if i can put my 2 cents in here.
there is an exporter for 3d max called "panda xporter" if memory serves me right.
from what i heard it works very well but as 3ds files can be extremely high poly count so the .x files can be very big.
in my opinion get milkshape. it technically does what 3ds does and its easier to make low polly modles with it.
(just upgraded) system specs: AMD XP 3000+, 512Mb DDR333, nvidia ge-force FX 5600 128MB, 1x8Gb & 1x40Gb HHD, 52x CD drive, DVD+RW 4x, Sound Blaster 128.... all in a Nokia 8310 case :0D