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Can a New Computer Be Too Fast? Written by: Dan Daily
Hi Gang! Many of you have written ready to buy a new computer and want to know the differences between them. Finally, you're asking if you need the biggest baddest fastest computer around. Do you think you do? Let's find out. .
Can Fast Be Too Fast? This is a subject that intelligent people can disagree on and God help me with the geeks out there. Yes, today's systems can be too fast, and most new ones are!!! There; the lone voice in the Universe, I said it. It's not the first time I've been the lone voice, certainly won't be the last, and sure not to make any friends with the computer manufacturers. Actually, no system can be too fast, but the question is about buying a new system! Chances are almost 100%, if you buy the biggest baddest system in the store, you're wasting your money.
Past The Point Of Diminishing Returns I'm not saying that you don't need the fastest computer around. But, if you do, you already know why, if you don't know why, you don't need the fastest computer around! The computer manufacturers are going to hate me for this but: For today's Internet and common applications that you use on your system, computers passed the point of diminishing returns a long time ago. Unless you're a CAD user or a gamer, you certainly don't need the fastest. Gamers are never happy with any machine despite the fact that the vast majority of today's games can't possibly use the machine to it's max. Even the new "X" box gaming counsel: I'm not aware of one game that even uses 1/4 it's potential! Simple as that.
The Reason Is Simple Though development in your hardware has been clipping along at a normal pace, development of software hasn't. There just isn't a new application that needs all that power. Video boards come and go at least every six months. Oh, to be sure, each new one can do more then the last, but how many games out there actually benefit? Very, very few. This lack of a new "Killer App" is partially the reason for high speed Internet connections not being the huge overnight success the industry thought they would be.
Killer App? Yes, killer application. In my opinion, the next really big step in computer technology should be a fully holographic display. Instead of a screen, you'd have a stage, and 3-d characters would be all around you. (ever been to Disney World?) Instead of trying to develop flat panel displays, which are highly inferior to CRT's. (picture tubes) The industry should be developing holographic displays. This would require a powerful computer and a powerful Internet connection. See what I mean gang? A real "Killer App."
Flat Panel (LCD's) vs CRT's (Picture Tubes) I figured I better bring this up after what I just said: You know? Consumers are fickle. I've never understood how that works. Take the VHS/Beta VCR wars. Beta was FAR superior to VHS and what does the consumer pick? VHS. This is happening again with flat panel displays. Flat panels, by their very nature, are extremely slow and viewer directional. What do I mean? Like a rear screen TV you have to sit dead center to it to see a clear picture. What's worse is if you have a large display, this is actually impossible to achieve because of how close we sit to our monitors. The outside edges can actually be off axis 20% if you sit dead center and say, two feet away. They are also extremely slow, the next time you have the craving to buy one, find one in the store that's turned on and pop a DVD into the computer and watch a movie. I've never seen even the most expensive flat panel monitor be able to handle a DVD smoothly. This slow speed also makes it a "FORGET IT!" for gamers. No gamer would be caught dead with a flat screen. I'd cut a hole in my wall to fit a CRT monitor (and have) before I'd own a flat panel monitor! They're pretty? They're cool looking? SO WHAT! People in the know will just privately laugh at you...
AMD Athlon vs Intel Pentium 4 Many of you out there think if you don't buy a Pentium you somehow won't be compatible with today's software. This is not true when it comes to AMD processors. The only issues involved in not being PC compatible is if you were to buy a Mac. The difference between the Pentium and Athlon in it's most simplistic form is this: The Pentium has tons of tiny pipes running the data. The smaller the pipe, the faster you can jack up the speed of the pipe (clock). Athlon, on the other hand, has far fewer pipes that are much larger. The clock can't be turned up as high, as data will crash into one another, but much more data can fit through the pipeline per clock cycle. That's why lower speed Athlon chips perform as good, or better then a "faster" Pentium 4. Learn it, know it, live it! Clock speed has nothing to do with system performance any longer! That's Intel's dirty little secret and we won't even go into the cost savings of buying an Athlon. To prove a point, check out the top 15 computers from PCMagazine. The top four speedsters are all Athlons. The Athlons beat the Pentium 4 world scores every time. Click Here
So It's Really True? Yes, in my opinion it's certainly true. For the common folks that use a computer for e-mail, taxes, word processing, and most gaming. You know, like 99.9% of you? I'd rather see you with a slower computer packed to the hilt with RAM memory then the fastest computer that isn't. If you have at least 512megs of RAM, you'll see a HUGE performance boost. Much more then you'd see if you just bought a faster processor for the sake of having bragging rights. Besides, bragging right last a whole 2 months? You need to live with your machine a lot longer then that...
