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Processor choice
Sorry, if I violate any standard protocals but I need user help/advice. I am a self-employed environmental engineer, primarily performing watershed assessments, including modeling. Major software is AutoCad, ESRI ARCMAP, and Adode Photoshop as well as proprietary models from EPA. ARCMAP can (easily) have a gig of data n the screen. I am evelaualting an entry class work station and need an opinion. Given that price is a consideration; is a P4 3800 or a D 3000 the better procesor for my use. I intend to run two 19" lcd monitors and nVidia fX 3450 GPU. There is a specific reason. other than choice, I am limiting the question to the two specific processors. Just retired and this is a start-up but am billing $8k monthly, with steady income stream 'promised for next two years.
Also, is the 380 easily upgradable, for processor, power suppy, sound?
Thanks for any help you can give.
Pi31415
graphicjoe
8 Posts
75
0
Posted June 4th, 2006 14:00
If you go with the 380, order it configured the way you plan to use it. The 470 and 670 models are better choices if you think you might need to upgrade in the future.
I just got a 380 with x64, and it's very nice. I got the 955 CPU and I can't speak directly to your question re which CPU to get. But, in general, get more power, RAM, HD space, etc., than you think you could ever use. With luck, it will be enough--for a while.
The little comparison testing I could find indicated that the 380 with the 955 CPU is about as fast as a 670 w/dual 3.4 (?) xeon CPU's. The 1024 FSB is a good feature, and the 380 can be configured with 633 RAM.
Good luck in your new venture, and in choosing your computer,
Joe