Computer Rookie Looking for Desktop for Photoshop

[ricochet13]

Hello,

I admit, I am really not very fluent with computers! Currently, I only have a secondhand Samsung laptop running Windows 7 with an Intel i3 core. I need a new computer, but I really don't know where to start. I am not naturally drawn to the details of computers beyond care, use, and maintenance, so I have come here to learn. (And ask rookie questions!)

I am looking for a midrange desktop PC that has the power to handle Photoshop CS6 smoothly + a monitor tablet. Not picky about style, size, or brand, I just need something reliable.

I began researching building my own PC, but it turned into a bit of a headache. I have been to pcpartpicker.com, but even when others made builds for me, I got way too caught up in understanding all the little variations and details, and wasted a lot of time. However, there is a local computer shop here, and they build customs. If the cost is reasonable and the value good, I may commission them to physically put the parts together (I do not feel comfortable doing that!).

Details:
-Price range: $800-ish* (not including monitor/keyboard, just the computer itself)
-Desktop preferred
-PC preferred
-Does not need to be a compact or all-in-one. (In fact, I prefer being able to choose the monitor separately)

*I have had luck getting "last year's" tech item, (scanners, printers, tablets, etc.) so if a good computer sold for $1,200 in 2014, chances are I can find it closer to $800-$900 (I have found some examples like that, but correct me if I'm wrong. And I will be careful where I get it from!)

I do not know what is preferable in terms of processor, graphics card, or other details. It would be nice if I had the time to research, but I really just want to move toward getting a reliable computer and keep the hassle and expense at a reasonable level.

I am asking a question rather than Googling because I have read a lot of computer reviews, done research, shopped around... and there's so many options I just need someone to point me in the right direction!

I am open to any and all advice - thank you in advance!

 

[lincsman]

OK well I'm not too sure what you are asking for. You said that a shop can make a custom build for you, so yeah. Anyways, because I feel generous I'm going to try to help. If you are doing photoshop the thing you will need most is a good processor and RAM. so at $800ish I would suggest and I5 or I7, 8GB of RAM, and maybe a GTX 650 ti video card. As for the motherboard get a professional to do that because as a business owner I charge for that AND, I operate in Canada so I can't be of much service anyways. Probably the most touchy choice for builds are getting a good motherboard and processor, it is the heart of the system, other than the power supply. Speaking of which you should probably get a 600-700W power supply. If you want to upgrade like add a sound card or upgrade video card, than it is WAYYY easier when you have a strong enough power supply. So yeah, emphasis on a good motherboard, power supply and processor. Everything else is easily upgraded, but I really do recommend at least 8GB of RAM at that price point. Your welcome (assuming you say thank you lol). Hope this helps.

 

[ricochet13]

OK well I'm not too sure what you are asking for.... So yeah, emphasis on a good motherboard, power supply and processor. Everything else is easily upgraded, but I really do recommend at least 8GB of RAM at that price point. Your welcome (assuming you say thank you lol). Hope this helps.

Oh, sorry for the lack of clarity! I just need a computer to run Photoshop in the $800 range. I've never done anything like a build before... do you recommend it over a standard, store-bought computer? If I get the store to assemble it for me, is it ok that I am not computer savvy myself? (Basically, how much at-home tinkering does a basic build require once up and running?)

Thank you very much! This really helps!

 

[lincsman]

To be honest if you're doing photoshop I don't see any reason to get a custom build. There is no tinkering needed if built properly for a custom build, but you wouldn't have support like HP for example offers. The only support you would have is the shop that built it. So I'd say that actually a prebuilt computer would likely be the better option, because there is some know-how needed to keep a custom built going sometimes. Like I said, you wouldn't have direct customer support for your actual computer with a custom build. Custom builds are more for gamers, video editors or music producers, who need special video cards or sound cards. For what you are doing there is no need for anything unique or special, just RAM and processor.