Motherboard/CPU/Graphics Card Suggestions Please

[wyndham]

I have to replace my tired old laptop very soon (Miranda test 43 secs despite 1 gb RAM) and will get a machine built locally. Will be primarily for running CS3, Canon's latest software for the 1D3 and my Imatch database. Planning on two monitors (one cheapo for tools) and a couple of 320 Gb dirves since they seem to be the best value over here.

Suggestions for the main components anyone? Not bleeding edge if possible to keep the price reasonable...

[jdryan3]

I have to replace my tired old laptop very soon (Miranda test 43 secs despite 1 gb RAM) and will get a machine built locally. Will be primarily for running CS3, Canon's latest software for the 1D3 and my Imatch database. Planning on two monitors (one cheapo for tools) and a couple of 320 Gb dirves since they seem to be the best value over here.

Suggestions for the main components anyone? Not bleeding edge if possible to keep the price reasonable...

While I ended up getting a MacBook Pro, when I was configuring a new PC, the Intel 6300 chipset appeared to be the best value, nVidia 7600 video card (obviously 7900 will work) gave me the dual monitor setup plus the graphics, SATA 7200rpm drives. Separate drives - 1 for O/S & apps, another for data/files and scratch. Of course if you can do RAID 0 you will get better performance. I speced all that for about USD$1500.

Oh, and seriously consider staying with Win XP, unless you have a buring desire for Vista. Especially if you have older equipment wehre drivers may not be available (I have a Minolta film scanner I love).

[claudermilk]

All that sounds good, except I would not mess with RAID 0--not worth the risk for what we're doing; I'd use either RAID 1, 5, or 10 (my system happens to be running 10) for a safety net (yes, RAID 5 needs 3 drives minimunm and 10 needs 4 minimum). A separate non-RAID drive for the OS is a very good idea, again that's what I've done. I also agree with the stick with XP sentiment, Vista isn't ready yet.

[jdryan3]

All that sounds good, except I would not mess with RAID 0--not worth the risk for what we're doing; I'd use either RAID 1, 5, or 10 (my system happens to be running 10) for a safety net (yes, RAID 5 needs 3 drives minimunm and 10 needs 4 minimum). A separate non-RAID drive for the OS is a very good idea, again that's what I've done. I also agree with the stick with XP sentiment, Vista isn't ready yet.

I agree Chris if the point of the RAID is for drive failure. I was referring to opitmizing the scratch disk for optimal performance. The link(s) to the knowledge base do not seem to be working but on a RAID 0 search on Adobe.com you get the following:
" Optimize performance of Photoshop CS3 on Windows XP and Vista (kb401088) (http://kb.adobe.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?cmd=displayKC&docType=kc&externalId=kb401088&sliceId=2&docTypeID=DT_Tech_Notes&dialogID=66728010&stateId=0 0 66726243)
of scratch disk space on a total of four volumes. (An EB is equal to 1 billion gigabytes.) RAID 0 partitions provide the best possible performance as Photoshop scratch disks. _Note:_ Adobe recommends that you set the... (4/15/07)"

[cmason]

I know some don't think much of it, but spend some time on the Dell Outlet (http://www.dell.com/content/products/compare.aspx/dimen?c=us&cs=22&l=en&s=dfh).

If you are looking for a basic system, and intend to upgrade graphics, HD etc, it is a perfect place to start. Most systems are run of the mill, similar to a local built, but carry full Dell warranty. Many are brand new systems that someone ordered but cancelled. It is very simple and easy to crack them open and change or add what you want.

I recommend the XPS systems, and if you look for a few days, you can find incredible steals. Also, check the monitors, as you can often find the Ultrasharp 22" wide screens at great prices.


As for HD, I simply have an internal SATA HD that is my primary working drive, and a secondary USB attached drive, that is mirrors the primary by simple backup software to this drive. It isnt RAID or anything that complex, but just a simply copy. Works perfectly, and is simple. Since I don't work photos all day long it is perfect for me.

[wyndham]

I know some don't think much of it, but spend some time on the Dell Outlet (http://www.dell.com/content/products/compare.aspx/dimen?c=us&cs=22&l=en&s=dfh).

Sorry, should have mentioned that I'm based in northern Thailand so Dell isn't a lot of help! Most components are readily available at about the same prices I was used to in the UK so getting one of the local stores to put one together to a suitable spec is the best option (especially since they won't charge for assembly).

I'm off down to the computer centre now to see what kind of quotes I can get.

