Computer information help

  • Thread starter RacecarBMW
  • 51 comments
  • 2,707 views
RacecarBMW

RacecarBMW

725
Canada
Toronto
RacecarBMW
Page 2 update. I'll post it here.

Ok so if all is well this is what I will purchase this week.

Here are the specs and keep in mind I am not planning on getting this for gaming but I would like to play the odd game every once in a while and overall I want this computer to be fast when I'm browsing or have a couple youtube tabs open anyways here are the specs.


  • Intel i7-2670QM processor @ 2.2 GHz
  • 8GB DDR3 SDRAM
  • 1GB AMD Radeon HD 7470M -- (I heard this is just a re branded 6490M)
  • 17.3-in LED display, 1600x900
  • 1 TB SATA, 5400 rpm

and here is an image just to look at it :)

506193c_EN.jpg


So what do you think? What kind of performance can I expect?

Disregard the following (earlier question)
Hello Gtplanet users,

I'm currently scouting the market for a new computer and I need some help with some specs.

1. What can you tell me about AMD Quad-Core A8 3800 it is clocked at 2.4GHZ and the graphics card with this system is listed as AMD Radeon HD 6550D. THis system also has 6GB of ram. From a bit of research I have found out that this is an APU and I have no clue what that is?

What kind of performance can I expect from this setup? I am not looking to play games or anything like that but I want something relatively powerful. How does this compare to an i7?

2. What is better a low end graphics card or Intel integrated graphics also how bad are integrated graphics?

I'm looking at a couple AIO computers and the specs are all over the place and it seems like the pricing is very random and some have an i7 but integrated graphics while others are dual core i5s.

Thank you for your help.
 
Last edited:
i7, for pure CPU speed are currently unrivalled.

If you have an i7-2500K or i7-2600K, they can easily be overclocked to about 4Ghz on air. Or 5Ghz on air, I forget which one now. They're blazingly fast and as performance chips, far outstrips any of AMD offerings, including the AMD Phenom II Thurban chips (1100T chips) AND the Bulldozer chips. Which was quite disappointing as it means that Intel can pretty much set its own price for their chips.

Ah, APU. Welcome to the world of a CPU and a GPU on a single chip. APU stands for "Accelerated Processing Unit". This particular chip has a CPU part and a GPU part and they both basically allow you to build a computer system without needing a dedicated graphics card. Highly useful for media centre builds or small form factor builds. And laptops too.

Currently, the AMD A8 series trounce the Intel APU offering in graphics, as Intel GPU section is rather weak in playing graphically intensive games and graphics design work. Or even just watching HD heavy content. Having said that, Intel CPU section is still quicker than AMD again.

Now, I've realised that you're asking for All In One systems. I'm not that sure on that particular market area, but I would advise you, that right now, AMD A8 series are the better option for integrated CPU and GPU systems. While the CPU side of it is slower than Intel's offering, you're not going to actually notice the difference. The GPU side will be rather good and will play some modern games at a relatively good resolution, in comparison to the competition. This is just for the APU systems.

Although, it does depends what you want from the computer itself. What do you want it to do? Why do you want something relatively powerful? What makes you want to have a computer that can be blazingly fast but doesn't actually do anything with the performance? Is it for a long term computer, to last five or ten years?

If you want something to last a while, an i7 CPU with a dedicated graphics card, such as AMD 6700-series or Nvidia 4*0/5*0-series should be good.

Are you bothered about electricity cost?
 
Yes I am looking for something that will last for around 5-6 years. Every once in a while I do some video editing but nothing major.

The main reason is because I bought a low-mid range laptop a couple of years ago thinking I didn't need all the power of the high end laptops at that time but my laptop was a pain to use even loading many flash intensive websites or watching an HD video would start to lag up the machine.

I am currently using a 4 year old desktop that has served me well and I want something with similar performance or even better.

Here are the specs for my current desktop:
Intel Core2 Quad CPU Q6700 @ 2.66GHZ
4GB RAM
GeForce 8600GT

edit: oops forgot the specs.
 
