Testing the Performance of an Old PC with Athlon2 X3 435 and HD6850
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- The Components of the PC
- testing the PC's Performance
- 3.1. 3D Mark Results
- 3.2. Playing Games
- 3.2.1. Valorant
- 3.2.2. BMNG Drive
- 3.2.3. Fortnite
- 3.2.4. Amnesia Rebirth
- 3.2.5. Dishonored Definitive Edition
- Conclusion
Introduction
In this article, we will be taking a look at a more than 10-year-old AMD CPU paired with outdated components such as the HD 6850 GPU and 8 GB of RAM. Although this build may not have much monetary value, we want to explore its practical value in the 2020s. Can it still perform tasks or is it better off disposed of? Join us as we put this old PC to the test and see if it can be given a new lease of life.
The Components of the PC
Let's start by discussing the components of this old PC. The case is an Antec model that used to be quite popular. It may not look aesthetically pleasing, but what matters is functionality. The case still has both side panels intact, which is crucial if you plan to sell the PC. However, we had to use extender cables for both the CPU and motherboard 24-Pin power due to the non-standard PSU. Speaking of the PSU, it was taken from another older PC and had different measurements, but since it had a 6-pin PCIe power, it was suitable for this build. Additionally, the PC includes an older dual-core Intel HP and an affordable SSD for added storage.
Testing the PC's Performance
To determine the practical value of this PC, we conducted several tests to assess its performance.
3.1. 3D Mark Results
We started by running 3D Mark, a benchmarking tool that evaluates the PC's graphical and processing capabilities. From the results, it's evident that this PC won't excel in running modern games. However, benchmark results only tell part of the story. Let's dig deeper by testing some actual games.
3.2. Playing Games
In this section, we will explore how this old PC handles different games.
3.2.1. Valorant
Valorant, a popular online multiplayer Game, surprisingly launched and seemed to work well on this old system. Given the limited hardware resources, the Recording software (MSI Afterburner) did have a noticeable impact on the frame rate. Nonetheless, considering its age, this PC performed adequately with Valorant.
3.2.2. BMNG Drive
BMNG Drive, known for being a CPU-intensive game, proved to be a challenge for our tri-core CPU from 2009. Running at 1080p with low settings, the game only managed around 15 FPS, rendering it unplayable. This outcome was expected considering the PC's limitations.
3.2.3. Fortnite
Fortnite prompted to update the GPU drivers, which, unfortunately, weren't available for this outdated AMD GPU. Nevertheless, by selecting the performance mode, Fortnite surprisingly ran well on this system. Dropping the resolution below 1080p and using the lowest settings made the game playable, demonstrating the PC's capability to handle less demanding games.
3.2.4. Amnesia Rebirth
Testing Amnesia Rebirth, released in 2020, provided interesting results. Running at 1080p with the lowest settings yielded a consistent frame rate of 55 FPS or higher. This performance was satisfactory for this old PC. However, when we turned on the recording software, the frame rate dropped significantly, making the game nearly unplayable. It seems that the game automatically reduces the resolution when it detects a performance drop.
3.2.5. Dishonored Definitive Edition
In contrast to previous games, Dishonored Definitive Edition ran smoothly on this old PC. Surprisingly, there was no need to lower the settings from high, making it playable at 1080p. This game showcased the system's ability to handle older titles without breaking a sweat.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while this more than 10-year-old PC may not have much value in terms of modern gaming, it still proves useful for less demanding tasks and older games. It handled games like Valorant and Dishonored Definitive Edition relatively well, considering its outdated components. However, it struggled with more demanding titles such as BMNG Drive and Amnesia Rebirth, especially when recording gameplay. So, if you're looking to repurpose an old PC, consider its limitations before expecting it to perform on par with more recent systems.
FAQs
Q: Can this old PC be upgraded to improve its performance?
A: Yes, certain components can be upgraded to enhance the performance of this old PC. Upgrading the CPU, GPU, and RAM would provide noticeable improvements in gaming and overall system responsiveness.
Q: Is it worth investing in upgrades for this old PC?
A: It depends on your specific needs and budget. If you're on a tight budget, upgrading certain components can extend the life of this PC and make it capable of running newer games. However, if you have the means, investing in a newer system would provide better performance and future-proofing.
Q: What other practical uses can this old PC have besides gaming?
A: Despite its limitations for gaming, this PC can still serve as a media center, allowing you to stream movies, browse the web, and handle basic office tasks. Its lower power consumption may also make it suitable for a secondary or dedicated server.
Q: Can this PC handle video editing or Graphic Design software?
A: Due to its outdated components, this PC may struggle with resource-intensive tasks like video editing or graphic design. However, with the right software optimizations and smaller projects, it can still handle basic editing tasks.
Q: Where can I find compatible components for this old PC?
A: You can try searching online marketplaces, tech forums, or even local computer stores for compatible components. Since these may be discontinued or harder to find, consider refurbished or used options to upgrade specific parts of the PC.
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