Tech: Computer processor question

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer processor question
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Jul 19 - 11:50 AM

I picked up a Dell XPS with a SSD and HDD for data, and today I added a second HDD for data I'm finally moving via an external hard drive to the new computer. In between purchasing the new computer and this drive upgrade my office ceiling fell in (shifting foundation, we think) and I've been involved in the moving out of everything (dust! ack!), demolition, then contractors to put up a new ceiling, restore the air conditioning, the lighting, etc. I'm setting up the desk so that I have what amounts to a partner desk (double-deep) so I can attach all of the peripherals on the back side and work at my "standing" desk (adjusts for sitting or standing) on one side. Sometimes moving that up meant things would pitch off of the edge if the wires snagged on something.

The thing about this is how quiet it is. Dells in the past rattled and whirred, but this is silent. The SDD boot disk is part of the reason. It doesn't put out the heat, though with two HDD disks now that could change a little.

The ceiling just missed the new computer, but it did other damage that I've worked on repairing or replacing things. Fortunately they were all non-computer items.

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer processor question
From: Mr Red
Date: 03 Jun 19 - 04:41 AM

If your router was hit, then the RJ45 cable connected to it probably carried high voltages (unless you used WiFi) and you are lucky it only affected the LAN circuits, but then you can only determine that by getting a new router. And maybe add some sort of spike protection on the phone line. The storm will fry that gizmo, but we electronicista call that a "sacrificial component" for obvious reasons.

Mind you, after the first hit, disconnect everything valuable because it will be the "next man to fall" scenario.

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer processor question
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Jun 19 - 04:10 PM

The 2010 HP finally stopped communicating with the internet or the network last night after a thunderstorm passed through. It works by itself, though. I'll get getting a new processor very soon. Thank god for the backup laptop!

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer processor question
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 18 Feb 19 - 08:13 AM

Thanks for the info Phil, and glad I'm not the only one who'd not find Base that good. Although in fairness, and on reflection, perhaps I should have another look at it some time - it's likely to have been a couple of years since I last had a look. While I have used other databases on Linux, including at one time MySQL with a website, the Access type need hasn't really been one of mine in a long while.

--
Thinking remote desktops. I can log into the living room computer (the one I’m likely to replace) from my PC that way. The main reason for this is for mythtv, which under the version it’s running (I gather a later version has a web interface that enables this) requires a graphical interface for tasks like the occasional rescan of channels and its rarely convenient to take over the living room tv to do such things… I may also, in lazy mode and because it’s there, use it for other admin tasks.

The performance seems OK but I haven’t the experience to say how I would find it for more day to day usage with a wider range of applications.

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer processor question
From: Newport Boy
Date: 17 Feb 19 - 12:25 PM

SRS, Jon - LibreOffice is getting better at interpreting Microsoft document formats. I can now get many Excel macros to work, which wasn't the case a couple of years ago. There's a recent new version (6.2) but there seem to be a few teething troubles, at least on Linux.

I spent a lot of time 4 years ago looking for a good, user-friendly relational database application for Linux and failed to find one. LibreOffice Base gave me many problems. In the end I acquired Filemaker Pro and run it on WinXP in a virtual machine. It's expensive but I've been able to develop complicated membership and invoicing applications very rapidly.

Phil

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer processor question
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 17 Feb 19 - 11:40 AM

I'm not sure of the differences, SRS but LibreOffice is the one bundled with my Linux distro. It would meet most (how do you quantify) needs but I'd be tempted to suggest forget it if you really do want Access. I cursed that one back in 2.0 but have used it since and last time after a long break on the trivial ICT course I attended. I know my thinking has a Linux bias and would be thinking of at least cross platform alternatives like the Libre/OpenOfics things but I'm not aware of anything in that line that (at leat to me) would allow a relational database with forms, etc. with the ease you can do with Access.

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer processor question
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Feb 19 - 11:27 AM

The elephant in the room these days is Adobe - products you can only rent them by the month now, you can't buy a disk and keep using it till you decide it's time for an update. I use all of the Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, occasionally PowerPoint, and I have plans for the database Access) - I just tried opening the Apache OpenOffice software and it can't see any of the .docx files, though I haven't updated it in ages. And when conducting a search about upgrades, I found this: Why you should ditch OpenOffice and use the free LibreOffice suite. (The Apache software shows up as installed in the computer but the Apps list doesn't give me a clue as to where it might be or what it's called to uninstall.)

