I need a computer that can handle Topaz Studios and AI's (Page 3): I definitely like the magnetic power adapter on my wife & daughters MacBooks! I would love a 4 TB SSD!

Dngallagher Loc: Wilmington De.

Davethehiker wrote:

I'm rethinking how I would configure the new 16-in... (show quote)

I definitely like the magnetic power adapter on my wife & daughters MacBooks!

I would love a 4 TB SSD!

Davethehiker Loc: South West Pennsylvania

Dngallagher wrote:

I definitely like the magnetic power adapter on my wife & daughters MacBooks!

I would love a 4 TB SSD!

No problem, there is a fix:
https://9to5mac.com/2019/02/11/magsafe-macbook-pro-thunderbolt/

or here:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07TT6NGBC?pf_rd_p=183f5289-9dc0-416f-942e-e8f213ef368b&pf_rd_r=BNSD7FYZRQ6N2850XJ3Q

srat50 Loc: Ware, Massachusetts

the AI's are video dependant get a card with 8 gigs of ram and you won't have a problem.

James Van Ells

I am at the same juncture with my 5 year old Dell. I may have to build my own as most of the gaming computer are not all that fast on graphics. I am looking at 8 gig of graphics ram and 32 gig of computing ram. When it comes to computer ram you have to look at the megahertz which can vary from 1200 to 3000. Then of course is the new I-9 main processor with multiple cores. I am not the expert but I am blessed with a son-in-law who is and he is doing the research. If you are interested in the final outcome, send me a PM and I will forward the specs and costs.

Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx

James Van Ells wrote:

I am at the same juncture with my 5 year old Dell.... (show quote)

With a little research, they are not all that hard to build. I've built about 1/2 dozen machines, but a couple of warnings. If you screw up royally you can fry your $500 processor and $250 worth of memory, also, you are now your own support - there is no one to call.

repleo Loc: Boston

Strodav wrote:

My Alienware gaming laptop (now made by Dell) has a removable graphics card. The better gaming laptops will allow you to add memory, change out the SSD drive(s) and the graphics card.

I went to the Dell site to look at their laptops. The chat representative told me they don't make any laptops with removeable graphics cards. When you say 'Now made by Dell' did you get your Alienware laptop from sombody else?

(Download)

Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx

repleo wrote:

I went to the Dell site to look at their laptops. The chat representative told me they don't make any laptops with removeable graphics cards. When you say 'Now made by Dell' did you get your Alienware laptop from sombody else?

Yes, from Alienware and I did upgrade the graphics card and memory about 2 years after I bought it.

Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx

Strodav wrote:

Yes, from Alienware and I did upgrade the graphics card and memory about 2 years after I bought it.

Yes, bought it from Alienware and updated graphics card and mem about 2 years after I bought it.

Photoguy120

Fabulous1too wrote:

I posed this question a few weeks ago . . . To be more specific, I am running PS & LR (with no problem), my problem is I cannot run the Topaz Studio and Studio 2, AI's, as a plugin or even as a standalone. L

I have the same issue. When I posed my question to tech support (they all aborted immediately after loading), I was asked for a system configuration. I was informed that the Topaz products “required significant resources” and that my video card configuration was only half the suggested minimum.

“So that means my computer, which handles Photoshop and Visual Studio 2017 Enterprise, will not run your software.”

“Yes sir, I guess that is what I am saying.”

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

I am leaving this thread. The OP, after four days, has failed to mention the one item that is a MUST in making a computer purchasing decision. BUDGET. Without a budget, most advice will end up missing the mark.

Davethehiker Loc: South West Pennsylvania

dsmeltz wrote:

I am leaving this thread. The OP, after four days, has failed to mention the one item that is a MUST in making a computer purchasing decision. BUDGET. Without a budget, most advice will end up missing the mark.

It might be that price is not that important to the OP. It's been six years since I bought my current MacBook Pro. Back when I bought it, it was fully loaded with the maximum RAM, biggest SSD, and fastest processor available at the time. I never regretted that purchase and I'm still using that computer and run the latest Photo S/W on it under the newest 64 bit OS. Everything still works!

Computer years are like dog years and after a while they need replaced. My "FireWire" ports are now obsolete, replaced now with the much better (faster and more versital) Thunderbolt-3 ports.

I see that Apple has announced a new MacBook Pro with a 16 inch screen, room for much more RAM and very large SSD, etc, etc. In a few months I plan to order another maxed-out model. I expect to pay around 5K$ for it. That's more than I can find under my couch cushions but I won't miss it.

James Van Ells

Strodav wrote:

With a little research, they are not all that hard to build. I've built about 1/2 dozen machines, but a couple of warnings. If you screw up royally you can fry your $500 processor and $250 worth of memory, also, you are now your own support - there is no one to call.

True, I have built zero machines. Son-in-law has built many and the task will be his.