-=PCTechTalk=- Re: processors, AMD vs. Intel?

  • From: "cristy" <poppy0206@xxxxxxx>
  • To: <pctechtalk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
  • Date: Sun, 4 Jan 2009 00:55:57 -0500

Thanks Ed,

I am using 2 .5 gig of memory now (I think), but does not act like 2 gigs, 
lol, I still need to play with taking out some memory that may be slowing me 
down a bit. I had been thinking I should get a vid card (not integrated into 
the mother board) but seems to up the price quite a bit.  It takes my 
pinnacle about a full minute just to open/load ;0 but I like working with it 
and will try a newer version after the new puter.

christy

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Disastar" <disastar@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <pctechtalk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Saturday, January 03, 2009 11:28 PM
Subject: -=PCTechTalk=- Re: processors, AMD vs. Intel?


> Hi Christy,
>
> LMAO!  I don't doubt you go through memory like wildfire.  I'm too tired 
> now
> to look into it further, but I forget if it's the Pinnacle Studio or the 
> one
> from Ulead that I read "is known for using more than usual memory but on 
> the
> plus side it does nearly real-time editing".  Hmm, can you do me a flavor
> and refresh my memory on how much memory you have?  I think I remember you
> have a decent amount, like 3 Gigs or so.  If you get errors that you run 
> out
> of memory, it might pay to increase you Virtual memory by another Gig or 
> so.
> That may or may not help depending on if the program needs more real 
> memory
> or not.
>
> I knew you were gonna ask about video cards.  Lol.  I'll go into more 
> detail
> tomorrow when I have both eyes open.  ;)  But for now I'll say that the
> "shared memory" is only for video that is built into the motherboard, not
> for any video cards.  You will be much better off using a PCI Express 
> video
> card instead of built-in video.  The video cards use memory that is much
> faster than the "shared memory" that is basically using (stealing 
> actually)
> your main memory.  You probably would be better off with a card that has 
> at
> least 512 MB especially since that amount isn't too expensive these days. 
> I
> only use NVidia cards for reasons that might now be valid anymore, so
> hopefully if ATI is better these days, someone else will respond and tell
> you what are good ATI deals.  Tomorrow I'll research if the NVidia 9800's
> are still the sweet spot for price/performance using NVidia cards.
>
> Ed
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: pctechtalk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
> [mailto:pctechtalk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of cristy
> Sent: Saturday, January 03, 2009 9:15 AM
> To: pctechtalk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Subject: -=PCTechTalk=- Re: processors, AMD vs. Intel?
>
> Hi Disaster,
>
> I use an older version of Pinnacle studio plus v. 10.7 I think for now but
> may upgrade to a newer version soon.  It really hogs the memory I have now
> though and when I am doing lots of sound editing with the free audacity
> program after a while my memory goes ;0 (no pun intended) lol
>
> I did notice the processor seemed not as fast on this one as others 
> though,
> you are right.  I would prefer not to have to add/upgrade stuff too fast 
> on
> a new computer so may go a few more dollars on it (what is a good vid 
> card,
> I know at least 512 mg of memory shared?).
>
> christy
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Disastar" <disastar@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> To: <pctechtalk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Sent: Saturday, January 03, 2009 12:53 AM
> Subject: -=PCTechTalk=- Re: processors, AMD vs. Intel?
>
>
>>I found the specs at Best Buy:
>>
>> Gateway DX4200-09 Desktop
>> http://tinyurl.com/92nzk8
>>
>> I have no love for Gateway, but my gripes are from 10 years ago.  I have
>> no
>> idea if they are any better now or not.
>>
>> OK, It says the onboard graphics uses up to 256MB shared video memory
>> which
>> means it uses up to 256MB of the 4GB main memory.  Luckily it has a PCI
>> Express expansion slot so you should be able to add a good card.  If you
>> weren't doing video editing you probably could get away with the built-in
>> video.  Well, you can try video editing with the built-in video since it
>> could be better than what your old PC has.
>>
>> This one from Best Buy says it has Vista 64-bit which you will need if 
>> you
