[Matplotlib-users] Computer specs for fast matplotlib and basemap processing

[antonv <vas...@ya...>]

Hi all,

I am processing a lot of grib data from noaa with the use of matplotlib and
basemap. On my actual laptop (p4 3ghz, 512mb ram) the whole process takes
close to 3 hours... so it's time for a new machine but still on a very tight
budget :)

My main question is what should i emphasize more, a quad core processor
running on 64 bit vista/xp, or more memory and a fast hard drive, even a
raid drive? Will python, mpl and basemap take full advantage of multiple
cores or will they use only one? Also, would they work on a 64 bit
environment or would I be better off just sticking to XP32? Now memory wise,
it seems that on my actual machine the app uses all the available ram, how
much should i buy to make sure that all it's needs would be meet? 

Processor wise, i see that both Intel and AMD have a plethora of options to
choose from... What would you recommend? 

And the last question is about hard drives. From your experience, what
drives should I look at? Is a SCSI raid still that much faster than a 10.000
rpm hdd? I've also seen that there are some 15.000 rpm drives that have a
controller, would they worth the money or should I just get a 10.000 rpm hdd
and be done?

Thanks for any help as lately I haven't kept up with the technology and I
feel like a noob :(

Anton
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