I need a new computer because my Celeron D, 512, 80gig just isnt getting the job done these days. I am a graphic designer so I use photoshop, illustrator and similar programs often so I need something that can handle that. I would also like to get a dual lcd monitor setup so I can run two monitors at once. I believe I would need a specific video card or something. So basically I need a PC with the following capabilities: - Run Photoshop and Illustrator - Run a dual lcd monitor setup - Good storage space for image and video files (would 120gig be good?) I dont plan on using this machine for gaming. If you have knowledge in this field and would care to drop me an estimate on how much something like this would run me I would really appreciate it. Or you could post a link of something that would fit my criteria. I would like to buy the PC with an lcd monitor included and then buy another identical monitor later on. I dont need a super computer, just something practical that will get the job done. Thank you very much.
You could build a computer for pretty cheap... Case, motherboard, processor, soundcard, etc should add up to maybe $300 - $500? I built a fairly strong computer for about $900 so for one that's not as strong, I estimate $500. If you do decide to build your own (make sure you read online on how to do it), I suggest going to newegg.com, looking through the parts, and adding up the prices.
I know some people who build computers. Ill talk to them and see what they think. I would like to buy one of the deals that you always see with an lcd monitor included. Ill see if Circuit City has anything as well.
Well since you are going to be using it for graphics and design these would be my recommendations: Intel Core 2 Duo CPU (E6300 should be good enough) - E6600: $181.99 Core 2 Duo capable mobo: GIGABYTE GA-965P-S3 Socket T (LGA 775) Intel P965 Express ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail $115.99 2GB DDRII 677/800MHz RAM (Good for graphic rendering and working with large files) OCZ Platinum 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM Dual - Retail $262.99 Seagate 320GB 7200.10 7200RPM HDD $94.99 For the Video card you can either get a normal gaming graphics card (most of these will be able to support two monitors, don't know about the quality though). Or you can take a look at Matrox's Graphic cards. The Triplehead will allow you to run 3 monitors. This is the card I will go for (but I want to game as well): XFX GeForce 7950GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP ExTreme Edition Video Card - Retail $319.99 Prince estimate: $975.95 (Incl Graphics card). I'm assuming you have a decent chassis and good enough PSU (430W+). And that you already own the two LCD's.
Crusader's spec's look reasonable. I'd advise against buying a no name custom machine. Rather you should look for a brand name that comes with a three year warrentee $1,000 - $1,500 for a desktop seems reasonable or the U.S. market. Avoid consumer class machines and try to get a business class machine as they normally come with better power supplies fans, etc. HP's business class machines are always a good bet. I don't like Dell's in general, but a lot of people (including my brother) swear by them. Personally I like Thinkpad laptops best (I have a T42) although again you need to go with the business line not the consumer line. I really like the features of the new T60 series. One advantage to a desktop replacement laptop is that you could take it with you when you meet with a client. If you need multiple monitors you could always get a port replicator, which would make docking and undocking from peripherals really simple. With a laptop plan on spending $500+ more than you would on a comparable desktop.