Buying a new system - Recommendation?

Hey everyone,
I am currently running Photoshop CS3 on a Core 2 Duo with 4GB of ram. I mostly use Photoshop for web editing.
I am currently looking at THIS system from DELL. How do you think this will perform with an upgrade from CS3 to CS5? Anyone have any experience with Photoshop on this particular system?
Dell XPS 15
Windows® 7 Ultimate, 64bit
Core™ i7-740QM
6GB Memory
750GB 7200 SATA HD
NVIDIA GeForce GT 435M 2GB

You are correct. However, one can use the full compliment of RAM on a 64-bit OS, and PS will appreciate that. The same holds true for PrPro and AE, as well, in their 64-bit form. I would definitely try to purchase more than the minimum to run the OS. Win7-64 does use quite a bit. With our older 32-bit OS's and programs, there was the 4GB limit (actually less, but the 4GB was the max for most MoBo's). Now, more can be used easily, and the 64-bit OS will use up more than, say XP-Pro needed, just to run things smoothly.
Also, above a 2x physical HDD setup, one is just separating things like the program, the OS, the Page File (can probably be a smaller size with Win7-64, and lots of physical RAM), the media storage (less access needed with stills, than with Video), and the Scratch Disks. I still feel that a 2x HDD setup will be better, than a 1x, and then more is simply "gilding on the lily."
Good luck,
Hunt

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New system recommendations and suggestions

I am in the market (finally) for a new system, and even though I had issues with my old MSI 975X Platinum PUE at the end, it served me well for over 6 years, so I'm pretty much sold by MSI.
This is what I am looking at right now, but I would like to know if there are known issues with the compatibility/functionality of these components:
-MSI Z87 MPower MAX
-Intel i7-4770K CPU
-Corsair Vengeance 16G (2x8G) RAM - (I may bump this to 32G)
-MSI GeForce GTX 760 2G DDR5 Video
-UltraX4 Extreme PSU
-Win7 Ulitmate 64Bit
I will also be getting another smaller (500GB) HD to use just for the OS and my VMWare items in addition to the 1.5T and 1T drives I have now.
Another question I have is that the CPU comes with a stock fan. Will this be sufficient or should I be looking at something else?
And being that my budget is around $1000 - $1200, is there something better you can recommend that will match the performance of what I selected?
Thank you

For your needs, I see no reason for 32GB of RAM. You don't want to mix two kits anyway even if they have the exact same part numbers. They may be from different batches or even have different chips on them. On my Z87, I am only using 8GB of RAM and having no problems.
Great choice on that CPU cooler! All my rigs have 9900's on them. They do outstanding and have helped me attain some impressive OC's using them.
The Corsair HX850W is what I use as well. Excellent PSU!
Probably one port is DVI-s and the other is DVI-d? The BIOS will probably recognize the discrete card is installed and set the graphics automatically to PEG mode.
A word of caution though. The GTX 760 may need a Legacy VBIOS to work right out of the box. If that happens, a UEFI/BIOS update may help or the VBIOS will need to be flashed. The onboard graphics can be used in the meantime to get the flashing done and the GTX 760 taken care of if it needs it. That is why some of us recommended the GTX 6xx series. They usually don't have any problems out of the box.

Buying A New Mac - Recommendations for FCP?

It is sales tax holiday weekend in my state, so that means I can get a new Mac and save a significant amount of dough. I currently have a 17 inch PowerBook G4, 1.33 Ghz. with 2 Gb of RAM. I use the machine to do all sorts of graphics and video work, using programs like Final Cut Studio, Adobe Creative Suite, iWork and iLife.
I'm interested in opinions on a new machine. There are some budget constraints, but I'd like to know the following:
1. Is the iMac 24 inch a viable option as a video editing station using Final Cut Pro Studio? One option I am considering is to buy an iMac 24 inch and a MacBook, doing my video work on the iMac and presentation work on the Macbook. What is your opinion about this?
2. I've looked on the Apple Store at both new and refurb MacBook Pros. If you had to pick a model, which gives the most bang for the buck? Do you think a refurb Core 2 Duo machine would be fine for my needs? Is there a disadvantage to buying a refurb vs. a new machine for the style of work I am doing?
3. Again, concerning Macbook Pros...do you prefer a 15 inch or 17 inch screen? Are there any disadvantages for going with the smaller screen? Both sizes come in both matte and glossy finishes: do you recommend one over the other for video editing?
4. Are Apple's RAM module prices in line with others? I would like to trick out the machine with as much RAM as possible right now. If Apple is high, who would you buy RAM from? I have used Other World Computing in the past, but I hear Apple is now competitive on this.
Thank you for any help you can provide on this situation!
wncmacs
Message was edited by: David Biddix

