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Computer specs: please help!

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Aussiest

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Hi all,

I'm just about to put down some $$ for a brand new laptop. It's a Lenovo. Please see website for products.

Not sure what to get in terms of processor and memory.

Here are some options:-

Processor:

Intel Core 2 Duo processor P8400 (2.26GHz 1066MHz 3MBL2)

Intel Core 2 Duo processor P8600 (2.40GHz 1066MHz 3MBL2) [add AU$168.30]


And, memory:

1 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 (1 DIMM)

2 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 (2 DIMM) [add AU$88.00]

2 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 (1 DIMM) [add AU$104.50]

3 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 (2 DIMM) [add AU$203.50]

4 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 (2 DIMM) [add AU$308.00]

I'm thinking about going with the P8400 as the $168.00 is too expensive (is it justified?) + the 2 GIG DDR3 (1 DIMM) for an additional $104.50.

Do you think this will be fast enough?

I want to run IG Markets on it, and use it for mobility.
 
I'm looking at buying a laptop with 4gb memory and a Turion which has l2 1gb cache.

2gb memory seems to be a bit low considering the advancement. If doing video production etc higher the better.

Battery life is an issue perhaps the smaller processor. :confused:
 
It's Snake Pliskin said:
I'm looking at buying a laptop with 4gb memory and a Turion which has l2 1gb cache.

2gb memory seems to be a bit low considering the advancement.

Battery life is an issue perhaps the smaller processor. :confused:
Click to expand...

Are you saying to go with the 2.26 mhz processor? The sales rep told me the larger processer would be more efficient and save battery life. Like i'd trust a salesperson.

I wouldn't be doing too much else on it, no downloads, no games. Just trading, and i might save some CDs onto it.

Maybe go with the 3 gig Ram?
 
Aussiest you will need 2 gig as 1 gig is useless with vista but don't get any more than 3 gig as thats all vista 32 bit will work with.
 
I'd go with the p8400 as any performance increase with the p8600 would be negligible.

And get 2gb RAM. 2gb is perfect for Windows Vista/Windows 7, and you can always add extra RAM later if you need to, for less money.
 
Aussiest said:
Are you saying to go with the 2.26 mhz processor? The sales rep told me the larger processer would be more efficient and save battery life. Like i'd trust a salesperson.

I wouldn't be doing too much else on it, no downloads, no games. Just trading, and i might save some CDs onto it.

Maybe go with the 3 gig Ram?
Click to expand...
I don't know but the processor is not always the problem. Bigger processors generate more heat so should in theory have more wattage which is more draining on batteries. Go to the Intel site and get the specs to compare. Go to a computer forum and computer geeks can give you very good advice.

Please do not make a decision based on my comments. :)

TH,
Thanks for the tip re 3gb and 32 bit Vista.
 
Unless you're collecting serious amounts of data and number crunching (if you're unsure then you're not), you don't need a fast computer. Trading platforms are not demanding at all. Even the P8400 is overkill for trading. 2gb is fine if it's XP, more if you're running Vista.
 
Thanks T/Hand and Snake. I'm going to ask them to instal XP. They said they would do it.

So, i'm thinking the 2 gig (1 dimm), but still not sure about processor.

I wonder how much difference there is between 2.26 and 2.4 Ghz :confused:

Time will tell. I'll prob end up getting the first one.
 
Mr J said:
Unless you're collecting serious amounts of data and number crunching (if you're unsure then you're not), you don't need a fast computer. Trading platforms are not demanding at all. Even the P8400 is overkill for trading. 2gb is fine if it's XP, more if you're running Vista.
Click to expand...

Thanks Mr. J.

I'll settle on the 2 gigs then and original processor.

Snake, i wouldn't go soley on one person's recommendation! Just looking for some tips from those who may be more experienced than me. The 2 gigs probably will be fine then :)
 
Aussiest said:
Thanks T/Hand and Snake. I'm going to ask them to instal XP. They said they would do it.

So, i'm thinking the 2 gig (1 dimm), but still not sure about processor.

I wonder how much difference there is between 2.26 and 2.4 Ghz :confused:

Time will tell. I'll prob end up getting the first one.
Click to expand...

140 MGHZ which is about the same as the original Pentiums that ran windows 95.
Though advancemnets could see better performance for difference in clock speeds.
 