I do use the Pro version of whatever Windows OS I'm using, and that's either installed on some of the computers or purchased as a retail upgrade disk or thumbdrive. I prefer to have a set up backup disks for the OS, but that is scarce these days. I want a clean install so I don't have to deal with Win7 backup software in Win10 and such - the old software doesn't always play perfectly with the new. And it messes up the firewall.

I run two computers into one monitor using different input ports - VGA and DVI. One button-press to switch over.

You use a KVM switch for this - keyboard and mouse through it also? I read the linked article and took a look - I have several ports into the monitors I use, so that is doable. Mine are connected using HDMI cables. I also wonder about setting up the old computer without any monitors attached and using remote desktop - does it need to have monitors up and running to use it remotely? I have one old monitor I could hook up to it, but to use the software in that machine remotely - you see that I can't use the same two monitors simultaneously unless the presence of the switch lets the old computer think it's displaying. It's easy to overthink this, and resolve to just buy the new software and be done with it. I have several little-used programs in there that I'd also want to update and install. The list is getting longer (I use Nuance's OmniPage for OCR work, and I have a lot of articles to scan and OCR from my grandfather's writing). I have stuff from my father to process (having a second computer working on some of this stuff would save me time) but the Nero software in the old computer can't also be loaded in the new computer. . .

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer processor question
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 17 Feb 19 - 08:50 AM

Just to continue the attempts at thinking through and as a contrast, if it happens...

Fortunately, software costs are not a concern to me. Unusually, I do have one bit of paid for software on that machine (Xeoma – I’ve not found free open source Linux software I like for the cameras and I reached the conclusion that Zone Minder, probably the most popular, is a terrible resource hog) but the licences should transfer easily enough, I hope…

Hardware shouldn’t be a concern either. I’ll look up a “problem free” MB (all current desktop PCs here use the AMD 970 chipset which is great with one kernel parameter, iommu=soft, added to the boot but I’m looking at a different/newer AMD CPU socket and therefore chipset this time) and I’ll stick with my long term choice of a nVidia graphics card with their proprietary drivers – their Linux support has been good for many years. The Epson P50 photo ink jet (connected over the LAN via an ancient print sharer) should “just work”. The Xerox Laser 6010N at least has always been a simple download and RPM install. TBS always have maintained regular updates for their Linux drivers for tuner cards, it’s a lengthy compile but one I’ve been through a few times before.

I also have a Brother label printer on the current machine and that was a bit of a struggle last time as I had problems with their drivers, eventually managed to get a foomatic alternative running but wound up having to modify the ppd to get things as I wanted. I doubt I’d bother with that one this time. It seemed a good idea at the time but, in practice, all label printing here has been done via Brother’s Android app.

My biggest problem is that I’ve got so much dependent on the one machine and I suspect there will be a few configuration changes from the outdated version of OpenSuse still running on the old box. There are also things including Cyrus email folders to transfer somehow… Still, I can build so far my end of the house, should (with the exception of the tv card) be able to keep the old box as a drop in replacement in case things go wrong. The biggest pain regarding the latter is that this time of the year, the location, itself a tight corner by the tv, is blocked by an often full log basket. I’m not looking forward to this job at all but I think it should be done, and I shouldn’t really be using the OS version I am on the old one…

---
On the monitor inputs, I used to use a KVM switch on my desk but now settle for switching a usb dongle for kb/mouse and use the monitors switching for display. Dvi is my desktop, vega is an old mini ITX I sometimes play with and hdmi is a “floater” which would be used, eg. for the initial build of this new PC.

Hdmi would also have been used for odd dabbles with eg. Raspberry PI (although much of that sort of thing would be via ssh) but I now have a 10” monitor for that. Well that’s it’s main purpose. I got a Freeview/dvb-t2 tv with the required external port. The other side just may be handy if someone was away from home or if mum for example wanted to be in the garden and keep an eye on something on tv – it’s been requested for eg. 6 Nations in the past...