It has taken me longer to get resources lined up for my new Mac purchase, but I think the consensus here is to buy the 15 inch MacBook Pro instead of the 17 inch and purchase an external monitor.
I've looked at the refurb units available and they have a 15 inch MBP with a 200 Gb hard drive and 2 Gb of RAM and the NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT with 256MB of GDDR3 memory for $1699. They also have a 15 inch with the same specs with the exception of a 250 Gb hard drive and a NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT with 512MB of GDDR3 memory for $1999. Is the hard drive bump and the VRAM increase on the NVIDIA card worth the extra $300?
I also note that there is a 17 inch MacBook Pro that slots in with basically the same computer as the lower priced 15 inch model, save only a 160 Gb hard drive instead of a 200 Gb one for $1899. Should I even think about this one or just concentrate on the 15 inch?
I'm still torn over the screen...glossy or matte. I do lots of Web work and audio/video production on my machine. Is one style advantageous over the other one for what I do?
I'm also thinking about external monitor options for the 15 inch solution if I go that way. Apple has the 20 inch for $499 refurb and the 23 inch (of which my workplace owns 2 of on my workstation) for $749. Is the 23 inch worth the extra $250? Should I consider another make of external monitor?
I'm going to upgrade RAM from 2 to 4 Gb, and Other World Computing has that today for approximately $94. I'll have to remove all of Apple's RAM and add in my own here, right? OWC also has an upgrade for the hard drive to a Hitachi 320 Gb 7200 RPM model for $160. I guess this would be the time to make that move while I'm replacing the RAM, or do you think a better deal will be coming down the line soon?
Thanks again to everyone who has weighed in with their opinion on this. Your advice is greatly appreciated!

Help, want to buy a new system

I dabble in video, DV since 1999.
In January I upgraded to a Sony HDV cam and just cannot go back ;^)
SW I own is Final Cut Pro 4.1 Academic (upgraded through updates to 4.5 HD) & FCE HD.
In the past I have used everything from an iBook G4, to an iMac G4, iMac G5, and now a 15" PowerBook 1.5 G4 + 20" Cinema with external drives.
My PB is a little slow working in HDV but it is not impossible, just very CPU intensive.
The recent Universal upgrade allows an amazing deal to upgrade my Academic 4.1 to Final Cut Studio, so I cannot afford NOT to do this.
So the question is IF I want to get a new CPU what should I get?
The tried and trusted dual or quad G5 or a new Mac Book Pro?
Or just wait a few months, endure the slowness of my current setup and get something in the fall? To me computers are tools and you get what you need when you need it, but I am nervous of how my pro apps (FC & Aperture) are going to run on Intel since we know they run well now on G5s
TIA for ANY advice.
Best,
-Grey in NC
http://mullwerks.com

If 10 was much faster and 1 was slightly faster, I would guess around 8.
I notice a significant improvement between by DP2.5 and my 1.0PB for realtime performance and render speeds. I don't notice as much of an improvement, however, between my G5 and my old Dual 1.25 G4. If you're doing DV, cuts only, not many effects, you're not going to see as much of an improvement.
If you do effects heavy, graphics heavy work, and plan to move past DV in the future, you're going to want to get a desktop system.
This is all completely unscientific, understand. But it's just what I've seen. I've never done any tests or measurements. Your results will also vary based on RAM, hard drives, etc.

Looking to buy a new system! Need advice!