Submerged
Just a desktop computer or a specific All in One computer (which I assume has all the components inside a monitor)?
Click to expand...

My current desktop is just a desktop I am looking for an All in one.

But how does the A8 compare to my current computer?

Thank you so much for your help.
 
RacecarBMW
Yes I am looking for something that will last for around 5-6 years. Every once in a while I do some video editing but nothing major.

The main reason is because I bought a low-mid range laptop a couple of years ago thinking I didn't need all the power of the high end laptops at that time but my laptop was a pain to use even loading many flash intensive websites or watching an HD video would start to lag up the machine.

I am currently using a 4 year old desktop that has served me well and I want something with similar performance or even better.

Here are the specs for my current desktop:
Intel Core2 Quad CPU Q6700 @ 2.66GHZ
4GB RAM
GeForce 8600GT

edit: oops forgot the specs.
Click to expand...

Upgrade the graphics, RAM, and stick windows 7 on it.. That computer is fine.

I have an Intel Core2Extreme QX6700 and it does more than any normal person needs in terms of power.
 
bergauk
Upgrade the graphics, RAM, and stick windows 7 on it.. That computer is fine.

I have an Intel Core2Extreme QX6700 and it does more than any normal person needs in terms of power.
Click to expand...

Yea performance wise it feels pretty good and rarely slows down and I have windows 7 on it. But the computer itself is causing me a lot of headache. It has so many problems and they are all hardware related. I tried checking it myself and I couldn't fix it and I took it to multiple repair shops but it still is not running reliably.

To put it in perspective I seriously don't think it will last me another week, I am planning on buying my new computer very soon.

Also Submerged when you asked earlier about electricity costs, It doesn't really matter to me a lot.
 
What are the current problems of the computer at the moment? Sudden power loss? Or odd slowdowns? Strange artefacts on the screens?

Reason why I ask is that it may be a very simple solution to the problem, such as requiring a more efficient PSU or whatever. Although if several repair shops couldn't fix it, then.... that's odd.

The A8 is a quad core processor. The Intel you have is a dual core (I'm assuming it is, from the name of the processor). So there should be a jump in performance as it should run smoother and you should be able to do more at the same time.

For an All in One system, to spec'd it easily I would advise the A8 system as all you have to do is to check the processor model number and the RAM it has. With Intel, you need to check the CPU model, dedicated graphics card (AMD or Nvidia) and the RAM (as common opinion is that the Intel integrated GPU system leaves something to be desired). While the Intel dedicated CPU system will be faster, the whole system may run hotter (maybe louder with fans) as it is having to power more parts to supply the energy requirements.

If you do a lot of film watching or quiet spreadsheet/word processing work, this can get a tad irritating.... especially if it is a space heater!
 
Submerged
What are the current problems of the computer at the moment? Sudden power loss? Or odd slowdowns? Strange artefacts on the screens?

Reason why I ask is that it may be a very simple solution to the problem, such as requiring a more efficient PSU or whatever. Although if several repair shops couldn't fix it, then.... that's odd.

The A8 is a quad core processor. The Intel you have is a dual core (I'm assuming it is, from the name of the processor). So there should be a jump in performance as it should run smoother and you should be able to do more at the same time.

For an All in One system, to spec'd it easily I would advise the A8 system as all you have to do is to check the processor model number and the RAM it has. With Intel, you need to check the CPU model, dedicated graphics card (AMD or Nvidia) and the RAM (as common opinion is that the Intel integrated GPU system leaves something to be desired). While the Intel dedicated CPU system will be faster, the whole system may run hotter (maybe louder with fans) as it is having to power more parts to supply the energy requirements.

If you do a lot of film watching or quiet spreadsheet/word processing work, this can get a tad irritating.... especially if it is a space heater!
Click to expand...


Hmm that is interesting but I would like to point out that my current intel is a quad core.

So the A8 setup I posted above is more powerful than my current setup. Is that correct?
 
