Upgrade for multitasking

[Stunt]

hey guys, i have the following computer (see sig).

i have yet to decide what budget i will have.
so, please rank the following configurations based on speed.
apps used simultaniously, 24/7:
kazaa, winamp, a few ie's, outlook express, mobo monitor, msn, icq, bit torent, norton a/v, acrobat, kazaa speedup, mediaplayer.
so lets see what you guys think...remember, for pure windows environment, no games!, and no clocking!

1) xp2400+, 512mb total ram
2) xp2400+, 256mb total ram
3) xp1800+, 768mb total ram
4) xp1800+, 512mb total ram
5) xp1800+, 256mb total ram
6) 1.33 tbird, 768mb total ram
7) 1.33 tbird, 512mb total ram
8) 1.33 tbird, 256mb total ram

 

[AMCRambler]

They look like they're already in speed order to me. You gotta explain what you're looking for better.

 

[Stunt]

so you are saying that a 2400+ w/256 beats a 1800+ w/768?
with lots of apps running?

 

[thorin]

IMHO go with option #3 in yer list. XP on it's own is memory hungry (default install eats ~120MB right off the boot) so having 768MB is more important then the extra few MHz a 2400 gives you over a 1800.

Though along the same lines if you already have a 1.33 then moving to a 1800 isn't much help. Just get more RAM.

Thorin

 

[InlineFive]

I would say choice number 1 and make sure you have a fast hard drive.

-Por

 

[sciencewhiz]

I agree with thorin. With all those applications, you need as much ram as possible. I also wouldn't spend the money to upgrade the cpu if you already have a 1.33. None of those tasks are particularily cpu intensive.

 

[Stunt]

Thanks for the suggestions.
i think i can hold off on the processor upgrade.
i'll be getting a hammer when it comes to the mainstream (~summer 2004)
when is ddr2 gonna be implemented into hammer?
wondering cuz if it will be a while, i'll run ddr400 at ddr266 till i get the hammer and transfer the ram.
is it that important to get brand name memory?
how bout mixing ram types (speeds and brands)?

 

[jfall]

3) xp1800+, 768mb total ram

 

[Duvie]

I agree with Thorin...The 1800+ you will feel the difference, but I see nothing you are running as a major hog in cpu cycles....It is pretty much the ram you have so the programs wont use page files and slow things down....

I would try not to mismatch!!!

 

[Ionizer86]

I'd say xp2400+ and 512. I've found 512 to be enough for me even under heavy use. Besides, 2.0Ghz and 1.53Ghz? That ~31% boost will definitely do stuff for you 🙂

 

[Stunt]

thanks guys
looks like a memory upgrade for me
you say not to mismatch ram
if i threw in some ddr400(cl3) with some ddr266(cl2.5)
you see any issues with that?
since both made by crucial, it should be ok, compatability wise, right?