Re: Semi-OT: building a dedicated computer for photo editing
From: Igor Roshchin Sorry if I missed somebody mentioning this, I hope it might be useful to some people, - in relation to the HDD configurations: http://feedback.photoshop.com/photoshop_family/topics/system_configuration_recommendations Igor Thanks. I dug down far enough in the comments to find links to what works for PhotoShop. I have a copy of Lightroom, but haven't really used it yet. I installed Lightroom on my laptop, and it went off on a tear trying to import 20,000 plus photos into a catalog, which kept the machine from being usable for at least a day. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Semi-OT: building a dedicated computer for photo editing
On Fri, Jan 13, 2012 at 6:49 AM, John Sessoms jsessoms...@nc.rr.com wrote: I installed Lightroom on my laptop, and it went off on a tear trying to import 20,000 plus photos into a catalog, which kept the machine from being usable for at least a day. Importing 20,000 image files at once into any image editing system is rather an unusual circumstance, and not something I'd recommend as a regular activity. -- Godfrey godfreydigiorgi.posterous.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Semi-OT - building a dedicated computer for photo editing
Underpaid N. Overpentaxed wrote: They're there; as usual it is just a matter of reducing your footprint to match your environment, except this time literally. Go for high heels. They give smaller prints for the same foot. -- http://www.alunfoto.no/galleri/ http://alunfoto.blogspot.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Semi-OT: building a dedicated computer for photo editing
Sorry if I missed somebody mentioning this, I hope it might be useful to some people, - in relation to the HDD configurations: http://feedback.photoshop.com/photoshop_family/topics/system_configuration_recommendations Igor -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Semi-OT - building a dedicated computer for photo editing
From: Doug Franklin On 2012-01-09 9:32, Underpaid N. Overpentaxed wrote: They're there; as usual it is just a matter of reducing your footprint to match your environment, except this time literally. Ok, Ecke, point me towards the oracle. Where does one go to find tropical islands for sale for US$ 5k and less? I've got cash, I'm a motivated buyer. I believe you contact Dr. Clement Okon c/o Central Bank of Nigeria. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Semi-OT - building a dedicated computer for photo editing
On 2012-01-10 11:37, John Sessoms wrote: I believe you contact Dr. Clement Okon c/o Central Bank of Nigeria. He already owes me. Maybe I can convince him just to send the deed to a tropical island instead of the fifty-seven million he says he has for me. :-) -- Thanks, DougF (KG4LMZ) -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
RE: Semi-OT - building a dedicated computer for photo editing
I believe you contact Dr. Clement Okon c/o Central Bank of Nigeria. He already owes me. Maybe I can convince him just to send the deed to a tropical island instead of the fifty-seven million he says he has for me. :-) -- Thanks, DougF (KG4LMZ) The money is in there, but your account has been temporarily suspended owing to 3rd-party activity. To unfreeze your account, please log in to your account page and reconfirm your details: http://www.identitytheft.com/ripmeoffplease/?pwd=stolen B -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Semi-OT - building a dedicated computer for photo editing
On 2012-01-09 1:38, David Mann wrote: On Jan 9, 2012, at 9:55 AM, Doug Franklin wrote: Don't get me wrong! I'd build a dual quad-core (or six-core) setup with 64GB of RAM and a pair of nVidia 580 video boards in a heartbeat, if I had that much money lying around doing nothing. :-) If I had that much money lying around I'd buy a tropical island. But each to his own... I would, too, if I could find a tropical island for under US$ 5,000. ;-) -- Thanks, DougF (KG4LMZ) -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Semi-OT - building a dedicated computer for photo editing
They're there; as usual it is just a matter of reducing your footprint to match your environment, except this time literally. 2012/1/9 Doug Franklin jehosep...@mindspring.com: If I had that much money lying around I'd buy a tropical island. But each to his own... I would, too, if I could find a tropical island for under US$ 5,000. ;-) -- Thanks, DougF (KG4LMZ) -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Semi-OT - building a dedicated computer for photo editing
Power supply maximum efficiency and optimal efficiency are two different things. Most are rated as 85%+. However, efficiency curve is best around 40-60% load. In some cases, that means 850W PSU is overkill, especially, if real load will be maximum around 300W. We tested lot of PCs and servers with powermeter. Most PCs ended up with total around 100-150W (including monitor). Typical 2 processor server (DELL 2900, 10 HDD) was 360-390W. Server which gets 400W+ real load produces a LOT of heat!!! Trust me. I had such server running at home (temporary) for 2 months. 850W PSU is overkill. 1200W also. Oversized/overrated PSUs are common, because cheap chinese manufacturers give incorrect numbers. Better get good PSU (from known source). It will cost the same money, and will be more efficient in long term. Gasha On 2012-01-08 13:24, AlunFoto wrote: A bit unfair to say no hard drives, I think, but I see your point. Sorry, I just meant that didn't include the cost of any real hard drive capacity, since you're bringing over drive you already have. Reason I wanted to go with a larger PSU is that I plan to add a second graphics card (in addition to the RAID disks + an eSATA bay). 850W PSU is enough for two nVidia 560ti cards with the setup you're discussing and a bit of headroom. 1200 is overkill. You shouldn't need water cooling for this setup unless you're planning to overclock it. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Semi-OT - building a dedicated computer for photo editing
