also uses AMD's 3DNow instruction set for improved 3-D and multimedia performance with compatible software. At the extreme low end of the market are Cyrix's 300MHz and 333MHz M II CPUs. These chips, which do not include any 3-D-oriented instructions, are designed to rival the K6-2, Pentium II, and Celeron on everyday applications. Cyrix's strategy is to focus on the entry-level market, so M II systems tend to be bare bones, under-$600 systems; sometimes the price even includes a monitor. How Much RAM?: The more applications you run simultaneously, the larger the files you load, and the more complex your operating system, the more RAM you'll need. Too little memory can undermine a fast processor, forcing it to retrieve data from the much slower hard drive. “For Windows 95 or 98 plus productivity applications, or a base-level Windows NT system, 96MB is adequate and 64MB will suffice; you can get away with 32MB in an entry-level Windows 95 or 98 system, but don't let anyone ever try to sell you a 16MB system these days. Because RAM's have become relatively inexpensive over the past year, many vendors include 128MB and 256MB into many configurations as standard features.Future Upgrades: Be sure there are enough free sockets in your system to upgrade RAM easily. “For example, if all the sockets are filled with 16MB dual inline memory modules (DIMMs), you could easily end up throwing them away when you attempt to increase RAM. In contrast, a system with one 64MB or 128MB DIMM makes it easier to add memory later.” (MSN)As you can see there is a lot of product knowledge needed to wisely purchase a computer. Make sure to do your diligence when researching the options so that you get the most bang for you buck....
