user323: I am running the standard client on a weak computer (Windows environment). It often is slow and unresponsive, and takes a noticeable chunk of the hard drive. I would want to replace it with some alternative client that offers the same functionality (mainly, running as server and supporting the standard Bitcoin API), while also consuming less system resources.
Which Bitcoin client consumes the least system resources and is the best fit for weak computers?

user153: Bitcoin v0.8 (which hasn't been released yet. But you can build it from source and use it ... with a nearly empty wallet with backups and only a low amount of funds.)

user888: There is a very useful comparison of the Bitcoin desktop clients here:
http://dre.redmartian.org/compare.htm
In order 'lighter' to 'heavier' there are:
electrum
multibit
bitcoind
armory + bitcoind
If you need the full bitcoind RPC API then only bitcoind will do however. In that case trying/ waiting for v0.8 is probably your best option. 

323: <p>I am running the standard client on a weak computer (Windows environment). It often is slow and unresponsive, and takes a noticeable chunk of the hard drive. I would want to replace it with some alternative client that offers the same functionality (mainly, running as server and supporting the standard Bitcoin API), while also consuming less system resources.</p>

<p>Which Bitcoin client consumes the least system resources and is the best fit for weak computers?</p>
 153: <p>Bitcoin v0.8 (which hasn't been released yet. But you can build it from source and use it ... with a nearly empty wallet with backups and only a low amount of funds.)</p>
 888: <p>There is a very useful comparison of the Bitcoin desktop clients here:
<a href="http://dre.redmartian.org/compare.htm" rel="nofollow">http://dre.redmartian.org/compare.htm</a></p>

<p>In order 'lighter' to 'heavier' there are:</p>

<p>electrum</p>

<p>multibit</p>

<p>bitcoind</p>

<p>armory + bitcoind</p>

<p>If you need the full bitcoind RPC API then only bitcoind will do however. In that case trying/ waiting for v0.8 is probably your best option. </p>