>> plan on using more than 4GB of memory.  You should verify that the one 
>> you
>> are looking at is 64-bit since that seems to be optional from Best Buy.
>>
>> Hmm, you would probably be better off with a faster CPU though.  Look at
>> where the AMD 9100e shows up on some of the benchmarks at
>> http://tinyurl.com/4c7mcc.  I don't know what video editing software you
>> use, but "Premiere Pro CS3 HDTV" has the 9100e test at 258 seconds where
>> for
>> $120 at Newegg.com they have an AMD Phenom 9600 which shows up on the
>> benchmark for 203 seconds.
>>
>> Besides the CPU and graphics, this system looks pretty good.  I'm sure it
>> would be much better than your old PC.  If money is tight, you could
>> always
>> get this system and wait 6 months to a year to upgrade the CPU and
>> graphics.
>> I'm sure those parts will be very cheap by then.
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: pctechtalk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
>> [mailto:pctechtalk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of cristy
>> Sent: Saturday, January 03, 2009 12:04 AM
>> To: pctechtalk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
>> Subject: -=PCTechTalk=- Re: processors, AMD vs. Intel?
>>
>> Hi Gman,
>>
>> First off, what does this mean briefly?  lol..(AM+ socket)
>>
>> Also, I had a computer custom built once at the local Best Buy store 
>> years
>> ago and was very happy with it for the most part. But not sure now where 
>> I
>> would go or who online to ask for a custom built one.  I will not spend
>> what
>>
>> I did back then though, more tight budget now.   Vid cards are confusing,
>> I
>> know I need at least 512 mb of memory for that and I dont know what
>> exactly
>> "shared memory" .  I'm getting somewhat frustrated as I don't want to
>> spend
>> but so much more time researching this but since money is a crunch,
>> obviously want as much as I can get for my bucks.
>>
>> I put off buying a new one since last summer since other priorities came
>> up.
>>
>> I do realize I can only get but so much for a certain price though. 
>> Maybe
>> its time to try an AMD processor who knows, there was a computer this
>> wkend
>> at circuit city advertised for 509 with AMD processor , was orig 750.00 
>> or
>> so.  The guy said the vid card could be upgrade and memory.
>>
>> Here are the specs that I have
>> AMD Phenom X4 Quad-Core processor 9100E Computer Model DX 4200-09
>>
>> windows vista home premium 64-bit
>> 4gb ddr2 memory
>> 640GB hard drive
>> Reads and writes
>> Dual-Layer DVDs and CDs
>> w/Labelflash
>> include keyboard and mouse
>>
>> salesman said it  had an integrated vid card but a good one
>> and memory he said could be upgraded as well as vid card
>>
>>
>>
>> ----- Original Message ----- 
>> From: "Gman" <gman.pctt@xxxxxxxxx>
>> To: <pctechtalk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
>> Sent: Friday, January 02, 2009 11:01 PM
>> Subject: -=PCTechTalk=- Re: processors, AMD vs. Intel?
>>
>>
>>> Well, Cristy, I can't touch this reply for 'breath of scope', so I'm not
>>> going to even try.       lol
>>>
>>> What I will say is that AMD scores better than Intel for most multimedia
>>> tasks (both audible and visual).  Intel ranks MUCH better than AMD for
>>> most
>>> productivity tasks (Office, etc.).  Today's better AMD chips run hotter
>>> because they are grown using a larger sized transistor (65nm.) than
>>> Intel's
>>> better chips (45nm.).  Chances are VERY good that you're currently
>>> running
>>
>>> a
>>> processor (from either maker) that's made with larger transistors than
>>> what's being used today.  The smaller they can make the transistors, the
>>> cooler the chip can be made to run.  Intel has the upper hand in
>>> transistor
>>> size because they have a LOT more money to toss at R&D for studying
>>> fabrication techniques (AMD spent their budget on buying up ATI, the
>>> graphics card maker).  But even with all of that money, they still look
>>> to
>>> AMD for ideas on what direction they should be heading.  To me, that
>>> means
>>> AMD is the more innovative company.
>>>
>>> Combining all of this with what Disastar has already mentioned should
>>> point
>>> you towards getting at least a dual-core AMD processor (AM+ socket) with
>>> matching motherboard & RAM.  Since these three items are the core
>>> components
>>> of any computer system, I wouldn't skimp on any of them (~$400 USD for
>>> all
>>> three should be a good starting point).  It can be convincingly argued
>>> that
>>> the graphics card has become a fourth 'core' component of any modern
