JW S

I am shopping for a PC Desktop Computer

I want the best processor, graphics card, and available/expandable RAM combination. Supporting hardware will probably be consistent with any machine I buy, i.e. (SSD, Spin Drives, Liquid cooled, peripherals, etc.

With this post, I don't want to get too far ahead of myself. I'm basically trying to determine the best processor, graphics card and secondarily the amount of ram over 32, I may need or desire for the future... or do I need to start higher in the first place?

As background info
a) My current laptop (i7 ver 3) has lasted 6 years because (in part) I bought the best I could afford and I will still use it in a secondary capacity. I hope to get 6 to 8 years out of this next machine.
b) 95% of my editing is in LR Classic CC. I do use Photoshop some but hope to work more with it after the new machine is up and running. Currently, my system struggles if both applications are running at the same time. My goal is to learn Video Editing with Premier later this year.
c) With my current backlog, I typically spend around 20 to 30 hours a week editing. I hope a new machine will speed the process up.
d) I will purchase through Best Buy. Yes, I recognize that may cost me more up front but their Geek Squad Plan & store counter support over the past decade has far exceeded what I spent in premium on the front side.

I started my search with these two machines:
The first has Intel Core i7-8700K - 32GB Memory (expandable to 64) - NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti - 240GB SSD + 3TB HDD
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/cyberpowerpc-battlebox-ultimate-desktop-intel-core-i7-8700k-32gb-memory-nvidia-geforce-gtx-1080-ti-240gb-ssd-3tb-hdd-white/6128527.p?skuId=6128527

The second has Intel Core i9 7900X - 32GB Memory (expandable to 128) - NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti - 240GB Solid State Drive + 3TB Hard Drive
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/ibuypower-desktop-intel-core-i9-7900x-32gb-memory-nvidia-geforce-gtx-1080-ti-240gb-solid-state-drive-3tb-hard-drive-black/5974809.p?skuId=5974809

I hear different opinions regarding the two processors. The is a big jump in price for the i-9.

Thank you in Advance!

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

These benchmarks may help you decide: http://cpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Intel-Core-i9-7900X-vs-Intel-Core-i7-8700K/3936vs3937

The real question is will LR (and PS) be able to use the extra cores of the I9 to advantage as that’s the primary advantage. And a secondary question would be how many aps you keep open simultaneously (more cores is an advantage there). You might ask Gene51 his advice on the subject as he’s both LR and computer very literate. Personally, I’d use the extra $600 of the I9 cost to instead put everything on SSD instead of conventional HDs, which is likely to make more of a performance difference in your workflow than the extra cores.

JW S

Thank you for the LINK ....headed there now... I've wondered about using SSD for my secondary in-computer storage and if it allowed faster processing or not.

Thank you!

JW S

Wow.... this LINK you shared really answers a lot of questions.... Thanks for that! (and computer to computer, the i9 unit is another $1,000 in cost .... but the lingering question is will I ever need more than 64 in RAM...even 4-5 - 6 years from now?

Thanks again

Stardust Loc: Central Illinois

I usually update every 5 years, last being in December basically with your first link, except mine has a 2 TB HD. I actually hadn't had any problems with the 16 Gb of RAM in previous computer so the 32 Gb has handled everything I do, including some heavy-duty video software, although I seldom have more than two programs running at same time. The GeForce GTX1080 is a great graphics card and my desktop came from IBuyPower (source on your 2nd link) which I have been very happy with computer, not so with the keyboard has a sticky ESC key and the A & S letters are wearing off already. Have a year warranty on everything so will address that before it runs out. Based on past 30+ years of normal progression I have seen, can't imagine you needing more than 64 Gb over the next 4-6 years, but then again you tell me what is coming down the stream in that period? To me the extra $1K saved from link two would buy some nice software, new monitor and/or lens, etc.

kubota king Loc: NW , Pa.

If you have a Micro Center near you . They are the place to go for computers . They are a regular computer store . They carry everything you need to build a computer . They can build you one , you can buy a new computer already built etc . And they have the knowledge to answer any questions . Tom's Computer Repair

Just giving you another choice to consider

Van Gogh Loc: Lansdale, Pa.

You might want to check out this website: https://www.pugetsystems.com/

JW S

Thanks for this info ... starting to feel better about the available ram and long-term needs

JW S

I just checked .... There is not a Micro Center near me ..... but they are all over the place... (except here) Thanks for the tip!

JW S

highly recommended site These people are informative .... They might be a bit out of my price range, but I learned that buying a big gaming computer may be a bit overkill for what I need, in terms of the Graphics card....

Good information ... Good company ..... Thanks for the LINK

a6k Loc: Detroit & Sanibel

Another link that may help:
http://www.geekbench.com

sloscheider Loc: Minnesota

I don't feel it's a good practice to spend a lot more today for a maybe tomorrow. If you have to spend $1,000 more for some upgrade option you may never need, save the $1,000 and in 4 or 5 years put that $1,000 towards a new system.

JW S

Thank you!

JW S

Thank you.

I've basically ruled out the i9 option.