Time to Replace Computer
Jun 25, 2022 01:12:19 #
Having constant problems with my Dell gaming computer. "Blue Screen of Death" is becoming a common occurrence, at least once per day with constant crashes between times. Several trips to the computer repair shop has not fixed anything. I want a Windows desk top machine and Intel Processor other than that I am open to all suggestions. My maximum budget is $1,500.
Jun 25, 2022 03:15:30 #
This is the one I have. My last three have been this model and no complaints. My current box is a little over four years old, I usually get a new or refurbished one every five to seven years. I try to future proof as best I can and this one has been great thus far. Mine has 64gig of RAM which is a bit of overkill but I can run anything without a hiccup. If you do a search for their outlet, you might find a good deal on refurb which comes with the one year same as new warranty and is typically several hundred dollars less:
https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/desktop-computers/xps-desktop/spd/xps-8950-desktop/xd8950adl30h?configurationid=b9793b9c-2ab7-455b-9eae-1786f4738016
https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/desktop-computers/xps-desktop/spd/xps-8950-desktop/xd8950adl30h?configurationid=b9793b9c-2ab7-455b-9eae-1786f4738016
Jun 25, 2022 03:26:47 #
Last year I bought a Dell XPS 8940 desktop with 32GB RAM for ~$1400 on special.
What OS is on your current PC, and what d8d it start with? I upgraded because my Win7 Lenovo desktop, after upgrading to Win10 would crash regularly too, no blue screen shown.
What OS is on your current PC, and what d8d it start with? I upgraded because my Win7 Lenovo desktop, after upgrading to Win10 would crash regularly too, no blue screen shown.
Jun 25, 2022 03:45:55 #
Curmudgeon wrote:
Having constant problems with my Dell gaming computer. "Blue Screen of Death" is becoming a common occurrence, at least once per day with constant crashes between times. Several trips to the computer repair shop has not fixed anything. I want a Windows desk top machine and Intel Processor other than that I am open to all suggestions. My maximum budget is $1,500.
Ultimate Photo Editing build - They aimed at $2000, I reused my iBUYPOWER gamer's full tower case and some components so kept it at about $1700 and that was for the 2019 build on their menu. A few of the components were out of stock and I went for the next version up, not down. The man does talk about alternates to some of the parts that are cheaper and even using what he lists the prices will have changed, hopefully down a bit. And you might be able to reuse your drives which will save even more
https://photographylife.com/the-ultimate-pc-build-for-photography-needs
His budget build - $1000 when the article was written so for your $1500 you could upgrade a couple of key components
https://photographylife.com/budget-pc-build-photography
I paid my local IT store $250 to assemble it. Most of my content was loaded from my external backup drive.
Jun 25, 2022 03:58:41 #
The current sweet spot for processors is the Intel i5 12600K. On top of giving very good performance for the money, its integrated graphics (which is the same as for the top end i7 and i9 processors) is so good that you don't need a graphics card for photo editing (but intensive video editing would warrant an expensive graphics card).
For creatives the Z690 series of motherboards is the usual recommendation. I went with the Gigabyte UD (Ultra Durable) version because durability is more important to me than having pretty, colour co-ordinated heatsinks (as with the Aero versions) and LEDs. I got the AX (on-board wi-fi) DDR4 version.
DDR5 RAM memory gives an overall performance improvement of ~14% over DDR4 memory but the DDR5 is about two and a half times as dear (comparing like with like). For my own build I opted for DDR4. To put that 14% performance difference in perspective, a task that would take 6 seconds with DDR4 memory is still going to take a full 5 seconds with DDR5 memory. Also, my memory (DDR4) that cost ~£200 would have cost ~£500 if I'd gone for DDR5.
If you're doing your own photo editing, 16GB of RAM is minimal. I opted for 48GB (16 + 32) but 32GB is available as a two-module kit (which is simpler to install). Mixing capacities can be tricky if you don't know what you're doing.
For my main operating system SSD I got the Seagate FireCuda 530 which is both fast and durable, and for a second drive I got a Kingston Renegade PCIe 4 NVMe. I got a third WD Blue SSD for backup storage.
If you know somebody that could help you, perhaps you should try building your own PC. If not, the above specification would give you a good PC that won't cost the earth. If you do decide to do your own build, familiarise yourself with initialising SSDs. You don't just format them like you did with the old hard drives. Until they're initialised, Windows Explorer won't identify them as being available. You initialise them through Disk Management (right-click on the Windows logo in the taskbar).
For creatives the Z690 series of motherboards is the usual recommendation. I went with the Gigabyte UD (Ultra Durable) version because durability is more important to me than having pretty, colour co-ordinated heatsinks (as with the Aero versions) and LEDs. I got the AX (on-board wi-fi) DDR4 version.
DDR5 RAM memory gives an overall performance improvement of ~14% over DDR4 memory but the DDR5 is about two and a half times as dear (comparing like with like). For my own build I opted for DDR4. To put that 14% performance difference in perspective, a task that would take 6 seconds with DDR4 memory is still going to take a full 5 seconds with DDR5 memory. Also, my memory (DDR4) that cost ~£200 would have cost ~£500 if I'd gone for DDR5.
