ak3ldama's Journal: New System Questions:

I am currently contemplating getting a new computer. The one I have now is a single core amd 64 3200 w/2gigs ram and a 160gb hdd, and a nvidia 6800.

Here's the info on the new one. It's a fairly simple system, meant to be capable but low on energy useage. I haven't included an OS because I would likely put Ubuntu or Solaris on it. Either that or put *nix on my current computer and migrate Windows XP to the new computer. I am not worried about the 8600gt, I prefer to buy video cards cheap enough to upgrade when needed.

So here's the question, is 2 gigs of ram good enough for a new computer? Is a dual 2.0ghz cpu fast enough? Is a cheap AMD X2 worth getting, or is it wise to jump up to a Core 2 Duo?
All in all, for a sub $600 computer I think it would rock. (There's $55 in mail in rebates.)

In the nicest possible way...

[Captain Splendid]

...screw you. Your "old" PC is twice the spec of my current desktop.

FWIW, it seems everybody's raving about the Duo. As for RAM, it's not how much you put in initially, but how much it can take eventually.

Re:

[ak3ldama]

Seriously man, start saving spare change. Instead of a regular meal, eat ramen, maybe throw in some frozen veggies. Have grits (corn meal mash, with honey or syrup and milk) for breakfast. You can get a complete system, with totally decent specs, and a dual monitor setup for around $1000. There are ways to save money every day and still be healthy. I just got a full time job, but I am forcing myself onto a budget and saving money before I buy a new computer.

Re:

[Captain Splendid]

Lol, thanks for the tips, but my money problems (at the mo') stem more from buying a house and starting a business at the same time. I'm actually fairly happy with my desktop, except for the OS (Windows). Just need to buy a graphics card that won't die on me in under a year.

Re:

[ak3ldama]

haha, nice. yea, i was just guessing based on slashdot probabilities that you were a student or something. actually, to reflect on that one thing alone, it would be safe to say that as slashdot has gotten more popular (as well as aged for about 10 years) that the demographics of the readers may be shifting. i know that i until just recently was a student; i am guessing this trend may be exaggerated by the fact that slashdot now has LOTS of readers.