So what computer go you guys use.

[Ballistics]

I use a Lenovo computer with

64-bit Windows 7
Dual Intel 2.53GHZ processor
4 GB DDR3 RAM
1GB ATI Graphics card
2 internal SATA 750GB drives
1 External 1.5 TB drive

27" HP LED monitor


As for the PC vs Mac debate, who cares, its a tool to get the job done. Mac doesn't do anything that a PC can't do and vice versa. All of the arguments hinge on quality, dependability, security etc and its all up to debate. However, they will both process a photo just the same in capable hands. Its not the same as paying to play with high end glass or camera bodies. You actually gain something that betters your photography there with better IQ, faster AF etc.

Its not PC vs Mac its $ vs $. Trust me, if I could build a mac instead I would lol.

 

[Ballistics]

And I just went to dell. Their XPS 9100 series desktop is $1300
with these specs.

Intel® Core™i7-960 processor(8MB L2 Cache, 3.20GHz)

Genuine Windows[SUP]®[/SUP] 7 Home Premium 64-Bit

12GB[SUP]3[/SUP] Tri-Channel DDR3 SDRAM at 1333MHz

2000GB[SUP]4[/SUP] SATA hard drive (7200RPM)

AMD Radeon™ HD 6670 1GB DDR5

No Monitor

1 Year Premium Hardware Service

That <> Workstation.

If I have to leave my machine compiling code for several hours at 100% CPU usage, I'm not doing it on a consumer-grade i7 without ECC memory. The people who ***** about Mac Pro's being expensive do exactly what you did, they compared it to something that isn't in the same class. There's a reason Xeon-based systems are expensive. If you don't understand what the reasons are, then you aren't in the position to NEED a Xeon over an i7.

Fair enough, however it doesn't take away from the fact that it can still be done cheaper. At least 1000 dollars cheaper.

 

[adversus]

The xeon processor in the $2500 mac is cheaper than that i7 processor.

i7 960 - $284.99 (Newegg.com - Intel Core i7-960 Bloomfield 3.2GHz 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80601960)
Xeon Nehalem 2.8 Quad - $1229 (Newegg.com - Intel Xeon X5560 Nehalem 2.8GHz 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1366 95W Quad-Core Server Processor BX80602X5560)

Yeah, the i7 is LOTS cheaper.

 

[Ballistics]

Yeah I see that, however that doesn't take away from the fact that you can buy a 2.2 nehalem and overclock it to 2.8 without missing a beat. Im also under the impression that Mac is not using that exact processor.

 

[adversus]

The whole point of buying a Xeon over an i7 (they are based on the same architecture) is they are workstation and server class. If you are paying $1200 for a CPU, you need it for the way it was built, over-clocking it defeats the purpose. They are for people who demand higher levels of precision from their processing units (very low error threshold, higher heat tolerances means they can run longer at higher temps without crashing). The Xeon manufacturing process is vastly different than the consumer-grade processors (anything starting with "i").

If an i7 is a Suburban, a Xeon is a semi. You can't compare them from the stance of the average consumer, because the "average" consumer simply doesn't need it. I agree that average user doesn't need a Mac Pro, but comparing a $2400 workstation to a $500 consumer level isn't a fair comparison.

 

[Ballistics]

The whole point of buying a Xeon over an i7 (they are based on the same architecture) is they are workstation and server class. If you are paying $1200 for a CPU, you need it for the way it was built, over-clocking it defeats the purpose. They are for people who demand higher levels of precision from their processing units (very low error threshold, higher heat tolerances means they can run longer at higher temps without crashing). The Xeon manufacturing process is vastly different than the consumer-grade processors (anything starting with "i").

If an i7 is a Suburban, a Xeon is a semi. You can't compare them from the stance of the average consumer, because the "average" consumer simply doesn't need it. I agree that average user doesn't need a Mac Pro, but comparing a $2400 workstation to a $500 consumer level isn't a fair comparison.

But how often do you use the complete computing power of the xeon? A $500 dollar system may not be able to reach a xeons potential, but for computational programs like photoshop and premier, the i5 is overkill @ 4.5ghz. Are you running CAD?

 

[Raian-san]

I prefer Ford to Chevy. They just run better, and they're faster. I mean, there's nothing wrong with Chevy, unless you like to fix cars a lot.

I also think that Pepsi produces a superior product to Coke. I mean, Coke might have the market share, but their cola simply can't hold a candle to Pepsi.

:er:

Im talking price here. They are both computers, but one is 5x the cost.

If your built is $500 compare to a $2500 Mac then where do you get you parts? i7+motherboard is already $500, GTFOH.

 

[adversus]

I needed a desktop that I could use for both work and photography. I have to run intense statistical and data mining calculations (well I used to, my last consulting job just ended, so I'm doing regular software dev at the moment... on Windows). That type of software will use as many processing cores (or even GPU's) that you can throw at it. The last thing you want is 5 hours of analysis to go down the tubes because your CPU over heated or your memory caused a page-fault.

 

[Ballistics]

I prefer Ford to Chevy. They just run better, and they're faster. I mean, there's nothing wrong with Chevy, unless you like to fix cars a lot.

I also think that Pepsi produces a superior product to Coke. I mean, Coke might have the market share, but their cola simply can't hold a candle to Pepsi.

:er:

Im talking price here. They are both computers, but one is 5x the cost.

