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Configuration help for non-gamer

Post Date: 2010-09-05
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MarkAZ View Drop Down
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Posts: 2 		  Quote MarkAZ Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Topic: Configuration help for non-gamer
    Posted: 05 Sep 2010 at 1:51pm
Hi Everyone.  I am looking for some advice about a system.  I do have a budget, but have not finalized what the number is, but it is close to the configuration below.  Basically, I am looking for a fast, reliable system for work.  The only thing I can think of that might absorb some system resources is Photoshop 5, but the files will generally be less than 10mb (program used for work, but I am not really in the creative development field or a professional photographer).  I do not do any 3-D or heavy gaming.

In the future, I plan on adding a second hard-drive, probably not RAID, and an IPS monitor, about 22-23 inches.

Additional questions would be whether the mother board selected would allow future upgrades (maybe for 4-5 years of work), is the cooling sufficient, anything else?  I am better at using computers than designing them or figuring out what I need and don't need.

Thank you in advance for your help and advice.

http://www.digitalstormonline.com/comploadsaved.asp?id=438678
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MagiK View Drop Down
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Posts: 1074 		  Quote MagiK Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 05 Sep 2010 at 2:52pm
After looking at the spec, I don't know what kind of life span the P55 has left but it should be good for a couple of years, as it is, your stated purpose for the machine, you may have gone too high on the CPU scale....you could probably drop down a notch or two and still have plenty of processor power for what you have described.
Office Applications, Low end Photoshop use, web surfing....all that doesnt really require a lot of horsepower or big budget.  I do all that on a company issue bargain basement laptop.

Honestly you sound like you could get away with Level 1 default configuration with a possibly upgraded HDD. for around $900 to $1100  There's no reason you have to NOT choose a default build unless you have a specific vision or use in mind.  If you have more specific questions, just post them and Ill add my 2 cents.....but these are just opinions and they vary from person to person.


Edited by MagiK - 05 Sep 2010 at 2:57pm
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MarkAZ View Drop Down
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Posts: 2 		  Quote MarkAZ Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 06 Sep 2010 at 11:03am
MagiK, thank you for your input.  I initially went with the CPU I did to try to future proof the system a little more, as I generally keep computers 4-5 years, and because I do not know much about AMD chips.  I will investigate AMD chips and the base systems later today.  I guess another reason for the faster CPU (maybe just in my mind) is multi-tasking.  I usually have a lot of programs up and running at once.

Thank you again.
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MagiK View Drop Down
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Posts: 1074 		  Quote MagiK Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 06 Sep 2010 at 12:06pm
For Multi-Tasking memory is generally the key ingredient, the more memory the more apps you can have active (to a point) .  Honestly Ive never used an AMD processor (well the 1st and 2nd gen AMD stuff I used back in the day) but they seem to be as reliable as you could ask for.  So if you dont have extreme needs, and want to save some money, drop down on the proc side and increase the memory though if you are using a 32bit OS, don't get more than 4GB

Again many users have far more resources than they ever fully utilize or realize.  a quad core CPU is quite powerful AMD or Intel and 4GB of memory is a LOT of space.  So thats how you save money cut back in those areas, but there nothing wrong with "Just wanting" something in particular.

One last thought, the reason some users think they need a more powerful system is that they dont realize they may need to clean up their system, a fresh Install of the OS and being careful as to what gets put on the machine can bring back an older PC to be more than adaquate for Office use.


Edited by MagiK - 06 Sep 2010 at 12:09pm
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