I would like to begin by saying that I cannot find diddly squat on anyone doing anything with this mini desktop on the internet. Everyone seems to let its size interfere with doing anything with it. I would like to think on the contrary. I think there's a number of upgrades little or not to optimize this little beast. Though I feel I need to reach out for help. So here I am and so here are the original specs:
(Without opening the case)
Acer Aspire X3200 U3600A
Windows Vista 64 Home Premium
MOBO MB.SAT01.002 (what im led to believe, not much info anywhere on this)
AMD Phenom x3 @ 2.1
Integrated Nvidia Geforce 8200 (update leads you to believe it transforms into a 9200 magically)
PSU 220 W (Again what I'm led to believe)
Here is a review from CNET: http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/acer-aspire-ax3200-u3600a/4505-3118_7-33345347.html
Now some things I believe can be improved...
CPU: The Phenom x3 8400 is ..eh.. @2.1 ghz for each core I really want to upgrade. What can I upgrade to? AM2 socket, though the mobo had support for phenom processors.. so I guess I got that much to work with.
Athlon x2 6000+? Would need a better PSU I believe.
A better Phenom? Quad core? At what frequency? Is there a black edition first series Phenom? Could I buy that?
Im continually led in the direction of a better PSU.
GPU: Integrated Nvidia Geforce 8200... *sigh* Well its got an empty PCIex16 slot Though I am again brought down buy the low PSU. What I have found so far that I heard works with this Acer garbage is a Radeon HD 5570. Its low pro and low power which is good. Though I'm not sure if its a bit too much that I'd fry this beastie.
Now I'm not asking for much, just some Dragon Age, Fallout3, Oblivion. Is it possible I can do something to run those games smoothly without having to buy a new computer? Those three big parts CPU, GPU, and PSU seems to be my objective. I want to say I can leave my processor as I have seem some youtube videos of people playing Crysis using the Phenom x3 8400 on medium/high settings. So that leaves a GPU and/or PSU to buy. I would also like to keep this upgrading on the cheap side. Think ebay prices. Ive also considered transfering the MOBO to another mini itx case/power supply bundle for cheap. That would give me a large increase in GPU browsing. Any help whatsoever would be fantastic, thanks.
(Without opening the case)
Acer Aspire X3200 U3600A
Windows Vista 64 Home Premium
MOBO MB.SAT01.002 (what im led to believe, not much info anywhere on this)
AMD Phenom x3 @ 2.1
Integrated Nvidia Geforce 8200 (update leads you to believe it transforms into a 9200 magically)
PSU 220 W (Again what I'm led to believe)
Here is a review from CNET: http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/acer-aspire-ax3200-u3600a/4505-3118_7-33345347.html
Now some things I believe can be improved...
CPU: The Phenom x3 8400 is ..eh.. @2.1 ghz for each core I really want to upgrade. What can I upgrade to? AM2 socket, though the mobo had support for phenom processors.. so I guess I got that much to work with.
Athlon x2 6000+? Would need a better PSU I believe.
A better Phenom? Quad core? At what frequency? Is there a black edition first series Phenom? Could I buy that?
Im continually led in the direction of a better PSU.
GPU: Integrated Nvidia Geforce 8200... *sigh* Well its got an empty PCIex16 slot Though I am again brought down buy the low PSU. What I have found so far that I heard works with this Acer garbage is a Radeon HD 5570. Its low pro and low power which is good. Though I'm not sure if its a bit too much that I'd fry this beastie.
Now I'm not asking for much, just some Dragon Age, Fallout3, Oblivion. Is it possible I can do something to run those games smoothly without having to buy a new computer? Those three big parts CPU, GPU, and PSU seems to be my objective. I want to say I can leave my processor as I have seem some youtube videos of people playing Crysis using the Phenom x3 8400 on medium/high settings. So that leaves a GPU and/or PSU to buy. I would also like to keep this upgrading on the cheap side. Think ebay prices. Ive also considered transfering the MOBO to another mini itx case/power supply bundle for cheap. That would give me a large increase in GPU browsing. Any help whatsoever would be fantastic, thanks.