PC shopping

[bentcountershaft]

I'm looking to get myself a new computer. Mine died last year and I've been using my wife's laptop which is less than ideal for both of us. I'm not interested in building one of my own yet as I'm going back to school and need something I can count on.

I think I've narrowed it down to three companies: Velocity Micro, Maingear and Origin. All three models I'm looking at are basically mild gamer builds. I'm not much of a gamer but fast graphics surely can't hurt a photographer and I might actually pick up a game or two if I suddenly have a machine worth playing on again. So anyway, does anyone here have any experience with any of the above brands? I'm open to other suggestions too but I'm not doing another Dell or Alienware nor am I going to HP and going with a Mac is out of the question at the moment.

 

[GeorgieGirl]

Is Mac completely out with your student discount?

 

[bentcountershaft]

I'm going back to school to learn more about PCs so I really need to stick with that.

 

[Big Mike]

Things have been changing in the last few years, with programs like Photoshop being able to take advantage of graphics cards...but I still think there is some truth to say that the specs you want for gaming are quite different than what you want for photo editing.

Gaming is all about a rapidly changing display, so a powerful video card is very important. For still photography, the display doesn't really change rapidly...unless you count when you are zooming/moving etc.

But with either application, you will want a powerful processor and plenty of RAM. RAM has always seemed to be the most recommended option for upgrade when it comes to photo editing. I'd look for something with at least 6-8GB of RAM.

You will also want to consider your digital storage and backup solution. For example, you may want an additional internal hard drive and an external drive or two (or more).
I'd suggest making sure that your machine has USB 3.0 ports and that any external drives or card readers are USB 3.0 compatible. So much faster than USB 2.0.

And of course, if photo editing is your main concern, then you should budget for a good quality IPS display and a calibration system. Maybe a Wacom pen & tablet system if you don't have one already.

 

[480sparky]

I let those who build computers build mine. There's a local store here I go to for repairs, and 1½ years ago I started them building one for me. I just told 'em what I wanted & needed, and they built it for me.

 

[IByte]

I'm going back to school to learn more about PCs so I really need to stick with that.

You don't really need a gaming system(unless you're using it for that as well . What I would look for in your case would be an I5 midtower. Nowadays companies are just throwing DDR 3 RAM with plenty of storage in their systems . Graphic card will not play a role unless you're gaming. I would concentrate on a decent montior like a Samsung LED24-27. MACS are good systems but overpriced IMO. Or better yet, have a friend help you build a system with the parts YOU want

 

[Big Mike]

I let those who build computers build mine. There's a local store here I go to for repairs, and 1½ years ago I started them building one for me. I just told 'em what I wanted & needed, and they built it for me.

I bought a new one earlier this year, and after shopping around, checking the flyers every day...I just went to a local computer store (not a big box chain) and bought one of their 'house brand' machines. Sort of like an 'off the shelf' custom built machine. Pretty good value IMO. Although, I'm I'm wishing I would have opted for a solid state drive as my primary drive for programs and the OS.

 

[bentcountershaft]

Sorry for not checking back in guys, I've been burying myself in research. I've kinda sold myself on gaming after a few days of looking a go fast computer parts. Just what I need, another hobby. Thanks for the sound advice though, as it does make sense. Sometimes me and logic don't get along.