OT: Attn CPU gurus - help me

[DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL]

I want to hook my K3's up to the latest skimmer software along with
computer control of the rig, etc. and of course via the LP-Pan when it
is available (soon).

My query is about the computer processor and associated elements.

Currently, I am reading that the way to go for skimmer (192kc
bandwidth - not that I need that), is to use a machine with a 3G
processor.

But that seems to only account for one element of the system "rating."

My current ham radio computer is a fossil on which I run DOS stuff.
But my "home" computer (this one) is a Pentium 4, 3.0 Gig.  Sounds
right, but......

When I look at the new machines (which seem relatively cheap for what
you get), I see:

Core 2 Quad Q6600
Core 2 Duo
Pentiuim Dual Core
Celeron
Athlon 64
etc.

Then I see speeds for each of the above, NONE of which goes up to 3.0
gig.  Just because my current processor has the "3.0 gig label," I am
assuming that these newer releases are even faster, despite the lower
clock rate.

For the app's that I'm looking at, DOES CLOCK RATE RULE or does this
other stuff count too?

I also see big variables on the L2 Cache: 2MB, 4MB, 8MB - relatively
speaking, how important are these compared to the other factors?

And then there is the Front Side Bus speed:  800, 1333.  Weird that
the Core 2 Quad (which sounds like "the best" to me) has a FSB of 1066
(not the fastest).

And finally, there is the clock speed, which for most of the above is
2.2, 2.33, 2.66 gig (again, not reaching 3.0).

How do I put all this together?  Again, for MY apps, which figure of
merit is most important?  Or do I just multiply them all together?
:-)

Reminder:  "CPU gurus" only need respond.  I prefer direct replies,
but I assume that this topic might be of wide interest to the Elecraft
group...YOUR CHOICE if you respond to the list or just to me.

THANKS A TON!

de Doug KR2Q
"Expert on DRGs, not CPUs"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diagnosis-related_group  <this page is
rather outdated>
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[n6wg]

Hi Doug
You've got some real legitimate questions that a
lot of us "non-gurus" would like to hear the answers
to.  If you get a lot of your replies direct, could you
summarize them in a post to us "masses"?
Thanks and 73
Bob N6WG

----- Original Message -----
From: "DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL" <[hidden email]>
To: <[hidden email]>
Sent: Saturday, February 23, 2008 3:49 AM
Subject: [Elecraft] OT: Attn CPU gurus - help me


> I want to hook my K3's up to the latest skimmer software along with
> computer control of the rig, etc. and of course via the LP-Pan when
it
> is available (soon).
>
> My query is about the computer processor and associated elements.
>
> Currently, I am reading that the way to go for skimmer (192kc
> bandwidth - not that I need that), is to use a machine with a 3G
> processor.
>
> But that seems to only account for one element of the system
"rating."
>
> My current ham radio computer is a fossil on which I run DOS stuff.
> But my "home" computer (this one) is a Pentium 4, 3.0 Gig.  Sounds
> right, but......
>
> When I look at the new machines (which seem relatively cheap for
what

> you get), I see:
>
> Core 2 Quad Q6600
> Core 2 Duo
> Pentiuim Dual Core
> Celeron
> Athlon 64
> etc.
>
> Then I see speeds for each of the above, NONE of which goes up to

3.0
> gig.  Just because my current processor has the "3.0 gig label," I
am
> assuming that these newer releases are even faster, despite the
lower

> clock rate.
>
> For the app's that I'm looking at, DOES CLOCK RATE RULE or does this
> other stuff count too?
>
> I also see big variables on the L2 Cache: 2MB, 4MB, 8MB - relatively
> speaking, how important are these compared to the other factors?
>
> And then there is the Front Side Bus speed:  800, 1333.  Weird that
> the Core 2 Quad (which sounds like "the best" to me) has a FSB of

