[Solved] My Computer - Experienced Opinion Please

thebadmachine on 15/09/2020 - 20:52
Last edited 15/09/2020 - 23:53

Hi there,

My Computer is getting close to 7-8 years old and is running Windows 10 Home (Did a fresh install less than a year ago & deleted most Apps etc).
Past & current use is just basic file stuff (editing / organising) & the occasional web browsing.

It is a off-the-shelf Acer Computer, I opened it up once to take a look inside and it was spotless which was suprising, everything looked in great shape. It is always shut-down (turned off) when finished use. I would say it has got 10 more years left in it.

Here are My Computers specifications as written on the side of the tower (its a big under the desk one):

  • Intel Core i7 processor 4770 (3.4Ghz)
  • NVIDIA Geforce GT635 2GB
  • 1TB Hard Drive
  • 8GB DDR3 Memory
  • DVD Super Multi drive
  • Card Reader
  • Integrated LAN 10 / 100 / 1000

Concerns / opinions:

  1. First off, please give the Computer a overall rating out of # / 10 for the specifications thanks. If your computer which can do almost anything is a 10/10.

  2. When turning the computer on, the HDD activity light on the front basically stays solid-on well after logging in, and it takes about 15-20 mins for it to stop and be ready to use. (I checked in Task Manager and during this time the Disk Usage is 90%-100% the whole time the light is on, so I worry about damaging the HDD since it is so old, so usually turn it on in advance & come-back when its finished).
    (My thoughts here are that recent versions of Windows 10 are made for SSD Drives so a lot of writing is done each time on start up for some reason and for Computers with an old HDD this is just a thing.)
    So this is normal right?

  3. Since the uses for the computer are so slim, I was thinking of trying out some "gaming" and making "online video calls" due to recent events.
    So my concerns are, is this Computer in its current state capable of playing modern 3D games? I think it can do animated 2D games and video calls should be fine once I find a webcam since is has a graphics card.
    (I would like to play a video-game where you are a Fire Engine / Ambulance, I have good memories of a game called "Crazy Taxi" and would like to play something similar, but as a Fire Engine. Yes this may sound childish but it has been 12+ years since I have played a video-game and it is the first thing that came to mind).
    https://store.steampowered.com/app/605740/Flashing_Lights__P…
    This one seems to have good reviews, Any alternate suggestions would be appreciated.

  4. With a 8 year old computer, under heavier usage (gaming) how likely is it for parts to fail?

  5. Live-streaming - Is a computer as old as this capable of live-streaming? Streaming less than an hour at a time, interacting with the viewers while playing a game. My thinking is the less viewers the less stress it is on the computer. Thinking of trying streaming live on YouTube.

Please feel free to pick and choose any from 1-4 which you are able to respond to Thanks.

Computing

Comments

  • SupeNintendoChalmers on 15/09/2020 - 21:06
    +3

    Your processor is old, but ok. RAM should be doubled to 16, and probably the best improver would be an SSD HDD. You don't need to spend much on an SSD, a decent 240GB one wont be more than $50 and this will markedly improve boot time and response rates. The old 1TB HDD can be relegated to secondary storage.

    The graphics card, in its current state is more than capable of running older games like Crazy Taxi, but definitely not suitable for modern games. You'd need to cough up at least $250 for a lower-mid tier card like a 4GB 1650 to play some modern games, with graphic settings dialed down

    • thebadmachine on 15/09/2020 - 21:49

      Thanks for your reply.

      the best improver would be an SSD HDD.

      Sorry. I was reducing the amount of words in the post and forgot to ‘paste in’ at the bottom that I had asked about the SSD information previously on ozb. It was cut in the clipboard and I shut-down the
      computer doh. Fail.

      But thanks for confirming that information anyway.

      a decent 240GB one wont be more than $50

      I am always thinking in the long term, so I was waiting for the 1TB Samsung 860EVO to drop under $90 (after cash back etc) then the prices spiked.

      current state is more than capable of running older games like Crazy Taxi, but definitely not suitable for modern games. You'd need to cough up at least $250 for a lower-mid tier card

      Out of my budget but good to know thanks.

      • FireRunner on 15/09/2020 - 22:45

        You could get a GT1030 for $116.50 which would be a massive step up from your current card and can play most modern titles on low settings.
        Definitely get an SSD, you don't need a 1TB drive if you can keep the HDD as a secondary storage drive. An SSD for OS and applications will make a world of difference.
        CPU is fine, I've got a cheap build with a 3rd gen i5 that doesn't have any trouble, a 4th gen i7 will last a while still.
        RAM is fine at 8GB, especially if you don't have a mid-high end GPU to match it.

