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07/03/2004 08:23:41 AM · #1
I have been using PS 5 LE that came with my camera, but am going to upgrade to PS7. My current computer is an e-machine with only 256K, so I am looking into a new system with more memory, a dvd writer, etc. I am assuming I will need much more RAM to run PS7 efficiently and have looked at the Sony Viaio's at the local Circuit City.

I would appreciate any recommendations on what you think is a good machine (or the right specs) for a computer used primarily to run PS7 and manage my digital photos.

I would appreciate any input you can give.
07/03/2004 09:03:23 AM · #2
I just bought a gaming laptop machine from Dell. An XBS system. I've been running Photoshop 6.0 with no problems what so ever! My system is a 3.3 MHZ machine with 1 gig or RAM and 128 meg video card. Probably overkill, but I was so frustrated with my old Dell, a 2.2 MHz machine, 512 meg RAM and 64 Meg Video Card. It ran Photoshop very slow, took for ever to load and crashed when a 50 meg or larger Tiff image was edited or filtered with something complicated.

Hope that helps.
07/03/2004 09:31:30 AM · #3
Actually, the new e-Machine PCs are very good for the price. Sony is a great system but will more than likely cost you 3x as much as an e-Machine with comparable specs. I recommend either the P4 or Athlon processors. Probably go with about 512MB of RAM or more. I wouldn't wast your money on a brand name. I say this because I have probably built several dozen component PCs for friend and family. With the price e-Machine charges you can barely go out and purchase the parts and assemble yourself.
07/03/2004 10:17:22 AM · #4
Originally posted by Gabrialgiac:

My system is a 3.3 MHZ machine with 1 gig or RAM and 128 meg video card. Probably overkill, but I was so frustrated with my old Dell, a 2.2 MHz machine, 512 meg RAM and 64 Meg Video Card. It ran Photoshop very slow, took for ever to load and crashed when a 50 meg or larger Tiff image was edited or filtered with something complicated.


I'm going to assume that you meant GHz and not MHz. Are you sure there wasn't something else that was affecting your performance? I have a 2.0a GHz P4 with 1 GB of RDRAM and Photoshop CS (which by all accounts runs slower than PS6 or 7) runs great.
07/03/2004 10:17:39 AM · #5
Dont make mistakes dont get Dell or E machine if you are into Photography get a Mac G5.
07/03/2004 10:18:05 AM · #6
Originally posted by abreul:

Dont make mistakes dont get Dell or E machine if you are into Photography get a Mac G5.


Here we go.
07/03/2004 12:38:45 PM · #7
If you go with a PC here's some guidelines:

512MB of RAM or more (really try to get 1 GB)
2.0 GHz Processor or faster
Hefty hard drive, 100+ GB @ 7200 rpm
19" or larger flat CRT

If you're not going to use the PC for gaming, then you can save a lot by going with a more inexpensive video card. Since Photoshop is a 2D program, there's no need for the latest 3D engine from ATi. The inexpensive Matrox cards would probably be a nice way to go.

If you spend extra anywhere, I'd higly suggest adding more ram. 1 Gig or 2 of RAM is a far more worth while investment than jumping from 2.8 to a 3.2 GHz processor. Also, I'd suggest a second separate hard drive for backing up your important files/photos.

Definitely look into getting a nice display. LCDs are the newest kick, but unless you shell out for one of the more advanced ones, the performace isn't the greatest for image editing. Money wise, it's a better choice to get a nice 19" or 21" flat screen CRT.

Don't throw your old monitor away either. When you get your inexpensive vid card, make sure it has an ability to run two displays. Use your old monitor to hold all of Photoshop's various tool bars and then your new monitor can have just your image. Once you start using a setup like this, you'll wonder how you ever used PS without it.