[claudermilk]

I agree Chris if the point of the RAID is for drive failure. I was referring to opitmizing the scratch disk for optimal performance. The link(s) to the knowledge base do not seem to be working but on a RAID 0 search on Adobe.com you get the following:
" Optimize performance of Photoshop CS3 on Windows XP and Vista (kb401088) (http://kb.adobe.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?cmd=displayKC&docType=kc&externalId=kb401088&sliceId=2&docTypeID=DT_Tech_Notes&dialogID=66728010&stateId=0%200%2066726243)
of scratch disk space on a total of four volumes. (An EB is equal to 1 billion gigabytes.) RAID 0 partitions provide the best possible performance as Photoshop scratch disks. _Note:_ Adobe recommends that you set the... (4/15/07)"

OK, makes more sense now. But I'm not sure the added complexity of multiple drives on a RAID array just for a PS scratch volume is worth it. How often does your PS show efficiency below 100%? I never see anything but 100%--telling me the scratch is basically not being used (at least that's what the PS manual tells me).

[wyndham]

Here's a quote from my local PC builder 1:

CPU: P4-D925
Motherboard: Gigabyte P35-DS3R
Graphics Card: SFX 8500
HD: 2 x Seagate 320Gb 7200rpm SATA
Removable: 2 x Asus DVD/RW Dual Layer SATA
Internal Multi Card reader
LG 19" Widescreen DVI monitor
Microsoft wireless k/b & mouse
Huge case with two 4 inch fans and a big power supply
Win XP

Total cost: US$ 1050

Here's quote #2 from a different shop:

CPU: Core 2 Duo 6320 1.8
Motherboard: Asus P5b
Graphics Card: Inno 8500GT 256Mb
HD: 2 x Seagate 320Gb 7200rpm SATA2
Removable: 1 x Asus DVD/RW Dual Layer IDE; 1 x Asus combo IDE
Internal Multi Card reader
LG 19" Widescreen DVI monitor
Microsoft wireless k/b & mouse
Huge case with four 2.5(ish) inch fans and a 450W power supply
Win XP

Total Cost US$ 1100

I've tried reading up reviews on the individual components but it's getting very confusing since I've no idea how they operate together and whether it matters which ones you put in a box. I'd really like to order from one of these people (with any important changes you guys may care to suggest) in the next day or two so any help would be great, particularly on the board/cpu/graphics combinations.

Thanks.

[wellman]

Here's a quote from my local PC builder 1:

CPU: P4-D925
Motherboard: Gigabyte P35-DS3R
Graphics Card: SFX 8500
HD: 2 x Seagate 320Gb 7200rpm SATA
Removable: 2 x Asus DVD/RW Dual Layer SATA
Internal Multi Card reader
LG 19" Widescreen DVI monitor
Microsoft wireless k/b & mouse
Huge case with two 4 inch fans and a big power supply
Win XP

Total cost: US$ 1050

Here's quote #2 from a different shop:

CPU: Core 2 Duo 6320 1.8
Motherboard: Asus P5b
Graphics Card: Inno 8500GT 256Mb
HD: 2 x Seagate 320Gb 7200rpm SATA2
Removable: 1 x Asus DVD/RW Dual Layer IDE; 1 x Asus combo IDE
Internal Multi Card reader
LG 19" Widescreen DVI monitor
Microsoft wireless k/b & mouse
Huge case with four 2.5(ish) inch fans and a 450W power supply
Win XP

Total Cost US$ 1100

I've tried reading up reviews on the individual components but it's getting very confusing since I've no idea how they operate together and whether it matters which ones you put in a box. I'd really like to order from one of these people (with any important changes you guys may care to suggest) in the next day or two so any help would be great, particularly on the board/cpu/graphics combinations.

Thanks.

Some suggestions...

CPU: Don't go any lower than that Intel Core 2 Duo E6320. Anything higher will still have 4MB cache, which you'll want for photo editing. And those two cores are wonderful. Also, think seriously about waiting until after 7/22. Intel is about to cut the cost of the quad-core Q6600 to about what you'd pay for an dual-core E6600 right now (~$270). That's a lot more horsepower for almost free. At the least, your E6320 is about to get a lot cheaper.

RAM: Didn't see any on your list. Don't settle for anything less than 2GB of 800MHz DDR2. If you're serious, get 3-4GB of 1066MHz DDR2. The prices are reasonable now that 1333MHz DDR3 RAM is the newfangled thing.

Board: The Gigabyte P35-DS3R is a fantasic value. I've also read good things about the Asus you mentioned, but I don't have personal experience with it.

Video card: Either option looks OK.

OS: Stick with XP. Fast, stable, and will work.

Drives: Sounds good.

Goog luck!

[wyndham]

Thanks for your input Greg. I've opted for the Core 2 Duo E6320, the Asus m/b and the Inno card with 2gb of DDR2 RAM. I don't think Intel price drops will be reflected over here for a while so I ordered my machine yesterday for delivery today. I think I may change to a Samsung 20" monitor which will up the price a bit but I've got my fingers crossed that this system will do the job for a year or two.