I am going to build a PC for an artist friend we know and as some of you know, I am mostly a novice at this type of thing. There are a few of you on this board that that really know your stuff and I was wondering if you would be interested in helping out. I will be as specific as possible here.
1. Assume the computer is being built completly from scratch.
2. This is not a gaming PC, but it does need to be very capable. It will regularly be working with large image files. Think about what size file a 8MP camera would take and that is what you are looking at. I think the files start out at 11MB if I am not mistaken. Primarily, applications like Photoshop are used. Occasionally, Office and that sort of thing as well. Maybe layout programs like Pagemaker as well. I suppose the other thing they may do is some web design (basic) and email. Not really any video or flash or anything that moves to speak of.
3. Money IS an object. I am building the PC for free for them and they don't have a lot of cash as artists. They don't need anything bleeding edge here. Reliability and bang for the buck is KEY.
4. I was going to use NewEgg for this purchase and the local Fry's for anything I forget. If you can find it there and copy the link, cool. If you have something that is so super cool or a better place to get this stuff great too.
Suggestions needed most on:
- Good, fast, reliable ATX MB. 4 ram slots?
- Processor - think cheap here. I have only used Intel in the past, but really performace / dollars trumps. If you start talking O/C ing here, don't bother. I am not that smart and they don't want problems.
- Video Card - This is tough for me believe it or not. Since games do not matter, Lasereth's guide is a bit out of place. It would be cool if it had dual DVI output to support two DVI LCDs. Dual output is key though if it is one DVI one Analog (RGB? - whatever) then maybe.
- LCD Screen (DVI is a must in my book) - Two routes on this one.
1. It would be really cool to find 2 good, cheap 17 inch monitors here. Since video / gaming is not important, I assume response time is not as key. What I am looking for is a nice, bright, monitor with a small dot pitch that does a good job representing colors. If I can afford two of these, small bezels would help with the side-by-side config.
2. I suppose if budget does not allow it, maybe one 19"+ would do here, but it seems that they just make the dots bigger in most larger monitors so the 19"+ ones tend to be the same resolution as the 17". Suggesting both would be fine. Suggesting a resource for unbiased monitor reviews (not Tom's since it is somewhat gaming focused) would be fine instead.
I think I can find this stuff on my own, but this is the rest.
- Non-flashy, functional ATX case. (no neon green alien stuff here - something that would not be out of place in a hardwood floor studio. Does not have to be beautiful - black / silver would be fine) If it has built in fans that are quiet fine. If not I can add fans. Quiet and cheap fan suggestions are welcome. Powersupply suggestion if not included.
- I think at least 1GB of Ram. I would love to do 1.5 - 2GB, if we save enough in other areas. If not, an easy add on later.
- DVD Burner (if this thing doesn't have SW for it, suggestions there as well)
- Standard CD Drive
- HD Maybe a nice 120 GB reliable one.
- Floppy - I am going to try and talk him out of this.
- Other things you can think of
Thanks a lot for the help everyone in advance. Oh yeah - well this is the site of the people I am building it for.
http://www.dancingbrush.com/