If your built is $500 compare to a $2500 Mac then where do you get you parts? i7+motherboard is already $500, GTFOH.

Seems like a few people have reading problems. I linked an i5 2500k processor 3rd party build for $700 and a i5 2500k,Z68 mobo, and 4gb of DDR3 ram for 385. I can build an i5 2500k system for $500+/- OCd at 4.25 on stock cooler.

As for an i7 +mobo costing $500 you GTFO. The i7 960 is 285.

 

[GooniesNeverSayDie11]

I use a Lenovo computer with

64-bit Windows 7
Dual Intel 2.53GHZ processor
4 GB DDR3 RAM
1GB ATI Graphics card
2 internal SATA 750GB drives
1 External 1.5 TB drive

27" HP LED monitor


As for the PC vs Mac debate, who cares, its a tool to get the job done. Mac doesn't do anything that a PC can't do and vice versa. All of the arguments hinge on quality, dependability, security etc and its all up to debate. However, they will both process a photo just the same in capable hands. Its not the same as paying to play with high end glass or camera bodies. You actually gain something that betters your photography there with better IQ, faster AF etc.

Its not PC vs Mac its $ vs $. Trust me, if I could build a mac instead I would lol.

But my point applies to the price issue. There is nothing in terms of photography editing that can't be done on a $500 PC that can be done on a $1500 MAC. Granted you may be able to open a few more photos at once or whatnot, but for all intents and purposes, it will get the job done. Thats WHY the price argument becomes so relevant when its a MAC vs. PC argument on a photography forum. I mean if it was an argument on "silicongeeks.com" or some type of website where people want to run code, or do all sorts of other stuff, perhaps there is more of a distinction. However, here, there really isn't. Most people on this site do not need $1500 computers. I would rather buy a $500 PC and a $1000 lens. I would however, agree that a good monitor can make a huge difference.

 

[Raian-san]

So you're just going to have the CPU without a motherboard? How much are the motherboard for i7? Is it not around $200+? Lol You're kidding me.

Newegg.com - Intel Core i7-960 Bloomfield 3.2GHz 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80601960 - i7 960 $285.
Newegg.com - ASUS Sabertooth X58 LGA 1366 Intel X58 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard - $195

Yeah there's cheaper motherboard, but I think I feel safer running an OC i7 on a better MB. So is that combo not close to $500? LMAO

OC OC, what if people don't want to OC because it's safer not to OC?

Okay i5 2500k - $220.
Newegg.com - GIGABYTE GA-P67A-D3-B3 LGA 1155 Intel P67 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard - $100
Newegg.com - Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Antec Case - $60
Newegg.com - XFX HD-677X-ZNLC Radeon HD 6770 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card - $100 video card
Newegg.com - CORSAIR Builder Series CX600 V2 600W ATX12V v2.3 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Power Supply $50
Newegg.com - COOLER MASTER V6 GT RR-V6GT-22PK-R1 120mm DynaLoop CPU Cooler w/ Universal bracket & Dual Fan - CPU Cooler -$60
Newegg.com - HITACHI Deskstar H3IK10003272SP (0S02860) 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - 1tb HD - $60
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...0145328&cm_re=ddr3_4gb-_-20-145-328-_-Product - 4gb rams - $40
Dvd Player - $20
Extra fans to cool computer - $20

$730 not including maybe shipping and taxes.

How about Windows installation? Let's say Home Premium - $100
Monitor? I'm sure your monitor is better than the one on iMac. $125.

So I'm going the cheapest route and it's about $900 something. Yup sure close to $500 for people who want a secure system that won't overheat, crash and etc. You can't even play the latest game with that Video card, you can run it on low or maybe mid.

I have a custom built i7 PC myself, but just saying Mac is 5x the price comparing to your crappy $500 built is stretching it so far. how you gonna feel safe OC over 4gh without good cpu cooling, motherboard, power supply, extra cooling fans and a case that allow good air flow in and out? You can OC the $500 built, but the question is how long it'll last. Also if people who live somewhere that gets around 100 degree in the Summer, do you they have to switch setting to stock every hot day?

 

[Kbarredo]

How customizable are macs though. When the warranty runs out can you just replace parts that break like a pc.

 

[Kbarredo]

Gay French-Canadians are so cute when they get angry!!! Keep it up Gayhomme! Keep up the fire! But beware--downloading all that gay porn to your Windoze computer puts you at more of a virus risk than the leather bar trips you make on the weekend...

wow and youre an adult.what if he is gay. You got a problem with gays you homophob. I seriously hate to see the kids you have.

 

[Raian-san]

How customizable are macs though. When the warranty runs out can you just replace parts that break like a pc.

With your budget, you shouldn't even mention a Mac.

Go with an AMD x4 Phenom 840 and a cheap motherboard.

 

[scottfishel]

How customizable are macs though. When the warranty runs out can you just replace parts that break like a pc.

I grew up building PCs; Replacing this part and that, debugging this and that, fixing this and that, installing this and that. Then I bought a macbook. Now, instead of wasting my time trying to make things work, I spend time doing what I bought it for in the first place (in the case of this forum: photos). The funny thing is that my wife bought a (pretty expensive) gateway laptop about the same time that I bought my macbook. Before the gateway completely died, the battery was running for about 10 min between charges. My macbook (which is still going strong after 4+ years) will still hold 4 hours.

You won't need to replace parts that break; stuff just works, and keeps on working. Save your money and buy something worth buying.