Acer - Desktop with AMD Phenom™ X3 Triple-Core Processor 8400

I'm experienced with Vista, have had it a year on my Toshiba laptop (32bit). This is my first time with Acer, and I'm not too pleased. First things first: the machine is fast, but it's terribly noisy. You know how a CD spinning in the computer makes that whirring noise? Multiply by about 3 and that's the sounds of the machine. When you open a program, the noise intensifies. I was willing to ignore the noise because at first I liked the speed. Like the previous reviewer, I had problems with some noisy interference with the speakers. My speakers were also close the the monitor because the speakers cords are extremely short. The speakers stink. I'd shut them off and was using my monitor speakers. The operating system worked very well for me. I downloaded some programs (Comodo firewall, AVG anti-virus, both made for 64bit Vista). I added my passwords and got to work. I went to make a Recovery Disk and it wouldn't copy onto my DVDs (I tried three different ones). Umm, Acer doesn't include the Vista Operating System CD, so if you can't make a backup of the OS, you're screwed. Like me. Half a day later, the computer is suddenly having problems. When I booted up, the CheckDisk started. And a window appeared saying I had "memory problems" and I should run the DIagnostic Tool for Memory. I did, and the only thing it told me was that there was a problem with the memory and I should take the computer to the computer manufacturer (SEE Photo). The machine then stopped working. All I get when I turn it on is a black screen saying BOOTMNGR was not working and I needed to update the DMI (SEE Photo). I did a lot of searching around the Internet, found a downloadable bootdisk, and tried to recover Vista myself. Didn't work. It's like everything is all gone, or the computer can't read it. The unfortunate thing is that all my financial banking information is on the hard drive. I bought this computer for business. I am very uneasy that when I return this computer, my information will not be wiped out. I intend on expressing my fears to the store when I return it today. It's hard to tell if my problems were caused by mangled software (like Vista and it's problems with 64bit). The computer is telling me its a hardware problem, and that the memory is gone. When I get into the stats, I see a "0" for Memory, and the hard drive partions are completely empty. I just don't know. At any rate, I tried to resolve it so that I might save my data, but to no avail. GRRRR! One other thing about this computer-- it's ADVERTISED as having 320GB. But what YOU really have is 139GB. The rest of it is partioned off to hold the Recovery information for Vista-- because Acer is too cheap to include the Operating System on a disk. I think a LOT of problems would be solved if Acer would just shell out a few dollars and include an OS disk. The only reason I'm giving this product any stars at all is because it was fast. Fast for about 20 hours, that is.

This is a good machine with a lousy operating system. There is no problems running MS Vista if that is your thing. I run Vista for simple things like E-mail and such, but this new operating system is not very software friendly with programs older than 2 years (many of which I run for business). Because there is a lack of drivers to support Windows XP (the Windows that works), I could not create a dual boot machine, so I had to run a virtual machine (VMWARE player) instead with Windows XP on it so I could actually run much of my business software (It cost me $200 for the copy of XP). Aside from the Operating system problems (which don't end in my description), there is a slight annoying buzz in the computer speakers that happens as I type or use the mouse. This might have something to do with the proximity of the computer to the monitor and speakers, but the cords were not long enough to position them further away from each other. This computer has 9 USB slots and it's a good thing, since all the peripherals must be run with them. The PCI slot isn't PCI, but PCImini, so good luck finding any peripherals that fit that with the exception of an aftermarket video card. Overall, I bought the machine to run a business with + occasional gaming and the price was the best I could find anywhere for the level of computer this is.

Had this computer for a few weeks now. Saw it on sale figured id try it out. I use it for gaming and web browsing, and seems to be effective at it! I play WoW(World of warcraft) and it handles really good, Max settings, only lags when in major cities when you first port but i think thats a problem with the Fios if anything. Browsing the web is great, open many diffrent pages, and with mcafee makes it worry free. The only down side to this computer i see is that its loud when its reading a CD. I play music off CD's alot and its allways spinning. I think this problem can be solved by moving it farther away, but i have no space to(Right next to my mouse on the desktop) but its a small unit so you might not have a problem. I was also skeptical about Vista but it works good, and this change is good. Like the new features