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer processor question
From: DaveRo
Date: 17 Feb 19 - 03:33 AM

I run two computers into one monitor using different input ports - VGA and DVI. One button-press to switch over.

Is your upgraded Win10 64-bit? Is any of your existing software or drivers 32bit? If so, look into that.

Windows may force your hand by dropping support for some piece of hardware. I keep a Win10 machine just to test the feature-upgrades before my wife's laptop gets them. It dropped support for the display adapter and it reverted to low-res. And sometimes when the laptop gets a feature update I have to reinstall the (Win7) scanner drivers in compatibility mode. I expect that won't work one day.

I'd not heard of JBOD but that's what I have.

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer processor question
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Feb 19 - 12:24 AM

I researched through various sites and ideas this evening and am back where I started. Since it's "Presidents' Day Weekend" here in the states there are sales, so I thought I'd see was is being offered. In the past I've been happy with HP, but Hewlett Packard is not making many computers these days and they don't offer to customize them the way they used to. Now Dell is the main company for that.

The software in the old computer works and would cost a small fortune to replace with updated versions. It is all the sort that can only be installed once on one computer. The old computer has had several different operating system upgrades and has more hard drives in and out than I've counted for a while. Scanner, Canopus, printer, USB hub, tuner, so many things here to consider. And it occasionally has odd things shut down that I have to troubleshoot and adjust.

Buying software new would mean spending as much on the programs as the computer, and if I buy it new I need a computer that is up to the task. Vicious circle. There are switches so you can run two computers on the same monitors. Get a high-end laptop and use it alongside the old desktop? Put it on a docking station for the monitors, custom keyboard, and track ball I favor?

Just venting. And as is the case with tech, the configuration changes each time you go to buy a new computer, so I have to figure out what some of the options do before choosing (or declining them altogether). It works out, but there is a learning curve.

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer processor question
From: robomatic
Date: 01 Feb 19 - 02:28 AM

Thank You!

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer processor question
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 31 Jan 19 - 10:25 AM

This is the one I use - JRiver.

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer processor question
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 30 Jan 19 - 11:00 PM

Doubtless there will be other ideas and tech may have moved but I'm basically happy with the "it works pretty well and don't fix" type principle here with that one, SRS.

Like you, I'm not aware of a solution for Robomatic.s idea. Just to give a link, our own effort centres on mythtv for that.

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer processor question
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Jan 19 - 10:33 PM

I have Cat-5 through the house in a "star" pattern, with the router, the switch, the modem, etc. in a hall closet where the Internet cable feeds in and the wires to computers or devices run back out. The switch has four more slots available to spread the signal via cable. I can run more cable into outlets where I already have cable (tie a string and a weight and run it down the line and fish it out at the bottom, wire it and put on an outlet face plate with another slot). There is still plenty going on via WiFi in the house, but when I can, wired is the best. Can you rig something like that at the intersection of your "L"? I have an omnidirectional antenna on the chimney (where there used to be a DishTV dish) that feeds into the house to two television.

Robomatic, I don't know of a way to run the signal back through the HDMI cable into the computer. If you can't figure a way to get the TV signal through the cable you need a receiver in the computer, a video capture card, and a good antenna. But look at all of the ports on your TV - I think perhaps the old technology of using RCA plugs or a coaxial cable (like the ones that went to and from the old VCR) to the card in your computer. And you need a schedule and a way to view it or send it back to the TV. I use a fee program called JRiver, and paid about $5 (donation) one time to get the program data that feeds into it so it knows what is showing or what to call any recording I make. I have a different antenna (from the one mentioned above) on the side of the house closest to the most broadcast antennas and that feeds into my computer for the signal that is recorded. I discovered that simply running the cable up to that high point in the attic is almost as good as having the antenna device outside attached to it. (Like using a simple copper wire as a radio aerial back in the day.)