        • thebadmachine on 15/09/2020 - 23:20

          Thanks for the info, but yeah the SSD will definitely come first.

          The way I see it the HDD could die at anytime (regularly back everything up to external), so I wanted to invest in a 1TB decent quality SSD to make the Computer last another 8-10 years or so.

          A post below indicated potential space, power & heating issues with adding a more powerful Graphics card to the Acer. And it is just too much potential issues I think for the small gains in playability.

          I am happy with playing older games, the only thing I need to find out now is if that Fire Engine game I linked in the post will work on My Computer as it is.

          • FireRunner on 15/09/2020 - 23:30

            @thebadmachine: The GT1030 is a low power, low profile GPU. It would use as much power and generate as much heat as your current GT 625
            In fact, probably less since it won't be running at full power to get the same results as your current card.

            • thebadmachine on 15/09/2020 - 23:43

              @FireRunner: Sorry I should have made it clear. Graphics card is out of reach, I just want to get a great deal on a SSD for now.

              • FireRunner on 15/09/2020 - 23:55

                @thebadmachine: Well I guess the SSD should be your priority. I upgrade some old laptops from HDD to cheap dramless SSD and the change was 10 minutes to under 30 seconds to boot Windows 10. You should expect under 10 seconds for a good quality SSD with your current build.
                Though I think you’ll find your GPU struggling with most games released in the last decade so I suggest looking into getting an upgrade after successfully installing the SSD.

                • thebadmachine on 16/09/2020 - 00:08

                  @FireRunner: Thanks.
                  What about these 2D type games with my current setup in your opinion?
                  Like “Limbo” / “Hotline Miami” / “Cuphead” I just found some examples by searching.

    • thebadmachine on 15/09/2020 - 22:30

      Hi in the game I linked I found this:

      MINIMUM:
      OS: Windows 7/8/10 (64bit)
      Processor: Intel Core i3 2GHz or equivalent
      Memory: 4 GB RAM
      Graphics: AMD R7 200 Series / NVidia 700 series with 1GB vram or above
      DirectX: Version 11
      Storage: 4 GB available space

      Only thing I can see bad is I have GT635 2 GB while game says 700 Series 1GB vram?

      This is able to be run by my computer With graphics down?

  • p1 ama on 15/09/2020 - 21:06
    +4

    The long and short of it is that your processor is fine, your graphics card is too weak to really do any modern gaming and you really need to get an SSD.

    Depends on how much you want to spend, but if your budget is around $200, say, then I'd suggest getting a 500GB SSD, which you can find for around $80, and a second hand RX 470/570 or something of that nature.

    You can't rate a computer out of 10 because it depends completely on your use-case and what you define a 10/10 to be. For example, I do work in machine learning and statistical modelling and my daily work computer is based on a Threadripper 3970X. The computer I use for most of my "at home" and gaming stuff is based on a 3900X. For their respective use cases, I'd say that both computers are a 10/10, but they're obviously very different both in their cost and in their nature.

    • thebadmachine on 15/09/2020 - 22:04

      your graphics card is too weak to really do any modern gaming

      Thanks for the straight answer. Upgrading graphics card just costs too much. I guess I will be sticking with old generation games.
      I just thought if I could find a deal on a more modern game it would be nice to be able to play.

      The computer I use for most of my "at home" and gaming stuff is based on a 3900X

      If that PC is 10/10 how would you rate mine? Like if you could compare Processor / Graphics scores like they do on Smart Phones.
      I just want to get a idea of how far behind my computer is. I understand it is just your opinion but any number will help 3/10? 4/10?

      • p1 ama on 15/09/2020 - 22:26

        If that PC is 10/10 how would you rate mine? Like if you could compare Processor / Graphics scores like they do on Smart Phones.

        And those "scores" are completely meaningless.

        I just want to get a idea of how far behind my computer is. I understand it is just your opinion but any number will help 3/10? 4/10?

        Again, this isn't possible because it depends on what you're trying to do. Personally, if I had to give just a general use score, I'd say around 0/10 or 1/10 because you don't have an SSD. This has been true since I started using SSDs back in 2011. For day to day use, I'd rather use an old cheap computer with an SSD over a modern computer with a HDD boot drive.

        Get an SSD and it'll be a 6/10 - 7/10.

        • thebadmachine on 15/09/2020 - 22:33

          For day to day use, I'd rather use an old cheap computer with an SSD over a modern computer with a HDD boot drive.

