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What is good PC for multi-media graphics? (not too pricey)
What is a good budget computer these days for multi-media — large print Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator work; probably some Premiere for Web, and obviously After Effects.
I was looking at the Dell Studio MT, $900 range which has a great review for its class on CNET. Next up is XPS 630, good reviews, at twice the price, a gaming computer. Neither CNET or Dell has a category for Desktop / Graphics / multi-media. Is a gaming computer like the XPS 630 right for what we want, or completely irrelevant to my needs? Thank you, somebody!
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6 Replies
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[Bill Russell] “Is a gaming computer like the XPS 630 right for what we want, or completely irrelevant to my needs?”
good gaiming systems are usually emphasizing gpu performance… the gpu will not help too much for the applications you mentioned.
for photoshop and after effects, you’ll want processing power and ram. photoshop can get by with fewer processing cores (much of photoshop is not multithreaded and will rely on a single core), but after effects can take advantage of as many processing cores as you can throw at it and as much as 4gb of ram per core if you get a 64-bit os (4gb x 8 cores = 32gb)… so it comes down to how fast you want to render.
for after effects and premiere, you’d also like to have a drive (or drive array) for you media… you mentioned ‘for web’ so i’d imagine that a firewire800 drive will be speedy enough for media (it can handle hd resolution media compressed with hdv or dvcprohd codecs). they’re not too expensive but you’ll want to keep it in mind.
i can’t point to a particular pc, but when you are looking at them for graphics work, you’ll want a faster cpu (more cores will help in ae) and i’d take a better cpu (like a xeon) over a budget cpu (like celeron) even if the budget cpu was a little faster. i’d also go with more ram over a better gpu (graphics card)… so if the gaming card was $400 and the standard consumer card was $100, take the standard card and spend the $300 on ram. just remember that a 32-bit os (like vista32) can only see 4gb of ram, you’ll need a 64 bit os to use any more than that.
Kevin Camp
Senior Designer
KCPQ, KMYQ & KRCW -
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Buy a MacPro and install XP on it if you want a nice computer. If you are spending less then $2000, please beware.
For main machine you have 2 options.
1 :: Buy a MacPro.Install XP or use the Mac OSX.
2 :: Hire someone that builds PC computers for a living and tell them what you want below.For a true powerful computer. You will spend upwards to $4500 ( Will last 3+ years). Or go down to Best Buy and buy some junk and pull your hair out. You get what you pay for. Sorry not what you wanted to hear.
Make sure to get dual Processors, not just a Single Dual Core Processor or single Quad core. Must be 2 sockets on mother board. So “Dual Quads = 2 Processors with 4 Cores each totaling 8 cores” is what you want. RAM? 6 to 8 Gig to start.
Buy 2 internal Western Digital Velociraptor Drives. They are fast as heck. Run cache and Scratch files on a different drive other then System drive. Buy 3 drives = 1 for system – 1 For projects – 1 for Backing up the Project drive. Work internally. Buy 500GB Drive for 2nd Backup for Fireproof Safe. 3rd external for off-site backup (optional).
Note: Buy the drives around the same time you buy the computer. Don’t use the computer before you install the new drives.
Note: If you are not getting the Velociraptors. Make sure to get a drive 10,000 RPM or faster for internal.
Have fun.
P.S. If you want some links to the mentioned above. Email me or Reply to this.
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I’m using a Mac Pro next to an HP xw8600 Windows workstation, by necessity for now.
The HP workstations can actually save you trouble over consumer PCs, and I think their xw4600 models start at something like $600-$700 (in the U.S.).
Configure it with the cheapest hard drive they offer, then image this to a $70 or so WD three-platter 640GB drive for your system drive. Add a few more for media. This drive measures about 100 MB/s read and write in the Decklink speed test, which is as fast as the older generation expensive Velociraptors.
I have also had good experience with HP support, not to mention what you get when you buy from a pro dealer. Those guys are as hungry as everyone else, so a little bit of price discussion won’t hurt anyone.
HP workstations are well built (including tool-less drive replacement), well configured, and there is some good thinking behind each part.
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I actually have an older HP xw4000 for my Avid, which I like a lot. This new computer will be for my wife’s work at her studio. But wow – I didn’t realize the HP workstations were so cheap! (I use Mac Pro quads all the time / Fincal Cut Studio, LOVE ‘EM, but don’t own myself, and won’t be shelling out the cash for the stuff.) CNET reviews does not have HP’s in the top tier currently, but I really like your endorsement. Question — I’ve had troubles long ago with WD, better luck with Seagate and Hitachi. Are you finding that WD is working reliably and long term these days? I’ve always taken their warranties as a good indication — WD is usually around a 1, Seagate 3-5 years.
Thank you for this!
“THE LOST SKELETON OF CADAVRA” –
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Get something with Xeon or Quad Core, or maybe the new i7?
Color Grading presets for After Effects, Premiere, etc., plus free presets and more.
LITTLE BLACK BIRD – PROFESSIONAL VISUAL EFFECTS
https://www.littleblackbird.com
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