There are expensive devices and services offering DVRs and such; the challenge for the frugally minded is to figure out a way to do it yourself without paying through the nose for devices or online services. :)

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer processor question
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 30 Jan 19 - 06:18 PM

Networking SRS. It’s not that big by any means but our L shaped bungalow is not the easiest and I don’t have that total trust in Wifi. What I did, a big run outside, is to have an end to end connection in cat 5. It’s dual wired so I have redundancy. It uses VLANS so a visitor (other family) can use a “guest network” including printer without getting into everything. It does need at least smart switches and the living room PC has more than on NIC though.

It’s been in place a long while and I forget much though… There is no central location I could see for wifi when you consider getting power there. What I do is have an access point in the living room and the wi-fi router is in my room where the phone comes in. Probably ott but pretty reliable. And is good where people would most want the mobile thingies.

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer processor question
From: robomatic
Date: 30 Jan 19 - 06:14 PM

I'm piling in to help myself if possible. I've got laptops primarily, none of them young but I keep one for watching stuff on the flat screen Samsung TV instead of the laptop screen. It connects via HDMI cable. My understanding is that HDMI is two-way. My question is:

Is there a way I can record onto the laptop hard drive stuff that is showing on my television, which is NOT csble but receives via digital broadcast. In other words, can I use my laptop similarly to the old-style video recorder? Seems to me there should be software for this unless the powers that be have determined to make this a digital no-go.

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer processor question
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Jan 19 - 06:00 PM

Or remote desktop. That could do it.

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer processor question
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Jan 19 - 05:58 PM

Thanks, Jon! The old computer is hard-wired to the network and I'd have to run another cable to hardwire the new one - which would doubtless come with WiFi but that can slow downloads. Networking the two and sharing data does make sense and running a new wire isn't difficult. I'd have to look into the possibility of setting up the partition to dual boot in a computer I buy with the pre-installed OS. It used to be that both OS had to be stored on a certain part of the disk in order to be reachable when the computer boots (and offers the boot choice) - that may be moot with the SSD.

I was looking at switches for computers sharing monitors possibly like this, but it would take a lot of reading of reviews and comparing vendors to settle on something for this task.

That is an idea about putting the computer in the front room next to the big television. I could hard-wire it there, again, running another wire would be needed because the BlueRay player is hard-wired by preference, to keep download fast and the highest quality from places like NetFlix, but it isn't difficult. (Or it could replace the BlueRay player, but it's a bit more clunky.) I would use an HDMI cable to the television to view things recorded, and still have it available to network for design work. But then I couldn't share monitors without really really long cables. . . so, perhaps not.

This is early days yet in the planning process.

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer processor question
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 30 Jan 19 - 05:13 PM

Not sure anything really helps here SRS but I'll ramble on anyway...

After my (Asus and intel fwiw) laptop fell out of warranty (like many these days, you have to prise the case off - no easy access) I replaced the always sluggish drive it came with with a ssd. This is Linux primary OS and uses the GRUB2 bootloader but does dual boot into Windows 10. I've not noticed any problems with dual booting. I've nothing else dual booting atm. But I think you are looking at sharing programs? Data is the only thing I might want to share and that is one way. Linux can read/write ntfs but Windows does not recognise ext4 partitions.

I am currently toying with replacing the living room computer which is getting a bit old and one does start to worry about breakdowns. This (yep Linux again but we are talking hardware) does all sorts, it has a tbs quad satelite tuner in it (little used now but at one time we recorded more programs) which I would transfer, is handling 5 IP cams, retrieves and stores email from assorted accounts, manages the two printers, can be used to view recorded tv from mythtv on the living room tv, etc. If it happens, it's likely to be a home built job based around a mid range AMD4 processor. It would have 3 hdds but it's unlikely I'd use an SSD. They cost more and fast booting or quick user responses are not priorities. I'm just hoping for another box that will run for months 24/7 without reboot.

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer processor question
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Jan 19 - 02:59 PM

I'm reviving this old thread because the topic is perfect, and because I like having a computer discussion on a thread in which John In Kansas has participated. (RIP, old techie friend.)

