Computer Nerd Question

[gaming_mouse]

I'm getting a new computer with essentially the single goal of fast computing power. One thing I'll be doing with it is performing complex queries on PT databases.

Theoretically, which will be faster:

2G of RAM and a 2GHz CPU

OR

1G of RAM and a 3.2 GHz CPU

I'd also appreciate an explanation of any other factors that come into play, and the reasons behind your answer. Nothing too fancy, but just the broadstrokes on how the parts of a computer interact to determine speed.

Thanks,
gm

[BusterStacks]

In strictly a PT environment, both of these systems would perform the same.

[gaming_mouse]

[ QUOTE ]
In strictly a PT environment, both of these systems would perform the same.

[/ QUOTE ]

Can you explain why? Also, under what circumstances do they begin to differ and in what ways?

[jetsg4]

i would get the faster CPU. 1. PT won't be using the 1Gig of ram anyway,much less the 2GB. 2. the ram will be cheaper/easier to upgrade later than the CPU would be. 3. you'll see more of a system wide speed boost with the faster CPU than the extra ram

your HD spead/connection will be a factor also, don't get a 5400RPM hard drive.. get a good SATA if possible

JET

[BusterStacks]

Well, PT maxes out neither the CPU nor the RAM, so going overboard on either end would not help. The biggest thing you can do to boost actual performance is get a fast HD. It's tough to say exactly where the cutoff is in terms of noticable performance gains via CPU/RAM, so I can't say for *sure*, but other factors beyond clock speed are going to have a much more profound effect such as FSB speed and L2 Cache.

[Richter]

A question like this might be better answered over in the forums at anandtech.com

[gaming_mouse]

[ QUOTE ]
Well, PT maxes out neither the CPU nor the RAM, so going overboard on either end would not help. The biggest thing you can do to boost actual performance is get a fast HD. It's tough to say exactly where the cutoff is in terms of noticable performance gains via CPU/RAM, so I can't say for *sure*, but other factors beyond clock speed are going to have a much more profound effect such as FSB speed and L2 Cache.

[/ QUOTE ]

I think you misunderstood me. It's not to improve the performance of PT. I will be running complex queries on the PT databases themselves (PT will be closed), and want them to execute quickly. Does this change your answer?

Also, what is FSB speed? And L2 cache?

gm

[Tboner7]

I would go for more GHz.

[gaming_mouse]

[ QUOTE ]
A question like this might be better answered over in the forums at anandtech.com

[/ QUOTE ]
Thanks for this reference.

[mc1]

Clockspeed isnt everything, if the 2ghz processor is an AMD64 or a Pentium M (if laptop) then the 2Ghz proc will most likely perform better than an Intel p4 @ 3.2ghz.

Personally I would get an AMD64 with 1gb of ram in a desktop or a Pentium M with 1GB of ram in a laptop. The processor clockspeed can be adjusted to your budget.

Ram is easy to upgrade and if you find a need for >1gb you will probably find it is half the cost in 6months to 12 months time when you are thinking of upgrading to 2gb.

If you want to play games like doom3, half life 2 etc then you will also need a pretty powerful graphics card. i.e. Nforce 6600 or ATI X800 etc.