Fabulous1too

I have an asus windows 10 64bit desktop with 32g ram and solid state hard drive. I've been told a few times I need to upgrade to the latest because sometimes when i launch "Topaz Studio" or "Topaz AI megapixel" it takes forever to complete the task & sometimes it freezes & shuts my computer off. My computer is about 6 or 7 years old, they tell me its old, the guy at best buy recommended an CyberPower Pc, its a gamer's computer, and a mom and pop computer repair place recommended the same, even the rep from Topaz tells me it might be time to upgrade. Before I go out shopping, I'd like to know what you other Hogs recommend, I'm not opposed to getting a Dell or HP, whatever works for you all, I'm also running Adobe PS and LR CC.

GLSmith Loc: Tampa, Fl

After 30 + years in IT...I have always used Toshiba... splurge for the 32 by RAM ... MS Windows 10 uses a lot of “hidden” memory... graphics are fantastic...IMO

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

An MSI or ASUS motherboard-based engineering workstation with 64 GB ram and a modest graphics card will get the job done and not require that you sell your house.

Take a look at Puget Systems for something in your budget. They are very good at future-proofing your system as well. You can still would onto your arm and leg.

Stardust Loc: Central Illinois

Although I personally would stay away from HP for a computer (great printers) brand probably isn't as important as the amount & speed of RAM and the higher-end graphics card with on-board memory you get. With your current system being Win 10, 64-bit, SSD and 32 Gb, that should be adequate so I am guessing it is your graphic card bogging you down if it is 6-7 yr old technology. My new computer last year was a gamer (although I don't play) but bought strictly for the speed and multi-tasking capabilities they offer.

brucewells Loc: Central Kentucky

If, like me, you have no desire to build your own system, then I'll recommend the Dell XPS 8930. You can configure it about any way you want at time of purchase. I've used Dells for over 25 years and have been very satisfied with them.

https://www.dell.com/en-us/work/shop/desktop-and-all-in-one-pcs/xps-8930-special-edition-desktop/spd/xps-8930-se-desktop

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

What CPU? What video card? Frankly I’d be surprised if it’s 6-7 years old with SSD, 32GB and 64 bit Windows 10 unless it’s been upgraded. Plenty of memory, correct OS and unless very small, the SSD should be adequate. Go to system info. in control panel (or get it off the splash screen when you boot) and post the model # of the motherboard. You can get the remainder of the information on the CPU and video from system info. Might be possible to save this beast, but need more information...

Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx

It's my experience that its not your hardware, but your software. You can check your hardware by downloading some of the free diagnostics that are available online. What tends to happen is that the software gets plugged up with crud over the years. Here's what I usually do. Back everything up. Take the machine outside, take the side cover off, and blow the dust out of it. Use an old tooth brush to get the stuff that doesn't come off easily. Pull out all the cards and clean the contacts with a non-abrasive eraser and re-seat firmly, especially the main memory. Take out and reseat the connectors. Fire it up (cover still off) and make sure all the fans are working. Sometimes the CPU cooler fan stops or runs slow and that will really slow up your processor. Reformat your drives and re-install your OS then apps and see how it runs. If it seems OK, copy your data over from your backups. I bet its just fine.

BebuLamar

If it's the software then I simply format the hard drive and reinstall everything.

AzShooter1 Loc: Surprise, Az.

Go to our startup and see how many junk software items are there. Use Cntr, Alt, Escape and look at the list. Disable every one of them, it will only take you a few minutes, and our computer will start running as if it were new again.

Each time you load software it leave a little startup program as if you want it to load every time you start your computer.

d2b2 Loc: Catonsville, Maryland, USA

If you need something rather quickly, stay away from Dell, at this time. Not that the computers are bad, but they are made in China and because of the trade war with the US, they cannot begin to estimate when orders can be fulfilled. We have been waiting for three weeks with no specific word from Dell, at all.

ggab Loc: ?

IMHO, and this is after building my own computers since the mid 80's, after 10 years buy a modern CPU and Motherboard. I personally use AMD, however there are Intel users that will insist that is the only way to go.
Bottom line, 3Ghz, multi core CPU's are what you should be using. The more modern ones simply use less power and run cooler. I run an AMD FX-8350. It is a bit dated, however runs great.

Regarding Ram, baloney. You do not need 32GB ram. If the ram is cheap enough, then go for it, however 35GB is not necessary. I process everything using 16GB.
If you have a GAS attack, depending upon the programs you use, your choice of Video Card is more important. Check to see which video card they are designed to use and buy that.

Finally, stick with SSD's for your box. Use a 4TB, 7200 rpm USB3 or C external drive for storage. Upload then disconnect. This practice will lengthen the life of the drive.

Good luck.
George

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

[quote=TriX]What CPU?

That was my first thought. It's the processor that does the processing, and you have lots of memory. Spending more money to get something with the same specs is not going to help. The SSD is about as fast as you're going to get in a drive. The M.2 drive is slightly faster, but I suspect there could be an issue with your computer or Topaz that's slowing it down. Buying a new computer will probably get it working faster because it will be glitch-free when new.

BebuLamar

So where are other's computers made if not in China. Actually perhaps if you buy a Lenovo (which is a Chinese company) then it may be made in NC, USA.

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

My system is very similar but I did upgrade my Graphics card to a 2 GB one. My system has a 1 TB SSD, 32 GB RAM, i7 - 3770, Win 10 Pro 64 - bit. I run 3 or 4 post processing programs simultaneously including Photoshop CC 2019, NIK, FastStone and LR Classic CC. The processor & motherboard are 6 yrs. old. The enclosure is 10 yrs old. I doubt it is your system that is causing the slow processing or crashes. I had a similar issue, ran some tests and discovered I had one faulty memory dimm. Replaced it and my system "hums"! If you are interested, here is a link to Memtest86. It takes quite a while for it to run. I did mine overnight. https://www.memtest86.com/

Good luck,
Mark

AirWalter Loc: Tipp City, Ohio

I to doubt if your computer is 6 or 7 years old if it contains ssd harddrives. I am not downing you but it sounds like you are not real computer savey. Over the years I have built many gaming computers and worked on other peoples computers like dell and HP. I would rate Asus computers above dell or HP always. Dell and HP are too proprietary and are usually built with inferior grade components. It does not mean anything if you computer has 32gbs or 64gbs of ram if it from an inferior manufacturer. This also applies to motherboards, harddrives, power supplies cooling fans or any of the other components in a system. I am assuming that you have done very little to keep junks files and left over junk from the internet, or junk that is installed without your knowledge from other software that you have installed. I worked on a friends computer once who was complaining about the same things you are complaining about on your machine, and I found 8 different toolbars that had been installed from different internet browsers, and so much left over junk files from the internet along with malware, and viruses, and keyboard loggers, and you name it. It is no wonder some of these computers are just barely able to bootup and run at a decent speed let alone run at all. I would bet my life that your computer needs an intense house cleaning of junk. Buy the way, I have never had to run more than 16gb of ram in any of my computers. I only use top of the line corsair or g-skill ram. I would really like to know the model number of your computer or the info on individual components, especially if it has been upgraded or repaired since the original manufactured date. If you decide to buy a new computer I would look very hard at Asus or MSI. I personally would not buy a Dell or an HP under any circumstances. Just my opinion based on 20 some years experience of custom building computers and repairing many brands.