Suggested PC?

On 27 Aug 2006 21:34:19 -0700, "Chris J. Popp" wrote:

I’m thinking about upgrading to a different pc or upping my exisiting system and would like some suggestions because I get lost on the what chip is faster thing.

I’ve currently got a P4 2.8 ghz HT with 1gb DDR Ram and am running CS2.

Any suggestions would be great!

Thanks,
Chris

I guess the big question is how much do you want to spend? Myself, I alwaus get the biggest and fastest that Dell has to offer. I highly recommend a Dell (no I don’t work for Dell), because I have always been impressed with their quality and their service. The main use for my computer is PhotoShop, so I need all the horsepower I can get. I would get the most RAM that you can afford, which maxed out for a 32 bit system is 4 GB.(A 64 bit system can handle up to 128 GB, but I doubt that anyone is rich enough to afford that.<g>) I guess they only offer DDR2 SDRAM now, which is okay, but I liked the RD Ram that this computer uses.
I’d get at least a 128 MB graphics card, but if you can afford it, go for the 256 MB cards. I’d get two hard drives that total at least 1/2 Terabyte. They don’t offer the Trinitron monitors anymore, so I guess a 20 inch flat panel will suffice. Dell’s UltraSharp is a nice monitor, but there are others that are good also.
I guess the mai question is which processor…..a 64 bit processor or dual 32 bit processors. There are very few 64 bit programs out there right now, so unless you hope to upgrade to a 64 bit version of Windows (Vista) and PhotoShop, the dual 32 bit systems are the choice.
I just looked at the Dell website, and they have the XPS 700 line, which they call the high performance gaming system for $2270. I would add at least 1 more GB of RAM, and a second hard drive to that system to get to the level that I would like.
If that’s a little too expensive for you, they have the Dimension E510 for $859. If you run it up to 2 GB of RAM, add the Pentium 940 processor, the 19 inch UltraSharp flat panel, and the 250 GB hard drive, you get it up to $1338 with the sale they’re running now. You’d only get one hard drive but you can add another yourself in 10 minutes.(Maxtors were on sale for $80 for 300 GB at CompUSA). Again, there are other computers out there, and you don’t have to buy a Dell, but they seem to be the best deal for the money. Anyway, whatever you decide on, good luck!

Talker

Chris J. Popp wrote:

I’m thinking about upgrading to a different pc or upping my exisiting system and would like some suggestions because I get lost on the what chip is faster thing.

I’ve currently got a P4 2.8 ghz HT with 1gb DDR Ram and am running CS2.

Any suggestions would be great!

Thanks,
Chris

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By all means get a dual core processor. I have the AMD X2 3800+ cranked up to 2.4 GHz. It makes a huge difference in the speed of Photoshop and everything else. CS2 doesn’t use it for everything, but what it does use the 2nd core for will make a huge difference. Right now Intel’s new dual core processors are faster, cheaper, and cooler. They are the chips to lust after right now.

Get 2 GB of memory with room for more. Realistically, CS2 will only reliably use 2 GB today – on Windows XP. With Vista you will be able to use all that the 64 bit processor will allow; which is more than any motherboard will hold today.

Lots of people say get a big, fast hard drive, but I think the speed is less important. I do use a 10K Raptor for my XP pagefile and Photoshop swap file. That does make a difference, but not as much as the above two items. Do get a HD big enough to hold years worth of pictures. Naturally, you will also get an external HD for backup.

I doubt you will be able to notice any performance issues with any video card or even using the video straight off your motherboard. Most video cards are designed for 3D performance. Photoshop doesn’t do any 3D.

Be sure you get a monitor that you can calibrate. Then get a calibration tool. CRTs will almost all calibrate very well, but are getting very hard to find. Not all LCD monitors will calibrate well or at all. I can’t give any suggestion as I still use a ViewSonic Pro Series CRT. It’s great, but… Do spend some time and money getting a good monitor for Photoshop. You won’t regret it at all.

It may not be a big deal, but the mouse is the other big interface tool – after the monitor. You will always be working with the mouse and monitor. I use Logitech’s G5 mouse and love it. It is designed for gaming, but I love the ability to quickly hit a button to change the speed of the mouse from lighting quick to slow. With some types of editing in Photoshop that is very nice.

Of course, many people swear by tablets. I don’t do any drawing or painting in Photoshop. I just edit photos. I sold my tablet because I found a good mouse easier to use. Your mileage may vary.

Other than a good photo printer, those are the key things. Apple makes some great Photoshop computers too. They cost a tad more, take slightly less fiddling to get and keep running, and have a tad less flexibility. The differences are pretty small though, even though the fans will get a bit rabid at times.

Of course, you could have some fun and build your own computer. You will take more time, but learn a lot. You can build just exactly what you want too. That’s what I did. You can do it a few pieces at a time too. You would replace your motherboard and processor in your current computer. Later you can upgrade the memory, HD, etc.

Have fun.

Thanks,
Clyde

Chris J. Popp wrote:

I’m thinking about upgrading to a different pc or upping my exisiting system and would like some suggestions because I get lost on the what chip is faster thing.

I’ve currently got a P4 2.8 ghz HT with 1gb DDR Ram and am running CS2.

Any suggestions would be great!

In a few months, PhotoShop will be a universal binary, so you might want to consider getting a Mac. They’re cheaper than the high-end Dells for the same overall feature-set.