TubeNet

I need the help of the TubeNet Geek Squad. Which of these 2 machines would you buy for flat out speed out of the box: Quad core with 12gb ram or Hex core with 6gb ram? All else is equal, including price.

If the hex is expandable to 12GB or even 8, I'd go with that.

What would you be using the computer for that you want max speed? Many programs today are unable to fully utilize a hex-core processor, meaning that a quad-core would actually be faster in those cases. However, certain advanced graphical editing programs and other things can fully utilize a hex-core. Another factor is what edition of Windows you intend on running. Certain editions only recognize certain maximums of RAM.

Max RAM for Windows 7 64-bit:

* Starter: 8GB
* Home Basic: 8GB
* Home Premium: 16GB
* Professional: 192GB
* Enterprise: 192GB
* Ultimate: 192GB

In my opinion, a hex-core with only 6GB of RAM does not seem very future proof. While the hex-core will be relevant for a while, in future years, you may find the 6GB of RAM to become the limiting factor in the equation. However, ultimately, I think the fine geeks here could provide a much more accurate opinion if you post the full specs of both computers, as well as what you plan to use it for.

Just to clear up a few things:

the computers will be running windows 7 home premium
I believe the hex core computer is upgradeable in ram

I worded my question poorly. I just want to know which one will run the fastest as configured now. Basically, I'm asking the question which will help your speed more: ram or cores on the processor?

The machine will be used for basic computer work and some gaming. The machine I have now is about 6-7 yrs old and is getting long in the tooth. It serves me well now, but things like YouTube and newer games give it fits. Once the new machine is in place, this one will become a back up used for running older programs and Linux distros. Those 2 things the machine still does quite well.

which will help your speed more: ram or cores on the processor?

Well, as TubaCoopa said, unless you have an app which can utilize the extra cores (and not many of the uses you quoted probably can unless you have some very recent games...read the specs, I'm not a gamer) the hex core won't help you but more RAM for the same price the extra cores cost may. Effective speed is very dependent on CPU and RAM speed, cache setup and size of the CPU-memory path. You might look up some computer magazines which run speed tests on actual apps.

I guess it will be loads of ram and don't worry so much about the processor. Thanks Ian. That's the kind of info I was looking for.

That's what I was going to go with after your explanation. This computer to be exact: http://www.microcenter.com/single_produ ... id=0358496

The computers in my original description were 2 extreme cases and I was curious on which was the better bang for the buck for me.

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Well, It's mine now. No turning back.