Mac vs PC Performance?

Question

I have noticed that pc's desktops tend to have better processors, more ram, more processor cache ect ect than mac's. but I have heard that mac's preform better than pc's even though there specs are not as amazing. So my question is Which one outpreforms the other?

Answer 1

Simon P is incorrect. His error is in only considering the processor/CPU. This is only one component. Effective speed is also altered by RAM, Disk space, operating system, configuration parameters (cache and buffering, etc.)



Though a Mac and a PC may have the same processor spec the Apple will be quicker. Why? The operating system seems to carry fewer overheads, plus the additional architecture and hardware tends to be better configured. For example, I believe the data bus for Apples tends to be better, so once the processor has done its bit the data gets to your disk or display more quickly on an Apple than on a PC (sorry, can't find a reference for this immediately).



Then there are other aspects of performance: crash rate, and ability to put a smile on your face.....



When you pay the apparently higher price up-front for an Apple it should be considered an investment - less time wrestling with Windows problems or suspect hardware later.



http://www.macobserver.com/article/2002/06/13.9.shtml



While nothing is perfect, Apple users tend to be happier about their computers.



http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,1851295,00.asp



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Some people say Macs are not so adaptable as PCs, or have weaker components. If this is the case, then why would processor and video intensive industries like Film Production use them. There is an activity monitor, and the "terminal" that allow direct interaction with low level processes - and it's much easier than on a PC. Tch!

Answer 2

Simon is wrong.



Open your PC and look inside. Is the only thing you see a CPU? Of course not. A computer is far more than CPU and RAM. The Logic Board ("mother board" for PCs) is what everything goes through. All the data goes to and from the memory, to and from the CPU, to the graphic controller, from input, to and from hard drive, and so on. The Logic Board in a Mac is fast. PC Mag proved this.



In addition to hardware bottlenecks, PCs also have software bottlenecks. The Registry gets bigger all the time and eats up memory. Virus protection and spamware protection eats up CPU time. The spamware that inevitably gets past your scanners eats up CPU time, the hastily coded security patches slows the system.



The Mac performs better. Couple that with a OS that is designed to be user friendly, and it looks a look better than one the was designed to act kinda sorta like a Mac.

Answer 3

I have two Mac's and they are brilliant!! I will never change back to another brand of computers, Window's have programs running in the background even if you close it off and quit it, they are still running that's how you get hackers and tracking cookies.. But with the mac's as soon as you quit the program that is it, the program is finished and closed it doesn't stay open. The Mac's run alot faster than the PC and are very quick!!

Answer 4

Im not sure if you can do this on a mac, but with windows you can turn off processes you dont want, disable start up programs, in/decrease page file, and change shared graphics memory, which all change the performance of a PC. my parents old computer had loads of start up programs and random processes, so i disabled all of the non essential ones (they only use it for the internet) and the desktop is ready 30-45 seconds quicker than before. If you cant do that on a mac (or it doesnt have crap like Ready boost and CardSpace to begin with) then the same specs could perform quicker on a pc!



I dont like macs, they are fashion statements and generally have weak graphics cards compared to pcs. a nvidia 9400 doing the apple screen's 2048*something res? hmmm....