If you plan to go pre-built, then I suggest staying away from the bargin brands like e-machines or whatever their name is now. Dell still makes quality machines and usually has nifty discounts new each week or so. Even Gateway still can put together a solid system. Sony makes nice stuff, but you pay a premium for their pretty cases and compact sizes.

Don't worry about someone trying to sway you between Mac and PC. That has become far more of a personal decision than a true performance choice. Apple makes some amazing hardware, but then again so does Intel, ABit, ASus, AMD, Corsair, etc... Go with which ever platform you are most comfortable with.

Anywho... I'll quiet myself now :P
07/03/2004 12:58:35 PM · #8
Originally posted by abreul:

Dont make mistakes dont get Dell or E machine if you are into Photography get a Mac G5.


Well you can get a few PC's for the price of one G5, I guess that matters some to most people around here.
But I´d sure want a G5 with one of those 30" Cinema displays ;-) but unfortunatly I cant afford it.

I have built my own PC´s from the dawn of time and cant see that they are any worse then the big brand computers.

Like others have said I´d definatly recomend loads and loads of RAM.
Photoediting doesnt use all that much cpu power so you´d rather want to cut down on the Processor than the RAM.

07/03/2004 01:32:10 PM · #9
Originally posted by TechnoShroom:

Originally posted by abreul:

Dont make mistakes dont get Dell or E machine if you are into Photography get a Mac G5.


Here we go.


There was a wave of Dell Desktops tha sucked (about a year ago) my company put them in at work. I have had lots of problems with them from onboard video and onboard IDE controller that died. They may be better now???

e-machines are getting better nowadays that Gateway owns them (better support)...In the past if a user told me to they wanted me to look at an e-machine I would tell them to go away. I have looked at some of the new ones and they have come a long ways. Now they are no worse than the HP, Compaq, Dell consumer models.

Remember Northgate Computers? They are still around. In the early days of On-line computer buying it was Gateway, Dell and Northgate.

Over at northgate I just spec'd out a Cube Case, AMD 2800+ Barton (333Mhz FSB), 1G PC32OO (400MHZ Dual Channel), 120MB WD 7200RPM Hard disk, CD/RW - DVD (Play), Integrated Video (I would add a ATI or GeForce) with Windows XP Professional loaded. It came out to $910 That is w/o a monitor and of course the lovely shipping. But hey that's that pretty decent rig.

07/03/2004 01:36:44 PM · #10
my father got one of those new 3.2ghz gaming machines from dell, i personally love it, its fast, and never seems to have problems
07/03/2004 01:45:21 PM · #11


Not true for everything - but for Photoshop, yeah, those things sweep up.

As usual, though, my eyes are bigger than my wallet. *sigh...*
07/03/2004 01:53:39 PM · #12
More RAM the better as Photoshop eats it for lunch. If you get 1 Gb it's plenty. Good luck and happy PSing =)
07/03/2004 02:47:29 PM · #13
Originally posted by Malokata:



Not true for everything - but for Photoshop, yeah, those things sweep up.

As usual, though, my eyes are bigger than my wallet. *sigh...*


So why don't they compare it to an Alienware MJ-12™ 4500 Extreme? Oh that's right that would be a dual AMD 64FX-53, can't have that. Where are the Pentium M's? What ever. :)
07/04/2004 07:28:32 AM · #14
Thanks to all of you for the advice.
07/04/2004 09:37:48 AM · #15
Originally posted by Nazgul:

Originally posted by abreul:

Dont make mistakes dont get Dell or E machine if you are into Photography get a Mac G5.


Well you can get a few PC's for the price of one G5, I guess that matters some to most people around here.
But I´d sure want a G5 with one of those 30" Cinema displays ;-) but unfortunatly I cant afford it.

I have built my own PC´s from the dawn of time and cant see that they are any worse then the big brand computers.

Like others have said I´d definatly recomend loads and loads of RAM.
Photoediting doesnt use all that much cpu power so you´d rather want to cut down on the Processor than the RAM.


