jennifer_borman
asked on
WinModem vs. Standard Modem Resource Requirements, etc.
Hello all,
I am aware of the fact that a WinModem uses system resources & software to process modem information, etc. while a standard hardware modem uses on-board IC's to mod/demod, etc. However I remember a time when WinModems were heavily scorned because of the limited resources of a PC. Now that we are at the 3.0Ghz, etc. Is it that big of a deal? Practically speaking, I have a friend with a 750 P3 and needs a cheap modem. I know that $30 for a good modem is cheap, but that is how much he spent on the PC! The pc is fine, however the question is, to WHAT extent, generally, will a WinModem degrade a PC's performance with regard to these specifications:
Stats are as thus:
P3 750
256 PC133 RAM
32MB VidRam (AGP)
HP Vectra mobo
Onboard NIC/Sound
WD 5200RPM 10GB
It's a solid machine for the price. Any thoughts?
Thanks!
I am aware of the fact that a WinModem uses system resources & software to process modem information, etc. while a standard hardware modem uses on-board IC's to mod/demod, etc. However I remember a time when WinModems were heavily scorned because of the limited resources of a PC. Now that we are at the 3.0Ghz, etc. Is it that big of a deal? Practically speaking, I have a friend with a 750 P3 and needs a cheap modem. I know that $30 for a good modem is cheap, but that is how much he spent on the PC! The pc is fine, however the question is, to WHAT extent, generally, will a WinModem degrade a PC's performance with regard to these specifications:
Stats are as thus:
P3 750
256 PC133 RAM
32MB VidRam (AGP)
HP Vectra mobo
Onboard NIC/Sound
WD 5200RPM 10GB
It's a solid machine for the price. Any thoughts?
Thanks!
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Run a software modem when you have the 3GHz processor you alluded to. I would not expect to find a price difference significant enough to make it worth using one in the machine you described. The upside is supposed to be that the WinModem is easier to upgrade [so what?]. PC hardware is so cheap now, a decent Rockwell chipset modem can likely be had for $9 US. Overworking a P3 is not good.
ASKER
Thank you both for the excellent and quick responses. Very usefull information!
-Jen
-Jen
ASKER