Time for a new computer

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SHAkers718

Senior Member
My son was talking about building one for me to my specifications based on research about features that would make a good photo editing PC. I only intend to do light editing viz. removing power lines, image enhancement. I do take a lot of photos for practice because I'm still trying to learn as much as I can. After discussing it a lot of what we were coming up with seemed like overkill. He sent this link to me as a suggestion. I would appreciate any comments/suggestions about the following:

iBUYPOWER ARC SERIES NE781K Desktop PC Intel Core i5 4690K (3.50GHz) 8GB DDR3 1TB HDD 120GB SSD Windows 8.1 64-Bit - Newegg.com

Also wouldn't mind hearing anyone's thoughts in general or experiences with a Dell Ultrasharp monitor? Would really like to keep this whole setup under $1200. There's still software to purchase after that.

Thank you in advance.
 
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Don Kuykendall_RIP

RIP :(
Make sure you can add more memory. 8GB may not be enough depending on how intense your editing it. I have 24GB in my editing setup and if I work on HDR or stacking photos I really need it. Start with 8GB but just make sure it is upgradable to 32GB.
 
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skene

Senior Member
Yes, would have to agree. As you would need more ram to take and handle large files. However if you can swing it, I would much rather suggest going mac for any image processing as you have less to bog down the system.
While I prefer using a Windows based PC/Laptop, the junk that is carried with Windows does not make it an optimal performer for image/video processing.
 
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paul04

Senior Member
I have to repeat what the others have said, the more memory the better,
The i5 cpu is fine (I use it in my PC)
And I have 16GB of memory in mine at the moment,

Running windows 8.1, 64bit.
 
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aroy

Senior Member
If you are building your PC, then keep the following points in mind
. There should be at least 4 slots for RAM on the motherboard. 8 or 16 are even better, but those MB cost a lot more.
. For 8 GB get 2 x 4GB DIMS. You will have space for 2 more DIMS for future expansion.
. Get at least one dual port video card with 1 or 2 GB dedicated RAM.
. When buying a power supply, get one that is at least 50% bigger in rating than you require now. Helps when you add HDD or newer video cards.
. Ensure that there are at least 6 slots for disks and one for DVD writer in the case.
. Think about using 2 x 24" monitors. They make life easier.
. When buying hard disks (HDD), get ones that come with 5 year warranty. You are on your own when you build a system, the more warranty on components the better.

I also assemble my PC's. Here is what I have
. Tyan MB with 2 x Quad Core XEON
. 8 GB ECC RAM
. 2 x Video cards from ATI - 5400 and 6800
. 3 Monitors - 2 x 24", 1 x 19"
. 6 HDD, 1 DVD
Here is the set-up
Capture-NXD-4.jpg
That said, if you do not want a really powerful system, then think of a high end laptop as an alternative. Most major players have what they call "Mobile Workstations", which are ideal for hassle free ownership. May cost a bit more initially, but manufacturer's warranty is really worth the higher cost.
 
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SHAkers718

Senior Member
@skene "However if you can swing it, I would much rather suggest going mac for any image processing as you have less to bog down the system. While I prefer using a Windows based PC/Laptop, the junk that is carried with Windows does not make it an optimal performer for image/video processing."

I agree. I could probably swing it - reluctantly, and I know it's something one doesn't fully appreciate until they try it for themselves. Never heard of anyone who has used a Mac (for anything other than internet) willing to go back. I have three sons and they represent the full spectrum. One hasn't tried it and doesn't care too (gamer), one could take it or leave it (social networking) and one whose frustration level goes off the charts if he's forced to use anything besides his beloved iMac (photo & video editor). My hesitation is largely due to expense and having one more thing to learn, plus I wanted an optical drive. It would be so simple though to walk into the Apple store & have them set me up with something nice. I might have to do some on-the-scene "research" on my lunch hour. And opt for a payment plan! ;-)
@Paulo4 "The i5 cpu is fine (I use it in my PC)
And I have 16GB of memory in mine at the moment, Running windows 8.1, 64bit."

Good to know. That's what my son concluded - that i5 would do fine for my purposes.
@aroy "That said, if you do not want a really powerful system, then think of a high end laptop as an alternative. Most major players have what they call "Mobile Workstations", which are ideal for hassle free ownership. May cost a bit more initially, but manufacturer's warranty is really worth the higher cost."

Thank you for the time you took to reply to my question with so much sound advice. I will look into Mobile Workstations also (new term to me). We do travel quite a bit and portability would definitely be a plus.

BTW, I have two monitors at work and I love it.

Maybe I should look into MacBook pro + additional monitor (eventually). I'd rather be spending the money directly on quality lenses, but right now my 2011 Dell Inspiron with i3processor with nothing other than the Nikon View NX2 software and my 256 GB hard drive quickly filling up, isn't cutting it anymore. I have got to upgrade and soon. I can rent some very nice lenses locally at reasonable prices & put off purchasing that for the time being, with the added benefit of knowing if a particular lens is something I would want or really use.

Thanks to ALL of you for helping guide this decision. I have learned that when I make a major purchase and get what I think is going to be "good enough", I'm usually not satisfied for long and have to start the whole process over again. :)





Read more: http://nikonites.com/computers-and-software/29534-time-new-computer.html#ixzz3VDzmiPkt
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aroy

Senior Member
SHAkers718 said:
.........

Maybe I should look into MacBook pro + additional monitor (eventually). I'd rather be spending the money directly on quality lenses, but right now my 2011 Dell Inspiron with i3processor with nothing other than the Nikon View NX2 software and my 256 GB hard drive quickly filling up, isn't cutting it anymore. I have got to upgrade and soon. I can rent some very nice lenses locally at reasonable prices & put off purchasing that for the time being, with the added benefit of knowing if a particular lens is something I would want or really use.

Thanks to ALL of you for helping guide this decision. I have learned that when I make a major purchase and get what I think is going to be "good enough", I'm usually not satisfied for long and have to start the whole process over again. :)


Read more: http://nikonites.com/computers-and-software/29534-time-new-computer.html#ixzz3VDzmiPkt
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Click to expand...

From what you say, a Laptop is what will best serve you. I am a PC man, but both my sons have shifted to MAC long ago. With Mac-book Pro you can add devices. My younger son has added an extra SSD and a portable DVD drive. As long as you consult the local Apple Service centre and add what is approved, you will get Apple Care for upto 3 years.

In the mean time if you are running out of disk space, get and extremal 1 TB USB-3 drive. We have a few WD 1TB drives, which are generally going for less than US $100 here.
 
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