It is not uncommon to find that some of the newer/faster processors are in fact more efficient these days. I have not specifically compared the P8400 to the P8600 but would expect this to be the case. I'd probably start with Tom's Hardware site and go from there (tomshardware.com). HOWEVER, both processors will handle far more than you are contemplating with ease. The RAM is probably more important!

Other suggestions.... you mention mobility is important. I'd suggest the Wireless card needs to be an 802.11/a/g/n card.... the n is important... some of the cards are only a/g....

Also, read these tips.... they might be helpful. They are actually directed towards Netbooks but a lot is also applicable to Notebooks.

http://netbookreview.darrenyates.com.au/?p=195

http://netbookreview.darrenyates.com.au/?p=85

http://netbookreview.darrenyates.com.au/?p=262

Hope this helps.

Cheers, JM
 
If your only going to use it for CFD software, internet browsing, mocrosoft office etc basic specs will be more the sufficent.

If you going to play games, copy DVD's onto the computer etc...then go for the the upgraded specs.

P.S. if you not interested in all the pretty crap, change to windows classis theme & adjust it for best performance (ask your computer shop to do it - it takes all of 5mins).
 
As long as the architecture is the same (exact same family with same cache), the difference between 2.26 and 2.4 processor will probably be just over 6%, would barely be noticeable.

The 1dimm memory option may be better, as this will allow you to add further memory later on, as there is generally only 2 or 3 slots in a laptop. 2gb is probably fine for most things. If you find it's not enough you can always add further later .. possibly at lower cost, as memory prices generally always come down.

Unless you are running a 64 bit operating system, as stated, 3gb is the real only usable space.
 
I think i'll wait for the new Intel 8 core processors coming out 1st quarter next year....

8 core - 12 or 24mb cache @ 2.996Ghz or 3.2Ghz

5 times more computing power than the current 4 core - 4mb cache @ 2.996 Ghz

If you want the best performance then run your Vista @ 64bit but you will need @ least 4 gig of DDR3 Ram

There are rumours floating around that a new 20Ghz processor will be released in 18 months - how have they overcome the overheating problem? They are reportedly using a variant on the current silicon diode utilising a germanium composite - temp is reportedly around the 60-70 degree celcius mark - running a bit warmer than the ones now but not by much. :D
 
For most people you shouldn't notice much difference in processor speed between 1GHz and 2GHz+, so 2.someting vs. 2.somethingelse should be less than noticeable.

More RAM is almost always better (depending on whether your operating system can use it or not). For modern operating systems the difference between 1Gb and 2Gb WILL be significant. 2-3 less so, 3-4 even less so.

If anyone was interested:
- typically 64-bit will be slower than 32 bit
- more cores isn't always better, if your OS isn't able to handle them it's a waste
- ask your accountant about depreciation on desktops vs. laptops
- ditch Windows if you can
- the 1996 Census was processed on a system with less than 0.6GHz CPU and 640Mb of RAM :eek:

m.
 
cutz said:
Beware, if you're using iress, mac may not be best, always test drive before converting.
Click to expand...

Yeah mac will be fine if you decide to trade IG markets only.

But once you realise that you need some REAL trading software & a real broker you will be stuffed.
 
I have the newest computer at work
(work at a small accouting firm)

It's a lenovo

It sucks

They use old components in a new box. So you might be getting 2.40GHz but it will run like 0.40GHz

But mine at work is an Athlon Processor or whatever that thing is with the sticker on top so it might be different

Im not an expert
So DYOR

Cheers
Brad
 
beamstas said:
I have the newest computer at work
(work at a small accouting firm)

It's a lenovo

It sucks

They use old components in a new box. So you might be getting 2.40GHz but it will run like 0.40GHz

But mine at work is an Athlon Processor or whatever that thing is with the sticker on top so it might be different

Im not an expert
So DYOR

Cheers
Brad
Click to expand...

The Athlon processor probably has little L2 cache which is a restriction on speed regardless of the clock speed. (probably 512kb) 1gb at least is my preference.

The Turion is a faster processor than the Athlon. The chipset or mother board is important too. A fast motherboard with a smaller processor is still ok with lots of Ram. And possibly more cost effective, though this is highly specualtive as options are abundant.
 
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