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[dejana]

Question for all you geeks out there.

I want to buy a new desktop computer during the sale HP's having this weekend. All I have right now is my tiny Eee PC mini-laptop netbook thing, so the new one would be my main computer. How much will I regret it if I save money by not buying a top-of-the-line model? I do a lot of graphics and video work, but not much gaming. I've always bought the best system available in the past, but do I really need to?

Comments

[amazonqueenkate.livejournal.com]

I guess it depends on how much you want it to do.

I mean, if you're going to be doing a lot of video work, you're going to want a big HD and a large amount of RAM, which is pretty much what top-of-the-line models offer that lower models don't. However, I mean, if you go a step or two down, I don't think you'll hate yourself for it, but you want to make sure that it'll be fast enough and have enough storage space for your purposes, or it's like "Why bother?"

Know what I mean?

[stormwalker628.livejournal.com]

These days a big HD isn't even that much of a deal breaker, what with the ease of getting a large external HD. The RAM would be a help, but with a desktop you can always add more if you do feel you need more. If anything I'd say make sure your processor will be large enough to handle the graphics work because that's more of a pain to upgrade.

[dejana.livejournal.com]

The processor has been a real sticking point, since I know I should probably get a better one but it's a huge price jump. I don't want to put a bunch of money I don't have into something I'm not certain I'll need. I've switched out processors before, so I don't think it'll be too much trouble to put in a new one later.

[dejana.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the input. I think my main problem is that it's been so long since I had a full desktop computer, I really don't know what I need. I don't want to go overboard, especially since I really can't afford a super-expensive computer right now. ^^;; I think I've decided to go with the lighter options in the more advanced model, so it'll support a better processor and more RAM if I decide I do need more power later.

[serradee.livejournal.com]

Doing a lot of graphics and video, you probably will kick yourself if you cheap out too much, but then there is always the "something is better than nothing" side of it as well. Personally, I don't think the newest is always the best bang for your buck -- because it's so new there is normally a premium attached (but then, you end up replacing it that much faster as well because the technology is outdated). I agree with Loki on looking at the wholesellers and re-sellers. Paul (hubby) would be better to give names -- the store I think of is local, which wouldn't help you! Let me know if you want me to pick his brain!

[usagitsukino.livejournal.com]

I wouldn't opt for the most expensive top-of-the-line PC if you're not into gaming, but go for one that fits your needs and can be upgraded easily. If you mean creating music videos by 'video work', you should be fine with a PC that's somewhere in the middle of the price range. If you're talking about rendering 3D images, you may need to spend a bit more.

[baine.livejournal.com]

You don't have to get something brand-new and pricey, but I would recommend making sure you have a really good processor and at least 3 gb of RAM for what you need.

Those are the only two things I upgraded when I got my latest compie and the price jumped a little, but it wasn't too bad and in the end, it's worth it for what I do with it, and it will be for you, too.

Good luck!