Ready to Buy Your Next System? OK gang, lets get to it: Buying a new machine? First, let's see what you need: Do you have a nice 17 inch monitor now? Keep it! Save your money. I have one that's on it's forth computer and it still works great. I only took it off this system because I bought a 19. Have a 15 incher? Get a new 17. Have a good Printer? Have a good Scanner? Keep them! Save your money. The point of me saying all of this is, any money you don't have to spend gives you more to spend on your new tower. Let's put the money where it needs to go and not waste it. This is how I shop. Like fine Stereo equipment, never walk into the store asking what you want. Ask what you need. Do this for the rest of your life, you'll never stop thanking me. Really.
First Things First: Brand Name? The brand you buy is really a personal issue. I've heard some bad things about Dell and Gateway so I'd want to be cautious. Many of you swear by your Dells. Far less of you swear by your Gateways. I've had two Compaqs. I now have a fully custom built system, but I'd have bought another Compaq. I've never had any trouble with them. They cost a little more but you get what you pay for. But even Compaq's are full of Compaq crap you don't need; and if you buy one, you must contact Compaq and buy the restore/wipe CD as they no longer come with them. It's all pluses and minuses gang, I can't recommend a specific brand name. Also, you won't see a recommendation for a Pentium 4. I don't like them. They've been resting on their laurels for far too long, slower clock speed Athlons either pace or beat them in raw performance. Intel Celerons and AMD Durons are also out. If you were interested in a 700.00 Wal-Mart system complete with printer and monitor, you wouldn't be reading this. They are excellent starter systems, not upgrade systems. But, the 17 inch monitor and printer that you already have? Work well? Keep them. Try to stay away from on-board graphics. For some reason they are slower then separate video cards and usually share your system RAM instead of having their own. Make sure you get AGP graphics. (Accelerated Graphics Performance, most all are today) Also, the below choices are for whether you have broadband or use a modem. Neither will let you down if you have a high speed connection.
The Budget System If you're on a budget and must get the most for your dollar, I'd recommend an Athlon 1.2 or 1.4ghrz processor as a start. It's not the biggest baby on the block but she'll sure turn some heads! They're now very cheap and very powerful. My 1.1 is a year and a half old and FAR from being obsolete. Load it up with system RAM, at least 512 megs worth. RAM is still cheap and is the biggest performance boost you can get for any processor. Get a graphics card with at least 32megs of on board RAM and you'll have a knockout system. I'd also recommend a CD/RW burner and a DVD player. You don't need the DVD player but they're cheap and usually part of the package. Get at least a 40gig harddrive and if you have a little extra, get a second drive for backup. This configuration is a killer computer and won't be obsolete anytime soon, if ever. This system should be around 1000.00 complete. (tower only)
More Money To Spend? Want To Go All Out? Then you have more options: I'd go with an Athlon 1600 (XP 1800 or 2000) or better with at least 512megs of DDR RAM. DDR is Double Data Rate Ram memory. By it's nature it's faster then normal system ram. This isn't crucial because the system bus now becomes the bottleneck so it isn't the dramatic performance boost it should be. But it will become the defacto standard very soon. (R RAM is a waste of money and is only for a Pentium 4 anyway.) The Video card should have 64megs of DDR RAM. I'd like to see an Nvidia Ti500 chip as it's base, or a newer GeForce 4, it's the newest chipset. The specs for the harddrive should be the same as above but you want a 7200 RPM drive. And again, a nice CD/RW drive and a DVD player to round out the system. The prices on this system will vary to what ever happens to be on sale. I would say around 13 to 1500.00. (again, the tower only) You will probably die before this system is ever obsolete! (one of you had his local shop price this setup for him. It was 1330.00. Good guess or what?)
