Buying a new computer, which should I get?

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    • #69990

      I am new to Adobe Creative Cloud and my current PC is…well old…and not handling all the programs well. I am going to purchase a new computer, and have an open mind to anything within reason which will not put me in the poor house. I want something which will handle all the creative cloud apps. So, who suggests or does not suggest which/what computer? Thanks for all of your help, as no sense in buying something that will not do what I need!!

    • #70001
      Tom Venetia
      Member

      Juliet I have no experience with CC but would like to follow up the replies you will receive, reason for sending this message (This forum allows to check mark the “notify-me” button, so I will be able to read the replies).
      My 5 cents: I believe you will definitively need a robust PC with Windows 7 or 8 Professional and a very good graphic processor.

    • #70034
      Eugene Tyson
      Member

      It depends on what your budget is and what programs you are installing and if you’re looking for a desktop computer or a laptop?

      Adobe InDesign minimum required components are

      Intel Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon 64 processor
      Microsoft Windows 7 with Service Pack 1, Windows 8, or Windows 8.1
      2 GB of RAM (8 GB recommended)
      2.6 GB of available hard-disk space for installation; additional free space required during installation (cannot install on removable flash storage devices)
      1024 x 768 display (1280 x 800 recommended) with 32-bit video card; supports HiDPI display
      Adobe® Flash® Player 10 software required to export SWF files
      Internet connection and registration are necessary for required software activation, validation of subscriptions, and access to online services.*

      Here’s what you really should aim for as those specs are a joke.

      Intel processors come in a few different flavours – the most common are i3, i5, and i7. All i3 and some i5 processors are 2 cores with hyperthreading to 4 (basically it makes a virtual split in the processor to mimic 4 cores). i7 processors are mostly 4 core processors with hyperthreading (mimicking 8 cores) (except for the i7-4587u which is 2 cores)

      You also have to pay attention to the number and it’s following letter processors are usually written as i7-47xxu

      The 4 stands for 4th generation (3 would be third and 2 would be second generation) – Ideally aim for 4.

      The next digit 7 relates to it’s sku number so 7 would be the series number followed by two digits as unique identifier to it’s specific model.

      Desktop computers usually have these letters
      K Unlocked
      R Desktop processor with high performance graphics (AVOID)
      S Performance-optimized
      T Power-optimized lifestyle(AVOID)
      HQ High performance graphics(AVOID)

      Laptops usually have
      MX Mobile extreme edition
      MQ Quad-core mobile
      M Mobile Intel Core (AVOID
      U Ultra-low power Intel Core i7-4550U processor (AVOID)
      Y Extremely low power (AVOID)

      For desktops I’d stay away from T and HQ and R lettering after the digits – as these in my opinion wouldn’t be great (power optimised means it’s concentrating on saving power not using it). And you don’t need High Performance graphics for InDesign.

      K – unlocked means that when the computers cool it can easily overclock (go faster than it’s supposed to).

      You really should look for either k or S after the digits in an i7-4xxx model processor.

      RAM
      Most computers are now 64 bit – so 4gb RAM won’t be enough. And 8gb RAM is far too low in my opinion – aim for 16gb RAM + (don’t worry if the computer only comes with 8gb RAM – you can easily upgrade that yourself for a lot cheaper than a retailer offers to do it for).

      You can get a faster RAM, rather than 1333 get 1600 – but in my opinion it makes minimal difference. Just make sure you get pleanty of RAM.

      Having lots of RAM is great if you install a lot of the Adobe Apps and need them running at the same time. A quad core processor that’s fast and lots of RAM will allow to work and leave open a good few programs without any slowing down.

      Hard Drive
      Get a SSD – it’s the business. Your computer will run a lot faster in general. And saving/loading large files will be a snap.

      If you can’t afford a SSD then get the fastest speed hard drive, 10,000 RPM if you can. Don’t go the low end on speed (I think 5,600 is the slowest).

      Graphics Card
      Don’t be fooled by the 2gb models – they are offer no additional benefit. Stick with 1gb medium – high range graphics cards. Unless you’re going to be doing video editing or 3D modeling – then maybe you can fork out for a better graphics card – but these should be easily changed in the computer anyway.

      Definitely make sure you do not get an integrated graphics card.

      That’s basically it – buying a computer is a cinch once you know what to look for.

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