This advice is on the 2012 PCMag link I posted back in the early days of the thread:

When purchasing a new computer, we invariably tell folks to buy as much processor that they can buy in their budget. You can (almost) always upgrade your memory or get speedier storage in the future when your computer starts to "feel slow" (and they all do after a while). More memory and speedy storage helps any PC feel faster because you spend less time waiting for stuff to happen. Upgrading to a faster processor isn't an option for most mortals, unless they are familiar with the pain of unhooking heat sinks and spreading thermal paste. Looking at benchmarks in PC reviews still counts for something: A system that is the fastest in its class when you buy it will continue to feel faster longer than a system that is merely adequate when you buy it. You want a quad-core processor if you're the type that likes to keep 150 browser tabs open while you check your IM, email, Twitter, and Facebook simultaneously, and then want to do photo editing work in Photoshop or play 3D intensive games on top of that. If all you're doing is puttering around the Web and don't expect anything strenuous from your PC aside from an emotional Angry Birds session, a dual-core processor is sufficient.

This is still true, but processors have moved on. I like Rag's initial question that posits Intel versus AMD. I'm looking at Intel this time around, and considering the i7 class, keeping in mind that the clock speed and cache are something I want to pay for, but I don't need the i9 gaming-rated processor.

I have several external drives and internal drives in this machine and there are times when they don't play well on my now nine-year-old machine. I'm thinking about getting a hard drive dock to test each of them for the new machine and decide whether to live with the *JBOD setup or copy the contents into the new machine or back them up on external drives. Docks are relatively inexpensive for this kind of dabbling with disk contents. The concern is how many different types of internal drives are floating around this place.
*JBOD - just a bunch of disks.

The C: drive in my existing machine has been upgraded to a modest-sized SSD that holds the operating system and programs, and all of my data lives on regular other-letter hard drives. I'd really like to save the software (not have to buy new Adobe and Windows and such) but it actually doesn't work to move all of that to a new machine because it wouldn't mesh with all of the new hardware and the occasional glitches and the things it doesn't do perfectly will also move to the new environment. I don't have the disks for some of the high-dollar programs so deleting from the old computer and adding to the new isn't an option.

I can leave the old machine intact to the point that it can network and for a while do the Adobe design work over there. I don't think I want to use the SSD in a dual boot situation (I did that years ago with NT and WinME, the worst piece of crap they released until Vista took that award). It works but it's a pain in the ass for so many reasons. I use the the Win10-Pro operating system and on this computer it has all been upgraded from Win7-Pro. I skipped upgrading to Win8, I waited for 10. Nine years is a long time in the life of a computer.

I'm getting ready to start a digital job that needs the computer to be up-to-date and reliable. It's also time to start the processing of my Dad's collection. This current computer is still generally great, but every so often some problem presents itself that I have to solve, and I'm pretty sure it's a case of new software occasionally swatting the old software. I'll be buying a machine that I can customize and upgrade the OS (cheaper that way) before they deliver it - I can get under the hood as far as a number of modifications (I can add hard drives, I like having a TV receiver in there, etc. My old Hauppaug still works but it might be time to update it.) I'm looking at Dell and they don't supply receivers and their HDs are more expensive that I can find on a good sale, so I'll buy some of those to add myself. I don't have a DVR, I use the computer that way for over-the-air programs. The old computer could be retired to be the DVR, so all of these upgrades wouldn't need to be done right now.

Lots of thinking out loud here. Are any of you buying new desktops to do robust work, and what hardware/software choices are you making? I'm a Windows user, not interested in switching to Mac or Linux.

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer processor question
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Aug 10 - 11:52 AM

Robin, I know that. I only go to Mickeysoft with IE.

I set it up at bedtime last night and it seems to have scanned for a while then the computer went to sleep. I reset that this morning and I'm not on the computer much and it's scanning. I move the mouse once an hour or so and that keeps it going. 21% scanned in the virus and spyware scan, and the one I'm waiting for is three items down on the list of things it will scan and run. The fragmentation scan should be quick and the cleanup scan because I did a cleanup yesterday and I have it set to defrag once a month.

SRS

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer processor question
From: Snuffy
Date: 28 Aug 10 - 08:37 AM

If you click Safety Scanner on the left on the Win7/Vista page, it takes you to another page where you can run it under Firefox (or Win XP in my case)

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer processor question
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 28 Aug 10 - 08:07 AM

SRS - that url only will run in IE - it doesn't like Firefox at all in Win 7....