CPU Comparison sheet

Looking at the link, you can see that the AMD A8-3800 is only a few processors above your current processor. So you are likely to see the same performance in CPU intensive tasks.

The AMD is only up to 2.4 Ghz while your Intel is at 2.66Ghz. However, the AMD should be a bit more efficient with its energy cost and may have an ability to clock down when it is not needed to work so fast.
 
Is it possible for you to overclock that CPU you currently have?

Also, the APU will be better in terms of graphics too. However, you WILL need to buy a new motherboard, which in my opinion is not worth it.
 
Thank you submerged that link is very helpful.

NissanSkylineN1 I am getting rid of my whole computer and buying a totally brand new one.

Also another question if I get integrated graphics can I still use the aero effects and all that stuff on WIndows. I know that windows does a graphics card check and then allow you to choose what effects you want.

Basiclly what can the integrated graphics do and what can't they do? Are all games a no?
 
bergauk
At least part out your old one.. The processor should still be worth something.
Click to expand...

Its got 2 500GB hardrives I plan on keeping those, I'm not actually throwing it out Ill just put to a side somewhere. Its not worth fixing. But I really like the case maybe in the future I can build a custom rig based off of the case.
 
Lots of misinformation in here. More cores is not always worth the money. Quad core is as far as you should look unless you can name a piece of software you use that is programmed for more. i5-2500K is $100 cheaper and probably barely slower in real world use than a $329 i7-2600K. i7s have hyperthreading, making them capable of handling 8 CPU threads at once. Which just isn't going to be put to use by many people.
 
This is why I didn't like Intel's naming scheme, I always get confused between the i5-2500K and the i7-2600K and think that they're both the same series, rather than different.
 
RacecarBMW
Thank you submerged that link is very helpful.

NissanSkylineN1 I am getting rid of my whole computer and buying a totally brand new one.

Also another question if I get integrated graphics can I still use the aero effects and all that stuff on WIndows. I know that windows does a graphics card check and then allow you to choose what effects you want.

Basiclly what can the integrated graphics do and what can't they do? Are all games a no?
Click to expand...

Aero it can do, World of Warcarft too, but barely, so newer games wouldn't run. But Gfx card are not that expensive as long as you don't scout top range.

RacecarBMW
Its got 2 500GB hardrives I plan on keeping those, I'm not actually throwing it out Ill just put to a side somewhere. Its not worth fixing. But I really like the case maybe in the future I can build a custom rig based off of the case.
Click to expand...

The case: depends what case. If Dell or something like this, chances are high it's a BTX which is a custom OEM case and you will have problems finding hardware for it.

HDD should always be retaken. They usually are good for 10 years, so if the capacity is enough, there's no need in changing them.

(pff 2*500, I have 1*500 for Win7+Progams, 1*1000Gb for games, 1* 3000Gb for backup, 1*1000 for secondary backup, 1*750 for Photos, 2* 640bg for misc stuff (vids, music,...))

On the CPU, look to get a sockel that is upgradable/ supported in the future.
 
*ibo* S3 Racer
Aero it can do, World of Warcarft too, but barely, so newer games wouldn't run. But Gfx card are not that expensive as long as you don't scout top range.



The case: depends what case. If Dell or something like this, chances are high it's a BTX which is a custom OEM case and you will have problems finding hardware for it.

HDD should always be retaken. They usually are good for 10 years, so if the capacity is enough, there's no need in changing them.

(pff 2*500, I have 1*500 for Win7+Progams, 1*1000Gb for games, 1* 3000Gb for backup, 1*1000 for secondary backup, 1*750 for Photos, 2* 640bg for misc stuff (vids, music,...))

On the CPU, look to get a sockel that is upgradable/ supported in the future.
Click to expand...

I'd guess his case would be BTX as well. As many of the QX6700's were put into the OEM channel for companies like Gateway. The only thing you're honestly limited to would be the graphics card. The RAM could be upgraded to 8GB of DDR2 and that would be fine, and the video card, if you're lucky and find a slim-ish one could be upgraded to something like a 560Ti or 6770. Not much more could be done, but it's still a fairly capable machine.
 
