Minimum Computer Spec

DrRusty

DrRusty

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Richard
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I am looking to get a desktop for photo editing as I just have nothing at the moment apart from a netbook, which just isn't any good for such work.

I will probably look to get Adobe Photoshop Elements 9 for editing (lightroom in the future possibly).

I have been out of the computer market for a number of years and whilst I understand the basics I guess some pointers as to what is considered a minimum spec would be helpful.

Obviously, as always, the budget is minimal and although I would love a large screen iMac that isn't going to happen :'(

Any suggestions as to suppliers would be helpful if not the well known bods (e.g. Dell, Novatech etc..)

I have a 19" monitor so at least that saves a few £'s in the first instance.

(not least because I didn't win the £113 Million Euromillions!!)

Cheers.
 
Ok - so clearly I haven't asked the right questions yet.

I really need a photo editting PC

I can't afford anything like an iMac or full spec intel i7 system.

So I would like to know where to start, ensuring that there is the ability to upgrade the computer as more money comes along.

I guess the main issues is which processor? (again unlikely to be any of the recent Intel offerings).

Can anyone recommend a supplier?
 
I can recommend ebuyer (hope im not breaking any rules) http://www.ebuyer.com/ thats where I get my parts from, they generally have the best deals.

Personally I'd get an AM3 processor, they are going to be around for a while, you could purchase an AM2+ motherboard they support most AM3 CPU's, that will save you a little cash but you won't be able to use DDR3 AFAIK.

A 2.9GHz Quad and a AM2+ motherboard would set you back about £130. Could spec you a machine if you have a budget.
 
Justjoe

I'd completely forgotten Ebuyer !! Cheers

Probably no more than £200-£300 as I need to keep some back for Photoshop Elements.

I have a monitor, mouse and a keyboard I can use for now so that saves a few more £'s.

I've always been nervous over non Intel chips - not sure why ? Although I probably dislike cheap Intel chips more.

Probably look to get a big tower case so there lots of room to upgrade when spare cash is available.
 
I run an Quad AMD 955 at 3.2 GHz, its verry fast, Intel are great and on paper perform slightly better but you pay a premium for that along with them constantly changing architecture, with AM3 your a lot more future proof.

I quickly put this together, just to give you an idea.
1286740517.jpg


Its not bad, could be better if you looked around a bit, if you buy some used RAM you should be able to shave a chunk off. Also I forgot the CD drive but they go for like a tenner. You could even buy the graphic card later and just run the onboard VGA.

If your up for it you could get a AMD Sempron 140 2.7GHz for £30 and unlock the 2nd core :D

On the case the Antec 300 is excellent, its cheap but well built and good cooling with plenty of room, I have one in my wardrobe, I think I might sell my current case,(CM90 II Advanced) as its a bit overkill and I can put the money towards a DSLR.
 
Thanks JustJoe

I was looking at using Scan's barebones AMD setup, as that gives me a case, pwr supply, motherboard, wifi for just under £100.

The motherboard is compatible with AMD Phenom processors (future proof when prices drop) but I was looking to start with an AMD3 (2.9 or 3 GHz).

I also need copy of Windows 7 (sticking with 32bit) so that needs factoring in to the cost.

Would probably prefer two HDD one for OS and Software, the other for data, but that might be a little to much extra cost to justify.

DVD dirve factored in and 4GB RAM (no point having anymore).

I hadn't added a Graphicscard as although on baord would hit performance I'm not sure how much improivement I would get for the extra cost of an affordable card. (would be looking for dual monitor support ideally)

Lots to considered still and looking out for a bargin.
 
Thing I don't like about bare bones is the power supply, they tend to be on the cheap side, a decent power supply is is important. Keep an eye on what power supply your getting.

You can get Win7 Home Premium for about £70.

Two hard drives would give you a slight improvement in speed, but like you said give you extra cost.

Since your on a tight budget going second hand on some stuff like the HDD's, and maybe the RAM would save you cash. A new DVDRW drive can be had for £12.

Its frustrating sometimes, I spent a good month putting together builds and looking at prices across various sites.
 
£200-£300 with win 7 your pushing it....

be more like £400-£500 really..........

an intel i3 system might come in a bit cheaper than what i have said but you really are looking at that price for everything.....i priced up a i3 dual core at £431 but could proberly get it under £400........

thats with a decent named psu
 
Last edited:
JustJoe said:
Thing I don't like about bare bones is the power supply, they tend to be on the cheap side, a decent power supply is is important. Keep an eye on what power supply your getting.

You can get Win7 Home Premium for about £70.

Two hard drives would give you a slight improvement in speed, but like you said give you extra cost.

Since your on a tight budget going second hand on some stuff like the HDD's, and maybe the RAM would save you cash. A new DVDRW drive can be had for £12.

Its frustrating sometimes, I spent a good month putting together builds and looking at prices across various sites.
Click to expand...

The last time I thought about all of this PSU's were pretty much a standard item. I was unaware that even these are so variable. Hum.... :eek:

I will keep pondering and looking for bargin/sale PCs.
 
There's some decent used stuff about on Ebay, it's always a small risk I suppose but that's what I did
 
DrRusty said:
The last time I thought about all of this PSU's were pretty much a standard item. I was unaware that even these are so variable. Hum.... :eek:

I will keep pondering and looking for bargin/sale PCs.
Click to expand...

yes cheap psu's are a bane of cheap comps...they can cause so many problems..

not really worth building a comp and cheaping on the psu it will cause you to never build another..............
 
DrRusty said:
The last time I thought about all of this PSU's were pretty much a standard item. I was unaware that even these are so variable. Hum.... :eek:

I will keep pondering and looking for bargin/sale PCs.
Click to expand...

Yeah lots of the cheap PSU's are unreliable. Lots of people used to say the heavier the PSU the more likely it has quality parts, then I read about manufacturers gluing rocks inside the PSU casing to make it heaver :D
 
diamonddog said:
£200-£300 with win 7 your pushing it....

be more like £400-£500 really..........

an intel i3 system might come in a bit cheaper than what i have said but you really are looking at that price for everything.....i priced up a i3 dual core at £431 but could proberly get it under £400........

thats with a decent named psu
Click to expand...

After going around in circles, I am starting to see that you are right. Oh Well, need to convince the wife that it will cost more than first budgeted. :(

Cheers for all the advice.
 
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