Posted by Mitch Erwin on April 22, 2008 at 2:34 PM
I'm currently shopping around for a new computer unit as my current one is underpowered. I noticed in last mos. OP that they showed an Alienware unit. At this point in time, I am thinking of still staying with a Windows unit, XP for sure, and trying something new. Has anyone on here used or are you currently using Alienware unit for Photoshop. If so, what are your experiences with it?
Posted by David Bostedo on April 22, 2008 at 5:15 PM
Mitch - A couple of notes :
-- Alienware was purchased by Dell a while back. So really, they are just higher end, fancier looking, more slicky marketed Dell machines.
-- That being said, what you need to look at is the actual hardware (RAM, processor, motherboard, drives), and compare them to other manufacturers, including things like the Dell XPS, which itself is pretty high end and well built.
-- If you get an Alienware computer, you are going to be getting a high end (and expensive) graphics card that likely won't be needed at all for PS work. If you do lots of multimedia (computer animation, sound/graphics co-editing) or gaming it would make more sense. The built-in graphics capability of most modern motherboards is fine for PS.
-- All that considered, while I don't own one, I have heard that the Alienware are pretty nice, if a little pricey.
Posted by Mel Ladewig on April 22, 2008 at 5:38 PM
Have to agree. Dell bought alienware because it is highly profitable. Their computers seem to be priced very high compared to others of similar specs.
I think that there are other high end options.
Velocity Micro for instance are assembled in america and usually have pretty good reviews in the PC mags. The even have digital media versions. I noticed that Best Buy recently started carrying these computers (obviously without customizations), so you might cross check prices with Best Buy.
As far as I know the Alienware machines have very high quality components, but, as David said, they are also pricey. I also agree with David regarding the video--you are paying for a premium card that is not needed for PS work on photographs. The Dell XPS is a nice machine.
Just a thought, but have you considered having a reputable local shop build a machine for you? You may be able to get a better machine for your money, along with local support.
Good luck in your search, Mitch.
-PB
Posted by David Bostedo on April 22, 2008 at 7:36 PM
If you want to look really high end, check out Falcon Northwest. Of course, their slogan is "The Ultimate Gaming PCs" since that's really what most high end PCs are geared for these days. I would put more money into the RAM and drives for PS than the graphics capability (aside from a nice monitor of course). That being said, I only own a laptop, but I like to look at some of these and drool...
Alienware computers are geared toward gamers.
Just about any computer with a lot of RAM (2 GB+) and a fairly recent processor will work just fine with PS.
There's no sense in overspending at all.
I know you want a PC, but if you are looking at high end systems, you ought to look at Macs and what they can do for the money and ease of use. Yeah, I'm a Mac pundit. There is a reason Mac's have their niche market.
On the other hand, you probably have alot of PC software that you would transfer to your new machine and that would be cost effective.
Troup
Posted by Richard Wong on April 23, 2008 at 1:14 AM
Alienware was very popular amongst gamers so its probably more than good enough for what you do. They did get bought by Dell so I don't know if that has changed anything. I looked into getting one myself two months ago but I ended up getting a more for my money with a regular Dell XPS. The Alienware had higher quality hardware though and has the liquid cooling system.
The last time out, I went to Newegg.com and bought a bunch of high end components and put the machine together in less than a day. I got a lot more machine for the money, and I know every nook and cranny of the thing if any problems crop up or if I want to drop in an upgrade.
Not for the faint of heart, perhaps, but it certainly worked out well for me.
Posted by Mitch Erwin on April 23, 2008 at 10:41 AM
Thank you to everyone for your wisdom. It has sparked me to consider other options!
Posted by Brad Kargus on April 23, 2008 at 11:31 AM
Hi Mitch,
You'll get a well-built machine from one of the boutique shops (alienware, falcon northwest, etc) but you'll pay a huge price premium that is substantially more than the true cost difference between "quality" and lesser components.
People who know computers will tell you that, if you're comfortable doing so, the best way to get want you want at a good price is to buy the individual components and assemble it yourself, as Norman has done. Just about as good is having a computer savvy friend put one together for you for a small fee (eg. a case of beer )
Best in-between solution: use the online configurators of the boutique sites to see what components are used and make a few notes; then find a local shop that offers computer assembly and give them a list of the components you want.