Speakers! This is so important it deserves it's own section. There is only one type and one brand to buy! Go to Wal-Mart and for around 100 bucks, pick up a set of Monsoon Flat Panel Planer speakers. (flat panels have no speaker cones) These are true killer audiophile speakers. Monsoons home stereo planers are 2000 dollars! Try a music CD on these babies and I guarantee they'll sound as good, or better then your home stereo system. They've received a PC Magazine "Editors Choice" award for the very same reasons. These are the ONLY speakers to buy!!!
What Is My System? I currently run a 1.1 Athlon with 640megs of RAM. A pair of 40gig drives in a mirror array. (one copies from the other in real time, absolute full backup, automatically) with a 60gig backup automatic spare. (if one of the raids fail, the 60 will become the second drive) An Nvidia GeForce 4 MX-440 w/dual monitor output and 64 megs of DDR Ram. A 32 speed CD/RW, a DVD player and a set of Monsoon Flat Panel Planer Speakers. Topped off with a dual monitor array that features a Mag Innovision 19 inch monitor and a 15inch Aspire monitor. Couple this with a 3000k cable Internet connection running through a Linksys Etherfast router (to share the Internet connection with my other computer) and you have a dream system that takes no prisoners! This is the only system I've ever owned that after a year and half with the same processor, not only isn't it obsolete, it's not even close! It is just AWESOME Gang!!! Oh, and by the way, I've never seen a game this system can't run with ease. I'm sure there are some, but I haven't seen one. The Dan Daily Sites main web page completely loads in four seconds max. Usually in 2! How much faster can you get? See what I mean gang? New computers are truly at "The point of diminishing returns."
I hope this helps you on your road. Your Road? Yes, Your Road To Computer Sanity Danny
YOU ARE ATTEMPTING TO INSTALL WINDOWS XP, ARE YOU SURE YOU WANT TO CONTINUE? Yes. ARE YOU REALLY SURE? Yes. ARE YOU REALLY REALLY SURE? YES! OK, THEN. JUST SO YOU KNOW, WE'RE REQUIRED TO ASK YOU THAT NOW. IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT FOR BEING A PICKY CONSUMER AND SUPPORTING THAT WHOLE "ANTI-TRUST" NONSENSE. INGRATE. Just get on with it. ATTEMPTING TO INSTALL WINDOWS XP. FIRST WE NEED TO CHECK YOUR SYSTEM FOR COMPATIBILITY. THIS COULD TAKE SEVERAL DAYS. Groan. THE INSTALL PROGRAM HAS DETECTED SEVERAL POSSIBLE PROBLEMS AND WILL NOT LET YOU INSTALL XP. Problems? What problems?
THE VIDEO CARD YOU ARE USING APPARENTLY DOES NOT WORK WITH But I'm using it at this very moment. THAT IS IRRELEVANT. But if the video card isn't working with the mother board then I can't very well see this warning message telling me that the video card wasn't... DO NOT ATTEMPT TO FOOL ME WITH LOGIC, I AM A MICROSOFT PRODUCT. LOGIC DOES NOT WORK ON ME. I HAVE ALSO FOUND THE FOLLOWING MINOR ERRORS: WINDOWS XP IS INCOMPATIBLE WITH THE FOLLOWING HARDWARE: MONITOR, KEYBOARD, MEMORY CHIPS, MOTHERBOARD BIOS, WEB CAM, SCANNER, SOUND CARD, USB CONTROLLER, CD/R DRIVE, MICROPHONE, AND FLIGHT STICK. All that? YES. AND THE HARDDRIVE IS RIGHT OUT TOO. WE DON'T LIKE THE MANUFACTURER. Well what *DOES* work? THE MOUSE. The mouse? YES. AND THE 5 1/4 DRIVE. I don't have a 5 1/4 drive. YES YOU DO. No I don't. WHAT'S THAT THEN? It's a 3 1/2 drive. NO IT ISN'T. Yes it is.
... HEY, WHAT IS THAT? WHAT ARE YOU DOING? IS THAT A DISK? WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH THAT DISK? YOU'RE NOT PUTTING IT IN THE DRIVE ARE YOU? YOU ARE! WHAT'S ON THAT DISK. IS THAT DOS? YOU'RE INSTALLING DOS?? WHY WOULD YOU INSTALL DOS WHEN I AM C:\
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