OT: Computer recommendations

[elocomotive]

So, I'm thinking about getting a desktop. Love the new MacPro, but it might be a little pricey, and the only downside is that I'd really like a hard drive that is 2TB or more. I've taken more than 3,000 photos in the last several months which is like 78 gigs in and of themselves.

I do a lot of photography/video stuff at home that is processing intensive. My aging MacBook does okay with it, but it's a little slow at times (only 4 GB of RAM) and a laptop screen is small for that kind of stuff. I really want a 27" monitor or bigger to toggle between graphics programs. And since I already have a Mac, I'm not averse to getting a PC since I think they are honestly less clunky than they used to be.

So I really want something with tons of RAM (16-32 GB), a big vid processor, and 2 TB hard drive or more.

Anyone have any recommendations for companies that sell good PC-based performance desktops? I haven't even considered a PC for so long that I don't really even know what's out there. Anyone had a MacPro desktop before? Thoughts on them?

Thanks for any help. I know a number of you are big technophiles and would offer good advice here.

 

[mattola]

 

[esls79]

^ Can that help me plan a trip from Chicagoland to Wallyworld?

 

[Vadered]

So, I'm thinking about getting a desktop. Love the new MacPro, but it might be a little pricey, and the only downside is that I'd really like a hard drive that is 2TB or more. I've taken more than 3,000 photos in the last several months which is like 78 gigs in and of themselves.

I do a lot of photography/video stuff at home that is processing intensive. My aging MacBook does okay with it, but it's a little slow at times (only 4 GB of RAM) and a laptop screen is small for that kind of stuff. I really want a 27" monitor or bigger to toggle between graphics programs. And since I already have a Mac, I'm not averse to getting a PC since I think they are honestly less clunky than they used to be.

So I really want something with tons of RAM (16-32 GB), a big vid processor, and 2 TB hard drive or more.

Anyone have any recommendations for companies that sell good PC-based performance desktops? I haven't even considered a PC for so long that I don't really even know what's out there. Anyone had a MacPro desktop before? Thoughts on them?

Thanks for any help. I know a number of you are big technophiles and would offer good advice here.

If you were going to BUILD one, I could talk your ears off. Unfortunately, I don't really have any pertinent advice for those who want a prebuilt system.

I will say, you can probably buy an external hard drive for a mac - a google search turns up external HDs for $95 for 1 TB to $170 for 3TB, and that's just whatever amazon had at the top of the search. Keep in mind you'll want to look at connection speeds, though - there's a HUGE difference between, say, USB 2.0 and Thunderbolt. Also make sure whatever you end up getting has a connection for it...

 

[forty_three]

My opinion on Macs - they are solid machines who do what they are supposed to but are ridiculously overpriced for what you get inside. And the architecture of the operating system is such that if you get owned by malware you are owned completely. The upside to that is that not a lot of people are writing bad stuff for Macs. Yet.

As for PCs, they are getting very cheap, especially desktops. I personally have had great luck with Dell, Gateway and HP. I would stay away from Sony, eMachines and Lenovo.

Not sure what you're talking, budget wise but MicroCenter has this right now:
Dell XPS 8700 Desktop Computer X8700-1251BLK - Micro Center

That is a ridiculous machine for 800. It has tons of RAM and a 19 in 1 media card reader. You can also add two more hard drives if you want. This is a heavy duty workstation. Built to be beaten on, heavily.

If you don't need quite that much, they also have this:
Dell Inspiron 660 Desktop Computer I660-3055BK - Micro Center

Again, easily upgradable. MicroCenter sells internal Hard Drives, I think the 3TB ones are like 110.

Micro Center has a store in Rockville, you can go and check the machines out. And sometimes they have refurb deals only available in store. They do the refurbishment themselves. I have an Alienware that I got three years ago as a refurb for 700 bucks and it's still going strong.

 

[DevilishWon]

Get one with interweb access




























































sorry

 

[mattola]

Get one with interweb access

sorry

nonsense. this internet thing wont last

 

[elocomotive]

Thanks 43 and Vadered. I'll check those out, 43.

The rest of you are a bunch of damn smart assess... but we already knew that.

 

[forty_three]

nonsense. this internet thing wont last

It'll take off when the young hep cats get ahold of it. YOU WATCH

 

[sabre0917]

I really wouldn't advise buying a Dell, HP, Sony or really anything other then Asus if you really want pre-built. But if you use the site pcpartpicker.com it will help you custom build your own pc with the best price. Something like this could do everything you would need and last for plenty of years.

Intel Core i7-4770K, EVGA GeForce GTX 760, Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Black Pearl) - Sportshoopla - dschutt84's Saved Part List - PCPartPicker