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. ;) >>> >>> --------------------------------------------------------------- >>> Please remember to trim your replies (including this sentence and >>> everything below it) and adjust the subject line as necessary. >>> >>> To unsubscribe or change your email settings: >>> //www.freelists.org/webpage/pctechtalk >>> >>> To access our Archives: >>> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PCTechTalk/messages/ >>> //www.freelists.org/archives/pctechtalk/ >>> >>> To contact only the PCTT Mod Squad, write to: >>> pctechtalk-moderators@xxxxxxxxxxxxx >>> >>> To join the PCTableTalk off-topic group, send a blank email to: >>> pctabletalk+subscribe@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx >>> --------------------------------------------------------------- >>> >>> >> >> >> --------------------------------------------------------------- >> Please remember to trim your replies (including this sentence and >> everything >> below it) and adjust the subject line as necessary. >> >> To unsubscribe or change your email settings: >> //www.freelists.org/webpage/pctechtalk >> >> To access our Archives: >> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PCTechTalk/messages/ >> //www.freelists.org/archives/pctechtalk/ >> >> To contact only the PCTT Mod Squad, write to: >> pctechtalk-moderators@xxxxxxxxxxxxx >> >> To join the PCTableTalk off-topic group, send a blank email to: >> pctabletalk+subscribe@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx >> --------------------------------------------------------------- >> >> --------------------------------------------------------------- >> Please remember to trim your replies (including this sentence and >> everything below it) and adjust the subject line as necessary. >> >> To unsubscribe or change your email settings: >> //www.freelists.org/webpage/pctechtalk >> >> To access our Archives: >> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PCTechTalk/messages/ >> //www.freelists.org/archives/pctechtalk/ >> >> To contact only the PCTT Mod Squad, write to: >> pctechtalk-moderators@xxxxxxxxxxxxx >> >> To join the PCTableTalk off-topic group, send a blank email to: >> pctabletalk+subscribe@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx >> --------------------------------------------------------------- >> >> > > > --------------------------------------------------------------- > Please remember to trim your replies (including this sentence and > everything > below it) and adjust the subject line as necessary. > > To unsubscribe or change your email settings: > //www.freelists.org/webpage/pctechtalk > > To access our Archives: > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PCTechTalk/messages/ > //www.freelists.org/archives/pctechtalk/ > > To contact only the PCTT Mod Squad, write to: > pctechtalk-moderators@xxxxxxxxxxxxx > > To join the PCTableTalk off-topic group, send a blank email to: > pctabletalk+subscribe@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx > --------------------------------------------------------------- > > --------------------------------------------------------------- > Please remember to trim your replies (including this sentence and > everything below it) and adjust the subject line as necessary. > > To unsubscribe or change your email settings: > //www.freelists.org/webpage/pctechtalk > > To access our Archives: > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PCTechTalk/messages/ > //www.freelists.org/archives/pctechtalk/ > > To contact only the PCTT Mod Squad, write to: > pctechtalk-moderators@xxxxxxxxxxxxx > > To join the PCTableTalk off-topic group, send a blank email to: > pctabletalk+subscribe@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx > --------------------------------------------------------------- > > --------------------------------------------------------------- Please remember to trim your replies (including this sentence and everything below it) and adjust the subject line as necessary. 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