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General discussion

How much processor do I need?

Jul 15, 2004 2:49AM PDT

Hi everyone. We need to get a new computer for someone in my office (the boss). She mainly uses Word, e-mail and the web... nothing fancy.

We are on a network of about 20 computers of varying age, all Dells, with a new Windows 2000 server.

I seem to remember reading that for most people, processor speed above a certain number doesn't make any difference. So, my question is:

If I downgrade the chip from the "recommended" Intel Pentium

Discussion is locked

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Re: How much processor do I need?
Jul 15, 2004 3:16AM PDT

A sly IT staffer always outfitted the boss with the latest and fastest irregardless of the boss's need. The boss would get 1 gigabyte of RAM, the Pentium Extreme and a nice LCD display.

The rest of us would do nice with your other choice.

Bob

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Re: How much processor do I need?
Jul 15, 2004 5:14AM PDT

The difference between a 3.2GHz and 2.8GHz is not significant enough to warrant the extra $200 unless the computer is used for serious applications like video editing and gaming. Using that money somewhere else, such as increasing the RAM will make a much more noticable difference in performance.

Basically, stick with the 2.8GHz, it's MORE than enough for basic applications.

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Re: How much processor do I need?
Jul 15, 2004 5:49AM PDT

Thanks to both of you.... very helpful!

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Re: How much processor do I need?
Sep 20, 2004 11:23PM PDT

Well here, Word, Publisher and Outlook (2003) run lightning fast on our very basic systems. We've all got Windows XP, 128MB ram, some on board video and sound card, and only a 1GHz Celeron processor. We have no other programs installed (except for Anti Virus) and Windows XP runs like a dream (haven't had any problems with it for probably 2+ years). The computer takes less than a minute from first turning it on to bringing up the desktop.

For just office tasks, you really don't need a very powerful machine (as long as you keep the PC 'healthy' of course...ie. don't install anything unless you really really have to).

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Re: How much processor do I need?
Sep 21, 2004 10:26PM PDT

IMHO, w/o reading the other posts....

You're a genius Wink in saving $200 for the boss and the 2.8ghz system will do fine for those needs. But for $200 more you'll get alot of hp out of the system and really impress the boss in doing all those needs. So which is more important, saving $ or getting the job done now? $200, is that really an issue? Sad

good luck -----Willy Happy