          Get an SSD and it'll be a 6/10 - 7/10.

          Thanks very much for answering.

  • scrimshaw on 15/09/2020 - 21:07
    +7

    Q1. If a computer fits your current and future needs than it's a 10/10.

    q2. This is called HDD thrashing — your computer, for some reason, needs to access the HDD much more frequently than usual. this might be due to background processing that's constantly requesting data off your drive (Windows Update, Antivirus, crypto-mining malware etc.) or it could be just that your drive is dying. If your computer runs out of RAM, it also hits the page file more often meaning yet more HDD accesses. Nobody should be installing Windows on a HDD anymore, time to move it to an SSD.

    Q3 - Q4 - Q5 your Graphics card is already geriatric, it's using DDR3 memory (super slow compared to GDDR5 or GDDR6) and doesn't support NVENC (HW accelerated encoder required for streaming), and it wasn't high end in the first place. It belongs in a museum! … or more accurately on Gumtree / FB marketplace.

    GPU upgrade options are limited in SFF prebuilts, you're limited by both the form factor and power supply so beefy GPU's are not possible unless you opt for low profile or upgrade the chassis.

    • thebadmachine on 15/09/2020 - 22:12

      This is called HDD thrashing

      Hmm first time I have heard this term. Thanks I will look more into it.
      Everything installed is pretty ordinary, anti-virus is the only thing you mentioned I have running. And I am aware when it is scanning / updating so I’m sure it’s something else.

      Nobody should be installing Windows on a HDD anymore

      Ok thanks.

      Q3 - Q4 - Q5 your Graphics card is already geriatric,

      Thanks also confirmed by other comments.

      it's using DDR3 memory (super slow compared to GDDR5 or GDDR6) and doesn't support NVENC (HW accelerated encoder required for streaming)

      GPU upgrade options are limited in SFF prebuilts, you're limited by both the form factor and power supply

      Thanks this kind of info I needed to know.

      • scrimshaw on 15/09/2020 - 22:30
        +2

        The Resource Monitor in windows gives you a very detailed breakdown of whats happening in your system and what processes are taking up your resources (duh). If you know how to parse the information it will give you a good idea of what's asking so much of your disk drive.

        https://www.ghacks.net/2017/12/28/a-detailed-windows-resourc…

        but I can't stress enough that SSD's are almost mandatory nowadays, and slow drives are easily the best part of any computer to upgrade because it's usually the biggest bottleneck.

    • hoey888 on 16/09/2020 - 09:16

      agree with points above.

      I have a hp prodesk 600 g2 sff computer which I initially wanted to make into a gaming machine. Then I ran into trouble selecting a graphics card which would fit into the case. There's literally a few and most ain't ideal for modern games. This image shows the difference

      https://www.dell.com/community/image/serverpage/image-id/705…

      Ended up giving up and converting an older computer into modern gaming computer. Just use that for WFM and internet browsing. Still on mechanical hard drive, however upgraded to 16GB of ram. Made a difference and I'm content with it. Since I've been happy with it, haven't needed to put SSD in it yet.

      You also might want to check your Windows 10 is the 64bit version. Older 32bit versions can only use 4gb of your ram.

  • slow on 15/09/2020 - 21:15

    That is better than my computer that I use daily for a range of things, except that I put in a small SSD a while back for the OS, which made a huge difference

    • thebadmachine on 15/09/2020 - 22:17

      except that I put in a small SSD a while back for the OS, which made a huge difference

      Thanks for sharing. Many others also said the same thing when I asked in a previous forum post.
      Looks like SSD is best value to speed up old computers in 2020.

  • JimB on 15/09/2020 - 21:26

    For basic office applications and web browsing, your PC will be fine.

    To increase the usability of the PC it won't cost much, I'd recommend:
    - Fresh Windows install. Free. Your PC shouldn't be accessing the hard drive that much.. usually means it's time for a new Windows install.
    - New 480gb SSD. $80. You can still use the 1TB drive as a 2nd hard drive. Will give a good speed boost, particularly when booting up/waking from sleep mode.

    My PC is older and with a SSD and fresh install, it does everything I need instantly (office applications and web browsing). Note: I don't play games.

    I use to upgrade my PC every 2-3 years, however I feel that in the past 7-8 years PCs last much longer before being obsolete.

    • thebadmachine on 15/09/2020 - 22:24
      • Fresh Windows install. Free. Your PC shouldn't be accessing the hard drive that much.. usually means it's time for a new Windows install.

      Yes I can do this. I do it for some family members.

