Quad Core PC For Internet Browsing?

[amjedm]

A noob/silly question

I only use the computer for surfing or office applications, is there much point in me getting a Quad Core PC?

The only benefit I can think of is when running anti spyware scans etc. (have four programs running at the same time)

Thank you.

[aidanjt]

Zero point in getting a quad core for that use, dual core is more than enough for general desktop use even with a virus scanner going full welly. Just don't use Norton and a dual core will be more than enough.

[SiM]

I would just get an E7200 or an AM2 cpu

Quad is a bit overkill for basic desktop use

[staffsMike]

I'd go with AM2 I think, Low power and more than powerful enough integrated gfx on the motherboards providing DVI, HDMI and VGA if you need it

Pentium duals are more than enough for that sort of stuff if you want intel though. The E7200 is the maximum I would go.

[joshwa]

If you do get a quad core you can do things like distributed computing (see sig for folding at home)

But other than that no you don't need more than 2

[TAKTAK]

for general browsing a quaddie isn't needed and getting a dualie will not really slow you down at all...

why do you have so many AV programs? (unless i have mis-interpreted it)
1 good one, with a decent firewall will suffice (unless you mean an AV program and a spyware remover etc?)

[Mithrandir]

single core ftw!
(I'm on single core still)

But seriously, as others have mentioned, Dual core is more than sufficient for multi tasking yur needs.

[llololloy]

to be honest, even a modern architecture dual core cpu is probably more than enough for your needs.
I would suggest getting the lowest clock speed dual core intel (core2 family celeron?) or any modern low speed dual core amd (not followed amd closely recently).
My old athlon xp was plenty for office stuff.
If you get low speed modern chips you'll get a very quiet cpu that gives off very little heat, making for a lower power bill too.

[aidanjt]

Celerons are still rubbish, best sticking with the E2xxx or 4xxx series for a bit of extra cache, or AM2 low power chips, worth the money.

[Pob255]

Yes low cost e2xxx will be more than enough. andunder £50
And yes single core will happly cope as well, although I must say that vista seems to be more happy on a dual core than a single core.

Don't bother with a graphics card, a motherboard with onboard graphics will be fine (unless you already have a motherboard without on board which you are going to use)

Also don't bother with more than 2gb of ram (heck 1gb will be ok but with the cost of ddr2 atm 2gb will hardly be a budget streach)

[amjedm]

for general browsing a quaddie isn't needed and getting a dualie will not really slow you down at all...

why do you have so many AV programs? (unless i have mis-interpreted it)
1 good one, with a decent firewall will suffice (unless you mean an AV program and a spyware remover etc?)

Used to have Zone Alarm Security Suite, AVG AntiVirus, SpyBot and AdAware and run the Spybot, AVG and AdAware scans at the same time.

Now using Kaspersky and Spybot but would like a separate AV.

[TAKTAK]

Used to have Zone Alarm Security Suite, AVG AntiVirus, SpyBot and AdAware and run the Spybot, AVG and AdAware scans at the same time.

Now using Kaspersky and Spybot but would like a separate AV.

why? kaspersky is one of/the best AV program....

it's the one that always gets reccomended in all of the AV threads on HEXUS...

they always go as follows...

Best free: Avast!

Best: NOD32/Kaspersky

and kaspersky is free for barclays customers anyway...

so the fact that your using the best... why do you want another?

[staffsMike]

Well NOD32 is probably the best AV but net security wise you can't do much better than Kaspersky.

[TAKTAK]

Well NOD32 is probably the best AV but net security wise you can't do much better than Kaspersky.

good point.. i always forget NOD...

[Jay]

if your looking at getting a new system then Dell do fantastic starter system that will be perfect for you. If your just looking at a CPU upgrade then whatever you have now should be fine as any AM2 or Skt 775 system will be powerful enough.

For office aps, email, web browsing etc I would say go for a laptop, that's all I use in work and its perfect.

[mediaboy]

But you only want a laptop if you don't mind the mousepad thingy... it can be irritaiting for PC users, or for those that can't find a mouse to go with their laptop.

And, of course, I think that carrying a mouse around with you sort of defeats the purpose of the laptop...