ath said:
Hi,
I'm a Web/Graphic designer and looking at buying a desktop PC. I work
on a lot of graphic intesive projects and also video. I was wondering
if anyone could give me a configuration that I could get quotes on. I
can't afford a high end machine - may be some thing in the range of USD
700 - 800. I haven't bought a PC in a while so not sure if AMD or Intel
is the way to go.
You're in luck, that price range is pretty much the median price for all
desktops these days. Look for a system with at least 1GB of RAM, and
250GB of disk. Your requirements didn't state whether you play games or
not, but assuming that you don't, then look for a system with integrated
graphics rather than a separate video card. They can even throw in a 17"
or larger LCD monitor with that price, but if you already have a
previous monitor, you can probably keep that and save some money.
As for AMD or Intel, either will do. Just note that Intel is going
through a transition in its product lineup right now. Its old
architecture is the Pentiums, and its new architecture is known as the
Cores. The Cores are more expensive, and harder to find; but they run
cool. The Pentiums are easier to find, and cheap, but they run hot. The
Cores are also much faster than the Pentiums.
AMD's chips are Athlons (mid to high end) and Semprons (low end). AMD is
also undergoing a small transition, from old DDR memory to new DDR2
memory; the versions of Athlons that use DDR2 are called Socket AM2
Athlons, the old ones were the Socket 939 Athlons. So ask the salesman
whether you're getting DDR1 memory or DDR2 memory; if they say you're
getting AM2, that's the same thing as saying you're getting DDR2.
In terms of performance hierarchy, it goes like this (lower to higher):
Pentiums -> Athlons -> Cores. But you're not likely to find many systems
in your price range with the new Cores. In fact you'll be lucky to find
any systems at all in any price ranges for the Cores, they are in short
supply.
Yousuf Khan
