Is it worth $300?
Dec 4, 2016 09:51:16 #
I'm buying a new computer before Christmas. I've decided upon the make, model, etc, etc. Except for one thing. There are two versions of this computer. One has 24gb of ram and the other has 64. It costs $300 more to get the 64gb model. This computer will be used for image processing, web surfing, emails, and that's about it. No gaming. Do I need the extra ram and, more importantly, will it make a considerable difference in image processing? My cameras are Nikons D3, D800, and DF, if it matters.
Dec 4, 2016 09:54:07 #
Dec 4, 2016 09:56:09 #
Dec 4, 2016 10:02:33 #
It's always better to have more RAM but in this case it may not make a difference unless you are planning to render in 3D. The one area you need to look is the amount of usable RAM you have on your graphics card. If I was going to spend extra money that's where I would spend it. Try to get a graphics card with 6 to 8G of ram that will speed you up even more than going over 24G on the motherboard. Another area to help speed you up tremendously is an SSD rather than a standard C drive. A 1Tb SSD is a little over $300.
Dec 4, 2016 10:06:00 #
wapiti wrote:
I'm buying a new computer before Christmas. I've ... (show quote)
I havn't seen any computers with that much RAM. 6 or 8 is plenty for Lightroom or Photoshop. Many now come with 12.
Dec 4, 2016 10:08:15 #
wapiti wrote:
I'm buying a new computer before Christmas. I've ... (show quote)
If you are in doubt, spend the money to buy piece of mind.
Dec 4, 2016 10:17:26 #
Dec 4, 2016 10:23:27 #
I think you are well into the law of diminishing returns. I'm not sure that without a sophisticated test that you would notice any difference in performance beyond 24gb.
Dec 4, 2016 10:32:13 #
wapiti wrote:
I'm buying a new computer before Christmas. I've ... (show quote)
More RAM is better when processing large image files. I replaced my computer about a year ago and went from 12GB to 32GB, VERY glad I did as I work with 400-600MB panoramas a lot.
Dec 4, 2016 10:35:00 #
wapiti wrote:
I'm buying a new computer before Christmas. I've ... (show quote)
$300.00 for 30 gb of RAM in a new computer is a good deal. Do you need the RAM? Maybe. Do you need the computer? For some people $300.00 is a deal breaker, for others it's not. Only YOU can answer your question-Do YOU NEED the extra RAM? Flip a coin. $300.00 for 64 gb RAM isn't something a serious buyer would hesitate to buy.
Dec 4, 2016 11:03:52 #
Thanks guys for your prompt responses. I'm having a hard time deciding whether to go with a ready built machine from Dell or have one built to my specifications. I'm now starting to lean toward the latter because it seems that the ready built ones each have something that is not the most efficient for image editing.
Dec 4, 2016 11:15:06 #
$300 for that much RAM is cheap but I don't think you need that much. Do you have good monitors? They are important for photo editing.
Dec 4, 2016 11:50:44 #
DavidPine
Loc: Fredericksburg, TX
I have 3 computers. 1. 8GB 2. 16GB 3. 32GB. I favor the 32GB and I have an upgraded graphic card. I'm happy and I don't see much use in going over 32GB.
Dec 4, 2016 13:04:27 #
Dec 4, 2016 13:16:11 #
mwsilvers
Loc: Central New Jersey
wapiti wrote:
I'm buying a new computer before Christmas. I've ... (show quote)
If you are doing 3D rendering, extensive video manipulation, and are a gamer, 64 gig may be a good idea, especially with a top of the line video card. For image manipulation via programs like Photoshop, 24 gigs should be just fine. What video card, processor, and operating system are you getting?
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.