TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Puget Systems is an excellent company, but I priced the same specs I previously posted for the Dell (which was $2500), and their price was $4,300 (!).

koratcat

Hm-m-m, good to know. Maybe when I finally feel the need to replace my Puget built system I'll seriously consider a self-build. If I do, will definitely ask for current configuration advice from fellow Hedgehoggers.

koratcat

Wh-o-o-o...to say that's a substantial difference seems understatement!

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

I was really surprised - Puget was the first place I checked. When you add it up:

CPU: $600-700 (for a high end processor)
DRAM: $260
Motherboard: $300
2TB m.2 NVME SSD: $200
Video Card: $300
Case: $80
Power Supply: $80
Keyboard and Mouse: $50
Optical drive: $60
Windows 64 OEM $100 (?)
2TB additional SSD or 4-8GB enterprise class SATA HD: $200

And this is for a screamer. You can easily drop back on the CPU (to $300) and the video card.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Yes, definitely.
Just assemble/clean/repair the computer in your home. I've done it for over 40 years.

It will get dust in it no matter where one assembles it or uses it.

The fans even create a small static charge when pushing the air, that's why fan blades are always dirty. The dust sticks to them. Look at the air intake areas!

I try to remember to open mine, in a room in the house, and blow the dust out once a year.

Rick0747

I don't mean to be nasty or unfriendly but why would one ask a photography group about computers? There are many online sites that review, compare and recommend computers. Would you ask them which camera to buy? Yes, be wary of the website, the real knowledge vs opinion, etc. But there is a lot of good information out there and even an online chat with someone may help.

koratcat

A valid question, Rick0747. As for me, I'd ask because Hedgehoggers are folks who have firsthand knowledge of using computers to do the things for which I want to use mine, and they know what works for them. Seems to me their thoughts are a more use-focused supplement (and therefore of direct benefit to me) to the knowledge I can gain from some research on websites you mention that compare and recommend computers.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

There are some actual computer geeks here.
(and I use the term affectionately!)

BBurns Loc: South Bay, California

And many of those suggestions will be done without bothering to read the thread before offering unnecessary drival!

Valerie9185 Loc: Weeki Wachee florida

Hey Rick. I asked the question on this platform because there are many users here who know computers as well as cameras. And I appreciate their advise , greatly.
Everyone has been so kind, and I thank everyone again for your help.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Yup, happens with most threads unfortunately.
Either that, or they read and their mind goes off on a tangent.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

As others have said, that thing could be chugging away. What you can gain by upgrading is speed. I built a new desktop when my Dell with an i5 processor, 16gb of RAM and an onboard GPU just proved too slow as I started more advanced processing. It would take over 2 hours to focus stack 150 images. My new box with an AMD Ryzen 5 3600, 32gb RAM, SSD AND 8gb Radeon GPU made a huge difference. It now takes less than 20 minutes for the focus stack and Topaz Denoise & Sharpen take seconds instead of minutes.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

Some of us might even make our living working with computers, (ok for me it’s writing software, but I’ve built my share of boxes). The main reason someone would ask here is because the people that just build computers may not have the knowledge for needs specific to photo/video editing.

Larry76 Loc: Alabama

I am a retired lawyer who has built his own pc desktop computers for 25 years. My other hobby is photography (Z6ii & Z50, and shelves full of F and Z lenses) and printing museum quality inkjets (Cannon Pro 10 and Pro 1000) for artists - my wife is a world class oil portrait artist.

Comments: Surprise below!!!!!
1. all prebuilt/retail pc's have serious compromises.
2. I rebuild every 2 years, I am rebuilding 2 of 3 now, and I sell off those as I rebuild.
3. Late model components are very expensive - DDR5 memory, 10gb ethernet, Intel 12th gen CPU I9 12900F unlocked, Nvidia GTX 3080 Video Cards, 32mb G.Skill 6000mhz ram, ASUS PCIe Gen 5 motherboards, Gen 5 M2 SSD drives on a stick, etc.

Buy after all of that NEW extremely expensive stuff, and I love it, even moderately overclocked, you will not get beyond 5 - .2-3 Ghz speed.

For a great deal less money, about 50% less, you can go back 2 generations of each of them (EXCEPT the M2 SSD 2 tb drives), and process your photos and print them to your hearts content at 4.7-8.0 mhz.

Trust my opinion, I do it every day. The only item that needs "beefing" up is the power supply (min 1200 watts), and the fans which are relatively cheap (Noctua is the best).

For printing I do many tif's that are more than 100-300mb, 300-600 dpi, 16bit , or more. The processing time is less than 10 seconds.

I use 3 calibrated photography monitors (refurbished) (27-32-27) from BENQ.

I am not a gamer. After all these years, I would not use a laptop BECAUSE there are few if any interchangeable parts.

Suggestion for Valerie find someone to build one for you after doing research - know what you are doing! or buy one being replaced by an advanced user that you can observe live, and test on site, before buying.

For example, I sell my used parts on Craigslist - Pensacola/Mobile.

This is not a solicitation. Just sharing my knowledge and experience.

photoman022 Loc: Manchester CT USA

Go to a local (not big box) computer store; tell them what you are looking for and listen to their recommendations. My local computer store (Kaplan Computers, Manchester, CT) has never steered me wrong and has actually helped me make the right decision.