How big CPU and Ram does everyone use

[Keith]

I switched to Esignal from stand alone and am having lock up, slow down problems. I have 1.4 chip w/512 RAM. Looking into bigger and more but wondering what everyone else has on board. Using 2, 17 inch flat panel monitor thru a 2 plug video card off the one computer. Wondering if I'm lagging here

[Keith]

I forgot a few things

I have XP, I bought the computer new three years ago.

[JayF]

This really depends on what kind of demands are being put on eSignal. Within the last few months, we've updated our System Requirements and also included additional sections titled "Power User Recommendations" and "Power User Definitions". These sections talk about our suggestions for those users that put a heavier than average load on their systems. I would definitely encourage you to take a look, and see how it compares to your PC and how you use eSignal .

[MR]

Re: How big CPU and Ram does everyone use

Here is the latest requirement ideas ():

Originally posted by Keith
I switched to Esignal from stand alone and am having lock up, slow down problems. I have 1.4 chip w/512 RAM. Looking into bigger and more but wondering what everyone else has on board. Using 2, 17 inch flat panel monitor thru a 2 plug video card off the one computer. Wondering if I'm lagging here

[Guest]

I have put together a performance monitor efs which you can run to see where you are, I will attach it. I am still awaiting comments from a number of people so I have yet to complete it. You are welcome to run it fyi to see where you are.

I have an intel cpu. The one person who ran this test with an older AMD had surprisingly good results.

Here is what I would recommend

3.0 Ghz cpu with hyperthreading
1 meg memory
motherboard that can be overclocked.

I posted an updated wish list which has all the components listed at newegg.com, however, it takes some time to become available there. I will post the link when it becomes available.

edit ~ here is the link to the PC Configuration I put together. I picked out the 2.8 Ghz in this config because it has 1 Meg internal cache versus 512 K. Also, the sound card I have in there is not necessary, the motherboard has onboard sound. This configuration is very similar to one I have that I am overclocking at 30% (3.6 Ghz) which FWIW has been very stable and extrememely fast.

On the performance efs, open it and read the instructions before you run it.

[DuaneG]

Hi Keith

I'm running a Pentium 4, 2.4GHz, with 512 MB RAM. I am also running Windows XP Pro. You may want to go through this FAQ regarding freezing and performance issues. Nothing is jumping out as far as hardware deficiencies so there may be another issue that could be causing this.

[Ainsley]

PC Lockup

the freezing and lagging that was originally posted would most probably be caused by

1- high CPU demand
2- low memory resulting in the operating system having to page
3- graphics card having trouble supporting the resolution you have selected
4- Hard Disk throughput is bottlenecked (newish drives have 8 meg cache onboard)

ensure you get twin DVI (Digital outputs) for the two flat panel displays.

Also you could try running some tools like ace utilities and tweak xp to try and clean up your system.

good luck

PS its always a good time to upgrade,

[Keith]

Thanks Ainsley

Thanks for the Ace Utility link. I did that and PC doctor and everything seems fine now. I'm going to buy an Alien ware computer pretty soon w/all the cool stuff. My video card is an ATI but w/analog inputs so I will go full digital this time around. Thanks to everyone for their input.

[Ainsley]

New Machine points to remember

good to hear that the problem has improved

if you are to get a new PC, some things to keep in mind are

1 - two types of power supply fans exist, a cheap noisy one and a slghtly more expenive super quite one, get the quite one as it makes a difference

2- ensure the memory is the latest and greatest, dont get stuck with the old stock thats half the speed that your machine can run at- Get 500 Meg

3- ensure the hard disk drive has 8 meg cache at least, if not your Advanced Get searchs will be slow, very slow

4- ensure the monitor card is a good one so that you can get drivers and support ie nividia GeForce 4 Ti 4200 AGP8x or better

5- go the pentium hyper-threading technology, XP uses it so you may as well have it.

[Ainsley]

fast memory

nice fast memory currently is the 1024mb 4400 but you only need 500 meg so try and find that in the 4400 speed range

[Guest]

I agree 100% with what you are saying. BTW, the Ace Utility link is outstanding. I bought Registry First Aid last night, I wish I had bought the Ace Package.

Couple things I would like to add -

Power supply is very important, the one I spec'd below at new egg is very good, but there are others as good. Just get a very good one, it is extremely important IMHO!

Memory - the faster the better, I would recommend 1024 Meg which is consistent with what you said.

Remeber, eSignal does not take advantage of hyperthreading, however, IMHO it allows you to run other applications without impacting eSignal. Because of this though, you need to get the fastest processor you can, for future functionallity.

I recommend overclocking, since eSignal only uses 50% of processor capability, overheating has not been an issue at all for me. 30% is easily obtained (provided MotherBoard and power supply are stable).

Very fast hard drive - the western digital I listed in new Egg spec below is 30% faster, hands down over any of the 7200 RPM drives.

Any good video cards anyone?

[Ainsley]

Fast Computer & Slow Searchs

Even with all the latest gear, the searchs can be slowish

So if your impatient and feel your pc is flat out like a lizard drinking, try and load the whole lot in memory

So, in short, if you need searchs during the day, what can be done is move the entire program and data into memory, this really zips through the searchs fast


'This is relevant for Advanced Get EOD

[Bob A.]

Re multimonitor graphics cards, I'm very happy with Appian Graphics. I've been running an older AppianX 4-head on my older CPU for the past 2+ years and have recently added an Appian Rushmore 4-head on my new CPU (PIV 3.0 HT w/2GB RAM).

[BakedWafer]

3.2 Ghz Xeon, 1 Gig Ram.