1066
> (not the fastest).
>
> And finally, there is the clock speed, which for most of the above
is
> 2.2, 2.33, 2.66 gig (again, not reaching 3.0).
>
> How do I put all this together?  Again, for MY apps, which figure of
> merit is most important?  Or do I just multiply them all together?
> :-)
>
> Reminder:  "CPU gurus" only need respond.  I prefer direct replies,
> but I assume that this topic might be of wide interest to the
Elecraft

> group...YOUR CHOICE if you respond to the list or just to me.
>
> THANKS A TON!
>
> de Doug KR2Q
> "Expert on DRGs, not CPUs"
>
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diagnosis-related_group  <this page is
> rather outdated>
> _______________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Post to: [hidden email]
> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
>  http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

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Post to: [hidden email]
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Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

[Hisashi T Fujinaka]

I work for one of the companies in question, so it's hard for me to be
completely objective.

CPU frequency isn't the only thing because there are multiple internal
clocks on the CPUs and one big number isn't going to tell you
everything about how fast things are running internally. The Pentium D's
with higher clock rates aren't as fast as the Core 2's with lower clock
rates in every case I've benchmarked (keep in mind I have only a very
minimal set of benchmarks to go on here).

You should also look at power consumpution (the fans are going to drive
you nuts sometimes). I have noticed that the Core 2 processors are
faster but seem to run the fans a lot less than the Pentium Ds.

Multi-core processors are going to do well fo you if you need to do
multiple processor-intensive things at once.  I'm not sure how much
processor it requires to do PSK31 while also running all the Vista
nonsense in the background; someone else will have to vouch for that.

So by now you can probably tell which company I work for. My basic
suggestion is to go with a Core 2 system over a Pentium D system because
there was a significant architecture change and it helps the computers
run cooler and quieter. And that's just me talking, not the company.

Oh, and it's usually true nowadays that the computers are fast enough to
do whatever you need, unless you're processing video in the background
while you're trying to run the rig.

On Sat, 23 Feb 2008, Robert Tellefsen wrote:

> Hi Doug
> You've got some real legitimate questions that a
> lot of us "non-gurus" would like to hear the answers
> to.  If you get a lot of your replies direct, could you
> summarize them in a post to us "masses"?
> Thanks and 73
> Bob N6WG
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL" <[hidden email]>
> To: <[hidden email]>
> Sent: Saturday, February 23, 2008 3:49 AM
> Subject: [Elecraft] OT: Attn CPU gurus - help me
>
>
>> I want to hook my K3's up to the latest skimmer software along with
>> computer control of the rig, etc. and of course via the LP-Pan when
> it
>> is available (soon).
>>
>> My query is about the computer processor and associated elements.
>>
>> Currently, I am reading that the way to go for skimmer (192kc
>> bandwidth - not that I need that), is to use a machine with a 3G
>> processor.
>>
>> But that seems to only account for one element of the system
> "rating."
>>
>> My current ham radio computer is a fossil on which I run DOS stuff.
>> But my "home" computer (this one) is a Pentium 4, 3.0 Gig.  Sounds
>> right, but......
>>
>> When I look at the new machines (which seem relatively cheap for
> what
>> you get), I see:
>>
>> Core 2 Quad Q6600
>> Core 2 Duo
>> Pentiuim Dual Core
>> Celeron
>> Athlon 64
>> etc.
>>
>> Then I see speeds for each of the above, NONE of which goes up to
> 3.0
>> gig.  Just because my current processor has the "3.0 gig label," I
> am
>> assuming that these newer releases are even faster, despite the
> lower
>> clock rate.
>>
>> For the app's that I'm looking at, DOES CLOCK RATE RULE or does this
>> other stuff count too?
>>
>> I also see big variables on the L2 Cache: 2MB, 4MB, 8MB - relatively
>> speaking, how important are these compared to the other factors?
>>
>> And then there is the Front Side Bus speed:  800, 1333.  Weird that
>> the Core 2 Quad (which sounds like "the best" to me) has a FSB of
> 1066
>> (not the fastest).
>>
>> And finally, there is the clock speed, which for most of the above
> is
>> 2.2, 2.33, 2.66 gig (again, not reaching 3.0).
>>
>> How do I put all this together?  Again, for MY apps, which figure of
>> merit is most important?  Or do I just multiply them all together?
>> :-)
>>
>> Reminder:  "CPU gurus" only need respond.  I prefer direct replies,
>> but I assume that this topic might be of wide interest to the
> Elecraft
>> group...YOUR CHOICE if you respond to the list or just to me.
>>
>> THANKS A TON!
>>
>> de Doug KR2Q
>> "Expert on DRGs, not CPUs"
>>
>> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diagnosis-related_group  <this page is
>> rather outdated>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Post to: [hidden email]
>> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
>> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
>>  http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>>
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
>> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
>
> _______________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Post to: [hidden email]
> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
>

