when buying a computer, how do you tell its fast?

Question

There are so many options available with fronstide bus's and options, but whats a good way to test a computer in the story and get a good feel for the speed of the computer?

Answer 1

A computer is fast by the size of its CPU - RAM and Video memory.

Celeron CPUs are slower.
Compaq computers are not so great.

A 3.2GHz CPU with 1Gb Ram and 256Mb Video card would be a good machine. But if you want a computer to play fancy games, you might look for even bigger numbers. Bigger numbers means bigger dollars.

Answer 2

First and foremost what do you mean by fast. You have not told(given) enough information. You have to decide two major things when looking for a new computer, first; what are you going to use it for, second; what is my budget. Speed costs,
My general rule for people like you is to find a friend who has a better understanding of computers than you do and able to express in 'real terms' what it is you are looking for and with that friend in tow go talk to someone at the computer store.

A basic rule to follow though is that newer is faster than older and the more memory (RAM) you can put in (afford) the better.

I have purchased last gerneration computers (cheaper) but increased the RAM and have saved quite a bit of money over buying newer, with no real cognative speed loss.

Answer 3

You want a High Processor Speed, a Good Graphics/Video Card, and plenty of memory/ram.

Try to get a Duel Core Processor with atleast a Gig of Ram/Memory and a Nvida Geforce or an ATI Radaeon

Answer 4

All new computers are fast today. It all depends on your service.

Answer 5

Compare its 100 meter dash time with that of your old computer.

Answer 6

Good question !!!! Even when you look at the ratings, they don't seem to account for reality, like when you have virus and spyware protections.

Answer 7

if it's expensive

Answer 8

By its color.