Couldn't find an intro thread so...hello!

mr.bubbles

New Member
First post, first time here and boy do I have some questions that you all might have some answers for. :D

I am looking to either buy or build my first desktop! :eek: Whaaa?? Yes, my first one. I've only used laptops up until I discovered my passion. Photography and Videos. I learned the hard way that if you want to use photoshop or any other powerhouse software for that matter that a netbook won't cut it. So.. I present you my problem. I'm looking for a beast of a desktop that can handle editing programs/photos like I can handle honey nut cheerios in the morning. I was wondering if there is an already built machine that could suit my needs or if building one would be the better, cheaper route. I've never built a desktop but I love learning so I'm sure I could do it. I just need some direction. I've already looked into tablets and the Intous 4 seems to fit the bill. Also I know that a large high resolution screen is needed. So how would I go about finding one for said desktop? I've looked on newegg and related sites but its alot to take in at once. (thats what she said) I'm still learning and it's mostly high tech jargon to me. Please bear with me. All in all I'm looking forward to learning from and being in this community. :) Ps. sorry if questions like this were asked already. I used the search function but I couldn't find the right info so please don't flame me. Thanks!
 
First of all, welcome!

http://www.computerforum.com/95759-official-welcome-introduction-thread.html

Here's a quick guide:

http://www.computerforum.com/104641-how-build-computer-step-step-photos.html

Basically you're gonna want a powerful CPU and fast RAM. It would seem like you need a high powered graphics card, but about $150 will get you a card that will give you crystal clear display at usually 2560 x 1600 resolution. The higher end cards are for gaming.

CPU, you can either go Intel or AMD. AMD is cheaper, but still make great CPUs. Intel is on the expensive side, but will give you great performance.

What operating system are you thinking of using? For Win7 64-bit, 4GB of RAM will be plenty. If you get 8GB, you probably won't be able to tell the difference.

And for the monitor, of course, you'll have to find one that suits you. If you give your budget, it would be easier to give a couple of ideas.
 
Lol. Thanks for the welcome. I can't believe I didn't find that thread... I actually bookmarked that other thread. So you are suggesting I build my desktop? Well as for operating system I was thinking windows. I've never used anthing else. Do the other os have more advantages over windows? As for a budget I'm thinking around 1800 to maybe 2300. I'm in the process of selling my car so would those amounts be realistic? Or would I need to invest more? Once again thank you for the knowledge and quick response!
 
Oh wow, that's actually a lot of money.

I'm about to build an insane computer for about $1200. 8-core bulldozer and ATI 6950. But you probably wouldn't know what that is lol.

But yeah, if you're willing to spend that much, you can build a monster of a machine.

Windows 7 would be the way to go. And yeah, building would be cheaper and all the specs you need.

Here's a sample:

Motherboard:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128494

CPU:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115071

RAM:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231468

Solid State Drive (for boot drive and programs):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820139412

Hard drive (for photos, videos, whatever):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136284

Video Card:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161315

Power Supply:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139028

Sound Card:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102024

Total: $1067

And all you need to do is find a case, monitor, mouse, keyboard, all that stuff. That should multitask like a beast and do everything you need it to. But again, I would wait for the new AMD CPUs and see what they're like.
 
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Oh really? So I could save a good amount of money then. 8 core bulldozer? construction vehicle? lol. I have no idea. I know that the other items, monitor, mouse etc would sort of be preference but I have a question about the case. Sorry if it's a dumb question but are they universal? Is there differences in cases? And thank you for the sample build. Do you think it would be worth to wait for the amd? Sorry for all the questions I just wanna make sure I do this right. :)
 
I'm definitely gonna wait to see how it performs and everything. If it performs as good as they claim, I'm gonna go for it. There will certainly be many reviews from users on here.

Your motherboard is ATX, so you're gonna want an ATX case. It's pretty much the standard for all cases. I would say a mid-case would suit you just fine. Just want one with a lot of ventilation to keep things cool.
 
Ok, once again thank you for the information. If everything falls into place I might go with the i7. I'm getting giddy just thinking about building it now. Time to start reading up here. I can't wait! So excited now..
 
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