--
Hisashi T Fujinaka - [hidden email]
BSEE(6/86) + BSChem(3/95) + BAEnglish(8/95) + MSCS(8/03) + $2.50 = latte
_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
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Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

[Dave Andrus-3]

I'd pretty much agree.  Keep in mind, though, that a dual-core or quad-
core CPU, whether it's Intel or AMD, is not often going to help you  
with much of the software out there that is not specifically written  
to take advantage of both cores.

That's not to say that I wouldn't buy one--in fact, I'd definitely  
recommend any dual-core CPU over a Pentium D or single-core AMD if  
you're trying to buy something that will serve your general needs for  
the foreseeable future.  If you're trying to stay on the cheap side,  
any of those you mentioned will run PSK31 or the other sound card-
based programs for ham communications, dual-core or not.

If any thing, I'd try to make sure that the box I buy has a decent  
"name brand" sound card in it, like a Sound Blaster Audigy or similar  
card, especially one that advertises more capability than a basic 16-
bit A/D converter, which is what most Windows-type sound cards use.  
They'll all work fine, but a 20-bit card will give you some edge if  
you get into SDR (software-defined radio) designs or maybe next year's  
newest sound-card based ham decoders.

As far as front-side bus goes, the higher speeds, of course, will give  
you better performance.  The downside is that you will pay more for  
the faster memory sticks that are required.  Generally, you don't need  
the fastest front-side bus unless you're using software that really  
needs it, and it doesn't sound like you are.

If I were you, I'd probably opt for a mid-range 2+ GHz Intel Core 2  
Duo-based box that advertised its quietness.  I hate fan noise in the  
shack, and the older CPU's often run hotter than some of the newer  
dual-core stuff, requiring faster, noisier fans.

I'm sure that the advice to use a 3 GHz processor was assuming the  
"old" single-core technology.  Even though a dual-core CPU running at  
2 GHz won't run twice as fast as a single-core, you will definitely  
see a benefit compared to the "faster" single CPU.  Some of the  
operating system overhead (presumably Windows in your case) can be  
handled more efficiently by the dual-core structure, giving the  
appearance of a faster overall CPU "experience" to whatever program  
you're running.

Generally, I'd stay away from anything called "Celeron" these days.  
In earlier times it was Intel's code word for "cheapest chip with less  
capabilities than the others."  Even if the clock speed is higher.

Bottom line: 2 cores at 2.0 GHz will generally run as fast or faster  
than a 3.0 GHz Pentium D with less heat.  A quad core box is great if  
you want to drop the money on it, but it won't be twice as fast as a  
dual-core unless you're running very specific software or an OS that  
can take advantage of it (like Mac OS X).  For front-side bus speed,  
go with whatever your pocketbook allows.  Faster is always better.  
And I'd generally recommend Intel over AMD, but that's a personal  
preference only.

Hope this helps a bit.

