toriaj

I would like to have a new desktop PC for high-end photo editing and internet use (along with a little mp3 player downloading.) My budget is $2000. Others have suggested that I build my own, but I'm nervous about that, I'm a complete novice (I've never done anything with wires or electronics of any kind.) On the other hand, I do want to have a quality computer that will last me for several years.

Is there a "pre-built" system that meets my needs? Or can I simply buy the complete PC and combine it with monitor, keyboard, etc. on my own? Or should I go to the extra expense of having someone build it for me? What processor, monitor and all other equipment do you recommend?

Sound, video, and movie quality is of no importance to me. No home theater or gaming needs. I just want to be able to multi-task internet and photo editing applications with speed and reliability.

P.S. Dumb question -- does a video/graphics card affect the way the photos display on the monitor?

daisymtc

Are you looking for some video card for professional photo editing?

If not, a gaming machine should suit you. Basiclly, you will looking for some spec like:

Q6600 or above
X38/ X48/ 780i chipset Motherboard
DDR2 800 RAM. 2x1GB min. Best to go for 2 x 2GB/ 4 x 1GB
32MB/ 16MB cache SATA 500GB HDD or above
HD3870/ 8800GT/ 8800GTS 512MB. unless you need those professional 2D video card.
SATA DVD burner
Card Reader
500W+ PSU
OS: best to go for 64bit.


http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....prd85200050000

oscaryu1

Not really. Unless you get a VERY crappy GFX.

E8400 = Gaming

Q6600 = Multitasking

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diduknowthat

If you want a video editing machine, basically get a Q6600, 2 or 4gigs of ram, a large hard drive and a cheap video card such as the 8600gt or something.

__________________

Silent Tuned | 3D Marks 06: 11566
Q6600 2.4ghz CPU | Gigabyte GA-P35 LGA 775 MB
EVGA 8800gt 512mb Video Card
G.Skill 4GB Ram | Western Digital 400GB HD
X-Fi Xtrememusic Sound Card
Antec P180B Case | Scythe Ninja HSF
CM Real Power Pro 650watt PSU

daisymtc

He got $2000 to spend, he can afford a better card.

diduknowthat

Didn't see the budget. In that case, wait for the new Q9450, get 4 gigs of ram, HD 3750.

__________________

Silent Tuned | 3D Marks 06: 11566
Q6600 2.4ghz CPU | Gigabyte GA-P35 LGA 775 MB
EVGA 8800gt 512mb Video Card
G.Skill 4GB Ram | Western Digital 400GB HD
X-Fi Xtrememusic Sound Card
Antec P180B Case | Scythe Ninja HSF
CM Real Power Pro 650watt PSU

zach6490

Spend the majority on a large hard drive, and a huge monitor, I would say 22+ inches. As for processor, its not quite as important but you still want at least the power of a core 2 duo. At least 2 gigs of ram. Maybe a card reader?

toriaj

Well, I don't know if a graphics card plays any role in photo editing
If it does, I want a good one, but if it's just for movies and games, I just want a cheap one.

This sounds like I don't need to worry about getting an especially nice graphics card. I just want one that won't break a few years down the road. (Even though I could spend $2000 if I need to, it would be nice to have some money for programs, etc.)

I think you must have known I want this machine for photo editing, since you mentioned a cheap video card

Thank you for your replies. So I take it that there aren't any prebuilt towers that have the same parts you mention? Are there any that are pretty close, a pretty good computer that would work for me? Or should I go to the extra expense and bother of having it built for me?

edit:
Oh, daisymtc, I just noticed your link. Thank you! Too bad it's backordered, but I'll look for it from other vendors. Or I can look for a similar model, maybe.

oscaryu1

Good config. 4GB of DDR2-800 CL4 sounds good. Newegg has a good deal on Patriot Extreme Performance DDR2-800 2GB CL4 memory.

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toriaj

Thanks again for your help. It looks like a relative of mine will build it for me