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Hi, All.
I am currently a student getting my Ph.D., but in the process I will be getting my Bachelor's in Software Engineering. I am getting a new computer, and I could really use some help deciding which one best meets the requirements for programming.
One is a 2.5 Dual 3GB cache 4GB RAM, the other is a 1.7 Quad, 6GB cache 4GB RAM. From what I have researched it seems as though more cores is really only significant if a software application multi-threads, but as I am unfamiliar with the attributes of programming software, I have no idea which one to go with.
I would really appreciate your thoughts or opinions on the matter. This is somewhat time-sensitive, as I have an e-coupon to save $550 off the 1.7 Quad that expires in two days. Please advise.
:c-penguin:
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Question Regarding Best Hardware Specs For Programming.
Started by Poecilotheria, Dec 23 2010 05:49 PM
3 replies to this topic
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#2
Posted 23 December 2010 - 06:38 PM
Alexander
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It's Science!
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I would go for the cheaper of the two, unless you are developing Java applications with at least a hundred package includes on top of a debugger then you will never actually use those computers to their full potential.
Programming does not require a strong computer, it just may compile a bit faster but compile time today is not much of an issue anymore.
Programming does not require a strong computer, it just may compile a bit faster but compile time today is not much of an issue anymore.
Be sure to read the updated FAQ! || Health is achieved through the same 10,000 steps.
If a suggested code/method fails, informing us is less important than telling us why or what errors occurred.
If a suggested code/method fails, informing us is less important than telling us why or what errors occurred.
#3
Posted 23 December 2010 - 06:46 PM
mr mike
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Learning Programmer
Unless you do work for massive dynamic(Fringe reference) any computer will work for programming. I use a dell inspiron n4010 for programming laptop(only $600).
#4
Posted 23 December 2010 - 06:52 PM
Poecilotheria
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nullw0rm and mr. mike,
Thank you both for your input. It was my understanding that programming was not all that resource intensive, but as I am not experienced I definitely wanted to get an expert opinion on the matter. The sales lady admitted to not being a tech person, but was under the belief that quads made all programs run faster. As I mentioned, when I researched it I discovered that was not the case. If compilers and programming tools generally do not multi-thread, I will go with the 2.53 Dual. Since most the only applications that currently multi-thread are the resource-intensive applications generally associated with CAD, CG, Graphics, Music and Multi-media, getting a computer with a processor that is slower than the one I currently have would not make sense and would be downright silly if the applications I am using are only capable of being run on one processor.
Thanks, Guys. I really appreciate your help. :-)
-Starr
PS
mr. mike,
I Googled "massive dynamic". I had never heard of it, before. Seems really interesting. You helped more than you know! :c-biggrin:
Thank you both for your input. It was my understanding that programming was not all that resource intensive, but as I am not experienced I definitely wanted to get an expert opinion on the matter. The sales lady admitted to not being a tech person, but was under the belief that quads made all programs run faster. As I mentioned, when I researched it I discovered that was not the case. If compilers and programming tools generally do not multi-thread, I will go with the 2.53 Dual. Since most the only applications that currently multi-thread are the resource-intensive applications generally associated with CAD, CG, Graphics, Music and Multi-media, getting a computer with a processor that is slower than the one I currently have would not make sense and would be downright silly if the applications I am using are only capable of being run on one processor.
Thanks, Guys. I really appreciate your help. :-)
-Starr
PS
mr. mike,
I Googled "massive dynamic". I had never heard of it, before. Seems really interesting. You helped more than you know! :c-biggrin:
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