On components:
- unless you're a hardcore gamer, stay away from the latest and greatest graphics card - this can easily be the most expensive component in a computer system;
- buy the most RAM you can afford - this is one component you shouldn't skimp on for photoshop work;
- CPU - you can usually find the sweet spot in price/performance ratio by dropping down a few speed notches from the top-of-the-line;
- if you're getting a desktop, DON'T OVERLOOK THE CASE - you want one that helps the components stay cool - choose aluminum over plastic. It should have vents on the front as well as the back and a quiet case fan on each end. Actually the best vent a case might have is one on the side with a fan to blow on the motherboard.
If you're getting a notebook, Asus notebooks are a well-kept secret. When I lived in Ontario, there were a few places in the Toronto area that offered these as customizable notebooks and this is actually the route I took. Reviews told me that the non-customizable parts of each model such as the notebook case and screen were generally better than the Acer/Compaq/HP crowd and as good or better than Dell. I looked at Asus because they consistently make quality motherboards - the base of any computer setup.
Discussion
11 replies-- Alienware was purchased by Dell a while back. So really, they are just higher end, fancier looking, more slicky marketed Dell machines.
-- That being said, what you need to look at is the actual hardware (RAM, processor, motherboard, drives), and compare them to other manufacturers, including things like the Dell XPS, which itself is pretty high end and well built.
-- If you get an Alienware computer, you are going to be getting a high end (and expensive) graphics card that likely won't be needed at all for PS work. If you do lots of multimedia (computer animation, sound/graphics co-editing) or gaming it would make more sense. The built-in graphics capability of most modern motherboards is fine for PS.
-- All that considered, while I don't own one, I have heard that the Alienware are pretty nice, if a little pricey.
I think that there are other high end options.
Velocity Micro for instance are assembled in america and usually have pretty good reviews in the PC mags. The even have digital media versions. I noticed that Best Buy recently started carrying these computers (obviously without customizations), so you might cross check prices with Best Buy.
CyberPowerPC is supposedly pretty good.
Voodoo PC is supposedly pretty good.
So there are a few other places to shop.
Mel-
As far as I know the Alienware machines have very high quality components, but, as David said, they are also pricey. I also agree with David regarding the video--you are paying for a premium card that is not needed for PS work on photographs. The Dell XPS is a nice machine.
Just a thought, but have you considered having a reputable local shop build a machine for you? You may be able to get a better machine for your money, along with local support.
Good luck in your search, Mitch.
-PB
Just about any computer with a lot of RAM (2 GB+) and a fairly recent processor will work just fine with PS.
There's no sense in overspending at all.
Core2 Quad 6600
4 GB Ram
2 500 hard drives
Nvidia graphic with 256MB
22' Ultrasharp Monitor
For about $1400
On the other hand, you probably have alot of PC software that you would transfer to your new machine and that would be cost effective.
Troup
Not for the faint of heart, perhaps, but it certainly worked out well for me.
You'll get a well-built machine from one of the boutique shops (alienware, falcon northwest, etc) but you'll pay a huge price premium that is substantially more than the true cost difference between "quality" and lesser components.
People who know computers will tell you that, if you're comfortable doing so, the best way to get want you want at a good price is to buy the individual components and assemble it yourself, as Norman has done. Just about as good is having a computer savvy friend put one together for you for a small fee (eg. a case of beer
Best in-between solution: use the online configurators of the boutique sites to see what components are used and make a few notes; then find a local shop that offers computer assembly and give them a list of the components you want.
On components:
- unless you're a hardcore gamer, stay away from the latest and greatest graphics card - this can easily be the most expensive component in a computer system;
- buy the most RAM you can afford - this is one component you shouldn't skimp on for photoshop work;
- CPU - you can usually find the sweet spot in price/performance ratio by dropping down a few speed notches from the top-of-the-line;
- if you're getting a desktop, DON'T OVERLOOK THE CASE - you want one that helps the components stay cool - choose aluminum over plastic. It should have vents on the front as well as the back and a quiet case fan on each end. Actually the best vent a case might have is one on the side with a fan to blow on the motherboard.
If you're getting a notebook, Asus notebooks are a well-kept secret. When I lived in Ontario, there were a few places in the Toronto area that offered these as customizable notebooks and this is actually the route I took. Reviews told me that the non-customizable parts of each model such as the notebook case and screen were generally better than the Acer/Compaq/HP crowd and as good or better than Dell. I looked at Asus because they consistently make quality motherboards - the base of any computer setup.
I hope this was useful.
Brad