Computer Spec's

[Zack Davis]

Hey everyone, decided today I needed to be more active on this forum after being a lurker for too long and can't think of a better way to start off than to share with you all.

I've posted computer spec's for "photography computers" on PPA by request for a while now. I update them on my blog every few months so if you are in need of a new computer but need an idea on the kind of system you want to look for feel free to check out my latest recommendations. :)

Photography Computer Specs (2010 2nd Quarter)|photographyconnect.com

[Flea77]

Hey Zach,

I am afraid I will have to disagree with a couple of items you recommend....

1) The operating system. $134 is clearly the OEM version which I advise all my customer to stay away from. Change enough in the computer, and you can no longer use your license. Computer explode and you buy a new box and try to install it again, no dice. Spend the extra money and get the retail version, it is worth it in the long run.

2) Raid 5. I find that a RAID 0+1 not only works as well in non-enterprise situations, but should something go horribly wrong (like two drives failing at the same time), one is much more likely to recover data from a 0+1 without having to resort to the extreme prices at data recovery houses. Personally I would just do a RAID 1 with a pair of 1TB or 1.5TB drives.

Other than that, your recommendations are pretty good. I personally prefer Antec cases and power supplies, Intel chips, BD burners and Kingston ram, but those are mostly preferences.

Allan

[Zack Davis]

Thanks for the input Allan.

The reasons I use OEM is because unless you're trying to change the system entirely the OEM license will cover it. You can actually move it to a new system if you call Microsoft and they'll issue you a new serial number (though only so many times). I've never had any issues with it as well as just about any system you purchase from any manufacture will come with an OEM. Though if someone is concerned and they feel more comfortable there is nothing wrong with buying the full retail version. :)

As for the RAID I agree that RAID 0+1 is find though I prefer 1+0 when using a hybrid RAID. The reason I suggest RAID 5 here is simply because it keeps costs lower as well as allows drives to be added more easily on the fly when or if storage gets low.

Antec, Intel and Kingston are all solid brands. For the most part the goal with this system was decent price with exceptional performance. The use of the AMD chip is simply a price for perfomance issue being that most benchmarks are showing that it is equal to the I7 920 processor within Photoshop but with a hefty savings. I also skipped the Blu-ray drive mostly for cost but if someone were to want one they definitely could add one.

Thanks again for the input Allan I always appreciate different perspectives!

[srwatters]

No disrespect, but I can't find any "about" information on your blog. How does anyone know you aren't just a "Joe Schmo" making recommendations? Do you have a degree in Computer Science? Any relevant industry certifications? How many years experience in the IT industry do you have?

With only a few posts here on TPF, I would suggest the buyer beware...

[Zack Davis]

I understand you meant no disrespect but I really can't help but take it that way. I understand I'm the new guy on the forum but I would have appreciated these questions in a PM and avoiding the whole buyer beware warning as it makes me sound like I'm out to scam someone. I have been active on many other forums for many years (including PPA and Pro4um) as well as the fact that I don't sell anything on on my blog rather I merely offer advice on tech for photographers.

Thanks for the warm welcome ;)

[srwatters]

Well Zack, that's quite an introduction. The fact that you've been active elsewhere is meaningless unless you offer some kind biography or other indication of your education and experience in the field that your touting expertise in. Let's turn the tables here and assume you made a post on Pro4um announcing your blog on camera recommendations. Would you expect a different reception. Your blog does have ads which can drive revenue through click throughs. Whether this is the case or not, I don't really care. But as a moderator here, it's part of my responsibility to help protect the membership by enforcing the rules and monitoring the forum content.

If you take the time to look, you'll find that there are many computer professionals here on TPF that have more years of industry experience than you may have years of age. Simply showing up and saying, "I'm an expert" might not have been the best introduction yourself. And what you're selling is information that may or may not be in the best interest of the TPF membership.

Please take a few moments to read the rules and we welcome your participation.

[Flea77]

Well, as one of those who has "more years of industry experience than you may have years of age" I would have to say that while I disagree with a couple of things in his suggestions, he is not too far off the mark, at least not far enough that I would say buyer beware.

Now about you Scott, I see you have a degree in CS, and are a software engineer and manager, so wouldn't you have known the suggestions Zack made were at least reasonable and in no way harmful to TPF? (which BTW, I had to open a separate browser because someone with a CS degree has no non-flash landing page for their site ).

Allan

[srwatters]

Here's my issue Allan, anyone who posts here with a link to a blog or website that contains ads which drive revenue to their pocket and doesn't have the common courtesy to list a bio are asking for their credentials to be questioned.

Your snide comment about me doesn't help your case any at all.

[Rson]

I have street cred, nothing more.

[TimmyTheTag]

Originally Posted by Rson

I have street cred, nothing more.

Same here Rich! And just because you have a degree doesn't mean you know more or what you're doing than someone else without one.

Also, EVERYONE needs to learn how to overclock a computer if your building it yourself...it's free horsepower baby! Over the past 10+ years I've worked with alot of different hardware and there are 2 things I now live by...Gigabyte motherboards and Intel chips. They can do amazing things!

[srwatters]

Street cred is perfectly acceptable... as long you just say so. Anything else could be considered misrepresentation.

We've had a long standing aversion to posting links to personal websites with revenue generating advertising and competing forums. Why not just post the recommendations here?

We always welcome input and informed commentary from members. If someone gets all bent out of shape because their experience is queried, then I question their intentions.

[Rson]

You can look at my long lists of problem posts and my fixes. I am usually dead on.

As for Overclocking, I am not a fan. The problem vs. benefit ratio of very high. Really do you see that much performance gain going from 3.0ghz to 3.3? No, because other limitations with the data infrastructure are hindrances too.

[TimmyTheTag]

Originally Posted by Rson

As for Overclocking, I am not a fan. The problem vs. benefit ratio of very high. Really do you see that much performance gain going from 3.0ghz to 3.3? No, because other limitations with the data infrastructure are hindrances too.

From 3.0 to 3.3 GHz, no. But from 3.0 to 4.0 GHz, absolutely...Especially (LGA775 CPU for example) when the FSB goes from 266 or 333 to 500 MHz. I know it takes time and skill, but it's worth it to me.

[Rson]

Originally Posted by TimmyTheTag

From 3.0 to 3.3 GHz, no. But from 3.0 to 4.0 GHz, absolutely...Especially (LGA775 CPU for example) when the FSB goes from 266 or 333 to 500 MHz. I know it takes time and skill, but it's worth it to me.

Well that is a different story and setup, I would run liquid and get more than 1ghz from that. Again, lot of trouble and say I am making a reco for a system...if they had time and SKILL they wouldn't be asking me.

[TimmyTheTag]

I hear ya!