I have done a search and read several threads on computer specs here on the UHH.

I am currently running Windows XP on my home computer.

I have been concentrating on Black & Write photography lately and want to buy and use NIK Software's Silver Effects Pro. Since Google bought NIK and took them over, SE Pro is only available as part of a bundle/suite of programs. That bundle will only run on Windows-Vista or newer. Where as the old stand alone Silver Effects would run on W-XP. I have tried to buy a copy of the old program everywhere including here in the UHH, Ebay and Craig's list to no avail.

So now I am faced with upgrading my Lenovo Small Form Factor desktop running Pentium 4 3.2 GHz (Dual Core w/intrgrated Intel graphics ?) with 4GB Ram and 160 HDD. ( I have several external HDD's) to something newer running Window 7.

I am pretty much convinced Window 7 32 bit is the way I want to go. I am not a techy in any way so 64 bit with it's problems and downloading drivers is out.

I can buy an "off lease" refurbished HP Compaq SFF desktop Core 2 Duo (same as what I have now ??) 3.0GHZ, 4GB Ram, 1TB HDD, DVDRW, Windows 7 Pro 32-bit for $239 from Tiger Direct.

OR I can buy new from Dell computer:
OptiPlex Small Form Factor 3010 running Quad Core i5-3470 processor 3.20GHz w/HD2500 Graphics. I would upgrade the Graphics to a Radeon HD7470 w/1GB DVI & VGA ($55.00)
Upgrade Ram to 8Gb from 4GB ($91.00) I will have to call Dell because a popup window comes up saying ERROR it won't be supported.
Windows 7 Pro 32 bit.
500 GB HDD.

The Dell Totals $789 vs. $239 for the refurb HP Compact

I work with Photoshop Elements v9.
I have Lightroom 3, but seldom use it.
I work with Photomatix Essentials.

I will buy the Google/Nik suite.
I will probably buy Topaz B&W.
I will probably upgrade my Dell UltraSharp 2311 H " monitor to a 27"

Can I do what I want and run my software and a larger monitor with the HP Compaq ? Should I have to spend the extra $550 for the Dell ? Why ?? That more than pays for the Canon Pixma printer I am coveting !!!


Don't know why this carelessly ran into your text. Will post again.

Wanting to avoid Windows 8, and because I wanted both of my machines on the same OS, I had some difficulty in finding a Windows 7 machine at Office Depot, until I found one online with them. Both are 64 bit with no problems with anything, including downloading drivers.

Since then, I've learned you can set up Windows 8 to look like Windows 7. I don't know whether that is widely known, nor, whether that would satisfy the complainers.

I don't think I can help the OP with his decision dilemma, except to say get the most power you can afford. Monitors will run on any of the configurations mentioned, but to have a big screen is most nice, especially with a two monitor solution running off the same machine. Really helps with work environment and workflow when dealing with images.

I've been a computer professional for 35 years and have used every version of Windows since Windows 3.1, including the corporate NT versions. I use Windows 8.1 with the with Classic Start Menu 4.02(free) and it looks and works virtually identically to Windows 7. Windows 8.1 is the fastest and most stable version of Windows that Microsoft has ever released. It's a shame that the controversy, mostly over the Metro screen and lack of traditional start menu, has tainted an otherwise superior product. There are several free third party apps (like the Classic Start Menu) that install a Windows 7 style start menu and also allow you to boot directly to the desktop. You might be hard pressed to know you weren't in Windows 7 except for the increased performance of the newer operation system. I have 2 machines running Windows 8.1 and 3 others running Windows 7. Windows 7 was, and is, a great operating system. Windows 8.1 takes that performance to the next level.

Keep in mind that when upgrading from an older operating system to a newer one there are ALWAYS potential issues with the installation of older software and drivers for older hardware. That is just as true if you upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 7, as it is if you upgrade to Windows 8.1. I understand that people can't or won't upgrade very old versions of software or hardware. It can get very expensive, especially for those of us on a fixed income. But as distasteful as it may be, it's also unreasonable to assume that new operating systems will continue to support very old technology into perpetuity.

With regard to 32 vs 64 bit operating systems, if you have older software and older hardware you may not have a choice here, but 64 bit systems are far superior and support significantly more RAM. My current desktop is a 64 bit machine with 12 gigs of ram and a 3 terabyte hard drive. Performance with programs such as Lightroom 5 is phenomenal.

