Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Desktop for Photoshop project, CGI and occasional video edit

Jun 30, 2014 4:02AM PDT

Hi folks. This is my first topic here, I was looking for some computer discussion where are some pros that could give me some advice. Hopefuly I am on right place.
First - I am graphic designer I usually work with really high res images and lots of layers in Photoshop, until now I was working on laptop but as my bussines grow I'd like to move to something more serious as my laptop doesn't really keep a pace with me.
Now I have $1500 budget for new computer. I require some really quality screen. I have one avarage 21"LG already which will work as secondary screen. I need really accurate color reproduction. As for machine itself, I don't really know what market offers these days but it has to be powerful enough to serve my graphic needs at least 5yrs forward. I am not sure what I need (I guess lots of RAM and powerfull processor).

Please give me some tips for best price/quality ratio. Also do I need to build it myself or I better buy something already built? Thanks very much for responses!!!

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
5 years? Nothing today at that price point.
Jun 30, 2014 4:06AM PDT
- Collapse -
RE: 5 years? Nothing today at that price point
Jun 30, 2014 6:07AM PDT

Well I don't have bigger budget so I will have to leave idea of 5yr reserve. These aspects I have written are just attributes to which I want to get closest possible and to introduce you to my situation.

- Collapse -
Not much new going on here.
Jun 30, 2014 8:54AM PDT

Let's note that you'll want the usual i7 machine and such. For about 1K you can find MANY i7 powered desktops and for the display you get the usual IPS or a display that trips your trigger for size and quality. If you say you are doing HD work (not 4K!) then 1080p displays are best.

Here's a recent desktop article at Toms.
http://www.tomshardware.com/news/velocity-micro-desktop-z97-h97,26751.html

Given the budget and that you won't be building, debugging your own I'd shop around.
Bob