the right computer parts!! I already did the "search" for the "best photography computer"!! and am not finding what I am looking for .. instead of asking that question, I will pose...

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the right computer parts!!

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Aug 18, 2014 09:23:30 #

redhogbill Loc: antelope, calif

I already did the "search" for the "best photography computer"!! and am not finding what I am looking for ..
instead of asking that question, I will pose this question to my very experienced hogger!! what "components" in a labtop/tower make it good for use with photography??
so in theory!! if I was to build my own labtop/tower what parts could I NOT live without??
I already know I would need a large hard drive!! {or two}
what video card ? processor ? etc!??
WHAT components makes it good for use in photography??
I expect this will take technical knowledge !!
thank you!!

Aug 18, 2014 09:28:59 #

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

I don't know all that much about video cards, but one that allows for dual monitors and has a fast refresh rate is highly suggested. A fast processor is essential, Core i7 at least. And LOTS of RAM, I started with 16GB but have moved up to 64GB now and am finally happy when working with multi shot panos using the huge D800 files.

Aug 18, 2014 09:30:21 #

Marionsho Loc: Kansas

redhogbill wrote:

I already did the "search" for the "... (show quote)

Thanks for the post.
When I called Apple about a new laptop, [to use with PS CS6] the guy saved me a lot of money by telling what I needed, instead of what I wanted.
He was pointing out that if I'm not going to edit videos, then I don't need the faster processor, as much RAM, etc.

Aug 18, 2014 09:46:02 #

Indi Loc: L. I., NY, Palm Beach Cty when it's cold.

redhogbill wrote:

I already did the "search" for the "... (show quote)

At the very basis of your quest for the right components, I would suggest the following:
The fastest processor you can afford. I prefer Intel.
A good quality motherboard which will support a minimum of 16gb ram and preferably one where you don't have to set jumpers.
A fast video card.
As much RAM as your motherboard can hold
A mid to large sized case with at 750 watts
Several quiet cooling fans
A fairly large SSD 500 to 750 GB to install the OS and other programs.
1 or more external HDs at least 7200 rpm & 2-3 GB.
After assembly, use the internal SSD only for programs & the external drives for photo & data storage.

Aug 18, 2014 09:59:13 #

redhogbill Loc: antelope, calif

thanks for the help! I think I have enough to get started, I also have a nephew that is in college! and does computer programming! and was not sure if he knew what specs. I needed!!

Aug 18, 2014 10:11:57 #

Marionsho Loc: Kansas

redhogbill wrote:

thanks for the help! I think I have enough to get started, I also have a nephew that is in college! and does computer programming! and was not sure if he knew what specs. I needed!!

I think Indi, above, meant, 2-3 TB, not GB.

Aug 18, 2014 10:38:45 #

Indi Loc: L. I., NY, Palm Beach Cty when it's cold.

Marionsho wrote:

I think Indi, above, meant, 2-3 TB, not GB.

Yes! Sorry I did meant Terabytes.

Aug 18, 2014 10:56:06 #

mdorn Loc: Portland, OR

redhogbill wrote:

I already did the "search" for the "... (show quote)

The 27" iMac with:

Intel i7 3.5GHz, quad core
32GB or RAM
1TB of flash storage
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780M 4GB GDDR5

No technical knowledge needed to purchase the above unit.

Aug 18, 2014 11:27:42 #

redhogbill Loc: antelope, calif

mdorn wrote:

The 27" iMac with:

Intel i7 3.5GHz, quad core
32GB or RAM
1TB of flash storage
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780M 4GB GDDR5

No technical knowledge needed to purchase the above unit.

you are right!! BUT!! I am a retired heavy equipment mechanic ! I thrive for working knowledge of things!!
I found I can put a hard drive in a tower in a matter of 20min or less. when computer companies want to {way overcharge} charge a lot!
not everyone shares the want to know the mechanics of things!!
thnkx for the advise, will investigate!!

