New Computer

[Zerlina]

Hey so I bought an HP Pavillion. And...for obvious reasons I need to replace it...

I'm not too knowledgable when it comes to hardware (obv. since I bought an HP dv5) and was hoping someone here might know better. Basically, I'm looking for a desktop PC. I need to be able to simultaneously run Premiere, Soundbooth, and After Effects (CS5). I want to avoid a Macbook because of compatibility and because I hate the Mac store.

Any suggestions or advice for what specs I should look for/models or companies to avoid? Or any suggestions of specific PCs? I tried asking at the store but they don't seem to know.

[HackersTotalMassLaser]

Something with multi-cores (2+) and like 6 gigs of ram. I got a dual core system with 8 gigs of ram and I run AE, Premiere, Photoshop (CS4, n PS 64 bit) and Audacity just fine. My computer is also an HP, with some modifications. Oh and also, perhaps something with some video graphical power. It 's way better to set some stuff to use OpenGL.

I think HPs are quite alright, it just depends where you get it. I got mine in a store, but for the love of Jesus, I can't remember the name. It wasn't Best Buy or Fry's... or Walmart... nor one of the Office's Depot... I forget. But they had all kinds of dealers there, and I was able to get this one pretty cheaply.

Also how good is Soundbooth? I've tried other audio editing software besides Audacity, but, simply, nothing can beat it's speed and ease of use.

[Archem]

Buy something cheapish, and ask a more knowledgeable friend to buff it up a bit. Otherwise, you'll be paying an arm and a leg for something good.

[zuhane]

If you want something cheap and affordable but decent, get one of these:

http://www.alienware.com/Landings/desktop-deals.aspx

They're okay-ish.

[HobomasterXXX]

If you want something cheap and affordable but decent, get one of these:

http://www.alienware.com/Landings/desktop-deals.aspx

They're okay-ish.

Alienware aren't affordable at all what is wrong with you

Anyway, if you're looking for value for money primarily; build the PC yourself. It's so much cheaper, and you have much more control over the whole process. It really isn't hard. The hardest part is choosing the parts, not the aseembly itself.

[zuhane]

Alienware aren't affordable at all what is wrong with you

Anyway, if you're looking for value for money primarily; build the PC yourself. It's so much cheaper, and you have much more control over the whole process. It really isn't hard. The hardest part is choosing the parts, not the aseembly itself.

They're only £2,400 each. Dealio!

[Zerlina]

Yeah, those Alienware computers look pretty pricey considering here you can get a desktop, monitor, and keyboard for $500.

Something with multi-cores (2+) and like 6 gigs of ram. I got a dual core system with 8 gigs of ram and I run AE, Premiere, Photoshop (CS4, n PS 64 bit) and Audacity just fine. My computer is also an HP, with some modifications. Oh and also, perhaps something with some video graphical power. It 's way better to set some stuff to use OpenGL.

I thought I might need 6 gigs, but when I went to the store he said as long as it was DDR3, I only needed 4. But I trust you guys more than the guys at Future Shop (I asked the game department a question the other day and the guy didn't know what a platformer was. He then told me the platformer I was buying was an RPG). I know the dicitonary definition of SDRAM but I don't know exactly how it might affect the PC's other specs.

Also how good is Soundbooth? I've tried other audio editing software besides Audacity, but, simply, nothing can beat it's speed and ease of use.

It's good for recording and effects (better than audacity), but for timeline work I still like using Audacity. Have you tried Audition?

Anyway, if you're looking for value for money primarily; build the PC yourself. It's so much cheaper, and you have much more control over the whole process. It really isn't hard. The hardest part is choosing the parts, not the aseembly itself.

This might be a good option. Do you think this would be a better option than if I do what Archem says and buff up a regular PC. 2gigs of RAM at Future Shop is about $79, and they're selling 4gb DDR3 comps for $500-$600 with monitors. Do you think it would come out cheaper/better to build it? I don't need to high speed game or anything since I don't play MMOs, but I do need to be able to do multimedia editing without (or with minimal) lag.

[Archem]

Building your own is always the best option, unless you really just need a tune up for what you already own.

[HobomasterXXX]

If you're using high end editing software in any major way, your PC probably needs to be pretty damn beefy anyway. Photoshop CS4 really puts the pressure on my PC, and you plan to run three CS5 programs, so you'll definetly want something good. Bear in mind if you go over 3 gig of RAM you'll need a 64 bit OS.

[Zerlina]

If you're using high end editing software in any major way, your PC probably needs to be pretty damn beefy anyway. Photoshop CS4 really puts the pressure on my PC, and you plan to run three CS5 programs, so you'll definetly want something good.

Here's the conundrum. I've been running Premiere, Photoshop, After Effects, and Soundbooth simultaneously without lag on a Macbook with 2.0 gigs of ram...I'm really not sure how...

Bear in mind if you go over 3 gig of RAM you'll need a 64 bit OS.

Thanks I didn't know that. TBH I can't wait to get a new OS, since all I have right now is Windows Vista. Frankly I'm surprised it's letting me type this message right now.

I just spoke to my dad and he said that building a computer would present too many hardware compatibility issues...he said he tried once before and a lot of the pieces didn't work together and it was just a big waste of money.

So let's just say for now I'm going to modify a prebuilt PC. What would be a good brand to go for? I checked Future Shop, but they only carried HPs, Gateways, and Acers. Are any of these brands good or is one brand better than the other?