Results 1 to 10 of 10

Thread: New computer from Santa

  1. #1
    Forum Participant
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    Phoenix AZ
    Posts
    644
    Threads
    85
    Thank You Posts

    Default New computer from Santa

    I know this info has to be out there but a 10 minute search didn't find it.
    I'm going to take advantage of the sales out there but I'm not sure about a few things.
    I'm going to have to stay with a PC for work reasons, as a Mac won't run a major software I run and can't afford both yet.
    I run lightroom 3, CS5, and Nik software. I'm running a 10 yr old Dell that's been great but it maxes at 4 G Ram and that's barely enough with my old processor.
    I'm not going under 8 G Ram expandable to 16.
    My specific questions would be for photo and video editing would be the minimum processor speed, and what size video card do I need, if I need a separate one.
    Although I'd like to buy a Cadillac model, I'm more of a Chevy Malibu with respect to budget.
    Any comments appreciated.

  2. #2
    Forum Participant
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Parsonsfield, Maine
    Posts
    2,183
    Threads
    199
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    I build them for a living, since 1989. I buy almost all of my stuff here: http://www.ctscomputers.com Ask for Lana Tran. Mention my name, it will get you somewhat of a better deal. Go to the products tab, upper left, then click on the desktop menu slider. I would advise you to stick to the bottom page deals. Lana will help you to buy for your needs. I also would stick with XP Pro or Windows 7 Pro, 64 bit. Then you can take advantage of the 8-16 gig memory. XP and Windows 32 bit limit you to 4 gigs.

    I hope this helps

  3. #3
    Banned
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Colorado
    Posts
    3,949
    Threads
    254
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Stan,

    I'll add whatever you get, be sure it is an I7 series processor. I7 processors are a cut above others in performance, especially in multitasking and multi threaded applications. Lots of ram helps too. I would suggest a minimum of 8 GBytes for windows 7. You can certainly do with less ram, but performance will drop.

    Roger

  4. #4
    Forum Participant
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    Kentucky
    Posts
    1,050
    Threads
    363
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    My brother just bought one of these with a 6 core processor and 12 Gb of RAM ....it is very fast and built nice .... he does audio and video mostly

    http://raincomputers.com/

  5. #5
    Banned
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Colorado
    Posts
    3,949
    Threads
    254
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    One more thing: be sure any new computer has USB 3.

    Regarding video card, most will be fine as photo editing is generally much lower requirements than video games.

    Roger

  6. #6
    Forum Participant
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Phoenix, AZ
    Posts
    2,267
    Threads
    560
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    If you like Dell (and I've had good luck with them), I recommend you check out their outlet store. Go to the Dell.com website and type outlet store into the search bar. There are many scratch/dent or refurbished machines with full warranty for substantial savings (and you don't need to wait the usual Dell build-time). I bought my i7 with Win 7 pro, 8gb ram, 1tb drive for well under the usual price about a year and a half ago (and have been very happy with it).

  7. #7
    Banned
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Colorado
    Posts
    3,949
    Threads
    254
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Frustrated by poor reliability, poor performance, and poor customer service of broken PCs from the big names, about a couple of years ago I started building my own. It was pretty intimidating the first time, but in the end it is pretty simple to assemble, and I get better performance than a big company computer for about half the price. Reliability has been top, and since I put them together, I know how to replace any component, and probably I'll have it done faster than any service call. For example, one big name computer with "USB 2" had such poor performance, it was barely faster than USB 1 (yes I'm aware of the tricky naming of the various USB speeds). With my own builds I can be sure of performance, and I have not been disappointed.

    Roger

  8. #8
    BPN Viewer
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Posts
    99
    Threads
    1
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Roger Clark View Post
    Frustrated by poor reliability, poor performance, and poor customer service of broken PCs from the big names, about a couple of years ago I started building my own. It was pretty intimidating the first time, but in the end it is pretty simple to assemble, and I get better performance than a big company computer for about half the price. Reliability has been top, and since I put them together, I know how to replace any component, and probably I'll have it done faster than any service call. For example, one big name computer with "USB 2" had such poor performance, it was barely faster than USB 1 (yes I'm aware of the tricky naming of the various USB speeds). With my own builds I can be sure of performance, and I have not been disappointed.