A friend and I were looking for a desktop that could handle the games we wanted to play without having to buy upgrades or additional parts. We looked around and saw that this unit had everything we needed; Lots or RAM and a decent video card that could handle the demands of the latest games. We were originally looking into duo cores with at least 3 gigs of RAM but after a lengthy search at various stores and what not we saw this beauty at bestbuy. We found that with this unit we only had to pay around an extra $50-$60 for a high end video card, an additional core, 100 gigs more hard drive space and an extra gig of RAM. What a deal we said, so we took it. Got it home and right out the box it ran all the games we wanted and then some. This desktop pc is quiet and compact. almost the same size as an xbox 360 with more hardware..nice huh? Overall, I would recommend this desktop from Acer to anyone looking for a good computer that will meet one's gaming and video viewing needs without having to buy extra components. The specs on this is more than compatible with most of the latest games out today (2008)! We have not had any problems with our purchases, Best buy was great and offered this at an affordable price and great financing Two thumbs up!

I just upgraded from a worn out custom build and I can't beleive the difference in speed. OK, I admit that I just uograded from a computer built in 2001. The Acer seems well bult, with nice and tight tolerances and build quality. The small micro case is so much more easy to deal with when adding devices or moving things around. I can't say the same about the keyboard and mouse. I will most likely upgrade to a wireless version. The included speakers are OK for web applications, but you will want to upgrade if you work with IPODS and multimedia items. Going from XP to Vista has presented some hurdles, but I am getting accustomed to the new look and feel. Some concerns that I experienced. The Acer does not come with a DV-I port. I had to purchase a cable to covert from DV-I to HDMI. I could not use my old printer with the conventional serial plug. I decided to bite the bullet and get a new printer with USB ports. I am confused about the 320 GB of hard drive space. When I checked my computer it shows 2 separate drives that add up to 278 GB. I am assuming the drives have been partitiioned, but what happend to the other 42 GB's? Since I am not a power gamer or multi-media specialist, I feel that I will have more than adequate drive space. I also heard that there is a blue ray version of this machine for an additonal $120, but I have no desire at this point. If this machine is stable for the next few years, I will be very satisfied with this entry workstation. I gave the value four stars because of the weak keyboard, mouse, speakers.

PROs: -Fast,quiet,small & easy setup -HDMI output for your HD TVs -recovery disk stored right on driver for easy system recover -good with multitasking (opened 5 youtube windows, rendering a movie clip in sony vegas, & ripped a dvd at the same time) with no hiccups CONs: -only 250GB of hard drive space free (not even close to 320GB as originally stated) -Window Vista64-bit (might not work with some older printers or programs) rarely -No Wifi card included -HDMI output is convenience but need some adjusting to get a proper display on your HD TV Final Thoughts: -The Acer x3200 is a great little desktop for your basic computer needs~Like watching movie, youtube, ripping dvds, MP3, school works &........... *I wouldn't use this as a gaming computer though~it does run well with older games like world of warcraft, counter strike source...most games that came out around 2004 or before that, I did tested call of duty 4 on this desktop & it got a decent frame rate with settings on low~again you can always upgrade the graphics card for the better result~

I for one like how the machine runs. Right out of the package I got a speed rating of 4.3. Which I don't think is to bad when I look at some of the other manufactured PC's. At first, I thought I had a hardware issue with this new PC and ended up re-installing Vista a couple of times. Until I re-installed Vista the first time, I was wondering why I wasn't prompted to make a backup copy of the Vista installation. Come to find out ,Acer choose to use a hidden partition on the hard drive that contains the original installation. Sure made the re-build fast, it only took me 30 minutes. Anyway, it took me a little while to find why the PC wouldn't connect to the network. It ended up being a software conflict with the new firewall software I just purchased. One thing that I'll pass on to you (I found out the hard way). Even if your software says it runs on the 32 bit version of Vista, it might not run on the 64 bit version, which is the version used by this PC. Once I figured out what the issue was, the PC has been running flawlessly.

Wow! What a great value for the price. It is used for web brousing, online casual gaming, and of course a gaming hub for the children. Bio Shock, Commanche 4, Need For Speed Underground, Pacific Assault, Mech Warrior 4, Halo all spin fast for great gaming. Oh, failed to mention the HDMI which will plug up to your HD TV! What a bargain.