Don't know much about computers and don't have any idea what you are using. I am running EF, IB, Qcharts, and a lot of open browser windows on one computer. It is a year old HP desktop with a Core 2 Quad and 6 GB Ram and two 24" monitors. With all the stuff I am running, it doesn't slow down a bit. I really need more screen space, though, so I have ordered a new HP with 9GB and the newer i7 chip and two 25" monitors. I think I can fill up the new monitors with just the EF windows. I am a firm believer in buying the latest and greatest or you will fall behind the power curve before long.
I have only been a user of EF for less than a week but I will share some thoughts about the system in another post, when I get to it.
Good Luck
Lloyd