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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Yet another new computer thread :)
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Showing posts 26 - 50 of 54, (reverse)
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07/11/2020 12:32:18 PM · #26
Originally posted by GeneralE:

Originally posted by marnet:

I must be old-fashioned then but I thought that USB based external DVD drives had a problem with getting enough power, does USB-C solve this problem?

I've had a little CD/DVD writer from LG for at least a couple years which attaches to a USB2 port on 10-20 year old (at least) Macs (both tower and laptop) -- I've had problems with media but none with the drive. I think it cost less than $30 USD -- my first-generation CD-writer cost about $1000 (almost 25 years ago) ...

Talking along the memory lane my first ever HDD cost $AUD600 and had a smashing capacity of 8MBytes (NOT GBytes! MBytes!) It seems laughable these days.
07/11/2020 12:50:37 PM · #27
My Mac SE had TWO floppy-disc drives, so that you could run the system off one and apps and data on the other (otherwise you'd have to swap discs in and out during operations on the single-drive models).
07/11/2020 01:55:51 PM · #28
Originally posted by GeneralE:

My Mac SE had TWO floppy-disc drives, so that you could run the system off one and apps and data on the other (otherwise you'd have to swap discs in and out during operations on the single-drive models).


Ditto my first PC in the early 1980s. But it was a life saver for automating work I was doing for my dissertation research!
07/11/2020 03:10:32 PM · #29
Lenin Museum still running on Apple IIs
07/13/2020 09:33:53 AM · #30
One more question, I will now have 2 SSDs, one the old type, the other M2 which is supposed to be much faster. I am thinking about using the old one for Windows and other applications, and the new one for Lightroom current catalog and current photos. I am assuming that I don't need Windows on the fast SDD as it makes no difference once the Windows are loaded, is this correct?
07/13/2020 10:05:23 AM · #31
Originally posted by marnet:

One more question, I will now have 2 SSDs, one the old type, the other M2 which is supposed to be much faster. I am thinking about using the old one for Windows and other applications, and the new one for Lightroom current catalog and current photos. I am assuming that I don't need Windows on the fast SDD as it makes no difference once the Windows are loaded, is this correct?


You do want to use the M.2 SSD as your boot/application drive. That will speed up Windows performance (Windows relies on the hard drive quite a lot while running) and also improve application load times and performance. You can certainly also keep your Lightroom catalog on this disk, in fact that is what I would do. Keep your RAWs and your exported images on the other drive, and move old stuff to your high-capacity rotating drives as you need to.
07/13/2020 10:14:59 AM · #32
Originally posted by kirbic:

Originally posted by marnet:

One more question, I will now have 2 SSDs, one the old type, the other M2 which is supposed to be much faster. I am thinking about using the old one for Windows and other applications, and the new one for Lightroom current catalog and current photos. I am assuming that I don't need Windows on the fast SDD as it makes no difference once the Windows are loaded, is this correct?


You do want to use the M.2 SSD as your boot/application drive. That will speed up Windows performance (Windows relies on the hard drive quite a lot while running) and also improve application load times and performance. You can certainly also keep your Lightroom catalog on this disk, in fact that is what I would do. Keep your RAWs and your exported images on the other drive, and move old stuff to your high-capacity rotating drives as you need to.

Thanks, it makes sense.

I ordered components, I was going to get someone to assemble the PC but I cannot find anyone. It will have to be me after all, I hope my hands won't shake! I only did it twice before, each time I had weird problems. I particularly dislike installing the CPU cooler, they are always tricky. Wish me luck!
07/13/2020 10:20:23 AM · #33
Originally posted by kirbic:

You do want to use the M.2 SSD as your boot/application drive. That will speed up Windows performance (Windows relies on the hard drive quite a lot while running) and also improve application load times and performance.


Agreed. That's how I have mine configured. M.2 is located on the motherboard and has the fastest interfeace. One other thing to look for on the M.2 drives...

M.2 is the physical standard. there are two types, however. There is a SATA drive, which is the same speed as a normal SSD and NVME, which is a faster connection. Make sure they are giving you an NVME drive. For what you are paying for this PC, they shouldn't be cutting corners. (Edit: I just reread and realized you are building this yourself.)