If you're doing your own photo editing, 16GB of RAM is minimal. I opted for 48GB (16 + 32) but 32GB is available as a two-module kit (which is simpler to install). Mixing capacities can be tricky if you don't know what you're doing.
For my main operating system SSD I got the Seagate FireCuda 530 which is both fast and durable, and for a second drive I got a Kingston Renegade PCIe 4 NVMe. I got a third WD Blue SSD for backup storage.
If you know somebody that could help you, perhaps you should try building your own PC. If not, the above specification would give you a good PC that won't cost the earth. If you do decide to do your own build, familiarise yourself with initialising SSDs. You don't just format them like you did with the old hard drives. Until they're initialised, Windows Explorer won't identify them as being available. You initialise them through Disk Management (right-click on the Windows logo in the taskbar).
Jun 25, 2022 06:08:57 #
DIY is easy since you have no choice what plugs into where... a bar with 6 holes and a cord with 6 plugs, 2 with 2 etc. The above recommendations are filled with good advice.
You may salvage parts from your old computer or choose new ones. Parts choice is discussed here:
https://turbofuture.com/computers/Build-Photo-Editing-PC
The case I use is my old case I really like it has 3 DVD slots. I use one for DVD, another for hot-swap solid-state drives, and the last one for a memory card reader. On the top is a place to plugin solid-state drives. Of course to cool properly the fans must-have color or even flashing lights !
AMD and MSI were my components of choice. The programing used in NVIDIA graphics is more compatible with AI plugins and programs. The graphics card need not be top of the line. My old NVIDIA 1050TI with 4 gig of DDR-5 works well. The new low-end cost about $200.
Search the net for low-cost Widows quite legal and registerable with Microsoft.
https://www.pcworld.com/article/397575/how-to-get-windows-cheap-or-even-for-free.html
I bought mine for 25# British:
https://www.kinguin.net/category/19429/windows-10-professional-oem-key
My PC runs well and is now 3 y old and deals with Topaz AI quickly.
You may salvage parts from your old computer or choose new ones. Parts choice is discussed here:
https://turbofuture.com/computers/Build-Photo-Editing-PC
The case I use is my old case I really like it has 3 DVD slots. I use one for DVD, another for hot-swap solid-state drives, and the last one for a memory card reader. On the top is a place to plugin solid-state drives. Of course to cool properly the fans must-have color or even flashing lights !
AMD and MSI were my components of choice. The programing used in NVIDIA graphics is more compatible with AI plugins and programs. The graphics card need not be top of the line. My old NVIDIA 1050TI with 4 gig of DDR-5 works well. The new low-end cost about $200.
Search the net for low-cost Widows quite legal and registerable with Microsoft.
https://www.pcworld.com/article/397575/how-to-get-windows-cheap-or-even-for-free.html
I bought mine for 25# British:
https://www.kinguin.net/category/19429/windows-10-professional-oem-key
My PC runs well and is now 3 y old and deals with Topaz AI quickly.
Jun 25, 2022 06:47:30 #
Curmudgeon wrote:
Having constant problems with my Dell gaming computer. "Blue Screen of Death" is becoming a common occurrence, at least once per day with constant crashes between times. Several trips to the computer repair shop has not fixed anything. I want a Windows desk top machine and Intel Processor other than that I am open to all suggestions. My maximum budget is $1,500.
Try this on for size (budget): https://www.costco.com/dell-inspiron-desktop---12th-gen-intel-core-i7-12700---geforce-gtx-1660-super---windows-11.product.100975642.html
Note - The Sale Ends Today!!!
Or, maybe one of these: https://www.costco.com/CatalogSearch?keyword=computers+desktop&dept=All
Or, sorted "Low-To-High": https://www.costco.com/CatalogSearch?keyword=computers+desktop&dept=All&sortBy=item_location_pricing_salePrice+asc
There are many here that would make me . . . .
Smile,
JimmyT Sends
Jun 25, 2022 12:55:32 #
Are you open to assembling it yourself? Here’s a build that will exactly fit your $1500 budget and last for many years to come. You could reduce the memory to 32GB and make the SSD 2TB, or add an HGST spinning disk for large capacity storage which probably makes sense (I have 32GB on my existing machine and watching the memory monitor I have never seen it more than 16-18 GB with Photoshop, LR, Topaz Sharpen and half a dozen windows of Firefox plus Outlook all running simultaneously). 64 GB is probably overkill at present unless you are doing video. You may also be able to reduce this by using your old storage, case, power supply, monitor etc. i am updating my 12 year old I5 3570K w/32 GB by changing the CPU, MB and memory to the ones I mentioned below. Keeping my SSD storage, graphics, case, power supply and peripherals plus monitors, so about 1K$ - not to shabby for 12 years of use. Assembling a modern machine is trivial - yoU can do the mechanical part in 30-45 minutes. The time is spent installing Windows and applications.
