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Johnny_K

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19 years ago

J

Johnny_K

22 Posts

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May 26th, 2007 01:00

Looking for processor + memory suggestion

I'm gonna buy the E1505 N with Ubuntu. I'm no hardware expert and am very confused about the different processor and memory options. I was wondering if someone could suggest a good processor/memory combo based on my needs. Thanks in advance:

My needs:
-I'd the notebook to still be in good shape (i.e. still runs well and not obsolete) after 5 years.
-I'm not a hardcore multitasker, but I'm definitely not one of those people who just uses the computer for basic needs (internet, email, office).
-I know I want at least 1GB of RAM, just to be safe. But I am confused because I heard that the RAM speed should match the processor speed.

I will be running the following programs always:
-Mozilla Firefox
-Mozilla Thunderbird
-Mozilla Sunbird
-Pidgin

On top of those, I will be running one or more of the following occasionally:
-OpenOffice.org
-GIMP (basic editing)
-Songbird
-Developer tools and what not
-Games (nothing big. Just the GNOME games and a couple console emulators)
-Beryl

Here are the options:
PROCESSOR
-Intel® Pentium® dual-core proc T2080(1MB Cache/1.73GHz/533MHz FSB
-Intel® Core™ processor DUO processor T2350 2MB Cache/1.86GHz
-Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor T5300 (2MB Cache/1.73GHz/533MHz FSB)
-Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor T5600 (2MB Cache/1.83GHz/667MHz FSB)
-Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor T7200 (4MB Cache/2.00GHz/667MHz FSB)

RAM
-1GB DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHZ, 2 DIMM
-1GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz, 2 Dimm



Thanks a whole lot! I know I can always count on the Linux and Ubuntu communities.
  • drbearded

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    Posted May 26th, 2007 03:00

    Hello Johnny_K for the tasks that you specified the best option for you in my opinion is Intel Core 2 Duo processor T5600 (2MB Cache/1.83GHz/667MHz FSB) That and the 1gb ram you mentioned will give you a powerful computer for years to come!
  • Johnny_K

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    Posted May 26th, 2007 03:00

    Thank you so much! I knew the Linux community would come through like always!

    But which RAM should I go with?
    -1GB DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHZ, 2 DIMM
    or
    -1GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz, 2 Dimm

    I heard that the speed of the RAM should be the same as the speed of the processor. Is that true?

    Also, do certain programs not support 64 bit? Is 64 bit backwards compatible (i.e. can it also run programs built for 32 bit)?

    Thanks again!

    Message Edited by Johnny_K on 05-25-2007 11:26 PM
  • JC_510

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    Posted May 26th, 2007 15:00

    Yep, go with the 667Mhz RAM if your getting a 667Mhz processor.

    Message Edited by JC_510 on 05-26-2007 11:49 AM
  • mariomiy

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    Posted May 26th, 2007 22:00

    But which RAM should I go with? -1GB DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHZ, 2 DIMM or -1GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz, 2 Dimm This one has been answered by JC_510: the first option. Also, do certain programs not support 64 bit? Is 64 bit backwards compatible (i.e. can it also run programs built for 32 bit)? Yes, a 64-bit processor running a 64-bit operating system runs 32-bit applications just as well.
  • dasunst3r

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    Posted May 27th, 2007 20:00

    Just a note with respect to running 64-bit Linux: Closed-source vendors have not quite caught up to having 64-bit support for their apps. There are many workarounds available, but the experience is simply not as good.
  • meuge

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    Posted May 29th, 2007 12:00

    64-bit is still a huge pain...

    There is still no stable 64-bit Flash implementation for Linux... and the drivers are really spotty.

    Since there is only a marginal advantage to using 64-bit speed-wise at the moment, especially since most application are 32-bit, I say stick to 32 bit. The great thing about Linux is that backup and restore are so easy that you can always spend an hour later and install the 64-bit version without losing ANY of your customizations or settings.

    As far as memory is concerned, I'd get more of it, if I were you. In the long run, you can never have too much RAM. Go for 2GB. If you can't, then get the faster 677Mhz memory. The price difference certainly doesn't justify not getting it.