How much horsepower in the computer?

[DerekL1963]

Mrs Santa has told me there will be a new computer under the tree - once I tell her what computer I need.*

So, how much computer do I need for photo editing? (Memory, cores, etc...) What kind/size of monitor? Anything else I should be looking at? (I already have external backup drives.) I'm looking to do more HDR in the future, and other than that my plans are pretty vanilla.

I'm pretty much set on buying a desktop from HP (I've had many good experiences with them and will not be swayed, so lets not start a brand war), and my budget is in the $1200-$1300 range. So the HP website will give you an idea of what's available.

Thanks!

*Seriously, we've done this for years with tech and specialized hobby gear - it saves a lot of heartache on both sides, and is no less appreciated.

[OsmosisStudios]

Buy a Mac

For that kind of thing, you should be fine with just about anything out there currently, really, as long as you dont go bare-bones.

Also, I firmly believe a computer should have 300 hp. It's a nice round number to work with.

[kirbinster]

I assume you will be running windows 7 home premium, and suggest you go with the 64bit version and get 6 gigs of memory. As for processor do a search on the net which shows performance versus price, then buy a machine with the processor that is just before where the curve starts to get steep.

I had HP computers before, but would never buy one again - as you can custom design a system that better meets your needs for less money with no bloat-ware preinstalled on it.