Help me decide on a processor and drives. Need help!

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dsiomtw

New Member
I'm looking to buy a Dell Precision 390 and had a few questions I was hoping ya'll could help me with. I'm going to get it with XP, and my goal is to get the "best" computer I can that will last me for as long as possible.

I use the computer to run my small business, and do serious multi-tasking all day long - constantly loading, quitting and switching between dozens of programs, and always have at least 5-10 programs going at once.

I don't need much in the way of graphics, and I currently use a 4-port Appian RADEON card to power my 4 19" flatscreens. I plan on just swapping this into the new computer (or getting a better one if it would make a difference).

I just can't decide on a few things and could use some help:

1. I can't decide between the following processors. Will I even be able to tell the difference? The quad QX6700 is only $100 more than the dual X6800 ... seems like a no-brainer? I'm sure I don't need a quad, but for only an extra $100??

Intel® Core 2 Extreme QX6700 2.66GHz/1066MHz/8MB L2/Quad-core/VT [add $1,264]
Intel® Core 2 Extreme X6800 2.93GHz/1066MHz/4MB L2/Dual-core/VT [add $1,164]
Intel® Core 2 Duo E6700 2.66GHz/1066MHz/4MB L2/Dual-core/VT [add $739]

2. Regarding the drives, I'm looking at a RAID 1 setup with either 10k SATA drives (I assume these are Raptors?), or maybe even the 15k SAS drives. I don't know anything about SAS - anything to be aware of? Are 15k drives roughly 50% faster than 10k drives? If so it seems like that would definitely justify the extra cost of the SAS drives and controller. They must be insanely fast??

3. I'd like to get a 3rd drive to use for backup purposes. When I try to add a 3rd drive when spec'ing the computer on the Dell site, it says my config requires 2 drives (due to the Raid obviously). But is it saying that a 3rd drive is not even an option? Why would that be? Or am I better off using an external drive for backup purposes? Why?

4. I'm thinking 4 gigs of RAM just for kicks, or maybe 2 is enough?

Sorry for all the questions but I'd really appreciate any input you guys and gals can give me. Thanks!

JP
 
With that kind of money I would get a dual processor dual core xeon mobo with 8 gigs of RAM. (a server in other words) :-).
 
I'm not sure exactly what you're referring to, but this is for my home office so I don't need a "server" and I don't need 8 gigs of RAM. Anyone have any helpful input regarding my questions? I'm just looking to buy this computer from Dell. Or is this forum only for people talking about building their own computers? Thanks!
 
"Anyone have any helpful input regarding my questions?"

Everyone will tell you to build it yourself. All the stuff you mentioned is complete overkill for 'home' use.
 
Maybe for "home use" in the sense of someone only using it to surf the web and check their email, but I use the computer to run my small business and do some serious multi-tasking. Let's just put it this way - I currently have a P4 3.4Ghz and it's too slow. There is noticeable lag and delays when multitasking, etc. as compared to my friend's computer with dual cores. And my current computer has 3 gigs of RAM so it's not that. Anyway, I'm just trying to get some helpful info before ordering this new computer. Maybe you can look past what I'm using it for, and just give me some input on my specific questions? Thanks!
 
The X6800 is clocked higher, and will perform better in some of todays games, as well as older games. However when new games come out, they will be written for multiple cores, and when that time comes, the QX6700 will take the lead.
 
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