73,

Dave K7DAA
http://www.k7daa.com


On Feb 23, 2008, at 2:30 PM, Hisashi T Fujinaka wrote:

> I work for one of the companies in question, so it's hard for me to be
> completely objective.
>
> CPU frequency isn't the only thing because there are multiple internal
> clocks on the CPUs and one big number isn't going to tell you
> everything about how fast things are running internally. The Pentium  
> D's
> with higher clock rates aren't as fast as the Core 2's with lower  
> clock
> rates in every case I've benchmarked (keep in mind I have only a very
> minimal set of benchmarks to go on here).
>
> You should also look at power consumpution (the fans are going to  
> drive
> you nuts sometimes). I have noticed that the Core 2 processors are
> faster but seem to run the fans a lot less than the Pentium Ds.
>
> Multi-core processors are going to do well fo you if you need to do
> multiple processor-intensive things at once.  I'm not sure how much
> processor it requires to do PSK31 while also running all the Vista
> nonsense in the background; someone else will have to vouch for that.
>
> So by now you can probably tell which company I work for. My basic
> suggestion is to go with a Core 2 system over a Pentium D system  
> because
> there was a significant architecture change and it helps the computers
> run cooler and quieter. And that's just me talking, not the company.
>
> Oh, and it's usually true nowadays that the computers are fast  
> enough to
> do whatever you need, unless you're processing video in the background
> while you're trying to run the rig.
>
> On Sat, 23 Feb 2008, Robert Tellefsen wrote:
>
>> Hi Doug
>> You've got some real legitimate questions that a
>> lot of us "non-gurus" would like to hear the answers
>> to.  If you get a lot of your replies direct, could you
>> summarize them in a post to us "masses"?
>> Thanks and 73
>> Bob N6WG
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL" <[hidden email]>
>> To: <[hidden email]>
>> Sent: Saturday, February 23, 2008 3:49 AM
>> Subject: [Elecraft] OT: Attn CPU gurus - help me
>>
>>
>>> I want to hook my K3's up to the latest skimmer software along with
>>> computer control of the rig, etc. and of course via the LP-Pan when
>> it
>>> is available (soon).
>>>
>>> My query is about the computer processor and associated elements.
>>>
>>> Currently, I am reading that the way to go for skimmer (192kc
>>> bandwidth - not that I need that), is to use a machine with a 3G
>>> processor.
>>>
>>> But that seems to only account for one element of the system
>> "rating."
>>>
>>> My current ham radio computer is a fossil on which I run DOS stuff.
>>> But my "home" computer (this one) is a Pentium 4, 3.0 Gig.  Sounds
>>> right, but......
>>>
>>> When I look at the new machines (which seem relatively cheap for
>> what
>>> you get), I see:
>>>
>>> Core 2 Quad Q6600
>>> Core 2 Duo
>>> Pentiuim Dual Core
>>> Celeron
>>> Athlon 64
>>> etc.
>>>
>>> Then I see speeds for each of the above, NONE of which goes up to
>> 3.0
>>> gig.  Just because my current processor has the "3.0 gig label," I
>> am
>>> assuming that these newer releases are even faster, despite the
>> lower
>>> clock rate.
>>>
>>> For the app's that I'm looking at, DOES CLOCK RATE RULE or does this
>>> other stuff count too?
>>>
>>> I also see big variables on the L2 Cache: 2MB, 4MB, 8MB - relatively
>>> speaking, how important are these compared to the other factors?
>>>
>>> And then there is the Front Side Bus speed:  800, 1333.  Weird that
>>> the Core 2 Quad (which sounds like "the best" to me) has a FSB of
>> 1066
>>> (not the fastest).
>>>
>>> And finally, there is the clock speed, which for most of the above
>> is
>>> 2.2, 2.33, 2.66 gig (again, not reaching 3.0).
>>>
>>> How do I put all this together?  Again, for MY apps, which figure of
>>> merit is most important?  Or do I just multiply them all together?
>>> :-)
>>>
>>> Reminder:  "CPU gurus" only need respond.  I prefer direct replies,
>>> but I assume that this topic might be of wide interest to the
>> Elecraft
>>> group...YOUR CHOICE if you respond to the list or just to me.
>>>
>>> THANKS A TON!
>>>
>>> de Doug KR2Q
>>> "Expert on DRGs, not CPUs"
>>>
>>> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diagnosis-related_group  <this page is
>>> rather outdated>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Elecraft mailing list
>>> Post to: [hidden email]
>>> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
>>> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
>>> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>>>
>>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
>>> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Post to: [hidden email]
>> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
>> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
>> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>>
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
>> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
>>
>
> --
> Hisashi T Fujinaka - [hidden email]
> BSEE(6/86) + BSChem(3/95) + BAEnglish(8/95) + MSCS(8/03) + $2.50 =  
> latte
> _______________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Post to: [hidden email]
> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

