Processors and Video Cards

I've had my computers (desktop and laptop) for 6 and 5 years respectively, and am going to buy a new one this summer. I have two questions:

1. i5 vs i7 - - - obviously i7 would be better, but is it worth an extra 200 bucks?

2. What is the basic difference between the Radeon and NVidia GE Force video cards?

You'll see a bit of a difference between the i5 and i7. If you're looking to trim costs, I'd go with an i% and max the memory. Also make sure that you get a 64-bit version of Windows to take advantage of the memory.

Radeon is the AMD line that they bought from ATI. NVidia is their biggest competition. Unfortunately, you real need to compare the specific cards to determine which is "better". Discrete rather than integrated graphics that share system memory will always provide better performance.

Any idea which manufacturers that you're considering?

Comparing Intel Core i5 vs i7 | PCMag.com

Here is a good article. Is the i7 worth the extra bucks?? It depends on whether or not nano-seconds are worth $200 to you. In regards to video cards, it depends on which two you are comparing. Just get what you need. I really don't think there is a "best".

Well, I hate to bring up the dirty word, "Dell", but that's what I've had for the past 10 yrs. I like their service plans . . . in 10 yrs I've only had 3 problems and a tech came to the house and took care of it as part of the plan. Also, I'm under their educational savings plan so I get a nice discount.

Ed, I'm thinking about the new XPS 8500 desktop. I already have a good monitor. So I'm trying to keep the cost down to less than $1000.

Just get what you need. I really don't think there is a "best".

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I guess that's the problem. what do I need for fast multi-tasking and post processing (having photoshop and lightroom and photomatix all open at the same time.

Unless you're planning on playing graphic intensive video games, either card will work fine. The 3-D module in Photoshop extended doesn't require all that much graphics computing power.
I'm using a Dell XPS 8500 equipped with an i7-3770 (3rd generation) along with a 32gb SSD attached to my 2T HD. The system is lightening fast and it makes dealing with large files a breeze. But the real performance comes with maxing out your memory. Windows Home Premium allows you to go up to 16 gig of memory while Windows Pro allows 64 and Windows Ultimate is something crazy like 128 gig (I think, might be less). I'm running 16 gig and have yet to pull over 70% with both Lightroom, PS-6, and a few other programs open at the same time. But if you feel you need more than 16 gig then be sure to order Windows Pro or Windows Ultimate.

Ah, I see you're considering an XPS 8500, good choice. Keep an eye on CostCo for sales, I purchased one on sale from them for considerable less than what it would have cost thru the Dell website. I even called Dell and gave them a chance to match CostCo's price and they couldn't.

But the real performance comes with maxing out your memory. Windows Home Premium allows you to go up to 16 gig of memory while Windows Pro allows 64 and Windows Ultimate is something crazy like 128 gig (I think, might be less).

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Well, this is certainly good to know. I did not realize there were memory "limits" with the different operating system.

[h=3]Physical Memory Limits: Windows 7[/h]The following table specifies the limits on physical memory for Windows 7.

Physical Memory Limits: Windows 7

The following table specifies the limits on physical memory for Windows 7.

Version	Limit on X86	Limit on X64
Windows 7 Ultimate	4 GB	192 GB
Windows 7 Enterprise	4 GB	192 GB
Windows 7 Professional	4 GB	192 GB
Windows 7 Home Premium	4 GB	16 GB
Windows 7 Home Basic	4 GB	8 GB
Windows 7 Starter	2 GB	N/A

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Thank you, Ed. I learn something new everyday

ohkphoto said:

Well, I hate to bring up the dirty word, "Dell", but that's what I've had for the past 10 yrs. I like their service plans . . . in 10 yrs I've only had 3 problems and a tech came to the house and took care of it as part of the plan. Also, I'm under their educational savings plan so I get a nice discount.

Ed, I'm thinking about the new XPS 8500 desktop. I already have a good monitor. So I'm trying to keep the cost down to less than $1000.

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I like to make sure that my desktop has 2 drives Mirrored/RAIDed as an extra layer of protection. I don't believe that the Dell XPS 8500 supports that feature.

ohkphoto said:

Thank you, Ed. I learn something new everyday

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The table also shows why it is important to have a 64-bit version to take advantage of the extra memory.

I'm using a Dell XPS 8500 equipped with an i7-3770 (3rd generation) along with a 32gb SSD attached to my 2T HD. The system is lightening fast and it makes dealing with large files a breeze

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Thank you, MojoFstop. Sounds like a great recommendation and I appreciate it

I like to make sure that my desktop has 2 drives Mirrored/RAIDed as an extra layer of protection. I don't believe that the Dell XPS 8500 supports that feature.

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This makes sense and I've been avoiding learning about the RAID features . . . it seemed easier to attach a bunch of external drives and back up. But maybe it's time I look into this seriously.

Since you're still shopping, check out SlickDeals. One of my favorite sites.

Coincidentally, the Dell Outlet is running a 20% off sale for the Fourth. FWIW I but most of my PCs refurbished.

What on earth would you do with 192 gb of memory? Well, whatever it is, you'll do it very quickly!

ohkphoto said:

This makes sense and I've been avoiding learning about the RAID features . . . it seemed easier to attach a bunch of external drives and back up. But maybe it's time I look into this seriously.

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It is simple to setup. It is one of the reasons I use HP for my desktop because RAID is built into the systems. This way if one drive dies, I don't loose my work in process. Since I bill per hour, I can't afford to have to recreate effort.

As long as you have a process and redundancy, you should be fine!

I use HP for my desktop because RAID is built into the systems.

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Is it worth looking into HP? They're not going out of business?

ohkphoto said:

This makes sense and I've been avoiding learning about the RAID features . . . it seemed easier to attach a bunch of external drives and back up. But maybe it's time I look into this seriously.

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FYI - the following is only my opinion on the subject
The problem I have with RAID systems is this - All the RAID hard drives are installed at the same time, hence they'll all be susceptible to failing at approximately the same time. As a result, the only RAID systems that I would consider "safe" are systems made of SSD's and at the moment they're too pricey to make sense. Soon they will be ubiquitous and priced much closer to a standard hard drive. Until then, I would stick with the tried and true method of external hard disk and cloud back up systems. I realize that using back up drives is a pain, however, it seems to me that your data is much safer since all drives except solid state have a limited number of spins on them and since you're only turning your back up drives on when you back up your files, chances are they'll last much longer than a RAID drive that is constantly spinning.

I can see your argument, but it is all about risk. The risk of both drives failing at the same time (short of phsyical damage) are pretty low.

Having drives that sit causes another issue - the bearings can freeze. So basically, you're damned if you do or damned if you don't.

I'm a certified Continuity and Recovery consultant and deal with this all day. The key is multiple copies on different media stored with some measure of physical distance. RAID reduces the recovery times of work in process but does not address proximity. Each situation requires a judgment call of the cost of the work in process and the appropirate protection. As a working pro photographer, my guess is that Helene might have pretty high data protection requirements.

And unless you want me to pull the little remaining hair out, let's not even discuss corruption.