Critical CPU specs for basic functions (copy files, etc)

For basic computing tasks (copying files from one hard drive to another, surfing), is it more important to have a faster processor speed, larger L2 cache, or more RAM? I was thinking that processor speed was the most important, but on reading various forums, i'm not sure if RAM and L2 cache might also be helpful.

I am looking to purchase a VERY basic and cheap netbook/ultraportable computer to use solely to transfer large video files from one USB2 hard drive to another USB2 hard drive that are both connected to this computer. I need to accomplish the file copying as quickly as possible, and i can't tell if I should focus on maximum processor speed for the money, or a larger L2 cache. I am assuming that anything with at least 512 MB of RAM will work fine for basic copying, i don't need to run apps or play games or anything like that.

I have found a few low-end notebooks running Linux that would work, for example:

Asus EEE PC: 900 MHz Intel Celeron M, 512MB RAM, 256KB L2 cache
Acer Aspire One: 1.6 GHz Intel Atom N270, 512 MB RAM, 512 KB L2 cache
Sylvania GNET 1300: 1.2 GHz VIA-Cyrix C3, 1 GB RAM, L2 cache?
3K Razorbook: 400 MHz Ingenic 32-bit single core processor, 128 MB RAM (!!), L2 cache? (this one seems too low-end...)

I would love to get anyone's feedback on this, I'm finding it hard to figure out just how much computer I must have for these really simple tasks!

Thanks for any input!

- Wendy

One of the USB2.0 hard drives is a Firestore FS-5, which is a special hard drive that allows capture of digital video footage at native format directly from my professional video camera. Unfortunately, it only uses USB2.0 for transferring files to another drive. From my research, i should be able to transfer 100 GB of files from the Firestore to another external hard drive (through a computer) in about an hour (maximum USB2 speeds). That speed is within what i'm looking for.

It sounds like you're saying the computer itself isn't the concern, just the USB connection, in which case it shouldn't matter if i get the slowest, cheapest computer available. What if the computer doesn't have an L2 cache at all? I called Asus, and they said their 2G model doesn't have an L2 cache (their 4G model does), and the 2G is MUCH slower according to them. But they couldn't tell me if it was slower for apps, or just copying, etc. (they were not very helpful!).

Thanks for your input! Do you think i can go with the cheapest model of computer then?

Hi OP

Even GNU/Linux benefits from 1Gb RAM for basic file copying. After all the OS buffers the disc transfers in RAM. Bear in mind that a laptop can be upgraded to 1Gb for like <15.00 GBP.

For decent transfer speed avoid the Via CPU and the other dodgy one at the bottom (no 400Mhz = too slow). Turion, Celeron M (Core 2 Generation) and Atom are all good CPUs for file transfer. CPU cache is not so important as RAM but will reduce slightly the cache thrashing between OS data,etc. and your disk transfers.

USB= evil. Ideally big file transfers should be done through Gbit LAN, IEEE1394b (Firewire 800 for the lay person) or eSATA (or both!!) connection. eSATA is easily the best/fastest (since it does not require a bridgeboard). There are plenty of express cards for this if you get a laptop with an express card slot (<- You really need one of these or an eSATA port) of course!!

BTW GNU/Linux has particularly good Firewire drivers - unlike M$ who have sh*tty, unreliable firewire drivers (perhaps to try and shaft the Apple Macs market share)!!

GNU/Linux would be your best choice for file transfering vs. Windows XP or Vista ( ha ha).

Bob

Thanks, jtt283!

Hi Geofelt,

Thanks for the feedback, that makes sense. I found the Acer Aspire One and the Asus EEE 900 4G with 1GB RAM for just a small amount more money, about the same as what i'd pay to install it myself, so it makes sense to get it pre-installed. Seems like either one has enough CPU power for this simple task from what you are saying.

Many thanks for your input, i appreciate the help from everyone!

-Wendy