I have an older Dell system that is slower than cold molasses due to all the stuff I have on it. So I am shopping a new system. I don't want to spend tons of cash but still want something that I won't outgrow. I process with Photoshop CS2, have probably 300 images on my desktop and in my files, I go on the internet frequently. I don't have a ton of music on the computer though.
How about some suggestions on what kind of system with what features?
Memory etc?
3.0 Ghz Quad core CPU
3 GB Ram You can upgrade RAM with less expense after-market, just make sure the mother board can handle it.
A decent video card or AGP graphics 128-256 MB video memory.
(If you plan to use two monitors, you'll need a dual monitor video card)
Two, 300 GB SATA hardrives (one for OS and programs, the other (in two partitions) for files and for your PS scratch disk.
A network interface card (NIC) (more on this in a minute)
A firewire card, if you ned it for a printer or scanner.
An optical drive that reads and writes CD and DVD.
....
I have an old Dell that I upgraded with two new hard drives, installed more RAM, installed a NIC and networked it with my newer Dell using a router. After transferring all the files to my newer machine, I use it for back up and my wife uses it for internet, e-mail, and some document work.
I have heard many negative things about Dell systems.. Such as Dell computers being less reliable, etc, and depending on how its built, sometimes you can only fix it with Dell parts. And it being more expensive as well. I would suggest trying to find various site on Internet that let you chose main components yourself and then they build it for you and send it to you.
Make sure you get a CPU that is at least dual core. Quad core is the new thing and sooner or later most programs will work in a quad core better than dual core, but I am using dual core and I haven't seen any weaknesses yet. You also should have at least 2GB Ram. The more the better of course. Keep in mind that if you want to have 4GB of Ram or more, you need Windows Vista. Windows XP doesn't recognise more than 3GB or so. The graphics card should be around 256MB I guess, but considering all the new powerful cards coming in, a 256 card isn't expensive anymore. When you consider the graphics card make sure to read user reviews, because some cards work well but create a hell of noise.. Same with CPU fans, really.
It is also good to have lots of diskspace so the comment above with 300GB hard drives is okay. Particularly considering all the digital images one might want to save over the years. It is nice to be able to have a back-up too, so two large disks won't hurt. Personally I have one disk of 200GB and it has held nicely so far, but I guess I might have to upgrade someday.
You don't really need the new top-notch system if you don't plan on playing computer games, actually. For PS2 work and browsing the Internet, I think, 3GB of RAM, Dual Core CPU, and 256 megabytes video card will do just fine.
As for network connection I would suggest avoiding wireless at all costs. For one it is physically unhealthy since it wireless, and second - it is often unstable, sometimes hard to make work. A simple cable connection from your computer to your router is the best option in my opinion :)
Just ask more for details and we will try to help. Buying a new computer is probably harder than buying a house nowadays!
Keep in mind that if you want to have 4GB of Ram or more, you need Windows Vista. Windows XP doesn't recognise more than 3GB or so.
This actually doesn't have anything to do with XP or Vista...it has to do with having a 32-bit operating system versus a 64-bit version. 64-bit version of XP or Vista will recognize more RAM than you'd ever want. 32-bit operating systems (which most people have) only recognize 4 GB (although programs will probably only be able to use 3 GB of it at a time). The only problem with getting 64-bit operating systems is some possible incompatability with certain software ot hardware - although this is getting to be less of a problem.
If you do get 3 or 4 GB of RAM, you really should read through this thread over at NatureScapes that details how to get Photoshop to use more than 2 GB of RAM.
" I would suggest trying to find various site on Internet that let you chose main components yourself and then they build it for you and send it to you."
I agree with the posts above, and I'd alter what I've quoted to suggest you find a good little computer shop and have them build your system. That way you can talk to the people who will build the computer and take advantage of their experience and of the fact that you can get follow-up help if you need it without having to ship the computer off somewhere. What about the OS? I have XPpro. I'm afraid of Vista because of the limited software that really works with it, the problems others have encountered with it, and what seems to be an overuse of system resources. I'd ask around a lot before deciding on the OS. And if you want two monitors--even if not right away--make sure the video card and motherboard truly support two monitors. (When I upgraded my system to a dual-core, etc. the video card that had worked fine with two monitors was supposed to be compatible with the new motherboard, but it wasn't: my computer-shop-man had to swap out his own video card to get my monitors to display correctly.) Good luck with all the agonizing decisions!
Rosemarie - There really isn't anything anymore that shouldn't run great on Vista (except perhaps some really old software if there haven't been updates to it - like if the company doesn't make it anymore). It does use some more of the system than XP, but SP1 really trimmed that down as well, in addition to the usual bug fixes. I know of quite a few photogs happily using Vista now.
Most folks don'r remember all the bugs and driver issues that cropped up with the initial release of XP. It took two service packs to get it right; it was an evolutionary process. The same is true for Vista. Like David, I know several folks who are quite happy with Vista.
I wasn't advocating Dell in my earlier post. I suppose I've been fortunate that my two Dell machines have performed very well, and aside from a failed hard drive on the older one, I've had no problems. When I make the decsion to buy a new machine, I will shop carefully, and may go with a local-built custom one.
