Help! I have two computers that are each a few years old. I need to decide which computer to install Act! 2008 for a database of about 5000 contacts. To me, the systems are very similar. It would be easier for me to continue using system #1, but if I will see improved performance, I will migrate my database to System #2. I am not sure how to evaluate things like bus clock, and memory cache...can anyone help me? TIA

System #1: System #2:
2.03 ghz Pentium 4 processor 2.53 ghz Celeron processor
8 kb primary cache 16 kb primary cache
512 kb secondary cache 256 kb secondary cache
60 gb hard drive 40 gb hard drive
400mhz bus clock 533mhz bus clock
1044 mhz RAM 1278 mhz RAM

They are both a bit old.
The P4 would prolly run Act a little better though.

PS Where did you get the last line from? Only the absolute latest and greatest memory runs over 1000Mhz so there is no way your P4 and your Celeron have memory that fast. Perhaps its MB instead of Mhz?

Although Celeron is a budget chip and P4 is a main stream chip, PC #2 with a fater chip and faster FSB should be the faster PC. Is it one or two years younger than PC #1?

It's unlikely there will be any noticeable performance difference between the 2 PCs, especially for DB use. Stick with whichever one is easier.