Looking to buy a brand new mac and somewhat confused by the choices.
Firstly, speed. The default is "Two 2.66GHz Dual-Core Intel Xeon" and I'm wondering what I will get if I go higher. Is it worth going to 3?
The other question I have is about the graphics cards.
I work in the ad business and deal with graphics and some FCP, but not sure which is best.
Will definitely get a cinema display.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks!

If you work professionally and do a lot of FCP, Motion or other highly processor intense work it is probably worth it to spend the extra money since a little speed here and there will make you money...but in that case, go 8 core. Most folks won't see a huge difference between the 2.66 and 3GHz models. Maxing RAM is more important than processor speed for almost everyone. By max I don't mean 32gb . IMHO not much point in getting a Mac Pro without the ATI card. Some things won't need or use it but enough opportunities will arise to make it worth while for anyone doing video and graphics to say nothing of the occasional game. If I were you, in the ad business, I'd look at professional monitors like Eizo. That's what I settled on after extensive comparisons and I'm very glad I did. Get at least 8 gb of RAM. 4x2gb is probably the best configuration to start with so as to allow even more RAM later. I got 4x1gb and am moving to 8gb soon. Adequate. Get the smallest 160gb drive that is offered then put it on a shelf. If you are going to do HD then you'll want to look at RAID arrays. If you are going to do simple DV then populate your machine with 4 x 1TB drives and you're good to go till they fill up heh.

IBook G4 - Upgrade or Buy New System

I need help making a decision: is it reasonable to upgrade my iBook G4 (RAM, operating system) (+bigger hard drive?); or do I need to abandon it and buy a newer system? My considerations are: 1) DC-inboard is probably flaky. Even with a new power supply and power adapter, the battery intermittently stops charging (the LED light goes out). I have to unplug it from the power strip and move the plug to a different outlet on the strip to get it going again. 2) I'm using Safari 1.3.2 and more web sites are thumbing their noses at my "unsupported/outdated" browser. 3) The other software I use is fairly basic: MS Word 98 (running under Classic); Reunion; Photoshop Elements 2.0; Appleworks 6.0. 4) The hard drive has about 15mb free. 5) It might be Christmas but I am seriously unemployed, which is why I have been waffling over this decision for months. Thanks for y'all's suggestions.

Hi, UUWoman:
Welcome to Apple Discussions.
It might be Christmas but I am seriously unemployed
That's a difficult place to be. I know as some of my family are there. However, even with your tight finances, it seems to be that updating your computer will be more cost effective than purchasing a new or newer computer. Let's take your issues in order..
1. We'll begin with the HDD. Your drive is dangerously full. Besides, your computer is now 5 years old. The average life of a laptop internal HDD is 3 to 5 years. So in addition to your drive being too full it is liable to fail without notice. I believe that is your top priority. You can buy a new HDD for $50 to $100. If you can install it yourself you will save $75 or so. The DC-in board can be changed at the same time. Cost less than $20.
Instead of Safari I suggest you try Camino 1.6.10, which looks like Safari, but it is faster, more stable and more powerful. Free download.
So, your costs so far would be, let's say $75 for a new HDD, $20 for the DC-in Board if you do it yourself, or add $75 for installation. For less than $200 you will have your computer functional again. You will need around $700 for a used MacBook or $1000 for a new one.
May I suggest that if you are unable to upgrade your drive and you have valuable information on it, that you back it up immediately. You can also try to lean things down, but with so little HDD free capacity you hardly have room for working. Dr. Smoke's FAQ Freeing space on your Mac OS X startup disk is an excellent guide for clearing some breathing space.
Please do post back with further questions or comments.
cornelius

Help me buy a new computer please :)

Hi. I gonna buy a new computer soon.
I've heard alot problems about Neo4 Plat and World of Warcraft which is the only game iam playing, and the only reason iam buying a new system.
Can you please explaing your experience which WoW+Neo4 Plat ?
I also wanna know is the Tagan 530W 2Force PSU will be okay, and a ATi X800 graphics card.
Please tell me if this combination is just a bit wrong. I really want a stable system.
Thank you.

