A rocket powered computer

The following is from the Kim Komando web site, http://www.komando.com

6/3/2009


Tom wrote from Larned, KS. He reported that he needs a new computer. It should boot fast, load programs fast, compile video fast. In other words, he feels the need for speed!

Tom, you and I think alike. I can't stand to wait for a computer. I want Word to open NOW. I want my browser to load YESTERDAY. I want to see Windows shuckin' and cookin'.

So, there are some obvious things you need. Make sure you have a first-rate chip. The absolute best is usually too costly. It's OK to come down a step or two. Intel's absolute best for consumers is its Extreme line. I'd skip that. You need a regular Core 2 Quad. The best AMD chip is the Phenom. Get the triple core, rather than the quad. Very few programs can use more than one core.

Be sure your new motherboard can handle 64-bit computing. If the salesman seems uninformed, check the computer manufacturer's Web site. And be sure that the Windows version is 64-bit. To confirm that, click Start>>Control Panel. Double-click System. Look in the System section.

You can install gobs of memory. I wouldn't go overboard. Four gigabytes should be enough. Be sure the computer can take that much. The manufacturer's site can help with this, too.

You're probably not going to see a consumer box with a solid-state drive. Such a drive could very well be faster than a conventional drive. But solid state drives are expensive and small. I'd go for a serial ATA drive with at least 500-gigabyte capacity. Terabyte drives also are available. I've seen them advertised at less than $100 online. Buy a drive that runs at 7200 rpm.

Finally, I'd pop for a 512MB video card. And I'd use two monitors. Windows handles dual monitors with aplomb.

You may be tempted to use a RAID (Redundant Array of Independent (or Inexpensive) Disks) setup. Level 0 (striping) is supposed to speed up the computer. That hasn't been my experience. I think RAID setups just introduce complexity. Don't go there.

You're all set, Tom. Don't get a speeding ticket!