How does the amount of GHz affect how fast a computer goes?

Question

I am looking into buying a new computer from HP. I also want Windows Vista Home Premium. I understand that I need at least 2 GB of RAM and a 64MB NVIDIA GeForce 7500LE, DVI-I, TV-out, VGA adapter. But when selecting a processor, I don't know whether to get a computer with 2.4 GHz or 1.8 GHz. Please help!

Answer 1

I would buy the 2.4 GHz if you are going to run Vista.

The higher the GHz, the faster the computer will be, and the more programs you can have open at the same time without it crashing.

Vista, because it's so shiney and fancy, uses up a lot of GHz itself, which doesn't leave a lot for other programs. My laptop is 2.14 GHz and it works fine. (1.8 GHz is really pushing the lower boundaries of decent-computer-speed.)

Answer 2

2.4 is way better
processor speeds are critical to a computers performance, it is what determines how many tasks the computer can do at one time, and how quickly and efficiently it can do them.
Basically, since ram is backup for the cpu.... if your cpu is like 10 GHz, then you dont even need more than 512 MB RAM.
I reccommend at leat 256 MB video memory though, and definitley DVI.
In short, yes it does, tremendouosly, so the 2.4 GHz is a must.

Answer 3

Yes GHz affects the speed of your PC, although the more RAM you have the better it is. Also if you have a Dual or Quad core chip they will have a lower individual GHz rating but a faster over all speed. Most chips now days are dual core. Also if your into gaming a faster CPU is essential.

Answer 4

Hi. The GHz determines how fast the processor runs. Usually faster is better, but it depends on what you do. I personally can only read at a certain rate so surfing is not a speed issue. Gaming uses much more CPU power.

Answer 5

I suggest ALWAYS getting the fastest processor you can afford. With all the stuff you're getting on it, the processor is going to be REALLY busy. Think of it as a conveyor belt - the faster the conveyor belt moves, the more things it can "push" through and process. You're giving it a LOT to handle, so save yourself some frustration and get the 2.4 GHz chip :-)

Answer 6

who told you you'd need 1gb of RAM?!

well, depending on your usage of the machine, you need different configurations.

for general word processing, web surfing, and basic multimedia functionality, i'd go with the 1.8, and you don't really need more than 512-1gb or ram for those apps.

for intensive video editing, image manipulation, or heavy music use, i'd pop up to the 2.4, and then you can go crazy on RAM. The more the better, in most heavy multimedia applications.

of course, if price is no object, then buy the best machine they make, you'll not regret it.

Answer 7

the higher the gigahertz the faster the computer basicly