Quote from: Richard on 03-September-05, 00:17:21
anim8,
I do like the K8N-Sli Plat.
Take Care,
Richard
Thanks alot for reply
What i fear with K8N-Sli Plat is that its older than K8N-Sli-F, and maybe more faulty. I dont know, but if K8N-Sli-F is newer, MSI has maybe corrected some problems.. i dont know :/
What is the most popular card atm? I really want a card that i can get support on, and thats why i dont like Sli-K8N-F much, because its new, and new cards often got new problems too.
I looked a lot at Neo-4 Plat too, but just before i should buy i saw that almost all hardware-stores in Denmark where i live, is out of stock, and they will not get them again because MSI has stopped to produce them. I dont know if this is coerrect, but if no hardware-stores in Denmark will get the card at store again, their must be a problem right?

My computer crashed - how to transfer to my new system without loosing my music.

Recently my desktop crashed and I was forced to buy a new system. My older version nano has a lot of songs that I recorded and do not want to lose. How do I proceed to get my new system updated with ITunes and transfer my music to my new desktop?

See this older post from another forum member Zevoneer covering the different methods and software available to assist you with the task of copying content from your iPod back to your PC and into iTunes.
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2452022?start=0&tstart=0
B-rock

I am about to buy a new computer and I noticed that the system comes with Windows8. I have Photoshop CS6 for windows 7. My question is can this be loaded onto the new windows 8 and if so what steps do i have to take?. Are there any things to avoid?

I am about to buy a new computer and have noticed that the system comes with Windows 8. I have Photoshop CS6 for windows 7.
I would like to know if this can be loaded on the new system? and what steps I need to take to ensure it functions correctly.

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Every time I connect my ipod touch 4th gen. it says this accessory is not supported by ipod touch so people recommended me to just buy a new charger, so i did, but the night before i got my new charger it stopped charging, what should i do now?

every time i connect my ipod touch 4th gen. it says this accessory is not supported by ipod touch so people recommended me to just buy a new charger, so i did, but the night before I got my new charger it stopped charging, what should I do now?
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Not Charge
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Apple Retail Store - Genius Bar

The installation of the new system caused the heating equipment and also heating the charger that tease your burning it. and only now discovered that the source of this 60w no longer being sold in BRAZIL had to buy a power 85w.

The installation of the new system caused the heating equipment and also warming the bellman who tease her and burning so now discovered that the source of this 60w no longer being sold in BRAZIL had to buy a power 85w.

The installation of the new system caused the heating equipment and also warming the bellman who tease her and burning so now discovered that the source of this 60w no longer being sold in BRAZIL had to buy a power 85w.

I buy a new macbook pro but the system care not here for that is there store be buy it your self

ı buy a new macbook pro but in the web site to register the new macbook it will 2 or 4 gays to after mac buy but I'm buy the store the mac system care is 3.1 ghz ıntel-core i7 and 16 gb 1866 mhz sidearm computer buy them in store for today?

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Hello, I am interested in buying a new Macbook Pro but want to run Adobe CS package. Which computer do you recommend?

Hello, I am interested in buying a new Macbook Pro but want to run the latest Adobe CS package. Which computer do you recommend for best speed and perfromance?

Depending on the software you'll use - I doubt you'll be an expert on After Effects and use Photoshop, Illustrator and Dreamweaver like a pro (you may be an exception) - I have a 13" Macbook Pro simply because the 15" lacks the portability of the smaller size - the Retina 15" is alot lighter and if you can afford it - go for it!
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I have a 13" and it runs faster than it was when I first purchased it last year. Photoshop opens in 2/3 seconds and performance is great.
Hope this helps.
P.S. If you have the money, get the 15" Retina. If not, max out the 13" if you still want portability. Otherwise, get the 15" and max that out if you feel performance is poor.
The reason I say Retina, is because the maxed ram and SSD is already installed and saves alot of hassle aswell as the slimmer design and lighter weight.

I have a MacBook Pro and it is Software is Mac OS X Lion 10.7.4 (11E53). Is this the new operating system or I have to buy the new one? The only thing missing is the Messages.

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Buying a new system - Recommendation?

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