Message edited by author 2020-07-13 10:21:45.
07/13/2020 10:28:34 AM · #34
Originally posted by marnet:

I particularly dislike installing the CPU cooler, they are always tricky. Wish me luck!

It can be tricky. I am presently replacing my wife's defective motherboard using the stock AMD cooler which has screws int he 4 corners and a backplate that can fall out when there aren't any screws holding it in. I have been applying a little hot glue to the backplate so it doesn't fall out. Aftermarket CPU coolers for AMD use a clip system and are easier.

If the Thermal paste is not preapplied,it's a little tricky to get it on with a light and even coating.

Message edited by author 2020-07-13 10:28:55.
07/13/2020 11:03:01 AM · #35
I finished getting Noctua NH-D15, that's what I have in my current PC. I just watched a video on Noctua site, they just put a big blob on the CPU without spreading it, see:
https://noctua.at/en/nh-d15-se-am4

It seems reasonably straightforward, my memory of doing this 5 years ago is coming back :)
07/13/2020 11:33:57 AM · #36
Originally posted by marnet:

I finished getting Noctua NH-D15, that's what I have in my current PC. I just watched a video on Noctua site, they just put a big blob on the CPU without spreading it, see:
https://noctua.at/en/nh-d15-se-am4

It seems reasonably straightforward, my memory of doing this 5 years ago is coming back :)

I spread it out thinly, using a card. It only needs to be enough to fill in the gaps between the CPU and heatsink to transfer heat efficiently.
Here's a good comparison of methods

Their conclusion was the methods all work about the same and just don't use too little (poor heat transfer) or too much (squeezes out the edges and some metallic thermal compounds could cause problems if it gets on the motherboard.)

Message edited by author 2020-07-13 11:38:10.
07/13/2020 11:48:56 AM · #37
Originally posted by Yo_Spiff:

Originally posted by marnet:

I finished getting Noctua NH-D15, that's what I have in my current PC. I just watched a video on Noctua site, they just put a big blob on the CPU without spreading it, see:
https://noctua.at/en/nh-d15-se-am4

It seems reasonably straightforward, my memory of doing this 5 years ago is coming back :)

I spread it out thinly, using a card. It only needs to be enough to fill in the gaps between the CPU and heatsink to transfer heat efficiently.
Here's a good comparison of methods

Their conclusion was the methods all work about the same and just don't use too little (poor heat transfer) or too much (squeezes out the edges and some metallic thermal compounds could cause problems if it gets on the motherboard.)

Thanks, Spiffy
07/15/2020 12:30:53 AM · #38
I found someone to assemble my new PC so the pressure is off. It will be done next week, I already have all the components except for the case which is coming today. In the meantime I am using my new Benq SW271 and WOW!!! The colors and resolution are amazing and this just with my current 1050 graphics card!

Anyone using 32" monitor on the desktop? 27"turned out to be just a wider screen, the height is the same as my old 24". It seems like a bit of cheating to me.
07/15/2020 06:36:02 AM · #39
Originally posted by marnet:

I found someone to assemble my new PC so the pressure is off. It will be done next week, I already have all the components except for the case which is coming today. In the meantime I am using my new Benq SW271 and WOW!!! The colors and resolution are amazing and this just with my current 1050 graphics card!

Anyone using 32" monitor on the desktop? 27"turned out to be just a wider screen, the height is the same as my old 24". It seems like a bit of cheating to me.


Your old 24" probably was not a 16:9 aspect ratio. Pretty much everything is 16:9 or thereabouts nowadays, with the exception of some even wider specialty monitors.

ETA: I personally would prefer something a little taller, but frankly, 4k resolution and a large enough screen (I think the 27" size is ideal) makes that a non-issue.

Message edited by author 2020-07-15 08:33:40.
07/15/2020 09:52:19 AM · #40
Originally posted by marnet:

I found someone to assemble my new PC so the pressure is off. It will be done next week, I already have all the components except for the case which is coming today. In the meantime I am using my new Benq SW271 and WOW!!! The colors and resolution are amazing and this just with my current 1050 graphics card!

Anyone using 32" monitor on the desktop? 27"turned out to be just a wider screen, the height is the same as my old 24". It seems like a bit of cheating to me.

I have a 32" Ben Q monitor, but a cheap one.

