buying a new desktop computer.....

[thoreau]

Okay - I've decided I need to buy a new work home computer because I am going to install a lot of applications that I'll need (if I work from home in the evenings, etc.) and want to be able to multitask.

My laptop - the trusty thing - is a Pentium 1.7Ghz processor with only 1.99G Ram.

I've been looking at systems with a 2.5GHz processor and a minimum of 6G Ram. Like this system from Gateway.

I went to Best Buy to purchase today - and this particular system was sold out (despite being plastered all over their website and Sunday sales flyer). I can order it online for $560. (with shipping, etc.)

All I need is the tower - I don't need a monitor or any other peripherals.

David also suggested that I could save getting a 4G Ram if I had a computer savvy friend who could install a ram chip for me. But well.

Okay - and before people scream "Go Mac" - - I own several thousand dollars of PC based design software that would cost a small fortune to run on a PC - and I wouldn't want to buy "virtual PC" software for a Mac - because well that sorta defeats the whole "going Mac" conversation doesn't it?

so - looking for a great 6G Ram Tower with a faster processor so I can multitask (say stream Battlestar Gallactica video while Photoshop is open?). Thoughts? Ideas?

Dave says "the web-o-sphere might have some good ideas and might save you some money in the long run" :)

so - thoughts?

Comments

[wescobear.livejournal.com]

Buy the system with the smallest RAM configuration; it is very, very easy to install RAM in a desktop computer and at least 50% cheaper (if not 75%) when you install it yourself. You can find the right RAM modules and current prices at DealRAM. If you haven't decided on a particular computer, DealRAM's sister site DealNews has lots and lots of system deals. You can also check the price of a system you like including past selling prices at NexTag to be sure you're getting a great deal.

[moved.livejournal.com]

That used to be the case and still is the case with anything Apple but from what I've seen the prices are more realistic with PC vendors.

Just doing a quick search on Dell shows an upgrade from 6 GB (base) to 8 GB for 50 bucks.

[bootglove.livejournal.com]

It's amazing how much more power & storage you get as computers are updated monthly & that it is hard to play catch-up! :-) Looks like you have been researching this well, go with your instincts....

Good Luck!!!

[moved.livejournal.com]

I would advice getting something with a dedicated video card. On board video is not going to be powerful enough to stream video and operate Photoshop.

Check out Dell. For 100 more than what you posted you get a quad core processor and a dedicated graphics card.

Unless you have the tech savvy to build from scratch Dell seems to be the best bet for price/quality.

[rlegters.livejournal.com]

If you really want to switch to a Mac someday, don't let the "virtual PC so what's the point?" conversation stop you. There's software available ("Parallels", specifically) for the Intel-based Macs that lets you run virtual Windows and Mac environments side-by-side. If the only thing keeping you from going Mac is your expensive design software, this could be an option. You can then cross-grade your various pieces of software as you can afford it.

Of course, if you like Windows and don't want to switch, no one's saying you have to. :)

[abqdan.livejournal.com]

Here's a sad fact; A lot of applications on a PC are unable to take advantage of multi-core processors, so the dual cores in modern processors are ignored. If you have a lot of older software you will find it doesn't have the ability to use the multi-cores. It wil run faster for sure; but it won't be using the full capability of the machine.

The system you linked to comes with 64-bit windows, which is good (that means it can use the full 6MB of memory) but some applications won't run correctly on 64-bit Windows; most will, some won't. It depends a lot on when you bought the software. You might want to check with the software companies to see if the versions you have will work.

Generally, the processor speed and the size of memory are not the major factors when it comes to video playback and game-playing; it's the speed of and memory size on the video card you need to worry about. I'm pretty sure you won't be happy with the integrated video that comes with the machine; you will want to add a much better video card to get the performance you want. You'll probably want a card with dual monitor support and HDMI output capabilities (so that you can connect the PC to your TV). Unfortunately, that will probably add $200+ to the cost of the system.

[bukephalus.livejournal.com]

IAWTC

[low-fat-muffin.livejournal.com]

IAWTC?

[bukephalus.livejournal.com]

"I Agree With This Comment."

[low-fat-muffin.livejournal.com]

I am leaning towards this system:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9156478&type=product&id=1218038551741

then saving up and upgrading the graphics card and RAM as needed. Just purchasing this system I double my current processor speed and have lots of other memory choices. I am researching on the internet this morning to make sure all my softwares work in the new windows set up.

While Windows 7 is a while away - it will feel like tomorrow when it arrives, so I best get used to this new 64bit world

[bukephalus.livejournal.com]

Wow! That looks like a great deal.

I love the idea of a 64-bit system that can address large amounts of RAM, I'm too much in love with all the little shareware gadgets etc in the 32 bit world. I think I'd have to give up a lot of my favorite utilities if I went 64 bit. But if you use mainstream apps like MS Office and Adobe Creative Suite, you'll probably be fine. But be sure to check your favorite software sites to make sure 64-bit versions are available before you jump into 64-bit Vista.

[grizzlyzone.livejournal.com]

Two thoughts, punkin':

1. Are you sure all your fancy software in gonna run under Vista SP1?
2. You aren't exactly an entry-level kind of user. You're a professional designer. So, why do you wanna get a system for n00bs?

[oscarlikesbugsy.livejournal.com]

Do you have the time or patience to build your own? If so, you probably can do a better than that Gatway.

It's a lot easier to build your own, these days, without worrying about hours flipping dip-switches (or the dreaded blue-smoke)!

Anyway, my key insight to share is to find a motherboard / configuration that has on-board, hardware RAID support.

I re-built last summer and picked up an open-box ASUS board with this support.

If you handle large files, it's a dream, with a RAID 0 set-up. Also, if you are using a lot of virtual memory, like for Photoshop, possibly, it really speeds things up.

Meanwhile, any number of programs come with their own 'memory manager' (including some MS products that shall remain nameless), so it doesn't help if you have a boatload of ram if they don't take advantage of it.

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

Memory above 4gigs can only be handled by 64-bit versions of Windows XP and Vista, if you plan on using the 32-bit versions, the most that the operating system will see is roughly 3.5gigs. I'm not sure what sort of software you intend on running, some of it might not like 64-bit Windows versions, check before buying. RAM in and of itself these days is pretty cheap, all things considered, and if your software (and any hardware you plan on using from the old system) is compatible with 64-bit Vista, go for it. I have a setup with dual quad-core Xeons and 8G of RAM that Vista 64 runs wonderfully in.

[low-fat-muffin.livejournal.com]

yeah- in further research - and a real good article from Walt Mossberg's column here (http://ptech.allthingsd.com/20081029/shopping-for-basics-and-saving-money-on-your-next-pc/) - you are full of wisdom. I may buy a 4G system and upgrade as I can afford to.