performance out of a processor possible. The TriGem motherboards I've seen in some of them are particular dogs. And I agree that the psus they use are marginal, at best. I have seen some of them that require memory with oddball timings and specs, with no ability to adjust memory characteristics in the bios. An appropriate tool kit for upgrading an Emachines rig would contain a screwdriver and a bottle of aspirin.

 

[xgsound]

Back in the 400 Mhz days, emachine had very poor quality machines.
Today what they supply for the money sure is tempting. They tend to supply a "cleaner" XP install than other OEMs last I checked.

The brother-in-law got an Athlon system about 1 1/2 years ago, and it works very well.

I've heard that the on board video (rs480 or xpress 200) can run Morrowind well, but I don't know about HL2.

I check google groups, circuit city, and c-net for feedback from "real people".

Earlier this year, I read where one fellow got the next lower emachine xpress 200, added a 6600gt, and said it flies.

If you get one tell us about it.


Jim

 

[d2arcturus]

Howabout with the $400 you save get:

X800XL
XClio 450W

 

[Macro2]

My Emachines sempron 3100 motherboard is a FIC. I'm actually quite pleased with it for the $250 I paid after rebates. I added some ram to 756mb. Made it a bit snappier. STill I think it's bogged down by all the sh*it software they preload. It has an extra AGP slot. The video is a dog but I don't care.

I'm surprised the one you're looking at is a PCI-e mobo. Would be interesting to see if it's using a 24 pin PS connector. Some of the higher end video cards pull a lot of current.
The PCI bus really only delivers 75w. Some of the higher end video cards require over 100w, so you need the extra 4 pins of power.

 

[mettleh3d]

very nice setup. mines a 3400+ and i paid a lot more. self-built though

 

[ProAm500]

I used to work for Circuit city and not too long ago we used to sell the T6212 which for $599 had a athlon 64 3400+, MSI motherboard, PCI-e, I was VERY impressed and seriously thought about buying one of these and using it for my next sytem, with employee discount it was under $500 bucks....I think Emachines are great machines. I would recommend them over HP or Dell any day...