Ben Q 32" Cheapie

One thing I *really* like about it is the stand that enables you to turn it vertically.

I'm not in the same arena you are for tech level, but in its realm, this monitor is quite nice and I like it a lot.
09/15/2020 11:52:35 AM · #41
My new build is great, I especially love the two Benq monitors, fantastic colors and resolution. Spot editing and using the brush in LR is now a breeze but, unfortunately, there is a problem. Whenever I import large number of photos like from a timelapse LR overtakes completely the PC making it unusable until the import finishes. The only way I found to reduce this problem is to put LR exe file in Low priority in Task Manager. And that I have to do each time I start LR! Is there a better way?
09/15/2020 12:33:30 PM · #42
Unfortunately, Lr's performance options aren't real helpful in this regard. I think that Adobe has received so much feedback asking for better performance that they have maximized resource usage, leading to what you are experiencing. There may be more than one cause of the system sluggishness, however. The potential sources of your issue are:
- High CPU usage
- High GPU usage
- High storage usage (hdd)
Since putting it in "low priority" via Task Manager seems to correct this, it may well be that the CPU load is the main culprit. Assuming that is the case, what you are currently doing is the recognized way to limit CPU resources. You can do it in a more refined manner by specifying "affinity" so that Lr will run on specific cores, but you still will be tied to doing it every time.
Another option is a program like Process Lasso. This is not freeware, but cost is relatively low (perpetual license for one PC is $36 USD). Disclaimer: I have not used this software, but it looks like their ProBalance feature is what you are seeking.
09/15/2020 01:09:28 PM · #43
Originally posted by kirbic:


Another option is a program like Process Lasso. This is not freeware, but cost is relatively low (perpetual license for one PC is $36 USD). Disclaimer: I have not used this software, but it looks like their ProBalance feature is what you are seeking.
Thanks, Fritz. I will try Process Lasso, it might just solve the problem while waiting for Adobe to get its act together!
09/15/2020 02:05:25 PM · #44
Originally posted by MargaretNet:

...it might just solve the problem while waiting for Adobe to get its act together!


We might be in for a wait... their CPU could be tied up!
Please do let us know how Process Lasso works for you. I'm on the cusp of migrating to a new laptop (Currently waiting on the guys in brown), and I'm wondering if I will see this same issue. My M.O. with my current laptop is to start the import and go have a cup of coffee, perhaps walk the dog, etcetera. With the new machine, I'd like to avoid that scenario!
09/15/2020 02:58:09 PM · #45
Originally posted by kirbic:

My M.O. with my current laptop is to start the import and go have a cup of coffee, perhaps walk the dog, etcetera. With the new machine, I'd like to avoid that scenario!

This sounds just like running the UnSharp Mask filter on a large CMYK image (for print) -- either go for coffee or watch the (lack of) progress bar crawl across the screen.

Did I ever mention I've used Photoshop on a MacSE (B&W 9" screen) -- you really need to use the Info window (and your imagination) for that ...
09/15/2020 03:04:57 PM · #46
Originally posted by GeneralE:

...I've used Photoshop on a MacSE (B&W 9" screen) -- you really need to use the Info window (and your imagination) for that ...


I don't wanna hear about your "Fifty Shades of Grayscale" Ps experiences!
09/15/2020 03:49:11 PM · #47
What's this grayscale of which you speak? That was the third iteration of the original Mac-in-a-box, with a true B&W (bitmap) screen ... using it called for dithering in every sense of the word ...
09/15/2020 04:48:46 PM · #48
Man, you are *old*! ;-)
09/16/2020 09:28:54 AM · #49
I installed Lasso, all was well for a while, I enjoyed being able to use the mouse without freezes, and then Lightroom crashed on import of 200+ images. It would not load the catalog claiming it is used by another application. I rebooted, stopped Lasso from running, on first attempt LR told me that it cannot load preview cache, asked to restart. The second time the catalog loaded OK so I quickly did a backup before continuing :)

I will restart Lasso and see if it happens again. I never had that before that's why I suspect Lasso. I will report in a few days of testing or sooner if I have another crash.
09/16/2020 09:44:01 AM · #50
Hummmm, hope you can rope that problem in!
Sure sounds like Lasso may be the source of the issue. That would bite.
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