What to look for in a PC

[Kretch]

Ok, this is not about Windows/Mac/Linux.
I have decided I want a windows machine and I want to make the right choice about hardware. I plan on running Lightroom 3 and Photoshop CS4.
I need help deciding how much Ram, what kind and size processor, and the best video card.
HELP!

[oldwolf]

At least 4GB of RAM. 6-8GB would be better.
At least 512MB video card. 1GB would be better. I prefer nVidia video cards myself. Go for the 200 series, 250 or higher.

Intel processors are the way to go as far as bang for your buck is concerned. That's just a personal opinion and I used to be a strictly AMD guy until they couldn't keep up with Intel for a couple of years.

[candleman]

i'm in the same boat... also looking for an upgrade

i'm going to try get a price custom built for

Dual core I3 (or I5) processors
4Gb RAM
250GB HDD (i have external HDD)
Stand alone video card

(but thats to my budget of NZ$800)

[Kretch]

Thanks,
Now the next question.
Is there an advantage to going 64 bit when processing photos?

[candleman]

Originally Posted by Kretch

Thanks,
Now the next question.
Is there an advantage to going 64 bit when processing photos?

well.. i'm a newcomer to this PC techy cr@p

aparently yes.. the 64bit can make beter use of RAM ....or something like that.
from my queries about this on another forum over the weekend i was told "if you are going to stick with 32bit Xp the PC wont make use of anything more than 4Gb ram anyway"

so i'm sticking with my old OS @ 32bit so that way i know everything will work as it always has.

[oldwolf]

I went 64 bit. Some PS plug-ins don't work in 64 bit though but when installing PS you can install a 64 bit and 32 bit version. If you don't mind starting up the 32 bit version when you need certain plug-ins then you're good to go. Just research the plug-ins that you use to see if they will work in 64 bit or not.

[Kretch]

Thanks,
But I'm assuming the standard plugins that come with PS do work correct? I mean PS out of the box should scream on 64 bit right?

[oldwolf]

Originally Posted by Kretch

Thanks,
But I'm assuming the standard plugins that come with PS do work correct? I mean PS out of the box should scream on 64 bit right?

yes, with enough RAM, a dedicated video card with enough memory and a nice processor then it screams.

[Kretch]

Thank you very much.

[CharlieJ]

64-bit is going to give you more processing power, but fewer pieces of software are written to take advantage of 64-bit.

If you're going with a Windows 7 machine, 4-8GB of RAM is good. If you're going with WinXP SP3, you're wasting your money going over 4GB (at least many experts say so).

I would put my money into components in the following order of priority:

1. CPU
2. RAM \ These two are somewhat of a toss-up. Since you're doing photo editing,
3. Video / it might be best to go with RAM, and get as "big" a video card as possible
4. Storage

I hope this helps!