      For basic office applications and web browsing, your PC will be fine.

      It is fine, but hardly feels snappy.
      Also wanted to try games, but sounds like graphics card is ancient so I will be limited to old games.

      however I feel that in the past 7-8 years PCs last much longer before being obsolete.

      Interesting, hopefully smart phones will be the same, so devices are supported for longer.

      • JimB on 16/09/2020 - 12:37

        It should be snappy with nothing more than a new SSD and fresh windows install.

        Smart phones are getting to that stage.

        In the past, smartphones felt sluggish after 2 years when I would upgrade, however, my Samsung S9 has been released for 2.5 years.

        The camera is still good and hasn't slowed down. I plan to keep it for at least another year or so as there is nothing out today that my phone can't do (that I want).

        Maybe upgrade when 5G is more accessible.

  • DannyC on 15/09/2020 - 21:59

    As people have already mentioned for basic office and daily tasks it's fine, maybe consider upgrading to to an SSD. You won't be able to play much of today's titles with those current specs.

    Today's desktop computers are cheap n good value, maybe time to let the old comp out to pasture? You'll have a better user experience but that's just me ☺️

    • FireRunner on 15/09/2020 - 22:51

      Just adding an SSD and a decent GPU will bring the PC up to speed. No need for a new PC imo

    • thebadmachine on 15/09/2020 - 23:10
      +1

      maybe time to let the old comp out to pasture?

      Current one still works so I will keep using it.
      I got a good idea of its limits now, so I will use it with that in mind and keep it at that.

      • DannyC on 16/09/2020 - 08:01

        All good if it still works, just need some upgrades I suppose. Good luck.

  • Cave Fire on 15/09/2020 - 22:52
    -2

    Ok, the activity light is normal. It's meant to be on while the cpu is active over a certain amount. You should probably look at "refreshing" your windows 10 install. Or installing the latest version to get best performance. Noticed a bit of performance increase with the latest version. This would be fraction of the improvement with the ssd of course…

    If wanting to keep the pc, I think you can get a slim gpu. But may have to get a supporting power supply plus fans for your model. Other Acer customers reported cooling is an issue: Link Another option is to move everything to a new case and get a new motherboard. This would be about $500 or so and just the gpu would be around $200. A lot of retailers have zippay, so you only need 10% deposit if that helps.

    • thebadmachine on 15/09/2020 - 23:05

      Thanks for the comment.

      I read your link, it seems for Acer heat could be an issue for a more powerful Graphics card, but price on-top of SSD is just out of the question anyway.
      I think doing too much DIY could just cause problems as well leading to needing more and more money.

      I mainly just wanted to know the limits of My Computer in its current state.
      Best option seems to be just upgrade to SSD and keep limited expectations for Game performance.

  • netjock on 15/09/2020 - 23:08
    +1

    +1 for SSD
    +1 for extra 8GB ram (16gb total)
    +1 for better graphics

  • thebadmachine on 15/09/2020 - 23:35
    +1

    Thank you everyone for your comments.
    I think I have learned enough, and now have a realistic idea of what is possible.
    - Try Re-install Windows 10
    - SSD upgrade
    Gaming - old generation / 2D games only.
    Livestreaming - out of the question.

    • FireRunner on 16/09/2020 - 00:01
      +1

      Once you get the SSD, just fresh install Windows 10 then transfer personal files and reinstall apps/programs. It’s probably best to start with a clean slate

    • Hybroid on 16/09/2020 - 00:03

      SSD and RAM upgrades first for sure then re-install Win10 on SSD. GPU upgrade second if you want to play games. Rest will do you fine.

      Got an old 3770K machine that can do 1440p gaming fine with a decent GPU. You don't need top of the range as will be CPU-bottlenecked, but a decent mid-range card will give you huge boost from that pitiful GT635. RAM upgrade first though.

    • Speckled Jim on 16/09/2020 - 08:28

      Gaming - old generation / 2D games only.

      I mean…my 2005-spec 32 bit system with lesser specs than yours happily ran GTA3 and Vice City.
      There's opportunities for Pol/Fire/Ambo work in those.

  • AustriaBargain on 16/09/2020 - 04:21

    See if you can get some RGB for your computer too.

  • Tony76 on 17/09/2020 - 07:13

    Also, putting Windows to sleep as opposed to off is a way to have it up and running quickly. SSD + sleep = browsing in under 10 seconds.

    I'm recommending against a large SSD, I'd advise you get a smaller SSD ( WD green or blue) and a mechanical hard drive for backups.

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