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Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

[Dave Andrus-3]

Oops, one more thing I should add.  You didn't mention anything about  
any other parameters, such as disk speeds or types, or the amount of  
memory you'd buy, so I'll just make a quick comment about them.

If you're running Windows, I'd recommend 2 GB of RAM as a minimum.  4  
GB isn't considered outrageous if you're going to run Vista.  I know  
that sounds crazy if you haven't run Windows XP or Vista, but believe  
me, the amount of RAM you have in your system can make a bigger  
difference than a doubling of clock speed.  It's waaay different than  
the old DOS-based days.  Windows Vista starts to get really sluggish  
on 512 MB or less.  XP will run OK-ish on 256 MB or 512 MB, but it  
also will run faster with more RAM.

Disks:  These days, with disk capacities having grown by leaps and  
bounds, you do not save hardly any cash by specifying "only" an 80  
gigabyte disk compared to, say, a 250 GB disk.  Some of the bigger  
disks will also run faster than the smaller disks due to increased  
caches and internal geometries.  Many base-model systems now come  
standard with a 200 GB or larger disk.  500 GB disks are getting close  
to the "sweet spot" price-wise.  1 terabyte drives are very common.  
One of the new products we just designed at Apple includes a 1 TB  
drive, just for backups!

73,

Dave K7DAA
http://www.k7daa.com

On Feb 23, 2008, at 4:02 PM, Dave Andrus wrote:

