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Prioritise RAM or processor? (lemmygrad.ml)

submitted 1 year ago by redtea@lemmygrad.ml to c/leftistunix@lemmygrad.ml

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Hello Comrades,

Thanks for all your advice about setting up Linux. It was a success. The problem is that I’m now I’m intrigued and I’d like to play around a bit more.

I’m thinking of building a cheap-ish computer but I have a few questions. I’ll split them into separate posts to make things easier. Note: I won’t be installing anything that I can’t get to work on Linux.

Should I prioritise RAM or the processor? My budget is limited so I will have to make a choice between RAM and the processor. Would it be better to go for e.g. 32GB RAM and a slower processor, or 8GB RAM and a faster processor? Or is balance better? Say, 16GB RAM and a 'medium' processor (that's 'medium' between the 'slower' and the 'faster' option within my budget, not 'medium' for the market).

Intel or AMD?

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[–] Spanish_Commie@lemmygrad.ml 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I think nowadays 8GB of RAM doesn't really make the cut anymore depending on the workload, but you should keep in mind that upgrading a CPU will most likely force you to upgrade your motherboard as well, since by that time there will be newer CPUs that your motherboard won't support. Upgrading RAM in the future will be less expensive as you can just use new RAM sticks alongside the ones you already have though it will probably affect performance if they are mismatched.

I think that having a fast CPU now will definitely be better on the long run, but that's just my opinion. There are probably other comrades more knowledgeable than me.

[–] redtea@lemmygrad.ml 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

That makes sense. So I'd go for a motherboard that works with a decent processor and get the best processor I can afford? Then add 16GB RAM if it's still within the budget, knowing that I can add another stick in a year?

When looking for a CPU, should I be overly concerned with the number of cores/threads and clock speed? Or is there a more important consideration? I see that manufacturers mention the overclock speed, too, nowadays; I'd have thought it's better to stick to its standard max speed – is that an outdated view?