Need the fastest computer!!

D-50 · Sep 14, 2007

I am fed up with my computer. I need a superfast computer that can handle PS CS2, photomatix, and Nikon Capture 4. I do not care about internet, word processing or any of that other crap I just want a computer that will run PS CS2 and the other programs at optimal performance... Here the catch I cannot go to a Mac. What is a fast computer that can handle these programs with ease, cost as always does matter but Im willing to spend a decent amount. I just need a tower thats all, and no laptops. What is the fastest processor out there and what is the most RAM I can get? is it possible to get a computer that functions solely for photo editing? if so what is the rough cost?

usayit · Sep 14, 2007

No MAC? Ah shucks... A FULLY loaded Mac Pro will run about the cost of a car ($15k)... I'd like to see that.

If Windows box, I personally would just custom build one with the most of everything... You can always just spec the most in everything out of a Dell.. around $7500 is what I"m guessin.

Either case, Memory Memory Memory... MAX it out.
Second.. Storage storage storage... get something with a RAID controller
Third.. Fastest CPUs.

Workstations can go from a few hundred to well over $10k.... without much more info and a set budget theres not much more that I can say.

Davehimself · Sep 14, 2007

usayit said:
No MAC? Ah shucks... A FULLY loaded Mac Pro will run about the cost of a car ($15k)... I'd like to see that.

If Windows box, I personally would just custom build one with the most of everything... You can always just spec the most in everything out of a Dell.. around $7500 is what I"m guessin.

Either case, Memory Memory Memory... MAX it out.
Second.. Storage storage storage... get something with a RAID controller
Third.. Fastest CPUs.

Workstations can go from a few hundred to well over $10k.... without much more info and a set budget theres not much more that I can say.

cyberpowerpc.com you can build your pc with a quad core processor and 4gb's of ram for around 1500 dollars they build it for you and ship it so much better and cheaper then mac

JIP · Sep 14, 2007

This should cover it http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&oc=DXCWZH5&s=dhs of course it is a gaming system but I think the grafics of games woud facilitiate good photo editing. Another thing this doesn't come with PS so you will need to add that http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/487443-REG/Adobe_23102480_Photoshop_CS3_Image_Editing.html but what is an additional $650 when you are already spending $10,000. Of course all this adds up to be careful what you ask for from a gear head crowd.

Sideburns · Sep 14, 2007

I actually build computers as my main hobby, and am employed at a security company to maintain all of their computers. So, I have a few years of building under my belt. My computer that's a year old runs CS3, Maya, Lightroom. There is no such thing as a computer that specializes in photos, and you can't get a computer that's "fast in photoshop, but not focused on browsing". The fastest computer is just the fastest computer period pretty much. Basically todays benchmark of performance is 3D games. If it can run the best 3D games without problems, it can handles ANY other apps out there.

If you want me to show you what to buy to make a superfast computer at a decent price, just PM me. I can go through and explain to you what you need. I'd be more than happy to help you.

I hope to hear from you soon! I should be able to set aside some time for you some time in the next few days to walk you through the process...

table1349 · Sep 14, 2007

Here are 5 good choices to start with. You can customize them with more ram, storage space etc.
http://www.popphoto.com/popularphotographyfeatures/4403/the-photographers-guide-to-computers.html

usayit · Sep 14, 2007

I still say build your own after doing research. 9 out of 10 you'll be happier. Building a computer is pretty darn easy. You'll probably have enough knowledge (or learn it) to fix it/replace parts when problems do occur.

If not.. stick to Dell... easy to configure.. support staff to complain to.

BTW... cyberpowergo is not that impressive.. yuk Cheaper.. not really.. better.. doubt it... btw.. the Mac Pro goes to 16gb of memory. I'd rather do Dell..

OH yeh...

I wouldn't package the monitor and consider it a seperate purchase. Monitors geared towards gaming (many of the ones packaged) are not necessarily the best for photoediting.

Sideburns · Sep 14, 2007

usayit said:
I still say build your own after doing research. 9 out of 10 you'll be happier. Building a computer is pretty darn easy. You'll probably have enough knowledge (or learn it) to fix it/replace parts when problems do occur.

If not.. stick to Dell... easy to configure.. support staff to complain to.

BTW... cyberpowergo is not that impressive.. yuk Cheaper.. not really.. better.. doubt it... btw.. the Mac Pro goes to 16gb of memory. I'd rather do Dell..

OH yeh...

I wouldn't package the monitor and consider it a seperate purchase. Monitors geared towards gaming (many of the ones packaged) are not necessarily the best for photoediting.

This is why I suggested that he PM me. I build computers all the time, and would be able to walk him through step by step basically what parts are needed and what to do with them. That is definitely where the best investment lies. No use whatsoever in buying a Dell. Dell is garbage.

usayit · Sep 15, 2007

Dells aren't the best by a long shot.. but they are not garbage either... The typical consumer (one not interested in building one themselves) isn't going to care to the same level as you nor I.