I've been a computer professional for 35 years and have used every version of Windows since Windows 3.1, including the corporate NT versions. I use Windows 8.1 with the with Classic Start Menu 4.02(free) and it looks and works virtually identically to Windows 7. Windows 8.1 is the fastest and most stable version of Windows that Microsoft has ever released. It's a shame that the controversy, mostly over the Metro screen and lack of traditional start menu, has tainted an otherwise superior product. There are several free third party apps (like the Classic Start Menu) that install a Windows 7 style start menu and also allow you to boot directly to the desktop. You might be hard pressed to know you weren't in Windows 7 except for the increased performance of the newer operation system. I have 2 machines running Windows 8.1 and 3 others running Windows 7. Windows 7 was, and is, a great operating system. Windows 8.1 takes that performance to the next level.

Keep in mind that when upgrading from an older operating system to a newer one there are ALWAYS potential issues with the installation of older software and drivers for older hardware. That is just as true if you upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 7, as it is if you upgrade to Windows 8.1. I understand that people can't or won't upgrade very old versions of software or hardware. It can get very expensive, especially for those of us on a fixed income. But as distasteful as it may be, it's also unreasonable to assume that new operating systems will continue to support very old technology into perpetuity.

With regard to 32 vs 64 bit operating systems, if you have older software and older hardware you may not have a choice here, but 64 bit systems are far superior and support significantly more RAM. My current desktop is a 64 bit machine with 12 gigs of ram and a 3 terabyte hard drive. Performance with programs such as Lightroom 5 is phenomenal.

I've been a computer professional for 35 years and have used every version of Windows since Windows 3.1, including the corporate NT versions. I use Windows 8.1 with the with Classic Start Menu 4.02(free) and it looks and works virtually identically to Windows 7. Windows 8.1 is the fastest and most stable version of Windows that Microsoft has ever released. It's a shame that the controversy, mostly over the Metro screen and lack of traditional start menu, has tainted an otherwise superior product. There are several free third party apps (like the Classic Start Menu) that install a Windows 7 style start menu and also allow you to boot directly to the desktop. You might be hard pressed to know you weren't in Windows 7 except for the increased performance of the newer operation system. I have 2 machines running Windows 8.1 and 3 others running Windows 7. Windows 7 was, and is, a great operating system. Windows 8.1 takes that performance to the next level.

Keep in mind that when upgrading from an older operating system to a newer one there are ALWAYS potential issues with the installation of older software and drivers for older hardware. That is just as true if you upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 7, as it is if you upgrade to Windows 8.1. I understand that people can't or won't upgrade very old versions of software or hardware. It can get very expensive, especially for those of us on a fixed income. But as distasteful as it may be, it's also unreasonable to assume that new operating systems will continue to support very old technology into perpetuity.

With regard to 32 vs 64 bit operating systems, if you have older software and older hardware you may not have a choice here, but 64 bit systems are far superior and support significantly more RAM. My current desktop is a 64 bit machine with 12 gigs of ram and a 3 terabyte hard drive. Performance with programs such as Lightroom 5 is phenomenal.

A few issues to consider: (1) if you want to take the Mac plunge, look for refurbished models. Mac monitors are fabulous, despite what one responder says, and can work even with Win machines.
(2) If you want to stick with Win 7 (better than 8 IMHO), check out other refurb deals, too. Small form factor is great, but if you want to add things like video cards, and have the office floor space, full size is more flexible. I got a terrific Lenovo small form factor Dual Core Duo for @ $100 from Newegg. MicroCenter also has good refurb prices. Every computer I have had (MAC or Win) came to me as a refurb, with NO problems. Running 64bit makes either OS very capable. (3)Spend less on the computer, and more on the monitor -- 24" is minimum; 27" very nice.
(4) Whichever way you go, get an SSD to replace the HDD; prices are tumbling (@$75 for 120GB, @$150 for 250GB), and the speed difference is phenomenal. Everyone should switch to SSD ASAP.
(5) Video cards can make a big difference, but they can cost as much as a computer. Try computer without one and only upgrade if absolutely needed.

Good Luck!