momto4kiddos
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,153
Jun 26, 2014 11:45:15 GMT
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Post by momto4kiddos on Jun 13, 2016 19:56:12 GMT
My current desktop is dying a slow death and i've been trying to ignore it. I'm looking at pc's today. I want the desktop, I have a mac, but sometimes you just need to sit at your desk and work.
So if it came down to this processor and the memory, which would you go with. I know the i3 is newer, but not top of the line - seems that cuts the memory. I only use the desktop to store pictures, but they are backed up so they may or may not be stored on new computer. I use it for internet and have a few documents for school on it. I really just need a basic computer, nothing fancy. Figure while i'm further researching i'd ask the pea's as a little more research.
So:
Intel Pentium Processor (quad core) with 8 GB Memory OR 6th generation Intel Core i3 Processor with 4 GB Memory
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Post by BeckyTech on Jun 13, 2016 20:10:25 GMT
Intel Pentium Processor (quad core) with 8 GB Memory OR 6th generation Intel Core i3 Processor with 4 GB Memory Normally, I would say go with the model with the most built-in cache on the processor, but that is a significant delta in memory. Can we have the model numbers of the processors being considered along with some other specs of the systems? For instance, a regular hard drive vs. SSD, etc. Also, do you manipulate your images, that is, use Photoshop or like programs? Having the processing power to edit large image files vs. just storing files is different. |
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Post by jenjie on Jun 13, 2016 20:15:31 GMT
There is something wrong with me. At first glance I thought you said you need a new doorstop.  |
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momto4kiddos
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,153
Jun 26, 2014 11:45:15 GMT
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Post by momto4kiddos on Jun 13, 2016 20:18:59 GMT
Intel Pentium Processor (quad core) with 8 GB Memory OR 6th generation Intel Core i3 Processor with 4 GB Memory Normally, I would say go with the model with the most built-in cache on the processor, but that is a significant delta in memory. Can we have the model numbers of the processors being considered along with some other specs of the systems? For instance, a regular hard drive vs. SSD, etc. Also, do you manipulate your images, that is, use Photoshop or like programs? Having the processing power to edit large image files vs. just storing files is different. Was just looking at the dell site and those two version have the exact same price so it seemed like you were picking better processor to sacrifice memory. You pick through a lot of the options I think at dell so I don't have any other specs. Honestly the desktop is mainly a way to get on the internet to do some school work and pea. I store pictures, never editing. Not very computer savvy so I don't play around with programs. My last desktop is 6 years old and dying. I don't want to spend a lot because I have all the other devices in life too....tablet, laptop. I just don't seem to be able to give up the desktop. |
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momto4kiddos
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,153
Jun 26, 2014 11:45:15 GMT
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Post by momto4kiddos on Jun 13, 2016 20:19:21 GMT
There is something wrong with me. At first glance I thought you said you need a new doorstop. That would be so much easier  |
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perumbula
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,439 
Location: Idaho
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Post by perumbula on Jun 13, 2016 21:13:24 GMT
If you aren't doing graphics heavy applications, I would go with the faster processor, especially if the RAM is expandable. You could buy it now with the 4 gigs and add another 4 in later if you felt you wanted more. Expanding RAM is relatively cheap and doable. Replacing the processor is usually a much more expensive and involved process, if it's even possible.
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perumbula
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,439
Location: Idaho
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Post by perumbula on Jun 13, 2016 21:14:28 GMT
BTW, adding in RAM is so easy. I've done it myself a few times. Just make sure you're grounded, and put it in the slots. You can't even put it in upside down.
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Post by cadoodlebug on Jun 13, 2016 22:12:54 GMT
BTW, adding in RAM is so easy. I've done it myself a few times. Just make sure you're grounded, and put it in the slots. You can't even put it in upside down. About 5 years ago, DH and I added RAM to our desktops and were so proud! We opened the towers up in the backyard and let the wind blow out all the dust.  But we were successful and it allowed us to keep our computers until MS stopped sending updates for XP.  |
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Post by worrywart on Jun 14, 2016 12:45:43 GMT
I would definitely go for the faster processor...if the memory gets to be a problem, add it in later.
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Post by BeckyTech on Jun 14, 2016 15:31:32 GMT
Was just looking at the dell site and those two version have the exact same price so it seemed like you were picking better processor to sacrifice memory. You pick through a lot of the options I think at dell so I don't have any other specs. So I went to the Dell site and I believe you have these options: 6th generation i3: 3M Cache, 3.70 GHz Quad Core: 2M Cache, up to 2.40 GHz I would select the i3 processor hands down. The onboard processor cache counts for a lot. For another $200 you can add another 4MB of memory. That would be a good option, then you would be set for a good long time. In my experience, Dell desktops are still a good solid purchase. The others are right, you can always add memory, you can't often replace the processor because the internal architecture is built and optimized for the processor it comes with. Here is where the additional memory will make a difference: over time, the operating system updates will add up and bloat to the point where your system will slow down. Additional memory will help with that. But the onboard processor memory will help most of all. That's my $.02. |
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But we were successful and it allowed us to keep our computers until MS stopped sending updates for XP. 
