CPU "capability" is but one set of dimensions (clock speed, instruction issue rate, cache size, cache organization) in a multi-dimensional problem that includes motherboard capabilities (CPU-memory interface, GPU organization and interface, memory organization and speed), disk capabilities (rotational latency, track-to-track seek time, transfer rate), and Windows configuration (settings on "Performance Options" window's Advanced tab, and a bunch more accessible via a Registry Editor).
If you monitor the excellent FlexRadio reflector, you'll see how challenging it is to "compute" a hardware configuration for optimized for just one application; building and evaluating multiple configurations was required to find the "sweet spot". Computing an optimal configuration to host 12 applications is hopeless; this requires the application of general principles, not a spreadsheet. The most critical decision should be made up front: do all of the applications you need run correctly in a 64-bit environment? If so, then plan on building a 64-bit system (Windows 7, if your applications will all run there correctly); I wouldn't choose a motherboard that supports less than 16 GB of RAM, but you can start out by populating it with 2GB or 4GB as your budget allows (don't start with an initial increment that's would have to be discarded to utilize the maximum memory capacity, however). A 64-bit operating system does reduce the choice of serial port interfaces; see <http://www.dxlabsuite.com/dxlabwiki/Win7VistaHardware> As far as I know, none of the applications on your list can exploit more than one processor core, so you should choose a dual-core processor (Windows will run on one core, and your applications will compete for the second core); if PhotoShop were on you list, you'd reach a different conclusion. Spend some time on Intel's and AMD's web sites looking at the desktop processor comparison charts, e.g. <http://www.intel.com/consumer/products/processors/corei7-specs.htm> Dvorak's old rule of "third best" is a good starting point, as companies charge big premiums for their most-powerful CPUs. CPU selection should also consider cache size and architecture (bigger, with more sets is better). Also don't buy a CPU built with an older production process. From Intel, you want 32 nm lithography, not 45 nm; smaller transistors run faster and generate less heat. In choosing a GPU, pick one that offloads all graphics processing, and will handle the screen resolution you'll likely be using over the next couple of years (taking multiple monitors into account, if that's a possibility). This will be an add-in card that can later be upgraded, so tradeoffs can be made. Alternatively, you can save some money by starting with the GPU from your current PC, assuming its above the bar and will run under the new PC's version of Windows. With hard drives, its tempting to buy the biggest disk you can afford, but those spacious 1+TB drives are relatively slow, and a PC with one hard drive is slower than a PC with two hard drives. If you can, go with two hard drives - a ~100 GB device with fast track-to-track times and low rotational latency to host the operating system, and a larger slower drive for your applications and data. Western Digital's Velociraptor family is a good candidate for the small/fast C: drive; you could consider a solid state "drive" for this role, but I have no personal experience with them. Choose a motherboard that supports a 3 GB SATA interface, and choose hard drives that exploit this interface. Again, you can save some money up front by starting with your current PC's hard drive in your new system, and upgrade later. All DXLab applications run correctly under 64-bit XP, Vista, and Windows 7. 73, Dave, AA6YQ -----Original Message----- From: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com [mailto:digitalra...@yahoogroups.com]on Behalf Of Andy obrien Sent: Sunday, February 28, 2010 7:17 PM To: digitalradio Subject: [digitalradio] Calculating CPU use for multiple applications? I like to multitask, and I am greedy... I like to keep an eye on several things at once. I am thinking about a better PC, one with enough CPU capability to run many tasks at the same time. Is there a way to calculate the total CPU demands of severall applications. Here is a list of what I often run at the same time (or wish i could) Commander (or HRD) Winwarbler (or Multipsk) DX Keeper Spotcollector Pathfinder DX View Weather Watcher Firefox Spectravue or SDR-RADIO Console Fldigi WSJT/JT65-HF Dimension 4 Andy K3UK