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer processor question
From: GUEST,ASUS
Date: 28 Aug 10 - 06:56 AM

Consider a "cloud based" system for under 300 USD.

Wall Street Journal on Friday, August 27, 2010.

"Intel Warns on PC Demand."


It is a weak market. PC sales falter.

Schools are now in session .... and students have already purchased ....
The fiscal year for (many) corporations began July 01, 2010 .... new orders would have been logged by now.

Intel Corp. weak demand for personal computers....WSJ Friday,
Despite the warning, Intel shares rose 1.1% to $18.37 on the Nasdaq Stock Market Friday.

Asustek Computer Inc. said the iPad was hurting sales of its EEE netbook, a low-cost notebook PC. (poor, poor, India and greedy UK lawyers))

40% of the iPads Apple will sell in the second half of the year will come at the expense of notebook PCs.

Wait six months. The crystal balls say:
~ Prospects for the U.K. economy remain bleak.
~ “... things now in the U.S. are much, much worse than Japan a decade ago”
~ "the Aussie’s rally is over the MP is ready to tax"
"stronger-than-expected jobless data"
~ "Slower U.S. Economy To Hurt Mexico"
BUT THEN GRAB QUICK BECAUSE...."the Fed's exit strategy is not credible, and that means a serious risk of high inflation down the road."
"Outlook for gold looks favorable after Bernanke speech"
"The central banks of China and India were also increasing their gold reserves,"
"Domestic gold prices surpassed 29 million VND (1,500 USD) per tael " Vietnam (People's Army Newspaper"
"Mexico's national airline is bankrupt - and has stopped all flying."
Bank Failures USA - 2010 Through August 109 total....in 2001 only five for the year.

(Source reports from the central bankers’ symposium in Jackson Hole, Wyoming August 27.2010)


Based on the ratio 9 to 10 BS postings under your Mudcat name.

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer processor question
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Aug 10 - 12:00 PM

Thanks, Dan. This is the link for the Vista and Win7 scan.

I'll go through and tidy up with my usual software stuff first, disk cleanup, scans, etc.

SRS

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer processor question
From: MikeL2
Date: 27 Aug 10 - 11:40 AM

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer processor question
From: Simon G - PM
Date: 27 Aug 10 - 08:16 AM

hi simon

I have just bought a new Sony Laptop that has a Intel i7 processor and 8gb memory and 500gb disc.

This was because I bought my good lady a new camera that outputs video in AVCHD and we were running into speed problems on our other computers.

I haven't had time to produce a full length video yet but early trials are very encouraging.

As you and others say High Def video sure does take some power for editing. But then again video of whatever ilk has always been this way.

I am not sire whether the computer processing power ever keeps up with the constant upgrading of video formats.

Another problem I find is that the processing and editing programs don't keep pace either. Some companies try to and give up the ghost in trying to upgrade so you ( we) have to buy new software applications eg photoshop et al.

Me.....I keep on running but I never quite keep up....lol

cheers

MikeL2

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer processor question
From: olddude
Date: 27 Aug 10 - 11:06 AM

SRS
the registry cleaner of the onecare does a really good job and making the machine run faster ... that scan is not quick so do it sometime at night and let it crank

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer processor question
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Aug 10 - 11:04 AM

I upgraded to a bigger faster hard drive with a bigger cache about 2 years ago, and early in 2010 I upgraded to Win7 Ultimate. But I use Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Bridge, and I move around huge lots of huge TIFF photo files. That's where the slowdown comes from. I run out of memory.

I am set up for automatic updates, I am set up to defrag once a month (Win7 has some nice features) and I run my antivirus and spyware scans regularly.

I'll take a look at that online scan, Dan. Thanks. Rags, I would personally buy the quad core because of all of my Adobe software, it spreads out the work among the cores and gets it done faster. Even if the "speed" of the quadcore seems to be slower than the other one, it will still probably finish sooner. Finishing the job is the important part, isn't it? Seems to me these faster and faster machines are overkill, we can't detect the difference in most instances anyway.