I support your commetn if you cant go afford a MAC you should built your own system is very easy and you you dont have to be a Genius for that., dont get DELL or Gateway or Emachines they are a fraud. to be more technical yes your primary thing to run photoshop is memory so I would go with no lees than a 1gb DDr400 on this days specially with the new PCS. Prossesor is another hard question I kind like those noise Pentiums but i would preffer AMD Atholn It work better with PCS. there is a website call www.newegg.com they have really good prices look for a barebone kit from a company call Shuttle they sell this little boxes that the only thing you need to put on it is the memory and the processor is and small box but it comes with everything you need, My reccomendation is gettting the box for the AMD but that is up to you. you see those benchmark they post here they are a lie firts cause DEll dont make computers they just assably them and Xeon is part of Intel, Allienware is using Atholn is just the case that make them popular some kid in california with some extra time make a machine that lools like an allien. that's all.

What I Use Now
G5 Dual 2.5GHz
8 Gig of memory DDR400
ATI Radion 64MB ( I dont play games with this machine)
Super Drive
2 23" HD Diplay
1 30" HD Diplay
And I am so Happy.
Good Luck writte back if you ne more Help
07/04/2004 10:15:05 AM · #16
From what I´ve read you´d need a special kind of graphics card "The 30-inch Cinema HD Display is so big, it requires the next level of graphics technology. The NVIDIA GeForce 6800 Ultra DDL"

so are you just using that 30" for decoration purposes?

Originally posted by abreul:


What I Use Now
G5 Dual 2.5GHz
8 Gig of memory DDR400
ATI Radion 64MB ( I dont play games with this machine)
Super Drive
2 23" HD Diplay
1 30" HD Diplay
And I am so Happy.
Good Luck writte back if you ne more Help

07/04/2004 11:15:59 AM · #17
Not only does the 30" Cinema display require a special card, it won't be released until August, which makes it HIGHLY unlikely he's telling the truth. Plus, try to picture 3 displays >23" on a desk- not gonna happen.

I'm resisting this Mac vs. PC debate simply because digitaldave already has legacy PC software, etc.
07/04/2004 11:16:16 AM · #18
Originally posted by Nazgul:

From what I´ve read you´d need a special kind of graphics card "The 30-inch Cinema HD Display is so big, it requires the next level of graphics technology. The NVIDIA GeForce 6800 Ultra DDL"

so are you just using that 30" for decoration purposes?
Yes for now im just waitng for a new card I just upgrade my mac from dual2. to dual2.5 though.

Originally posted by abreul:


What I Use Now
G5 Dual 2.5GHz
8 Gig of memory DDR400
ATI Radion 64MB ( I dont play games with this machine)
Super Drive
2 23" HD Diplay
1 30" HD Diplay
And I am so Happy.
Good Luck writte back if you ne more Help
07/04/2004 11:20:40 AM · #19
Originally posted by scalvert:

Not only does the 30" Cinema display require a special card, it won't be released until August, which makes it HIGHLY unlikely he's telling the truth. Plus, try to picture 3 displays >23" on a desk- not gonna happen.
if you get one of those little desk in wallmart sure will never fix and you are right and ignorant at the same time dude why do I lieing to you here. Im a computer guy that is how a earn my food. I have to built my own custom desk. I went to home depot and I got to panel doors ples three file cabinets to be able to fix all my stuff. so next time you try to orespect someone go to your grand mom house and ireespect her all you want.
peace out.

I'm resisting this Mac vs. PC debate simply because digitaldave already has legacy PC software, etc.
07/04/2004 01:27:58 PM · #20
The 30" Cinema Display will not be released until August, which means you cannot buy one anywhere at any price until then. You might have one on order, but it isn't "What I Use Now." Not being disrespectful- just pointing out a fact. You're making quite a reputation for yourself here abreul.

