Desktop: I've been using an Asus laptop with a nvidia gforce 940 mx graphics accelerator for all of my photo work with Adobe CC. I'm gassing up for a desktop that will be great for my...

old poet

I've been using an Asus laptop with a nvidia gforce 940 mx graphics accelerator for all of my photo work with Adobe CC. I'm gassing up for a desktop that will be great for my photographic hobby. I'm not a pro, and I'm retired on a fixed income from teaching. So, I need to be penny wise. I know you hoggers will give me great advice. I am backing up my work on a Sandisk 1 TB ss external drive.

Haydon

What's your budget. A willing price will dictate the winning combination.

twowindsbear

How about a good desktop monitor & keyboard and continue using using your laptop??

mundy-F2 Loc: Chicago suburban area

Les Brown wrote:

I've been using an Asus laptop with a nvidia gforce 940 mx graphics accelerator for all of my photo work with Adobe CC. I'm gassing up for a desktop that will be great for my photographic hobby. I'm not a pro, and I'm retired on a fixed income from teaching. So, I need to be penny wise. I know you hoggers will give me great advice. I am backing up my work on a Sandisk 1 TB ss external drive.

You may want to consider building your own desktop. See PC magazine on-line and look for one of their building a desktop articles. You can save a bunch.
Mundy

Douglas Tharp Loc: Texas

If you are going to build your desktop computer, look at the prices of the graphics card, if you can find one. You might want to check on buying a complete desktop with a decent graphic included in the system.

MR Lou

I would suggest , a Dell computer, a XPS model,stroll thru the various offerings and pick the one with a good graphics card,a NVme SSD card and all the things your gassy heart desires.

Douglas Tharp Loc: Texas

Look at Microcenter

david vt Loc: Vermont

Are you using it just for photography, or will this become your main computer?

I went down that route (laptop to souped-up desktop) with good graphics card and new BenQ monitor a few years go. Worked great for the photography, but suddenly being chained to the desk for everything else, and not being able to travel with it, was awful. I ended up giving the desktop for my son for gaming, and going for a laptop with external drives (and the BenQ) for photography, but really liking/enjoying not being tethered back to my desk.
I thought about using it just for photography and adding a laptop, but that did not fit my needs as well.

Many here do use desktops, and love them, but this was my journey. Your needs and mileage will vary. Good luck.

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

For photography work, get an iMac 27”. It is a bit pricier at the outset, but well worth it in the long run. I’m also a retired teacher, so I am aware of the budget.

adedeluca Loc: holbrook ny

I prefer a desktop no question a laptop is portable

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Some info -

Memory -
https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/how-much-ram-does-your-pc-need-probably-less-than-you-think/
http://www.zdnet.com/article/how-much-ram-does-your-pc-need/

Processor -
http://gizmodo.com/dont-waste-money-on-intels-top-processor-1791426602
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2404674,00.asp
https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/intel-core-i5-vs-i7/
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/intel-core-i9-vs-i7-vs-i5-cpu/
https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/intel-core-i5-vs-i7/
http://www.laptopmag.com/articles/core-i5-vs-i7
https://www.extremetech.com/computing/210703-intel-core-i5-vs-core-i7-which-processor-should-you-buy

Setup -
http://www.pcworld.com/article/2861858/computers/7-critical-things-to-do-immediately-with-a-new-pc.html#tk.rss_all
https://www.zdnet.com/article/how-to-set-up-a-new-windows-10-pc-perfectly-in-one-hour-or-less/

Drbobcameraguy Loc: Eaton Ohio

Les Brown wrote:

I've been using an Asus laptop with a nvidia gforce 940 mx graphics accelerator for all of my photo work with Adobe CC. I'm gassing up for a desktop that will be great for my photographic hobby. I'm not a pro, and I'm retired on a fixed income from teaching. So, I need to be penny wise. I know you hoggers will give me great advice. I am backing up my work on a Sandisk 1 TB ss external drive.

Look at Micro Centers mid level gaming desktops. They have great sales fine machines and good warranty.

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

Les Brown wrote:

I've been using an Asus laptop with a nvidia gforce 940 mx graphics accelerator for all of my photo work with Adobe CC. I'm gassing up for a desktop that will be great for my photographic hobby. I'm not a pro, and I'm retired on a fixed income from teaching. So, I need to be penny wise. I know you hoggers will give me great advice. I am backing up my work on a Sandisk 1 TB ss external drive.

This site will provide you with lots of data that you can rely on to inform your decisions:

47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

Just remember, if building your own, you immediately become your tech support rep. There’s a reason Heathkit no longer exists.

avemal Loc: BALTIMORE

Great idea.