Today's IdeaL computer setup for Photoshop?

[dungbeetle]

Well, I've read several articles on this subject and I have a pretty good understanding of what components make up a good Photoshop system, but technology is always changing...so I must ask....

....with today's multiple-core processors, and other faster-than-the-speed-of-light hardware available...what would make up the ideal Photoshop computer, right now?

I want to know if the dual core, triple core, quad core cpu's make a difference in Photoshop? What kind of memory is the best for Photoshop? Hard drives? Video cards?

I'm looking to build a new machine, and my requirements are much different than they were 5 years ago when I was shooting landscapes with a 6.3MP Canon Rebel. I am now shooting landscapes with a Mamiya M645 medium format camera and processing the film in a small darkroom in my house. The scanner I use is capable of producing HUGE files...and I need a computer that is up to the task.

I just bought a used Everex Impact GC3500...the price was so good I couldn't pass it up. It sports a 1.5GHz VIA c7D processor, 2 gigs of Kingston DDR2 RAM, a decent WD 160gig 7200rpm SATA HD, a nice video card, and a nice 19" widescreen LCD display.......THIS SYSTEM WON'T EVEN BEGIN TO KEEP UP!! Every "little" adjustment I make (lightness, saturation, levels, curves) takes several minutes to complete. The more demanding filters take FOREVER to process. And if I start using layers.....FORGET it

Would buying the latest multiple-core CPU and more RAM even make much of a difference? Is my little energy efficient VIA processor too slow for my needs? Could I significantly speed up my system by buying another hard drive to run photoshop on by itself? How about two more hard drives? Should I overclock my processor?

If buying a new system would make a BIG difference, I have several hundred dollars to build my own machine. What do you guys suggest I do???

Thanks

 

[dungbeetle]

Hmmmmmm.....really?? Very interesting...ha ha, well I'm just gonna buy myself the fastest machine I can get....AMD Quadcore, 8 gigs of RAM...etc etc

 

[PixelPusher40]

don't know about your CPU.. .seems old/slow.

But, priorities for Photoshop (my opinion):

#1 Lotsa RAM. I have 3 gb's and I do fine, but sounds like you need a workhorse... look for 4 to gb of good RAM. Beware, there is cheapo RAM, good RAM, and REALLY good RAM.

#2 video card - don't skimp here, get something that can handle a lot of stuff onscreen and will display your work correctly. (do your research)

 

[Opsafari]

What flat screen for Photoshop

Hi all, I am new to this forum! I can not comment on dungbettle’s request for information as I had to rely on a close friend to build me a PC, mainly to edit video and audio. However, I do more photography which is one of my passions. Recently decided to move the old 19inch VGA screen and replaced it with a much slimmer LCD screen. It was not the cheapest but also not close to “the top of the range” screens. But, yes I am battling as it is not very sharp and the rgb colour is not “correct” Some of my PC friends told my I must look for a LaCie screen but they are very expense (?). Dungbettle’s main concern is the “box”, but what “fairly” affordable flat screen is considered great for colour and for Photoshop?

 

[mfox]

VIA CPU
Are are kidding me right?
Buy a real PC Intel or AMD CPU

RAM DOESN'T MAKE A COMPUTER FASTER
High CPU Frecquncy and fast FBS(Front Bus Speed[Northbrigde]) will increase speed, Unless you're running 256MB

LMAO

as for the monitor; DVI is the new technology for connectors instead of VGA, I would suggest that just a simple graphics card for like 50 $ will do.

 

[PixelPusher40]

mfox is right, you need a good CPU and mobo to support all your upgrades (like RAM).

But please, take my word for it... don't try and go cheap and buy a $50 video card! New OS's (Vista) and new applications are pushing video cards... If you're serious about digital art, get a decent video card.