Clicking the "Ignore Thread" button...
07/05/2004 01:38:07 PM · #21
Originally posted by scalvert:

The 30" Cinema Display will not be released until August, which means you cannot buy one anywhere at any price until then. You might have one on order, but it isn't "What I Use Now." Not being disrespectful- just pointing out a fact. You're making quite a reputation for yourself here abreul.

Clicking the "Ignore Thread" button...


Hey Scalvert here is another Lie. I work close on Mac Labs also PC Labs. another Lie I work for one of the biggest computer company on the world. l'll keep that as a secret. ohh I forgot Is a lie. I was trying to help this guy in getting a cheap pc that's all. I have my cannon rebel DSLR 3 month before came to the market, ohh see another lie.
07/05/2004 01:51:50 PM · #22
I bought a Sony Vaio laptop at the start of the year, with a Black Onyx screen. They're not cheap, but when I worked in IT support, I found them to be the most reliable machines. The black onyx screen seemed to be the choice of photographers who wanted to review their images in the field. It also has a DVD writer. It is incredibly fast, I was amazed at how fast the framerates were when playing recent games. I also have a wireless card so I can work/ browse the internet all over the house and in the garden :-)
One day, I might even be brave enough to take it with me when I'm shooting, as long as I've arranged decent insurance for it!
07/05/2004 07:48:08 PM · #23
Originally posted by abreul:

Originally posted by scalvert:

The 30" Cinema Display will not be released until August, which means you cannot buy one anywhere at any price until then. You might have one on order, but it isn't "What I Use Now." Not being disrespectful- just pointing out a fact. You're making quite a reputation for yourself here abreul.

Clicking the "Ignore Thread" button...


Hey Scalvert here is another Lie. I work close on Mac Labs also PC Labs. another Lie I work for one of the biggest computer company on the world. l'll keep that as a secret. ohh I forgot Is a lie. I was trying to help this guy in getting a cheap pc that's all. I have my cannon rebel DSLR 3 month before came to the market, ohh see another lie.


Ok but that doesn explain how you manage to drive the 30" LCD on that Radeon 64mb card, or does it?
07/09/2004 05:13:54 AM · #24
Seeing as how the display wasn't even announced until just recently, even my contacts within Apple were unaware... Or the fact that running a 23" display on a 64MB ATI card is damned near ludicrous (my G5 supports three displays, each with their own card and the minimum config, first gen 1.6g includes an NVIDIA card). Or how someone with such randomly broken english (it comes and goes, apparently) and seemingly wicked poor communication skills would work at such a high level with Mac and PC labs. Five letters everyone has been too nice for: TROLL.
07/09/2004 08:27:27 AM · #25
Originally posted by BobsterLobster:

I bought a Sony Vaio laptop at the start of the year, with a Black Onyx screen. They're not cheap, but when I worked in IT support, I found them to be the most reliable machines. The black onyx screen seemed to be the choice of photographers who wanted to review their images in the field. It also has a DVD writer. It is incredibly fast, I was amazed at how fast the framerates were when playing recent games. I also have a wireless card so I can work/ browse the internet all over the house and in the garden :-)
One day, I might even be brave enough to take it with me when I'm shooting, as long as I've arranged decent insurance for it!


I use a Vaio as well, the black onyx screen is amazing, very clear and sharp. I have been using it intesively (photoshop, dreamweaver, dvd burning, music transfer and ripping. sometimes all at once!)for the the last 8 months. It hasn't crashed once. I only have 512Mb RAM though. I bought it in Bangkok and saved myself about £300-£400. Because i only had 4 hours of power a day, for the 5 or 6 hours that i could use it, it was used and abused big time. Still no problems. I also work in IT support and this is the first computer i have used with such a clean track record. Worth every penny.

I do want one of the new G5's though!!!!! The stats are very impressive but i don't know apples too well :( I'm leaving UK for Indonesia soon though so don't think i will get one yet.

Message edited by author 2004-07-09 08:28:38.
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