That integrated graphics unit in the APUs can play Modern Warfare 2 at lowest settings and Dirt 3 at lowest settings. It is more appropriate for games like Coutner Strike source. To be honest, that current CPU can be some sort of a beast if overclocked, and serve you quite well for a few more years.


As for the GPU, how much do you want to spend?
 
I have said it a couple of times already. I am planning on getting a whole new computer. OEM built most likely. This current computer is not going to last me that long not because of performance issues but because it reliability. It's a wreck and I expect it to stop working any time soon.

Also if the integrated graphics are powerful enough to play those games at low settings then does it meant that they can be more powerful than some low end graphics cards?
 
Well, the APU is already rated for you. You see, when you go onto the website, each APU has a number with it that tells its discrete equivalence. For example, the A8 has a 6550D built in it, meaning that the graphics that it provides is equivalent to a discrete 6550.

A8 - 6550D
A6 - 6530D
A4 - 6410D
 
Ok a quick update between these 2 what is better? The HP seems to have a better graphics card (not sure) but the Acer has 16GB ram.

Do I even need that much ram. lol

HP

Acer
 
RacecarBMW
Ok a quick update between these 2 what is better? The HP seems to have a better graphics card (not sure) but the Acer has 16GB ram.

Do I even need that much ram. lol

HP

Acer
Click to expand...
Both have pretty bad graphic card that will not use your I7-2600k the way it should. For the price I would rather buy a i5-2500k wiht a GTX570 honestly.

In the same price range I would rather get that pc, perfect for gaming/multimedia/photoshop/working :

I5-2500k

That computer with a GTX560 or 570 would be really awesome. In my opinion ATI card a bit behind atm.
 
The HP is actually the best out of the laptops and desktops for gaming. Why? Because it has a 6770M. The desktops have pretty low end GPUs and the ASUS has a GT 540M.
 
Ok so if all is well this is what I will purchase this week.

Here are the specs and keep in mind I am not planning on getting this for gaming but I would like to play the odd game every once in a while and overall I want this computer to be fast when I'm browsing or have a couple youtube tabs open anyways here are the specs.


  • Intel i7-2670QM processor @ 2.2 GHz
  • 8GB DDR3 SDRAM
  • 1GB AMD Radeon HD 7470M -- (I heard this is just a re branded 6490M)
  • 17.3-in LED display, 1600x900
  • 1 TB SATA, 5400 rpm

and here is an image just to look at it :)

506193c_EN.jpg


So what do you think? What kind of performance can I expect?
 
RacecarBMW
Ok so if all is well this is what I will purchase this week.

Here are the specs and keep in mind I am not planning on getting this for gaming but I would like to play the odd game every once in a while and overall I want this computer to be fast when I'm browsing or have a couple youtube tabs open anyways here are the specs.


  • Intel i7-2670QM processor @ 2.2 GHz
  • 8GB DDR3 SDRAM
  • 1GB AMD Radeon HD 7470M -- (I heard this is just a re branded 6490M)
  • 17.3-in LED display, 1600x900
  • 1 TB SATA, 5400 rpm

and here is an image just to look at it :)

506193c_EN.jpg


So what do you think? What kind of performance can I expect?
Click to expand...

It's a HP, expect it to be broken after a year or so. But on the whole, it does look incredibly fast, enjoy the time you have with it.
 
Tom
It's a HP, expect it to be broken after a year or so. But on the whole, it does look incredibly fast, enjoy the time you have with it.
Click to expand...

:lol: yea I know you'd think I learned my lesson after my current HP :( but I'm afraid that can be said about every single OEM manufacturer, this one comes with a free 2 year warranty usually its 1 year.
 
sorry for the double post but are the specs on this laptop capable of running a dual monitor setup. So I use the laptop screen plus an extended monitor? Will it perform well?
 

Latest Posts

Back