Question about CPU and RAM

[strangeuncle]

I need help picking which CPU and the amount of Ram to purchase. I am getting an INTEL CPU and I am trying to decide between 640 or 550. The 640 is 3.2 GHz with 2MB cache L2. And the 550 is 3.4 GHz with 1MB cache L2. Also, I am trying to decide the amount of RAM to get as well. I am deciding between 2GB of value ram or 1GB of high performance RAM. Which combination of CPU and RAM do you guys think is better? THank you

 

[ts3433]

Why specifically Intel? What are you doing with this system? (By the way, I don't mean to offend you if you're going to use this where Intel is actually a significantly better performer, so please don't flame me for asking...)

I'd lean toward a 3.2GHz, because things above that seem to have more problems with throttling due to excessive heat.

RAM is dependent upon the application...

 

[ribbon13]

Intel is going to bring you naysayers and flamethrowers.

What's your RAM budget?

 

[strangeuncle]

I decided to go with Intel because I usually use computer just with everyday applications. I do not usually play games. I heard Intel is better at multitasking. That is why I am picking Intel

 

[strangeuncle]

My budget for ram is uder 400USD

 

[diabloII]

amd doesn't fall behind that badly on multitasking (yea...you're gonna notice the few seconds that intel beats it by) and costs way less

 

[SlitheryDee]

Originally posted by: strangeuncle
I decided to go with Intel because I usually use computer just with everyday applications. I do not usually play games. I heard Intel is better at multitasking. That is why I am picking Intel

If ou're just using everyday applications why in the world would you need 2gb of RAM, value or otherwise? Even for gaming I see most people recommending 1gb on the forums.

Edit: Obviously, given a choice between the two I would say 1gb HP RAM.

 

[ribbon13]

Suggestion for 1GB value
2x 1GB value
2x 1GB perform

 

[strangeuncle]

Hello, I am sorry, but I forgot to mention, that I do use a lot of photoshop and video editing. That is why I want more ram. I am not sure if 1G of high performance ram or 2G of value ram is better.

 

[SlitheryDee]

I don't have any experience with those programs, but I hear that they do require lots of memory. Maybe you will get a performance boost from 2gb. That 2mb cache in the 640 would help you there as well I think.

 

[ribbon13]

For photoshop I highly reccomend going AMD with an nF4 platform.