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CS3 Capable System Setups – PC
I may soon be updating to the CS3 master collection and was fishing for opinions on a new windows machine. I am currently using a VAIO PCV-RZ14G and I am having major slow downs while using multiple CS2 apps. I am looking at the HP xw4400(RB300UT) as an “off the shelf” option. I would be able to build my own system but since this is for work the extra service/reliability of buying a computer might be necessary. I work mostly with Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, Dreamweaver and Flash simultaneously. I don’t do much video editing but our workflow is for HDV so the larger graphics files I create really slow me down.
Any thoughts?
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3 Replies
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I can’t say enough good things about Dell computers. I’ve had several of them and never had a problem – and they’re priced reasonably with great service and support.
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One of the better new features of After Effects CS3 is its support for multiple processors. Adobe recommends at least 2GB RAM per processor for the functionality to work properly, and I can confirm that (working on a quad-core mac with only 3GB RAM didn’t get all cores churning at all).
As such, I wouldn’t get anything less than a dual-core machine, ideally one with 4GB RAM. If you have to use Windows, you might want to look into Windows XP 64-bit which supports more RAM.
If nothing else, I would avoid Vista like the plague. Not only are there all sorts of problems being reported with it, but it is a complete resource hog. Ideally you want every ounce of RAM and CPU power going toward these resource hungry applications, NOT the OS.
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I tried Windows XP 64 for a few days, and it was not fun. Too many of my applications are not supported by X64. Make sure that any apps or hardware you have are supported by X64 before going with it.
I’ll also tell you that it;s next to impossible to find a non OEM version of XP 64. Mr. Bill has wiped them off the face of the planet. I got a copy at Newegg.com.
As far as machines go, check out Boldata.com – I just purchased a monster from them, and so far so good.
Dual Core Dual processors
4 GB RAM
Hot swapable drives – good for situation where you want to go dual boot (32 and 64) as well as having harddrives for specific projects.—————————————-
Aharon Rabinowitz
arabinowitz(AT)yahoo(DOT)com
http://www.allbetsareoff.com—————————————-
Click the link below to subscribe to the Creative Cow After Effects Podcast, and get free AE video tutorials:https://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=111087911
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