How much CPU power does Skype require?

[myocardia]

So, I'm considering signing up with Skype, but I'm concerned about the processor I'll need to use with it. Since it would need to run 24/7, I will need to use this motherboard/CPU combo: 1.2 Ghz Celeron-M w/ 1GB of PC4200. Have any of you guys tried running Skype on an older or slower system, along the lines of a 1.0 Ghz PIII? If so, how did it perform?

 

[TurtleCrusher]

It stays around 1-15% on my s939 x2 4200+.

Take that as you will.

 

[jaqie]

it's basically a cousin of MP3 decoding and encoding simultaneously, which can be done on a measly little celeron 300A. You have more then enough power with that, as long as you don't load it down with a myriad other things.

 

[Bateluer]

You should have more than enough CPU power for Skype with the Celeron.

 

[VirtualLarry]

MagicJack > Skype

 

[myocardia]

Great. Thanks, guys. I just didn't want to give my credit card # to some company, if the software was going to overwhelm the computer I had planned on using it with. I'll sign up, then.

 

[jaqie]

Originally posted by: VirtualLarry
MagicJack > Skype

As a one year long previous owner of MJ, I can tell you first hand it is not.

 

[zfooz]

If you are just using sound, the processing is very little, but if you include video then it will really use the cpu. I think the 1.2ghz celeron-m would be fine as long as you weren't running anything else. It seems to work with full video on an old p4 2.2ghz with pc2700 ram doing HD resolution with a good camera, but it pretty much uses all of the cpu.

 

[myocardia]

Well, I guess I've changed my mind about signing up with them, after all. Not only is it P2P, which would effect me considerably, since I have the Celeron-M, and since I have 15 Mbit FIOS, it would be trying to make my Celeron a hub, or whatever they call the replacement for servers in the P2P world, but I also discovered that they've quietly been bought out by fleabay. Thanks for the info, though, everyone.

 

[cmv]

Originally posted by: myocardia
Well, I guess I've changed my mind about signing up with them, after all. Not only is it P2P, which would effect me considerably, since I have the Celeron-M, and since I have 15 Mbit FIOS, it would be trying to make my Celeron a hub, or whatever they call the replacement for servers in the P2P world, but I also discovered that they've quietly been bought out by fleabay. Thanks for the info, though, everyone.

Have you considered biting the bullet and going for VOIP? The equipment costs aren't too high if you buy used (like say the old Sunrocket gizmos or Linksys PAP2 -- anything which can be unlocked). I'm still getting my feet wet but it seems like IP to IP calls with some providers can be free and other calls very inexpensive compared to local telco rates. Just something to think about -- the other benefit being these small adapters are the only things that need to be on 24x7 and you can use your regular phones.

 

[jaqie]

My vonage I just bought has the new device called V portal, and I must say I am impressed. after taxes and all, I pay $31.xx per month, and so far I am quite pleased with it. This is after battling magicjack for a year to get something even remotely resembling reliable service. The Vportal only cost me $10 after instant rebate with a new vonage account... not bad considering all it is designed to do.

 

[myocardia]

Originally posted by: cmv
Have you considered biting the bullet and going for VOIP?

No, I haven't considered it, I've done it. Like Jaquie, I have Vonage, which I'm completely happy with. It's just that a) it's quite a bit of trouble to add phone jacks (I live in a large, two-story house) and more importantly, I would like to have a second number that I could only give to a few people, and almost as important is the fact that everywhere I want to add a phone, I happen to have a computer.

It just seemed like a good idea, since for only $6/month, you get unlimited calls to the US and Canada, voicemail, and that second phone number, for incoming calls. It would cost an extra ~$30/month to get that with Vonage, along with having to install extra phone jacks. So, after doing some more digging, I've found out that Skype is selling prepaid cards @ Wal Mart now, allowing me to try it without giving them my credit card number. I live in the Dallas area, so I have about 50 or more Wal Marts within spitting distance, so I'm going to try them out. Thanks for all of the help, both of you. I do appreciate it.

 

[Glavinsolo]

I use skype pro and it works great. I have conference calls about 2-3hrs daily and no complaints from members.