Spec for a good Graphic design PC

R

rocko918

New Member
Hey Guys, New to the forums.

Need some help, I am a designer who is mac based at home but PC based at work. I recently took a new job and the PC sucks that I am working on. Well they say I have the best computer in the company (which maybe true) but it does not do well with my big print files. I was wondering if anyone could help me out spec a computer that can handle 50 to 70 meg files with more than 2 programs open. Right now I have a HP 3.4 with a gig of ram.

What do I need in the computer to handle my files? Better Graphic card? or is that really just for games? At home I have a dual 2.0 powermac and it's sweet. I don't know a lot about PC's and need help picking out a good computer so I don't have to wait for the screen to redraw my images.

thanks for the help
 
For graphic design you're going to want dual core and at least 2 gigs of RAM. I'm not sure why your computer slows down with 2 programs open because a P4 3.4 Ghz is pretty powerful. Buy another gig of RAM at least, maybe a dual core 65 nm Pentium D, and a workstation class graphics card if you're looking for optimal performance. Or are you looking for a completely new computer. Either way give us your budget and we'll help you :)
 
Sounds like i need a dual core.

They asked me to spec it out so i don't know the budget, so i am going to get as much as i can. I am sure i will give them 2 options, one being the best i can get and 2nd being another really good puter. I am looking for a whole new box. thanks for the help
 
I guess no building then because its for work. Is there any specific company you have to buy from... is their any budget at all, or will they let you buy a $10,000 machine :rolleyes:

Sorry, I'm not used to having this little to work with. You might look into some smaller companys like puget systems which I think makes some nice workstation computers.

Do you also need a monitor, keyboard, mouse etc or do you already have all of that.
 
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Yea, no building, needs to be a complete machine. They do have a contract with CDW. I am sure there is a budget, lets say 2500 for just the machine as I am sure they will reuse all the other stuff.
 
Ordering a custom workstation from monarch computers would probably be the cheapest (I looked at a bunch of comapnys), I'll spec out a computer for your budget.

I'm assuming you mainly run CAD?
 
give us an idea of what programs you are using. try to give us as much detail in to as you can. the more detail s you can give us the better we can help you out.

this can also be a good rule everyone.(just a suggestion)
 
Mosly run Photoshop cs2 Indesign cs2 at the same time, Illustrator.

Flash mx 2004 pro, Captivate and dreamweaver.

I have the most problems with Photoshop with any file over 10 mg, which most of my files are because they need to be print out and they expect us to print them inhouse.

Hope that helps.

They also asked me to use HP's site to spec it out.
 
Spec for a good Graphic design PC
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By graphics design do you mean "Photoshop, Illiustrator, Fireworks" or do you mean "3DXMAX, Rhino, Lightwave, Maya"?

I was wondering if anyone could help me out spec a computer that can handle 50 to 70 meg files with more than 2 programs open. Right now I have a HP 3.4 with a gig of ram.
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Your current machine should be more than sufficient.

For graphic design you're going to want dual core and at least 2 gigs of RAM.
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You will? Ive only ever maxed out 1GB in, say, photoshop if im workin with a handful 6400x4800 (thats 30MP btw) and stacking a lot of filters on them. dont get me wrong, 2GB will help and will prolly be the most useful point upgrade but hardly critical

and a workstation class graphics card if you're looking for optimal performance
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We dont even know what he's doing ... so to suggest investing in a workstation card at this point would be premature

this can also be a good rule everyone.(just a suggestion)
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hehe yeah, i had that in the stickies but as we can see, people read them ever so well :P

Mosly run Photoshop cs2 Indesign cs2 at the same time, Illustrator.
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In that case, you'll be fine with your hyperthreaded Pentium4 (you should enable HT if you havnt yet). Yes a dualcore box is better, yes Venice boxes might be better and yes these options all may have significantly improved performance however considering that you dont have a bad machine, you might consider maximizing the performance of what you have now.

I have the most problems with Photoshop with any file over 10 mg, which most of my files are because they need to be print out and they expect us to print them inhouse.
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This caught my eye above: you should not be having problems dealing with piddly 10MB files, nor 50MB files (past 70MB things can get a bit hairy but it should be manageable)
 
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