>>> system,
>>> so I will give the same advice on that.  Your target for a video card
>>> should
>>> be at least $200 - 250 USD alone for the things you want to do with your
>>> new
>>> system (and that should take care of most 'gaming' you choose to add
>>> later,
>>> too).
>>>
>>> As Disastar also said, it takes several days of intense research to
>>> "throw
>>> together" a decent system these days.  Many, many things have to be 
>>> taken
>>> into consideration and having one part that doesn't quite fit in can
>>> really
>>> hurt an otherwise good build.  You need to decide whether or not you'll
>>> need
>>> a case (or reuse an older one).  How many parts can you bring over from
>>> the
>>> old system if that's to be retired?  How much can this new build be
>>> upgraded
>>> as time passes?  What else will you need?
>>>
>>> Give some thought to all you've heard so far and let us know whatever
>>> questions come up.  Several of us have been putting together custom
>>> systems
>>> for a long time and you can be assured we'll do what we can to steer you
>>> in
>>> the right direction.
>>>
>>> Happy Holidays,
>>> Gman
>>>
>>> "The only dumb questions are the ones we fail to ask"
>>>
>>> ----- Original Message ----- 
>>> From: "Disastar" <disastar@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
>>> To: <pctechtalk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
>>> Sent: Friday, January 02, 2009 8:38 PM
>>> Subject: -=PCTechTalk=- Re: processors, AMD vs. Intel?
>>>
>>>
>>>> Yes, it is often hard to tell the difference and it depends a lot on 
>>>> how
>>>> you
>>>> use your computer.
>>>>
>>>> This is a very tricky question to answer.  They both have their pros 
>>>> and
>>>> cons and its hard to compare the two because you just can't go by the
>>>> MHz
>>>> speed and one might be better while running one program, but the other
>>>> might
>>>> be better running another program.  You also have the same problem
>>>> comparing
>>>> different processors from the same manufacturer.
>>>>
>>>> Example:  Which is better, a faster single core CPU or a slower dual
>>>> core?
>>>>
>>>> Answer:  It depends a lot on what programs you run and how you use your
>>>> computer among other things.  If you almost always run more than one
>>>> program
>>>> at the same time then dual core would be better and quad core even
>>>> better
>>>> (most likely).  But, if the program you use often is very CPU intensive
>>>> and
>>>> is not designed to run on multiple cores, then the multi-cores wouldn't
>>>> help
>>>> unless there are other programs running at the same time that slow the
>>>> CPU
>>>> down.
>>>>
>>>> Confused?  I'm sorry, but this is only the main points and it only gets
>>>> more
>>>> complicated.  Maybe Gman can explain it better... he has a way with
>>>> words
>>>> that I can't touch.
>>>>
>>>> OK, maybe this will help:
>>>> - AMD is usually cheaper for the performance you get, but they usually
>>>> run
>>>> hotter, so they often have a noisier fan cooling them.
>>>> - Multiple core CPU's usually give a snappier feel to Windows 
>>>> especially
>>>> if
>>>> you run more than one program at a time.
>>>> - Movie editing and graphics editing will usually benefit from having 
>>>> as
>>>> many cores as you can afford, but spending extra money on a better 
>>>> video
>>>> card might improve these tasks better.
>>>> - High tech action games are also more dependent on graphics card than
>>>> CPU,
>>>> but you still need a decent CPU.
>>>> - If you don't run any CPU hogging programs, then anything new would
>>>> feel
>>>> a
>>>> world better than an old PC, but a dual core would probably feel more
>>>> responsive.
>>>> - If you are just trying to get Vista to run better, then get something
>>>> with
>>>> 3 or 4 Gigabytes of RAM, good video card (better video card if you plan
>>>> on
>>>> running Vista's Aero), and as fast a dual core as you can afford.
>>>>
>>>> As you can see, the graphics performance often matters as much as the
>>>> CPU
>>>> (sometimes more so), so I'm guessing your next question will be about
>>>> video
>>>> cards.  Unfortunately video cards are at least as complicated.  When I
>>>> buy
>>>> computer parts I spend days doing google searches for reviews and
>>>> comparisons of everything I'm looking for.
>>>>
>>>> The more info you give us on what programs you plan on running, the
>>>> better
>>>> advise we can give you.  ;)
>>>
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>>
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