SRS

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer processor question
From: olddude
Date: 27 Aug 10 - 09:27 AM

SRS
run registry clean up portion of
onecare scanner from Microsoft online at

http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/default.htm

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer processor question
From: Newport Boy
Date: 27 Aug 10 - 09:15 AM

SRS - If your computer is slowing down after 5 years, and you're running Windows, and it hasn't been reinstalled - that's the problem.

Microsoft's management of the registry leaves a lot to be desired, and over time it clogs up with redundant and wrong entries. There are utilities which will clean the registry up, but they are not 100%. Re-installation usually gives a big improvement.

After 5 years, it will not be quick - you need to back up all your data files, including emails, music, pictures. You will also need to reinstall all applications not originally included, and download again all Microsoft's infuriating updates.

I used to reinstall WinXP every 2 years to keep my system working well. Even planning in advance, this took me most of a day. I now use Linux, and the whole process takes half an hour. I did 3 re-installations (on 2 machines) in an afternoon.

Phil

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer processor question
From: olddude
Date: 27 Aug 10 - 08:34 AM

Rags
I have to go over and check my junk closet for Kendall. Do you want me to see if there is a computer over there for you also ... If so I will ship it to you

Dan

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer processor question
From: Simon G
Date: 27 Aug 10 - 08:16 AM

I don't play games, but I do attempt to edit HD video, this is the only thing I do that is anything like CPU intensive.

All the processors (single and dual) I've tried don't get near dealing with the AVCHD that comes off the latest HD video cameras. I assume but don't know for sure that the latest quad processors will do the job. They would only do the job if the software supports them though.

Simon

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer processor question
From: pavane
Date: 27 Aug 10 - 03:42 AM

Gives Windows more idle time.
If a machine slows down from its previous speed, then it is NOT usually the processor to blame. Software or disk.

One of my laptops sometimes seems to boot occasionally at a much lower CPU speed than usual - only cure is to to reboot again. So it must be a BIOS glitch - CPU speed settings/clock speed maybe

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer processor question
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Aug 10 - 03:22 PM

John, I have a question for you. I'm realizing a slowdown in my 5-year-old HP, that runs on a 32-big Intel Pentium 4 CUP at 3.2Ghz. I looked up the specifications for the motherboard in my machine, and I can upgrade to a Pentium 4 (HT) 3.8Ghz machine. Is that .6 Ghz gained worth the trouble and expense of upgrading a single core machine? Do I gain anything in cache or just speed?

SRS

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer processor question
From: Newport Boy
Date: 26 Aug 10 - 01:21 PM

Broadly speaking, if you need top performance for video processing or the latest games, Intel has the fastest/most powerful CPUs - at a price.

For almost everything else, AMD gives performance equal to Intel at lower prices.

I build my own computers, and the last 5 machines I've built use AMD.

Phil

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer processor question
From: Paul Burke
Date: 26 Aug 10 - 01:15 PM

As some folks said above, it's all about what you want to use it for. If it's just word processing and browsing the Cat, you hardly need anything. If you're into heavy graphics, cutting- edge games, top- end 3D CAD, FEA analysis or anything like that, you'll need a lot of processor, a lot of memory, top end graphics card big disk etc. etc.

I do a lot of SPICE (electronic simulation), PCB design, and logic synthesis on an ancient Compaq, it's a bit slow but it works better than spending money on power I don't need.

So the answer is- buy the cheapest that will do the job.

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer processor question
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 26 Aug 10 - 08:52 AM

This PC at my friend's place is an AMD X2 64 bit running Ubuntu. I have just bought an AMD V120 (Toshiba) Win 7 which will have Ubuntu added. My experiences with AMD also from elsewhere, is that they are reliable, and for equivalent power (and that's a large comparative article!) the AMD stuff is usually cheaper.

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer processor question
From: ragdall
Date: 26 Aug 10 - 04:18 AM

Thank you all for your responses. I've only used computers for about 15 years and don't know much about the internal workings. I know that there are people on Mudcat who know a lot about computers and probably know if there are problems with one kind or another so it's a good place for someone like me to ask for advice and opinions.