I work two jobs in multi-million dollar companies (DR Specialist and Software Engineer).. both are heavily invested in Dell. They get the job done.... (You can't ignore their marketshare). When something goes wrong with the machine.. who is he going to call for support.. you?

Never the less.. I have Mac's at home, as a laptop, and as a workstation at my software job. I can't stand Windows.. but I'd be overstepping myself by saying it is garbage.

Mike_E · Sep 15, 2007

D-50, how much memory are you running?

If it's under 2 gigs then that could be your problem.

Also check just how many other programs are running at the same time.

Do a spyware check -spybot is good, you'll want to do a cleanup of your registry if you haven't in a while and defrag your hard drive.

If you are unsure about cleaning any of the software look into System Mechanic. Really easy to use and works very well.

Anyway, maxing out your memory and cleaning out the cobwebs may just do the trick for you.

mike

Garbz · Sep 15, 2007

This is still very dependant on what and how you work. My old 866Mhz laptop with 512mb of ram runs photoshop CS3 just fine for edits of most digital camera images. It's when I crack open an 80mpx or edit a 32bit image with 10 layers that even my dual core desktop with 2gb of ram struggles.

Photoshop and image editing is not all that processor intensive really. The problem is the large amounts of data that need to be moved around the memory. If you don't have enough or it's not fast that would be your number 1 bottle neck, not physical processing power. If you are going to upgrade look for a minimum a motherboard which supports dual channel memory (some cheapies still don't for whatever reason), and 2 >1gb sticks of DDR2 ram.

Kanikula · Sep 15, 2007

I have just recently gone out and bought a new PC as my other one would physc out if i dared to load CS2 on its off day - which BTW was very day!

I bought a Hewlett Packard M8180 - its awsome and can handle multiple programs fast and with ease.

http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/uk/en/ho/WF06b/35123-35527-39847-39847-39847-80230875-80402658.html

I was expensive (1000 GBP) and all i got as the PC - no monitor! But is definatly worth the money!

soylentgreen · Sep 15, 2007

What is your budget? You can easily build your own PC if you have the know-how for half the price of a store/online purchased one. The performance gap between brands is practically non-existent now. I have used an Alienware PC for the past 8 years and they are great machines. Dell owns them now so much of the same technology go into both brands. My personal PC is an Alienware-based AMD workstation running 2 cpus with 4 cores, SLI and allotta RAM for about $1300. It really depends on your budget as to how high-end you want to go. You can get a a PC for about $900 bucks from Dell w/o monitor that can run the programs you want, since you are not 3-D or video intensive i.e. Maya, Lightwave, Shock, etc. Gaming rigs will obviously be more since you need faster processing and video, so yoou might have to find a balance. I always make sure my PC has room to upgrade, hence the build-it-yourself. Granted a lot of time and research needs to be spent in getting the right components so everything works well together, it is well worth it. Check out TomsHardware.com for some stats and reviews. You do not have to get the fastest/ latest components to get the best performance. Granted you will be paying a high-premium for such accessories, so if money is no object, go for it. Be aware it will be surpassed in 3-weeks by the next generation.

Pyrex · Sep 16, 2007

As many of the others I build computers as a hobby, except I'm more into the ultra-enthusiast end (high overclocks, thermal electric water cooled systems, phase cooled, etc.) of the market. I also work as a art director for a game design company, so I spend my days in 3d studio max, Maya, Photoshop, Paint Shop Pro, etc. Yes, you can build a very quick computer yourself for around 600-800, but honestly the money almost always tailors to the gaming end. If you are just looking for a quick computer for photoshop and editing just get yourself a dual core system (ignore the quad core suggestions, that's pointless for your application - only a few processes can even take advantage of multi-core technology). I would suggest an E6600 w/ 4gb of memory, and a decent SATA drive, that's about it. But, honestly, just buy yourself a Dell - I've been saying that for years to anyone who needs a quick system and it's not for gaming.

usayit · Sep 16, 2007

Pyrex said:
.....
If you are just looking for a quick computer for photoshop and editing just get yourself a dual core system (ignore the quad core suggestions, that's pointless for your application - only a few processes can even take advantage of multi-core technology). I would suggest an E6600 w/ 4gb of memory, and a decent SATA drive, that's about it. But, honestly, just buy yourself a Dell - I've been saying that for years to anyone who needs a quick system and it's not for gaming.

I do believe photoshop CS2 and CS3 do have multi-processor support... more than 4 core even.

http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/detail.jsp?ftpID=3447

Never the less.. you are right... photoshop is more memory bound than anything else. My home workstation which does more than just photoshop did improve once I went from 4gb to 8gb. The next thing.. storage. fast storage... Consider a striped set for O/S, swap, workspace and a mirror set for storage.

Go dell if you want something prebuilt and at your door quickly.