Concerned about PC performance

[mattman1968]

Should I be concerned about the performance of my PC? I have a Pentium 4 w/HT 3.0GHz processor with 2GB RAM running XP Home. I was experimenting with AVS4YOU to convert video files. The entire time my CPU was pegged @ 100% and, obviously, wasn’t able to run other programs too efficiently. My machine was severely crippled. I ran the same software on my work PC which has only a 1.8 GHz processor with only 512MB RAM running XP PRO. The work PC CPU was also pegged @ 100% but I was able to play mp3’s through WMP11, check e-mail, write this post in Word, and browse the internet without being too crippled. It was slow, but it functioned...unlike my PC
My personal PC originally came with 1GB RAM and I recently upgraded to 2GB because I thought it would help run applications better. The 2GB of RAM are recognized. Any suggestions?
Thanks,

[wtsinnc]

Hello mattman1968;

I have pretty much the same set-up (see my computer details) and have learned to accept the limitations. Whenever backing up a DVD, I run no other applications except occasionally Task Manager, then only briefly to observe the CPU/RAM usage. Virus and spyware scans do take longer with a P-4 than with something newer and faster but I'm not trying to win a race. That said, my next PC will represent a considerable leap forward; Intel E8400 or E8500 or perhaps a quad-core.

I have read many posts (as I'm sure you have) from people detailing the improvements experienced via a processor upgrade. Unfortunately, I have a Dell which pretty much eliminates any cost effective upgrade. One thing you might try is to upgrade your graphics card, but I'm not sure that would give the performance boost I think you're looking for.

One positive note about the current economic situation; technology is cheaper than ever. If you feel the need to upgrade, now would be a great time !

[reboot]

Just set the process priority to below normal. It will take longer to convert your files, but you'll be able to use the computer for other things.
I don't know the cause, but some comps just die when encoding, others can multitask with no problem. There doesn't seem to be any link to CPU type or RAM.
I use Mainconcept for most of my encoding, simply because of speed, and it drags my Athlon 64 4000+ to a dead crawl. Reducing mainconcept's priority to below normal adds about 1/3 more time to the encode, but I can at least use the computer for other things at the same time.

[RabidDog]

Thats the magic or core2duo .. far more efficient at processing and of course two actual cpu cores rather than one "pretending" to be two (HT), plus they run cooler than the surface of Jovious.

All tech will be cheaper after crimbo

[jagabo]

Just set the process priority to below normal. It will take longer to convert your files, but you'll be able to use the computer for other things.

For the OP: Some software allows you to specify the process priority within their own settings. For programs that don't have an explicit setting you can use Task Manager to set the priority. Right click on the process list and select Set Priority -> Below Normal or Low.

How much longer the conversion takes to complete will depend on how much you use the computer. If you don't do anything else on the computer the conversion won't take any longer. If you are simply web browsing and checking your email the conversion will only take a few percent longer. If you play 3D games the conversion will probably take a very long time.