If one intends to network two (or more) desktops in the same room, a wired ethernet makes the most sense. If you intend to have machines in different rooms, a well-designed wireless system may be best, unless you want to spend time and money running cat-5e cable.
Buying a new computer is probably harder than buying a house nowadays!
Pure exaggeration.
I've owned two refurbished Dell computers and have never had a problem with either of them. I can recommend them without reservation.
Prices have plummeted to the point where you simply cannot build your own machine with comparable features at a lower price.
Don, if you are considering Dell, you might want to look at their "Precision Workstation" line. These machines use the best of components, and have superior warranty and tech support. Yes, they are more expensive, but it will ensure greater peace of mind. Their XPS line is also well respected, but these are geared more for gamers.
Discussion
9 repliesHow about some suggestions on what kind of system with what features?
Memory etc?
Thanks
Don Gorczynski
3.0 Ghz Quad core CPU
3 GB Ram You can upgrade RAM with less expense after-market, just make sure the mother board can handle it.
A decent video card or AGP graphics 128-256 MB video memory.
(If you plan to use two monitors, you'll need a dual monitor video card)
Two, 300 GB SATA hardrives (one for OS and programs, the other (in two partitions) for files and for your PS scratch disk.
A network interface card (NIC) (more on this in a minute)
A firewire card, if you ned it for a printer or scanner.
An optical drive that reads and writes CD and DVD.
....
I have an old Dell that I upgraded with two new hard drives, installed more RAM, installed a NIC and networked it with my newer Dell using a router. After transferring all the files to my newer machine, I use it for back up and my wife uses it for internet, e-mail, and some document work.
I hope this helps, Don,
-PB
Make sure you get a CPU that is at least dual core. Quad core is the new thing and sooner or later most programs will work in a quad core better than dual core, but I am using dual core and I haven't seen any weaknesses yet. You also should have at least 2GB Ram. The more the better of course. Keep in mind that if you want to have 4GB of Ram or more, you need Windows Vista. Windows XP doesn't recognise more than 3GB or so. The graphics card should be around 256MB I guess, but considering all the new powerful cards coming in, a 256 card isn't expensive anymore. When you consider the graphics card make sure to read user reviews, because some cards work well but create a hell of noise.. Same with CPU fans, really.
It is also good to have lots of diskspace so the comment above with 300GB hard drives is okay. Particularly considering all the digital images one might want to save over the years. It is nice to be able to have a back-up too, so two large disks won't hurt. Personally I have one disk of 200GB and it has held nicely so far, but I guess I might have to upgrade someday.
You don't really need the new top-notch system if you don't plan on playing computer games, actually. For PS2 work and browsing the Internet, I think, 3GB of RAM, Dual Core CPU, and 256 megabytes video card will do just fine.
As for network connection I would suggest avoiding wireless at all costs. For one it is physically unhealthy since it wireless, and second - it is often unstable, sometimes hard to make work. A simple cable connection from your computer to your router is the best option in my opinion :)
Just ask more for details and we will try to help. Buying a new computer is probably harder than buying a house nowadays!
This actually doesn't have anything to do with XP or Vista...it has to do with having a 32-bit operating system versus a 64-bit version. 64-bit version of XP or Vista will recognize more RAM than you'd ever want. 32-bit operating systems (which most people have) only recognize 4 GB (although programs will probably only be able to use 3 GB of it at a time). The only problem with getting 64-bit operating systems is some possible incompatability with certain software ot hardware - although this is getting to be less of a problem.
If you do get 3 or 4 GB of RAM, you really should read through this thread over at NatureScapes that details how to get Photoshop to use more than 2 GB of RAM.
I agree with the posts above, and I'd alter what I've quoted to suggest you find a good little computer shop and have them build your system. That way you can talk to the people who will build the computer and take advantage of their experience and of the fact that you can get follow-up help if you need it without having to ship the computer off somewhere. What about the OS? I have XPpro. I'm afraid of Vista because of the limited software that really works with it, the problems others have encountered with it, and what seems to be an overuse of system resources. I'd ask around a lot before deciding on the OS. And if you want two monitors--even if not right away--make sure the video card and motherboard truly support two monitors. (When I upgraded my system to a dual-core, etc. the video card that had worked fine with two monitors was supposed to be compatible with the new motherboard, but it wasn't: my computer-shop-man had to swap out his own video card to get my monitors to display correctly.) Good luck with all the agonizing decisions!
I wasn't advocating Dell in my earlier post. I suppose I've been fortunate that my two Dell machines have performed very well, and aside from a failed hard drive on the older one, I've had no problems. When I make the decsion to buy a new machine, I will shop carefully, and may go with a local-built custom one.
If one intends to network two (or more) desktops in the same room, a wired ethernet makes the most sense. If you intend to have machines in different rooms, a well-designed wireless system may be best, unless you want to spend time and money running cat-5e cable.
-PB
Pure exaggeration.
I've owned two refurbished Dell computers and have never had a problem with either of them. I can recommend them without reservation.
Prices have plummeted to the point where you simply cannot build your own machine with comparable features at a lower price.
-PB