    Roger
    I have done the same as Roger and I'm no computer expert. I'm just a self taught old guy, whose made more than his share of mistakes when it comes to computers. There is a lot of free info on how to build a computer on the internet. I studied a couple of different sets of directions and then enlisted the help of a friend who looked over what I was going to order to make sure that everything was compatible. I ordered everything from Newegg. Why? For a couple of reasons, good prices maybe not the cheapest but close enough so I never worry about being ripped off. Newegg is fast and reliable with great customer service. The best thing about them is the customer reviews. Most of Newegg's customers are computer geeks who know their stuff. When they like something they tell you why and when they don't like something they tell you why in detail. So when ever I buy something I always get one of the highest rated components. (And no I don't work for Newegg just a happy customer.)

    In your situation I'd go to Newegg and spec out a computer putting all the components in a Public Wish List (you have to have a Newegg Account but they are free). Post a link to the Wish List here and ask for people to review your choices. I'm sure you'll get good feedback on what works or could be made better. I have built two computers so far and when I need to upgrade I'll build it also. The added advantage is that you'll get a much better motherboard than you do in a name brand computer. This way you get more than enough expansion slots with lots of memory and lots of cooling fans and a case big and airy enough to keep everything nice and cool. Heat is the biggest computer killer there is - so keeping things cool pays big dividends in terms of reliability.

  9. #9
    BPN Viewer Tom Graham's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
    Location
    Southern California, Orange County
    Posts
    1,116
    Threads
    33
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    I've also built several PCs over last 20 years. (And time to do it again!!). It is easy -if- you are interested and have a bit of mechanical and electrical inclination. Lot of web info available and I do like Newegg. But there is still a "learning curve". Was interesting to check out ctscomputers referred to above. They still have a 3.5 inch floppy drive in their pre-designed PCs. Anyone remember 3.5 inch floppys? How about 5.25 and 8 inch?? Anyway, something to ask Santa for
    Tom

  10. #10
    Forum Participant
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    Oregon
    Posts
    793
    Threads
    57
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Roger Clark View Post
    Stan,

    I'll add whatever you get, be sure it is an I7 series processor. I7 processors are a cut above others in performance, especially in multitasking and multi threaded applications. Lots of ram helps too. I would suggest a minimum of 8 GBytes for windows 7. You can certainly do with less ram, but performance will drop.

    Roger

    I've been building now for 21 years.....

    Win7- 32bit is limited to 3.37GB addressed, even if you install 4GB ...or more. YOU DON'T WANT THIS IF YOU WANT MORE MEMORY....

    Win 7 64 bit Home Basic -- will address 8GB
    Win 7 64 bit Home Premium will address 16GB
    Win 7 64 bit Professional, Enterprise or Ultimate will address 192GB.

    There are a number of other features of the various Win-7 product offerings that you'll need to read before selecting, particularly if you intend to change processors (say, the upcoming Ivybridge or disc or sound cards, or other system changes/upgrades -- some versions preclude this or limit)

    Be ABSOLUTELY certain to get a 4-digit version of the i7 (like 2600 or 2600K) - these are the newest Sandybridge versions. The previous version of i7 used three digits in version> There are SUBSTANTIAL improvements in the Sandybridge i7's that Photoshop can take advantage of.

    you may also be tempted by a cheaper i3 or i5 (4 digit version), but you won't get the hyperthreading (HT) that makes the 4 cores of the i7's work like (almost) 8 cores. You'll want this hyperthreading -- filters like Nik, Onone, etc are nearly instantaneous on the SNB processors.

    Also, in the new Sandybridge version is an integrated graphics that you may find does a good enough job on picture display if you don't want to pay for an additional graphics card. If you are a gamer, you'll want an Nvidia card -- but you don't need the top of the line for this.

    Be certain to check processor and motherboard for the features. I second Roger's note to ONLY get a USB3 enabled motherboard. You'll want this for fast external hard drives. You may also want an eSata port for external drives.

    buy memory that is compatible (Speed, ECC, etc) with your motherboard. Given a choice between spending your money on more, slower memory v.s. top speed memory....I'd buy more.

    And check the number of Dram slots in your motherboard. Try to get one with 4 slots rather than two. You can add more memory easily. Be certain to seat the memory properly into the slots so they snap -- if the machine does not boot properly the first time, turn it off and check they are securely seated....remove and reinstall. Check motherboard manual to ensure you are using the correct slots if not filling all the available slots.... I've seen more failure to boot when building the first system from DRAM seating than anything else...

    But an adequate wattage power supply for all the components you intend to add (later! more discs are always good!)


    Don't forget to put the TIM (thermal grease or gallium metal paste) on the processor before putting the fan on. Its easier to mount the fan on the motherboard (over processor) before installing in the case. Don't foget to hook up the fans power....

    tiger direct is another decent supplier.

    You won't have any problems building your own system.
    Last edited by Don Nelson; 12-13-2011 at 04:20 PM.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
Web Analytics