> I'd pretty much agree.  Keep in mind, though, that a dual-core or  
> quad-core CPU, whether it's Intel or AMD, is not often going to help  
> you with much of the software out there that is not specifically  
> written to take advantage of both cores.
>
> That's not to say that I wouldn't buy one--in fact, I'd definitely  
> recommend any dual-core CPU over a Pentium D or single-core AMD if  
> you're trying to buy something that will serve your general needs  
> for the foreseeable future.  If you're trying to stay on the cheap  
> side, any of those you mentioned will run PSK31 or the other sound  
> card-based programs for ham communications, dual-core or not.
>
> If any thing, I'd try to make sure that the box I buy has a decent  
> "name brand" sound card in it, like a Sound Blaster Audigy or  
> similar card, especially one that advertises more capability than a  
> basic 16-bit A/D converter, which is what most Windows-type sound  
> cards use.  They'll all work fine, but a 20-bit card will give you  
> some edge if you get into SDR (software-defined radio) designs or  
> maybe next year's newest sound-card based ham decoders.
>
> As far as front-side bus goes, the higher speeds, of course, will  
> give you better performance.  The downside is that you will pay more  
> for the faster memory sticks that are required.  Generally, you  
> don't need the fastest front-side bus unless you're using software  
> that really needs it, and it doesn't sound like you are.
>
> If I were you, I'd probably opt for a mid-range 2+ GHz Intel Core 2  
> Duo-based box that advertised its quietness.  I hate fan noise in  
> the shack, and the older CPU's often run hotter than some of the  
> newer dual-core stuff, requiring faster, noisier fans.
>
> I'm sure that the advice to use a 3 GHz processor was assuming the  
> "old" single-core technology.  Even though a dual-core CPU running  
> at 2 GHz won't run twice as fast as a single-core, you will  
> definitely see a benefit compared to the "faster" single CPU.  Some  
> of the operating system overhead (presumably Windows in your case)  
> can be handled more efficiently by the dual-core structure, giving  
> the appearance of a faster overall CPU "experience" to whatever  
> program you're running.
>
> Generally, I'd stay away from anything called "Celeron" these days.  
> In earlier times it was Intel's code word for "cheapest chip with  
> less capabilities than the others."  Even if the clock speed is  
> higher.
>
> Bottom line: 2 cores at 2.0 GHz will generally run as fast or faster  
> than a 3.0 GHz Pentium D with less heat.  A quad core box is great  
> if you want to drop the money on it, but it won't be twice as fast  
> as a dual-core unless you're running very specific software or an OS  
> that can take advantage of it (like Mac OS X).  For front-side bus  
> speed, go with whatever your pocketbook allows.  Faster is always  
> better.  And I'd generally recommend Intel over AMD, but that's a  
> personal preference only.
>
> Hope this helps a bit.
>
> 73,
>
> Dave K7DAA
> http://www.k7daa.com
>
>
> On Feb 23, 2008, at 2:30 PM, Hisashi T Fujinaka wrote:
>
>> I work for one of the companies in question, so it's hard for me to  
>> be
>> completely objective.
>>
>> CPU frequency isn't the only thing because there are multiple  
>> internal
>> clocks on the CPUs and one big number isn't going to tell you
>> everything about how fast things are running internally. The  
>> Pentium D's
>> with higher clock rates aren't as fast as the Core 2's with lower  
>> clock
>> rates in every case I've benchmarked (keep in mind I have only a very
>> minimal set of benchmarks to go on here).
>>
>> You should also look at power consumpution (the fans are going to  
>> drive
>> you nuts sometimes). I have noticed that the Core 2 processors are
>> faster but seem to run the fans a lot less than the Pentium Ds.
>>
>> Multi-core processors are going to do well fo you if you need to do
>> multiple processor-intensive things at once.  I'm not sure how much
>> processor it requires to do PSK31 while also running all the Vista
>> nonsense in the background; someone else will have to vouch for that.
>>
>> So by now you can probably tell which company I work for. My basic
>> suggestion is to go with a Core 2 system over a Pentium D system  
>> because
>> there was a significant architecture change and it helps the  
>> computers
>> run cooler and quieter. And that's just me talking, not the company.
>>
>> Oh, and it's usually true nowadays that the computers are fast  
>> enough to
>> do whatever you need, unless you're processing video in the  
>> background
>> while you're trying to run the rig.
>>
>> On Sat, 23 Feb 2008, Robert Tellefsen wrote:
>>
>>> Hi Doug
>>> You've got some real legitimate questions that a
>>> lot of us "non-gurus" would like to hear the answers
>>> to.  If you get a lot of your replies direct, could you
>>> summarize them in a post to us "masses"?
>>> Thanks and 73
>>> Bob N6WG
>>>
>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>> From: "DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL" <[hidden email]>
>>> To: <[hidden email]>
>>> Sent: Saturday, February 23, 2008 3:49 AM
>>> Subject: [Elecraft] OT: Attn CPU gurus - help me
>>>
>>>
>>>> I want to hook my K3's up to the latest skimmer software along with
>>>> computer control of the rig, etc. and of course via the LP-Pan when
>>> it
>>>> is available (soon).
>>>>
>>>> My query is about the computer processor and associated elements.
>>>>
>>>> Currently, I am reading that the way to go for skimmer (192kc
>>>> bandwidth - not that I need that), is to use a machine with a 3G
>>>> processor.
>>>>
>>>> But that seems to only account for one element of the system
>>> "rating."
>>>>
>>>> My current ham radio computer is a fossil on which I run DOS stuff.
>>>> But my "home" computer (this one) is a Pentium 4, 3.0 Gig.  Sounds
>>>> right, but......
>>>>
>>>> When I look at the new machines (which seem relatively cheap for
>>> what
>>>> you get), I see:
>>>>
>>>> Core 2 Quad Q6600
>>>> Core 2 Duo
>>>> Pentiuim Dual Core
>>>> Celeron
>>>> Athlon 64
>>>> etc.
>>>>
>>>> Then I see speeds for each of the above, NONE of which goes up to
>>> 3.0
>>>> gig.  Just because my current processor has the "3.0 gig label," I
>>> am
>>>> assuming that these newer releases are even faster, despite the
>>> lower
>>>> clock rate.
>>>>
>>>> For the app's that I'm looking at, DOES CLOCK RATE RULE or does  
>>>> this
>>>> other stuff count too?
>>>>
>>>> I also see big variables on the L2 Cache: 2MB, 4MB, 8MB -  
>>>> relatively
>>>> speaking, how important are these compared to the other factors?
>>>>
>>>> And then there is the Front Side Bus speed:  800, 1333.  Weird that
>>>> the Core 2 Quad (which sounds like "the best" to me) has a FSB of
>>> 1066
>>>> (not the fastest).
>>>>
>>>> And finally, there is the clock speed, which for most of the above
>>> is
>>>> 2.2, 2.33, 2.66 gig (again, not reaching 3.0).
>>>>
>>>> How do I put all this together?  Again, for MY apps, which figure  
>>>> of
>>>> merit is most important?  Or do I just multiply them all together?
>>>> :-)
>>>>
>>>> Reminder:  "CPU gurus" only need respond.  I prefer direct replies,
>>>> but I assume that this topic might be of wide interest to the
>>> Elecraft
>>>> group...YOUR CHOICE if you respond to the list or just to me.
>>>>
>>>> THANKS A TON!
>>>>
>>>> de Doug KR2Q
>>>> "Expert on DRGs, not CPUs"
>>>>
>>>> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diagnosis-related_group  <this page is
>>>> rather outdated>
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>>>
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>>
>> --
>> Hisashi T Fujinaka - [hidden email]
>> BSEE(6/86) + BSChem(3/95) + BAEnglish(8/95) + MSCS(8/03) + $2.50 =  
>> latte
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>
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[N5GE]