I saw the list of features in the sale flyer and didn't know how to choose between two computers that seemed similar except for the processors. I've always had Intel in my PCs and had no idea what the other one was or how it would compare with Intel. If Dan likes that brand it must be reliable. That's what I needed to know.

Thanks again.
rags

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer processor question
From: EBarnacle
Date: 25 Aug 10 - 10:24 PM

Again, the critical question is "What do want the computer to do?" Lady Hillary and I have a current stable of a Dell 750, a custom built machine, 3 active laptops and a batch of laptops under reconstruction.

They range in speed from a P III with a clock speed of 850 through a core duo that I happened to pick up which needed rebuilding. Not one of them has a chip speed of greater than 2.8 ghz. All of them do their jobs without complaining. The other day, the P III suddenly slowed down dramatically. I immediately backed up my data and made a list of the programs installed, just in case the hard drive was getting set to pack it in or a program was sick. I then took it to my local Staples to check it out. We shortened the start up menu and added memory. The comment of the kid behind the counter was "Gee, that's almost an antique. Everyone else is using Core 3, 4 or 5." He was helpful but, as I am not a gamer, I saw no need to spend money to step up to the plate.

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer processor question
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 25 Aug 10 - 06:32 PM

I'd agree with DWR there. Ask a question on a forum centred round computers and you get answers you can't understand, and geeks competing to show off.

On the Mudcat computers are primarily handy tools for getting to the music, and the answers tend to be in language that reflects that.

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer processor question
From: GUEST,DWR
Date: 25 Aug 10 - 06:22 PM

Asus, not to argue with you, but I think this is EXACTLY the right place to ask the question. I won't mention names for fear of leaving someone important out, but you'll find that the answers you get here are as good or better than anywhere else on the net.

You have knowledge delivered in full, served up with kindness and in language all can understand. Those who help out here are performing a service unmatched anywhere that I have found.

I practically always read the tech questions with a great deal of interest even when they don't directly concern me. I have been able to find out so many things of value here.

Dale (who still hasn't replaced the video card and won't find the time to do it until volleyball season is over, but thanks the Catters who so generously shared their knowledge with me.)

I should have worked the word altruism in somewhere up above, so here it is, use it wherever it fits.

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer processor question
From: GUEST,ASUS
Date: 25 Aug 10 - 05:52 PM

bit-tech.net/hardware/cpus/2009/10/26/amd-athlon-ii-x4-620-cpu-review/1

This is a pretty silly forum to be asking your question.

As the others noted your main concern is motherboards.

ASUS

tigerdirect.com is a good source to purchase a MB anc CPU bundle.

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer processor question
From: olddude
Date: 25 Aug 10 - 04:57 PM

Me I go with the AMD .. fast, very reliable but John makes an excellent point .. it is all about what you want to do with the computer .. AMD is what I use mostly because they are better priced .. it is more about the software included with the purchase and the other features of the machine, than processor anymore unless you are a serious gamer .. those guys get picky about their processors

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer processor question
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 25 Aug 10 - 04:48 PM

I'd be reluctant to make a choice based only on the processor, unless I intended to build the whole machine from scratch. The integration of the rest of the system components is generally of far greater importance to performance than "just the processor."

Even if you do intend to build from the processor level, you're unlikely to find a "best" processor without deciding what you want your computer to do for you.

If you're buying a computer, I'd recommend you ignore the processor and look at the system specs, price, warranty, and features consistent with your intended use. Both Intel and AMD make far too many processors, mostly quite good and many intended for specific kinds of applications, for anyone to give you a "best" rating on one, without knowing your plans for using it - - IN DETAIL.

So: Best FOR WHAT?

John

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer processor question
From: ragdall
Date: 25 Aug 10 - 04:25 PM

Paul,
Cheapest would be something much less than either. Do you know anything about either of these or are you expressing your philosophy of computer buying, in general?

Thanks,
rags

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer processor question
From: Paul Burke
Date: 25 Aug 10 - 03:25 PM

Whichever is cheapest.

Subject: Tech: Computer processor question
From: ragdall
Date: 25 Aug 10 - 03:21 PM

Intel CORE i3-540 or AMD Athlon II Quad-Core, which would you choose and why?

Thanks,
rags