Yes, a core 2 duo can be effective in games.
Yes, a core 2 duo can be effective in games.
There isn't an issue with the Ida Gerfoce 210. The problem lies elsewhere, likely related to the power supply. It has a modern power supply with a 6-pin connection.
This machine is only 16 years old and struggles with browsing the web let alone playing games. You mentioned installing a GeForce 210? That device isn’t suited for gaming at all—it’s outdated and extremely low-end. When it first launched, it barely handled games running at 30 frames per second. Even modern titles like Rocket League won’t run smoothly on it. Today you can easily find this old PC for free. It’s a waste of money and not worth investing in because it’s far too outdated to perform even basic tasks. I recommend saving your funds and getting something newer or refurbished that meets your needs. This one has reached the end of its usefulness and isn’t capable of delivering what you expect.
Looking for a way to enjoy modern titles? Even with a top-tier sample, a quad from Core 2 might only reach 5GHz—around 1.5-1.6v at 45nm. It’s a bit pricey, but a 4-4.5GHz setup could work with a solid build and DDR3 support for 16GB. DDR2 is overkill. Consider refurbishing old gear or swapping parts from the DDR3 era. Avoid cheap OEM builds; they’re not worth the effort. Xeon models are better if you have the budget, especially with E5 chips and good cooling. Z boards at 4.8GHz with decent RAM can handle games like Rocket League and Roblox. Xeons are cheaper now but lag behind in boost speed unless you find them cheaply. If you’re on a tighter budget, stick with i5/i7 and look for used B3/450 or Ryzen 3600X chips. They’re still functional for casual use and won’t cost much. For serious gaming, a modern quad or Xeon is worth the investment, but if you’re stretching your budget, older parts can still get you by.