On Sat, 23 Feb 2008 14:30:46 -0800 (PST), you wrote:

[snip]

>You should also look at power consumpution (the fans are going to drive
>you nuts sometimes). I have noticed that the Core 2 processors are
>faster but seem to run the fans a lot less than the Pentium Ds.
>
[snip]

I can say that you are quite right about the above.  I just finished building a
rack mount server last week with a Core Duo 2.4G processor with copper pipe
cooling running Win 2003 64 bit.  It runs cooler than any server I've ever owned
and performs very well. The fans are running on slow speed all of the time.  It
is a domain controller and also supports a SQL Server 2005 Enterprise 64 bit
installation.  tell you bosses (engineers) good work...

Tom, N5GE - SWOT 3537 - Grid EM12jq

"They that can give up essential liberty
to obtain a little temporary safety
deserve neither liberty nor safety."

--Benjamin Franklin 1775


Support the entire Constitution, not
just the parts you like.

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http://www.eQSL.cc/Member.cfm?N5GE

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[N5GE]

On Sat, 23 Feb. 2008 16:20:10 -0800, K7DAA wrote:

[snip]

>1 terabyte drives are very common.  
>One of the new products we just designed at Apple includes a 1 TB  
>drive, just for backups!

Yep I just built a new server and added a 1T external drive for backups.

[snip]

Tom, N5GE - SWOT 3537 - Grid EM12jq

"They that can give up essential liberty
to obtain a little temporary safety
deserve neither liberty nor safety."

--Benjamin Franklin 1775


Support the entire Constitution, not
just the parts you like.

http://www.n5ge.com
http://www.eQSL.cc/Member.cfm?N5GE

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[N2EY]

In a message dated 2/23/08 8:54:42 PM Eastern Standard Time, [hidden email]
writes:


> 1T external drive for backups.
>

Western Digital makes a series of external drives that look like a book.

The case ventilation holes in the top spell out various words in Morse Code.

I am not making this up.

73 de Jim, N2EY


**************
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