How much do I need to spend on a computer to run certain software

[Deactivated] on 19/11/2015 - 20:00

Here are the software specs:

Windows

Microsoft Windows version 7, 8 or 8.1
64-bit hardware with a minimum of 1GB of RAM
One of the following virtualization software packages:
VMware Player 7 or later
Oracle VirtualBox 4.3.16 or later
One of the following web browsers:
Microsoft Internet Explorer 9, 10 or 11
Mozilla Firefox 21 or later
Google Chrome 27 or later

I tried installing on all three of my older computers, but none would do the virtualization thing - and they weren't 64 bit (but I gather there was a work around for this).

I don't know much about computer hardware.

Would just about any new PC meet these specs including the cheap ones, or will I have to spend a bit more than entry level?

Thanks for any help.

Computing

Comments

  • kipps on 19/11/2015 - 20:45
    +1

    Nearly any computer these days should be able to handle this. Suggest you look at any i3/i5/i7, with 4GB of RAM or more.

    • [Deactivated] on 19/11/2015 - 20:56

      So not really a cheap computer? Beacuse all the cheap ones seem to be 2gb ram. What sort of price would I be looking at? Thanks.

      • kipps on 19/11/2015 - 20:57

        It really depends (as stated below) on what you're going to virtualise. Please explain.

        • [Deactivated] on 19/11/2015 - 21:05

          The software is called sas. For statistical analysis.

          Edit: I don't know if that helps you understand the virtualization aspect. Thanks.

  • airzone on 19/11/2015 - 20:46

    Why virtualise? And how many running VM's?

    Basically you need a processor capable of virtualisation, and ideally a 64 bit OS. But you also need a crap load of RAM. 1gb will not cut the mustard. If you're serious, 8gb or more… So basically something with an i3 at least and 4gb RAM for the host OS and 4gb RAM for each VM running. And if you're running more than one then you should start looking at an i5 or an i7.

    I have had ESXi on a Celeron with 16gb of RAM running a few machines (as a last ditch DR scenario for an unprepared business) but it was goddamn painful.

    • [Deactivated] on 19/11/2015 - 21:03

      I have no idea what virtualising is -so can't answer your question unfortunately.

      So I need to search each chipset to see if it can so virtualization, or is that a given these days? Thanks. Or is it pretty much the i3/5/7 I should restrict my search to?

      • airzone on 19/11/2015 - 21:09

        Why are you doing this then? Virtualisation is generally computer enthusiasts at home, or core IT infrastructure in a business..

        Basically anything in the last 5 years will do it… Except probably not the cheapest processors - I think the Celerons are a mixed bag (some do and some don't), but all i3's or above will. If you're running Windows on the PC, you want to be running 64 bit.

        RAM is the limiting factor though. Your host OS / hypervisor will need RAM to run. And then each running guest OS needs RAM too. Disk performance is also a factor

  • [Deactivated] on 19/11/2015 - 21:01

    Delete

  • airzone on 19/11/2015 - 21:12

    Oh, you're doing this: http://www.sas.com/en_ca/software/university-edition/downloa…

    Try an i3 with 4gb RAM. 1gb will probably be assigned to the guest OS.. But be prepared for it to be not the highest performance. Otherwise they had a cloud based version available, right? on Amazon AWS?

    • [Deactivated] on 19/11/2015 - 21:22

      Yep that's what I want. Yes I didn't understand how the other version worked, and thought its about time I got a new computer anyway.

      How about something like msy laptop hp g4 250 for $459 may do it? Budget and good enough specs? I guess now I know i3 4gb I probably need to research models etc.

      Thanks for you help.

      • airzone on 19/11/2015 - 21:41

        The g4 250 comes with many CPU options.. An i3 one will be fine. If you can share the web link, then we can provide more specific advice?

        • [Deactivated] on 19/11/2015 - 21:50

          Here is the specific model they advertise for $459: http://www.msy.com.au/notebooks/15930-hp-250-g4-n0c12pa-i3-4…

          But if extra memory would really help me, this one is $629 (but I really don't have that much to spend, so I'll probably be going for a 4gb model unless msy isn't competitively priced) : http://www.msy.com.au/search?controller=search&orderby=posit…

          Edit: sorry, just noticed last one not i3/5/7.

          thanks.

        • airzone on 19/11/2015 - 22:05

          That'll do. The VM they supply is configured for 1gb ram. I would suggest that you only run the virtual machine when you need it otherwise it could get a little sluggish, and while running the VM, expect the performance to be a little handicapped if pushing it hard. You can always add more RAM if it necessary (have the shop do it if not comfortable doing it yourself).

          The more expensive one will probably do better - but not so much that you want to spend $180 on it. But then again the last host I bought was $25k and it would also be better again.

          Edit: Intel carry i3/5/7/celeron/pentium/atom/etc.. AMD have their equivalents but aren't as well known as the Intel varieties.

        • [Deactivated] on 20/11/2015 - 07:15

          @airzone:

          Thanks for your your help - I'm feeling I have a much better idea what I'm looking for now.

  • enzioFirenze on 19/11/2015 - 23:47

    Do you really want a laptop though? because you should be able to get a tower with higher specs for the same price!

    • [Deactivated] on 20/11/2015 - 07:18

      Laptop would be preferable, but if a tower with similar specs were significantly cheaper I'd consider it. Ill check out how cheap they are. Thanks.

  • alxr0101 on 20/11/2015 - 08:10

    Pick up (Gumtree or ebay or many resellers)ex-lease quality laptop such as HP 2570p with an i5 processor.

    seriously solid, reliable and well-supported laptops. easy to upgrade.

    Cost around $350 to $450 mark and often still with HP warranty.

    Don't spend your money being talked up to an i7..spend the money on:-

    1. RAM (at least 8GB but 16GB is…divine) edit: 16GB (2 x 8GB sodimms) for around $130-180 off ebay)

    2. SSD storage drive (seriously faster speeds and more resilient to every day bumps)

    • [Deactivated] on 20/11/2015 - 08:54

      Thanks. Ill check it out (the model you mention). I'm not that keen on used, but if its $350 or so, and better specs its worth a look.

      • alxr0101 on 20/11/2015 - 09:03

        You will find the condition to be excellent and the selelr will state the condition. Mine is barely discernible from brand new. Ex-Gov laptops such as these are spares for execs who have desktops.

        HP Warranty is 3 years (transferrable) and the reseller will state how much warranty left. I just did a quick search and theres units with genuine HP warranty out to 2017.

        You will not do anywhere near as good for at least twice the price from a retailer for similar specs.

        What you are sourcing is exactly where I was 2 months ago. I had budgeted at least $1200 for something with enough grunt.

        Needed to run virtual machines, heaps of CPU and capable of being upgraded to 16GB. You can also replace the DVD drive with a second SSD or hard drive (numerous sellers on ebay for the DVD tray replacement)

        • [Deactivated] on 20/11/2015 - 09:11

          I did a quick eBay search, but not seeing this model at the prices you mention - would you mind providing a link to an example? Thanks.

        • alxr0101 on 20/11/2015 - 09:44

          @swimfast:

          sigh…I cannot post a link. Just search on 2570p

  • Hotpotcorn on 20/11/2015 - 09:07

    Omg o think u need 2 Titans for that and 64GB ram

  • [Deactivated] on 20/11/2015 - 09:10

    Deleta

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