Any computer guys/gals here? Need advice on what to buy

[marino420td]

I am shopping for a new desktop computer. I actually bought this one from Best Buy for $779

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage...74564&lp=1&type=product&cp=1&id=1218044490119

Love the specs and speed but it would randomly shut down to a blue screen and Windows would restart. I returned it Twice and all 3 machines did the same thing. So I'm done with this Gateway.

Gateway tech support told me the mother board may be bad so I'm not taking a chance.

I am an amateur photographer and I process and edit a lot of photos. So I want speed to handle Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom.

I also want a machine that supports dual monitors.

I'm pretty good with computers but know very little about their specs (graphics cards, processors, etc...)

Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[rams]

I have been happy with my HP purchases. Haven't been going extreme and getting the bare bones systems which usually come with 2+ gig of processor and 3+ gig of ram. buss speeds are more than adequate. I run Elements and add ons for my Nikon RAW .NEF files with no sluggish load times. Don't get a package because you usually get hosed on the monitor/printer deal. Get a good HD monitor for picture processing. I love my Samsung.

"I also want a machine that supports dual monitors." you will probably have to upgrade whatever PC you find.

 

[rams]

also recommend building your own... the only reason I stopped was the wife can't blame me every time something needs to be tweeked or looked at. I don't get the "Well you built it" line.

 

[Spiffyguy]

i second the HP. I have two HP laptops and they both work well. Some of the guys at my work have a dell and it works well for them. The new Dell's with the I7 processors are very fast, a bit expensive though. Best price will be ordering online though so it may take a few weeks to get it.

 

[breutus]

if you have to buy a prebuilt machine then I guess I would say HP...

But building your own would get you a lot more of what you want and probably cheaper.

lightroom 2 doesn't take a whole lot to run for todays machines neither does Photoshop CS 3, BUT CS4 takes a LOT I am running dual 7900GT video cards sli'd and it runs but I would like it a bit smoother

 

[frenchie]

i have dell xps, which is there top end computers and love it, also have aurora 7500 alienware desktop which is one the best gaming high end computers out there which is owned by dell now.

HP is ok but in all benchmark test alienware and dell's XPS computers have always been top computers for performance and quality. Dell has an outlet center were you can buy refurbs that were bought and sent back and never used for good prices, bought my mom a new computer for xmas through outlet center.

 

[ebius]

I would look at the Dell Vostro's. They are the best balance I have been able to find with price and functionality. I just got a few for work and they came in right around $570. This was including a 22" monitor. The only thing I would think you need to add to that is a better video card which can be got for $100 all day long from newegg. Hit me up if you want to talk about it or have some questions.

 

[frenchie]

http://www.dell.com/home/desktops

 

[frenchie]

http://www.alienware.com/products/desktop-computers.aspx

 

[Markk96]

You can get parts cheaply from Tigerdirect and build one, I have done it many times.

 

[twizzlerman77]

http://www.falcon-nw.com/

this is one of the best out there IMO and not badly priced compared to their competitors. keep in mind most of this companys pc's are made especially for high profile competitive gaming so they are faster then a wounded animal. i am sure they can handle whatever you need it to do.

my step dad bought one off of this site and it is the fastest most high profile pc i have ever messed around on.

 

[marino420td]

Thanks for the input. I ordered a Dell Studio desktop today. My head was spinning from researching and shopping.

I got a pretty good machine for $800 shipped and it has a 2 year warranty.