A couple of notes:
Tough choice between the Intel I7 and AMD Ryzen 5900x. The Intel is faster for most single threaded aps (but not much) and surprisingly, the AMD uses a little less power (but not much) - they are both 12 cores. The K suffix on an Intel CPU means it can be overclocked, which allows it to boost CPU clock under heavy loads, and the KF means it doesn’t have onboard graphics. If you aren’t using a seperate graphics card, you want the “K” version.
You can drop back to the Intel I5 series or AMD 5700/5800 series and save some $, and they are plenty fast
Going to DDR 5 memory will add some cost. Note that DDR4 and DDR5 are not interchangeable. The MB must support one or the other - you can’t change to DDR5 later. Also, only the latest CPUs support DDR5. In my opinion, DDR 4 is plenty fast enough.
The graphics card will drive the cost, but it will make a big difference in photo processing, especially aps like Topaz, and as PS/LR and other PP aps continue to release new versions, certain tools will not run on graphics with limited memory or be dog slow.
MSI, Asus and Gigabyte all make good MBs - pick the one with the memory support, USB ports, PCIe expansion ports, m.2 ports and the internet NIC you need. Most boards are available with WiFi for an additional $20-25.
When you do this, make sure to not only back up your data but your download folder which will have most all of your application install files. Also your browser history, bookmarks and cookies. There is SW to migrate to a new machine, but I prefer a clean install of everything. Also a good time to go ahead and move to Windows 11 if you like the interface.
Intel I7 12700 KF $379
MSI Z690 DDR4 Pro MB. $194 (alternately Asus)
64GB Corsair DDR4 memory $260 (32 GB is probably adequate, so you could subtract $130)
EVGA GeForce RTX 3060 Gaphics 8GB $399
Samsung 970 1 GB SSD $114 (or 2TB for 2x the price)
600W power supply $50
CPU cooler $40
Case $50-70
A couple of notes:
Tough choice between the Intel I7 and AMD Ryzen 5900x. The Intel is faster for most single threaded aps (but not much) and surprisingly, the AMD uses a little less power (but not much) - they are both 12 cores. The K suffix on an Intel CPU means it can be overclocked, which allows it to boost CPU clock under heavy loads, and the KF means it doesn’t have onboard graphics. If you aren’t using a seperate graphics card, you want the “K” version.
You can drop back to the Intel I5 series or AMD 5700/5800 series and save some $, and they are plenty fast
Going to DDR 5 memory will add some cost. Note that DDR4 and DDR5 are not interchangeable. The MB must support one or the other - you can’t change to DDR5 later. Also, only the latest CPUs support DDR5. In my opinion, DDR 4 is plenty fast enough.
The graphics card will drive the cost, but it will make a big difference in photo processing, especially aps like Topaz, and as PS/LR and other PP aps continue to release new versions, certain tools will not run on graphics with limited memory or be dog slow.
MSI, Asus and Gigabyte all make good MBs - pick the one with the memory support, USB ports, PCIe expansion ports, m.2 ports and the internet NIC you need. Most boards are available with WiFi for an additional $20-25.
When you do this, make sure to not only back up your data but your download folder which will have most all of your application install files. Also your browser history, bookmarks and cookies. There is SW to migrate to a new machine, but I prefer a clean install of everything. Also a good time to go ahead and move to Windows 11 if you like the interface.
Intel I7 12700 KF $379
MSI Z690 DDR4 Pro MB. $194 (alternately Asus)
64GB Corsair DDR4 memory $260 (32 GB is probably adequate, so you could subtract $130)
EVGA GeForce RTX 3060 Gaphics 8GB $399
Samsung 970 1 GB SSD $114 (or 2TB for 2x the price)
600W power supply $50
CPU cooler $40
Case $50-70
Jun 25, 2022 12:59:49 #
Jun 25, 2022 14:07:32 #
Jimmy T wrote:
Try this on for size (budget): https://www.costco.... (show quote)
Curmudgeon, The budget system that JimmyT suggests above is almost identical to the one I'm running that I am so happy with... it is a great bargain, but be aware, it **ends today**. I tend to have 10-15 various tabs open while also having three or four photo processing/catalog/graphics programs and Google Earth Pro open at the same time. It never slows down. Good luck!
Jun 25, 2022 18:31:15 #
Thanks all who responded. There seems to be a general consensus. I have to decide weather to buy an off the shelf or have a build out done. I haven't built a computer for more years than I can remember and don't relish a DIY project.
Jun 25, 2022 19:15:27 #
Jun 25, 2022 20:20:46 #
A few years ago my desktop was experiencing frequent crashes. Eventually I discovered that opening it up and re-seating the memory cards cured the problem for a while. So one day I took the memory cards out and cleaned the contacts thoroughly and put them back I and wiggled them in the socket a bit. The crash frequency went from around weekly to annually.
Jun 26, 2022 00:43:36 #
Jun 26, 2022 00:44:53 #
DirtFarmer wrote:
A few years ago my desktop was experiencing frequent crashes. Eventually I discovered that opening it up and re-seating the memory cards cured the problem for a while. So one day I took the memory cards out and cleaned the contacts thoroughly and put them back I and wiggled them in the socket a bit. The crash frequency went from around weekly to annually.
Thanks for the tip. I will remove and clean the contacts on the SIMs and the graphics card and see what happens
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