Need a desktop!

I am in search of a suitable desktop for my photography needs. I am starting to get an actual workflow and need to upgrade. I am currently using a dell 1520 laptop to manage gimp and all of my raw images+ jpg edited copies of most of my images.

I am a total noob when it comes to computers. I can operate a computer, but when it comes to memory, ram, gb's, building towers and stuff like that i am clueless. But i am very good at tinkering and work on cars very often. However my request is somewhat unique because i will use my desktop for photography editing only. That means Canon dpp, Gimp(later photoshop) and probably one or two other small programs. I would want internet access, but that would be all. I shoot 100% RAW on my xti and will later upgrade to a 5d. I am also in the process of purchasing 2 500gb hard drives.

Finally, my question is, What desktop do i need? I would prefer to buy used and as cheap in price as possible. I have seen used dell laptops go for sub $200 range. Please leave me some comments!

The thing about RAW processing is it takes some CPU power, especially if you take a lot of photos. A quad core CPU really helps, along with 2GB or more of memory. You're unlikely to find a PC powerful enough to bother with second hand, unless you're lucky. Building it yourself if you don't have experience is probably best avoided. I'd check out the coupon sites and try to find a dell desktop with a Q6600 processor or better, get 2GB of RAM, and a decent screen - but don't go crazy on the screen. Internal hard drives are fastest, avoid Maxtor and Lacie IMHO, Seagate and Western Digital have good reputations.

IMHO - steer clear of Dell or HP desktops, they are not built to be upgradeable.

I wouldnt imagine you will find the power you want used unles you get very lucky.

Better to go to a samller manufacturer who can build a custom unit.

Processor, Intel core 2 duo (or quad core) for processing power.
Memory - 2GB minimum - if you can throw 4GB at this then so much better.
Case - make sure you buy one that is bigger than your current needs with 2 or more spare drive bays. You dont need them now but who knows in future. Also make sure you have plenty of USB ports.
Drives - make sure you go for SATA II drives with 7200rpm spin speed. That will ensure the best balance between speed/cost.

I just started doing research, and some suggest a barebones kit setup. How reliable are these? Im not in any rush right now as im about to pick up an external hd. So i could work on one over time and learn as i go. Can someone give some input on these system?

These are the ones im looking at...
http://www.tigerdirect​.com …p?EdpNo=3774997​&CatId=333

Don't get the E2xxx chip, get a Q6600 or E9xxx at least. That looks like a real budget machine.

tim wrote in post #6704875
Don't get the E2xxx chip, get a Q6600 or E9xxx at least. That looks like a real budget machine.

I am on a budget, so a budget machine would be ideal. I also want to dabble in building computers as well.
I dont need a dream setup. Just a well operating editing desktop with internet access.
I think i need to just develop a list of everything i need and try to find a kit that fits that.

A Q6600 costs $110 extra at Newegg, that upgrade will double the speed of the PC. Your call though.

Thats the stuff i need to know. Would it be better to buy everything seperate and take my time learning as i go putting it together, or get one of barebones setups and just add the extra stuff i need?

If you're going to build yourself then start from scratch. Case (with power supply), motherboard, CPU, RAM, graphics card, hard drives, DVD, maybe a floppy drive, and an operating system. It may well be cheaper to get a bare bones kit and do it yourself.

I've put a few computers together, it's not so hard with some common sense, but if you have a techie friend have them help. Putting the heatsink onto the CPU took me a half hour and I didn't do it right, so it's not entirely trivial.

How big? is the question i keep asking myself. How big of a power supply? How much RAM? Does the case make a difference?

Is there anywhere that has alot of this info on the web so i dont have to keep bothering the fine members of POTN?

Case does make a difference. Choose one that has a reputation for being reasonably quiet, with decent airflow. No idea how you choose one. I'd just ask the retailer, or someone here will say something. I have an Antec case, it works well, and came with a built in power supply. Make sure it can take 4 drives, just in case you want to expand. If the case doesn't have a PS get a good quality 400W one, you don't need more. Get good quiet 120mm fans. For RAM if you have XP get 2GB, if you have Vista get Vista64 and 4GB RAM. Kingston and Corsair are good RAM brands. Video card doesn't matter much for XP, for Vista get a decent one. I use a fanless card. For motherboards go Asus or Gigabyte, you don't need a top end one, I got an Asus P5Q SE/R (or something like that).

Read this thread, and buy these bits: https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=600213

If you can do basic stuff on a car, then putting together a PC will be very easy.
Just make sure you take your time, and read all the instructions.

If you do get stuck, take some photos of what you have, and there someone here will be able to help out.

Im really inexperienced at this, but here is what i have so far...

Intel Core 2 Quad
http://www.newegg.com …aspx?Item=N82E1​6819115017

Antec Sonata III 500
http://www.newegg.com …aspx?Item=N82E1​6811129024

Corsair 4 GB RAM
http://www.newegg.com …aspx?Item=N82E1​6820145184

Acer 17" monitor
http://www.newegg.com …aspx?Item=N82E1​6824009130

Now when i went looking at motherboards and video cards, i got lost. Any suggestions for a good combo on these two items. I researched a walk through on installing all of this and i can handle it for sure. No problem there.

Just an nVidia based 256MB card, that's all you need. 9500 or something. I'm not really up to date with them.

For reviews check out www.tomshardware.com

but everything else looks good?