Question about buying a new computer... please help :)?

Question

If I want to run microsoft word, paint shop pro, kodak software, virus scans, and open multiple windows in the net what is more important to look for in buying a computer? The memory, the hard drive, or the processor?

For example would a AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 Dual-Core 4600+ 1 GB memory and 250GB Serial ATA Hard Drive be ok to run lots of programs? Should I change the memory or hard drive to speed the computer up? Im not sure which is more important for running multiple programs.

Also, how much difference does it make when you increase the number in the processor like going from a AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 Dual-Core 3800+ to a AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 Dual-Core 4600+

please offer any advice that you can! thanks so much!

Answer 1

For multitasking as what you are looking for, the faster processor and more RAM will be better, the hard drive is only used for data storage. The 3800 chip is a 2.0 GHz CPU and the 4600 is a 2.4 GHz, since you did not mention about gaming or processor intensive program use then I would go with the 3800 chip and save money unless the price between the two different systems is under $50. The link is a comparison of AMD chip models with the corresponding speed. If you are going to run Vista then you might think about increasing the RAM.

Answer 2

Right now im useing an AMD Athlon 64 X2 socket AM2 3800+ with 2GB of DDR2 Ram 4x512 and this has more then enough muscle,even for games like fear.

For example would a AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 Dual-Core 4600+ 1 GB memory and 250GB Serial ATA Hard Drive be ok to run lots of programs?

Yes it sure would!
Hope this helps best of luck...

Answer 3

There is no simple answer to your question. A person building their own computer can assemble top quality components into a new computer only to discover they are not compatible with each other.

The specifications you listed should easily run the programs you listed and do so with quickly. It would also depend on the Operating System you are using, Windows Vista requires far more RAM than Windows XP. If you are getting a computer with Windows Vista I would recommend 2 GB of RAM, with XP I would recommend 1 GB of RAM though 512 MG would suffice.

The dual core processors primarily benefit you when trying to run multiple applications simultaneously. So for example if you are burning DVDs while working with your photo programs then it would be beneficial. By today's standards I would recommend that you do purchase a dual core processor with any new computer.

If you have any further questions email me but the specifications you listed "for example" should be adequate unless this computer has Windows Vista then it may require an additional 1 GB memory be added.

Answer 4

The key player in the performance is the processor....the better is the processor the better is the performance....but the RAM also pays a very important part.....with a 1GB ram and a 64X2 dual core 3800 is an awesome configuration..........and more over by increasing the hard disk size gives no effect on the performance...........PC by itself supports multitasking...so u can open any number of applications....word..paint.......browsers..........but since you have indicated the RAM is 1GB, there is no problem at all....
If you are a regular user with light weighted application there is no harm at all....in fact with the same configuration i run multiple heavy weight applications with out any problem.............so as of now your configuration is perfect............

Answer 5

That would be more than enough to run multiple windows at once, only if I could afford that luxury :]

Answer 6

the specification you have submitted is best for what ever you do for home usage.....