there is a 64bit version of XP... but it is XP by name only. The internals are very different from the 32bit XP. (hint: expect incompatibility)
Right now, I'm basically stuck between a refurb dual 3.16 for 709.00 or a quad 2.4 for 729.00. There are minor differences with RAM, HDD, and opticals , but nothing major.
List the specs (OS, RAM, HD size and speed) and especially the CPU designation. The quad core should start with "Q" and the dual with "E." Then folks will be able to advise you better.
Sure thing.. Here is the quad 2.4: System Price : $729.00 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating System Genuine Windows Vista Ultimate -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Memory 2 GB DDR2 Non-ECC SDRAM 677MHz (2 DIMMs) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hard Disk Drive 250 GB SATA Hard Drive (7200 RPM) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Video 256MB PCIe x16 nVidia Quadro FX570, Dual Monitor DVI Capable -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Certified Refurbished Certified Refurbished -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Base Precision Workstation T3400 Mini-Tower: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 (2.40GHz/1066MHz/2X4MB L2) 375W -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Media Bay 16X DVD +/- RW w/dbl layer write capability And here is the dual 3.16: System Price : $709.00 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating System Genuine Windows XP Pro with Vista Business License -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Memory 1 GB DDR2 NON-ECC SDRAM 677MHz (2 DIMMs) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hard Disk Drive 500 GB SATA II Hard Drive (7200 RPM) 2nd Drive 80 GB SATA II Hard Drive (7200 RPM) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Video 256MB PCIe x16 nVidia NVS 290, Dual Monitor DVI Capable -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Certified Refurbished Certified Refurbished -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Base Precision Workstation T3400 Mini-Tower: Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 (3.16GHz/1333MHz/6MB L2) 525W -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Media Bay 16X DVD ROM Drive
This one, no doubt. Getting more for the money and starting out on a good foot. Seriously better video card, more RAM, and the ability to burn DVD/CDs. for only $20 more. What the Quad gives up in speed, it makes up in ability to run more apps simultaneously. Which considering the way you want to roll, would benefit you. Only thing I would advise is getting more RAM. 2GB more at a minimum. You won't regret it. Will go a long way in running many apps simultaneously. Edit, you can buy either a 4GB kit (2 dimms of 2GB ea) or a 2 GB dimm (which would replace one of the 1GB dimms for a total of 3GB.) Best bet though, is to get a matching set (kit) to avoid incompatibilities and possible timing errors. a 4GB kit will cost you around $50-$70.
I believe those systems come with 4 slots. There is a deal on a 4GB kit (2x 2GB) on newegg right now (30$ after rebate). Any real benefit of simply maxing it out to 8GB?
if you want to overclock your cpu, do you need to build one yourself? can you buy a PC with quad 2.4GHz and overclock to 3.4GHz? or is it only possible when you physically put one together yourself? what are some pro/cons of doing this?