Feedback on new computer options for Amateur
Mar 3, 2018 06:05:02 #
Woe now go buy a board with the cpu on it that is 4 - 8 core of 4.5 ghz or better, amateur or not you do not want to be sitting waiting on a 3.2 machine; life is too short.
Any old case with a 750 or better power supply will do, you can get that and some memory for 300 bucks. Don't waste time or money with old crap. If you get the right stuff in a couple of years when
new stuff comes out you will be able to trade it in at the same shop you bought it in and get the new stuff for half price usually! Get this, compare a twenty/forty Ghz cpu with a composite 12 of a 3.2 four core chip machine.
Any old case with a 750 or better power supply will do, you can get that and some memory for 300 bucks. Don't waste time or money with old crap. If you get the right stuff in a couple of years when
new stuff comes out you will be able to trade it in at the same shop you bought it in and get the new stuff for half price usually! Get this, compare a twenty/forty Ghz cpu with a composite 12 of a 3.2 four core chip machine.
Mar 3, 2018 07:13:25 #
Mar 3, 2018 07:31:32 #
david vt wrote:
Hi. the specs are what I wrote down, as this is a locally built machine by a respected shop in the area. What would you want to know, and why?
Lenovo thinkstation workstation model #? and USB 2, USB 3, OR USB C ?, the why is you ask and in order to give an educated opinion you need the facts!
Mar 3, 2018 07:36:39 #
david vt
Loc: Vermont
@irishrover. Thanks for the excellent questions. I will inquire on the VRAM and drive manufacturers on both machines. to all - what would be a good minimum VRAM amount to look for (again - amateur with limited pics per week, but with a good monitor attached).
The RAID mirror setup will protect against a HDD drive failure, but to your point does not protect against a catastrophic event at the house. No matter what core system I have, I need an additional backup method. Have not figured out yet if I want to go physical (and get it offsite) or cloud, but I know I will need to do something. Have seen that many of the professionals here have very elaborate set-ups and protocols, which given it is their living, certainly makes sense. As an amateur, need something, but need a more “tempered” solution.
The RAID mirror setup will protect against a HDD drive failure, but to your point does not protect against a catastrophic event at the house. No matter what core system I have, I need an additional backup method. Have not figured out yet if I want to go physical (and get it offsite) or cloud, but I know I will need to do something. Have seen that many of the professionals here have very elaborate set-ups and protocols, which given it is their living, certainly makes sense. As an amateur, need something, but need a more “tempered” solution.
Mar 3, 2018 08:35:13 #
Option #2 no question. For the $150 difference in price, you’re getting a much better machine. I also work in information technology full time.
Mar 3, 2018 10:16:11 #
I like option 2 - professional workstation vs a good performance consumer machine. Server grade processor, more memory (that alone is worth the difference in price) and redundant SSDs and HDs. - well worth an extra $150. Can’t predict actual performance without knowing the particular model I7 and Xeon, but the second machine is likely to be faster and more robust (server/workstation quality components).
Mar 3, 2018 10:23:20 #
david vt wrote:
Hi br br Since taking up Digital Photography and ... (show quote)
Well, you've asked a lot. My answer is: If your present system doesn't offer what you want in speed or capacity, upgrade accordingly, but consider getting one or two iterations back from the latest model if finances dictate.
Mar 3, 2018 10:30:44 #
Novicus
Loc: north and east
Nikon specifies a minimum of 16 gb ram for Capture NX-D,...my machine is an Alienware laptop with added rams total of 24 gb , it makes a difference as all of Capture`s functions work flawlessly and it does not cave in any longer, it is possible that other photo programs have similar requirements , furthermore, SSD is fast , but a little one , coupled to a Big HD will function well .
Mar 3, 2018 10:48:57 #
Please look at an IMac. The monitor resolution Is unbelievable you can have configured anyway you like and will last forever
Mar 3, 2018 12:59:07 #
I wouldn't consider either one at those prices in fact I probably wouldn't take them for free. It's old technology a 480 gtx video card and an I7 cpu they got to be kidding and the Bios isn't even supported anymore. I will be honest, I have taken to the recycle center, computers better equipped then those and I bet you have no idea how much use either one has had and if they rebuilt them what did they change/add. Go to Best Buy or on Amazon and get something with new technology that will last you several years. IMHO you are being ripped off!!
Mar 3, 2018 13:08:13 #
david vt wrote:
@irishrover. Thanks for the excellent questions. ... (show quote)
My setup I only use 4GB RAM for the video, since I don't do gaming I find it quite adequate.
I primarily use two NAS devices that are RAID mirrored on my home network along with an additional USB hard drive. All drives in the NAS are WD Reds and the external drive is 4GB in size. I find this setup fits my needs perfectly.
I am by no means a professional in terms of photography but understand fully the need for redundancy and proper backups.
You are well on your way to accomplishing your setup.
Mar 3, 2018 13:46:26 #
TheShoe
Loc: Lacey, WA
Since these are rebuilt, I would be inclined to explore the market for something new. Most of the brand names can be customized at the factory and it is entirely possible to get a machine configured like those two f or nearly the same price. That way, you get a multi-year warranty that is supported by the maker in any city where you might happen to find yourself living.
Mar 3, 2018 13:48:34 #
grathbun
Loc: Placerville, California
David, I strongly agree with the guys who recommended system #2, for a lot of the reasons already mentioned by irishrover61; it's an overall more robust machine than #1, for only $150 more, a no-brainer IMHO. Both Dell and Lenovo have been reliable brands, so either should be fine in that regard, although the quality of the components added by your local dealer might be a factor -- you might want to verify with him about that.
The Quadro graphics card is the only thing that you might wish was different. I have an 8 GB one in my current system, and have been a bit disappointed in its performance for photo/video editing. Those are professional-level cards meant more for CAD work, and not optimized for dealing with bitmaps, so it will be slower for photo editing than a cheaper gaming-type card. However, it will work; and you can always change it out later if you want.
Good luck!
The Quadro graphics card is the only thing that you might wish was different. I have an 8 GB one in my current system, and have been a bit disappointed in its performance for photo/video editing. Those are professional-level cards meant more for CAD work, and not optimized for dealing with bitmaps, so it will be slower for photo editing than a cheaper gaming-type card. However, it will work; and you can always change it out later if you want.
Good luck!
Mar 3, 2018 14:25:38 #
Given the options presented, the second configuration is the best, by far. You get twice the memory, twice the SSD space and twice the HDD space. RAID 1 is a great idea for the HDD, not sure that it's important for the SSDs. 256GB of SSD space for your C drive is more than adequate. Don't know much about the video cards so I can't comment. Best of luck.
Mar 3, 2018 14:26:36 #
david vt wrote:
Hi br br Since taking up Digital Photography and ... (show quote)
For photo editing and general home use, both exceed your needs.
8 GB RAM would be enough, especially if you have a separate video card. This will also handle most video games with moderate frame rates.
The video card in #1 uses its own memory and, at 1.5 GB memory, has more than enough to drive a couple of monitors. The card in #2 is even more powerful and I don't see you needing that much video capability.
4GB RAM is the minimum for processing RAW. 8GB will more than do the job. 16GB is just insurance on getting the job done. 32 GB is like driving a city bus to get the family groceries, you'll never use it.
i7 cores are very powerful. That will do anything you need doing except your laundry. It will take a lot of data to fill those two 2TB HDDs and the 256GB SSD will only make your life that much easier.
In my humble opinion, #1 is far more computer than your specs need. I'll say it is your best choice as it'll continue to fill your needs for several years. As a bonus, towers can always be upgraded part by part.
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