Aug 18, 2014 13:54:20 #

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

I use a gaming computer from IBuyPower. Core i7, dual drives 240gb SSD for programs/work area, high speed HDD for data, mid range 2gb video card (I am doing stills, not 3D games, but it does those too even if a 'real' gamer would disagree) high speed bus motherboard, lots of USB ports and others. I still have 16GB of high speed RAM but I like MT Shooter's 64 gig idea, maybe my next upgrade. Came in at a little over $2000 w/o monitor.

redhogbill wrote:

I already did the "search" for the "... (show quote)

Aug 18, 2014 14:26:35 #

sloscheider Loc: Minnesota

redhogbill wrote:

I already did the "search" for the "... (show quote)

--I would not build a new computer without an SSD for the operating system drive

--You don't need a dedicated graphics card unless you'll be using apps like photoshop and even then Adobe gives minimal specs as a requirement. Photography doesn't use 3d technology and a high frame rate is only needed for gaming.

--16 gig of RAM

--A processor with a score of at least 3,000 from CPU Benchmark.com

--An IPS monitor.

Aug 19, 2014 09:51:58 #

BobHartung Loc: Bettendorf, IA

redhogbill wrote:

I already did the "search" for the "... (show quote)

With the move to let the Graphical Processing Unit (aka Video Board) take over a lot of the photo processing, I would think that two top end video boards that can work in tandem would be a must.

Beyond that, a fast CPU, lots of memory (minimum 16 GB, 32 GB better). Storage: Lots with the ability to make a duplicate copy even if you are using a RAID 5. Off site storage of back up should be considered, if not for the entire archive, at least those images you feel have been prepped for sale, display, printing, etc.

Apple vs Microsoft. Personal preference. But there is a reason that a great majority use Apple. Cost however is a barrier. Check out www.macsales.com aka Other World Computing for used gear. Reasonable Mac Pros capable of using two video cards can be purchased. At least investigate.

Aug 19, 2014 11:50:31 #

Spiney Loc: Reading, PA

These are all great advice. And being a former computer tech, I agree and would build myself a similar unit in a minute.

But so we don't scare beginners away. I've had 4 back surgeries and have limited disability income. My wife has been laid off since January so we have no expendable income.

I'm using a Dell Optiflex 745 mini tower. 2.66GHZ Pentium Duo Core that I recently upgraded to 8 GB RAM. Cost me only $50 to buy 8GB of DDR2.

Has 150gb boot disk and 1Tb for files. Win 8.1

I'm running Lightroom 5.6 and CC 6.0 simultaneously with no issues.
Editing in 16 bit files from my Nikon D7000 often using 15-20 layers.

I'd love to up the processor but next on my list is a new monitor and a graphics tablet. I'm running a Sony Trinitron because its calibrate able and matches my lab great.

Aug 19, 2014 17:57:01 #

G Brown Loc: Sunny Bognor Regis West Sussex UK

I went the AMD route with the notion that gaming graphics would assist me 'seeing' on screen what I took.
I also went for masses of RAM - 32gig it still say that I haven't enough occasionally......program excuses?
Put in the raid utility of two 500 gig hard drives that work as one (each one backs the other up so theoretically no lost data if crashed) I back up to external drives and keep an eye on how much cr*p I leave on the hd.small drive equals fast response (maybe)
Mid range graphics card to match the processor.
reasonable wireless and a couple of X3 generation drive ports
total cost delivered £500 incl win 8.1 disk (don't go there) and all drivers.
Look at Dino.com computers - advice not a plug
George

Aug 20, 2014 00:29:51 #

sloscheider Loc: Minnesota

BobHartung wrote:

With the move to let the Graphical Processing Unit (aka Video Board) take over a lot of the photo processing, I would think that two top end video boards that can work in tandem would be a must.

I would really like to see someone do an actual real world comparison of dedicated graphics card to "onboard" graphics.

Though I don't doubt a basic graphics card with its own RAM is a good thing, there aren't many photo editing features of Photoshop that make use of a graphics engine.

Adobe also cautions that dual video cards can cause problems in Photoshop and recommends connecting multiple monitors to a single card instead.

http://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/kb/photoshop-cs6-gpu-faq.html

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