On 2012-01-09 9:32, Underpaid N. Overpentaxed wrote: They're there; as usual it is just a matter of reducing your footprint to match your environment, except this time literally. Ok, Ecke, point me towards the oracle. Where does one go to find tropical islands for sale for US$ 5k and less? I've got cash, I'm a motivated buyer. -- Thanks, DougF (KG4LMZ) -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Semi-OT - building a dedicated computer for photo editing
On Mon, Jan 9, 2012 at 10:31 PM, Doug Franklin jehosep...@mindspring.com wrote: Ok, Ecke, point me towards the oracle. Where does one go to find tropical islands for sale for US$ 5k and less? I've got cash, I'm a motivated buyer. A few more years of global warming and you'll find some motivated sellers... -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Semi-OT - building a dedicated computer for photo editing
On 2012-01-09 22:37, Matthew Hunt wrote: A few more years of global warming and you'll find some motivated sellers... A depreciating asset is one thing, one going underwater is another. :-) -- Thanks, DougF (KG4LMZ) -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Semi-OT - building a dedicated computer for photo editing
On 10 January 2012 05:08, Gasha cir...@konts.lv wrote: Power supply maximum efficiency and optimal efficiency are two different things. Most are rated as 85%+. However, efficiency curve is best around 40-60% load. In some cases, that means 850W PSU is overkill, especially, if real load will be maximum around 300W. We tested lot of PCs and servers with powermeter. Most PCs ended up with total around 100-150W (including monitor). Typical 2 processor server (DELL 2900, 10 HDD) was 360-390W. Server which gets 400W+ real load produces a LOT of heat!!! Trust me. I had such server running at home (temporary) for 2 months. 850W PSU is overkill. 1200W also. Oversized/overrated PSUs are common, because cheap chinese manufacturers give incorrect numbers. Better get good PSU (from known source). It will cost the same money, and will be more efficient in long term. I agree, I've found exactly the same thing using a real power meter across many computer systems. -- Rob Studdert (Digital Image Studio) Tel: +61-418-166-870 UTC +10 Hours Gmail, eBay, Skype, Twitter, Facebook, Picasa: distudio -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Semi-OT: building a dedicated computer for photo editing
- Original Message - From: steve harley p...@paper-ape.com To: Pentax-Discuss Mail List pdml@pdml.net Cc: Sent: Saturday, January 7, 2012 10:48 PM Subject: Re: Semi-OT: building a dedicated computer for photo editing (on Macs, Aperture _loves_ the GPU, though Lightroom ignores it), Now that is weird. Why would Adobe ignore so much processing power? I also wonder if it's true. When we were in Oxford in 2009 I did all my photo processing on a 15in unibody MBP. With Leopard it was a pain to switch between the two graphics processors; but I recall that if I went to the trouble things such as creating 100% previews were faster with the faster graphics chip. Rick -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Semi-OT - building a dedicated computer for photo editing
I did some research a month ago. Here's what I would have chosen then, if I had the money: Box: Xigmatek Elysium Big Tower Black. Reason: Nice and roomy. PSU: Corsair AX 1200W PSU ATX 12V V2.31, 80 Plus Gold, Modular, 6x 6+2-pin PCIe, 16x SATA Reason: Modular and with lots of SATA contacts. You can't really have too much power. :-) Mobo: ASUS P9X79 Deluxe, Socket-2011 Reason: Has 6 GB/s SATA support and USB 3. Optimistic upgrade path. CPU: Intel® Core i7-3930K Processor Socket-LGA2011, Six Core, 3.2Ghz I will not attempt to rationalise this choice. :-) RAM: two sets of Corsair Dominator DDR3 1600MHz 32GB Kit w/4x8GB XMS3 DHX, CL10-10-10-27, for Intel P67/Z68 and X79,1.5v Reason: Has quad-channel architecture and reasonably priced vs. competition (at the moment...). Quad-channel chips at higher clock speeds are hard to come by over here at the moment. Videocard: ATI FirePro V5800 1GB GDDR5 PCI-Express 2.0, 2x Dual Link DVI, 128bit Reason: Looks like a card with a good performance vs. price ratio. System disk: Plextor SSD PX-256M2P 256GB 2.5 SATA 6 Gb/s (SATA3.0), 500MB/440MB/s read/write, Marvel, 7IOPS Reason: There have been many reports about issues with the Sandforce controller/firmware in SSDs. It may have been resolved since I researched this, but at that moment a disk with a Marvel controller/firmware made more sense. Btw, the 6 Gb/s controller on the mobo is also by Marvel. Scratch disk: Corsair SSD Force Series GT 60GB SATA 6 Gb/s (SATA3.0), 555MB/495MB/s read/write, 80k IOPS (4k aligned) Reason: From previous experience it's a good idea to put temporary files from image editors, web browsers, etc. on a separate disk. Reducing fragmentation on system disk, for example. I would have migrated my data disks from the current computer. They consist of four 750 GB Server-edition disks in RAID 5. I read somewhere that the Intel X79 chipset disk controller is compatible with RAIDs created on ICH family controllers, enabling direct transfer of the whole RAID setup. :-) I'd also keep my screen(s). My main (calibrated) screen is a HP LP2475w, a 24 wide-screen IPS-based monitor with native resolution 1920x1200px. It's the best screen I've ever had, but it's CLW illuminated so I expect it to start ageing in a year or two. -- http://www.alunfoto.no/galleri/ http://alunfoto.blogspot.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Semi-OT: building a dedicated computer for photo editing
On 2012-01-07 22:07, Larry Colen wrote: One thing that causes me pause, though it would also apply to a desktop mac, is the displays. A while back, someone observed that up until HDTV the performance and resolution of displays were constantly improving. Since HDTV, it's been damn near impossible to find a display with more than 1920x1080 resolution, at least for an affordable price. Take a look at the HP ZR series. They use some variant of IPS technology, so the color is good. It comes in the following sizes: 20 1600 x 900 22 1920 x 1080 24 1920 x 1200 27 2560 x 1440 30 2560 x 1600 But watch the prices. A couple of the models are much higher. For example, there's a 24 that's around $300-400 and another, with the same resolution, that's over $1,000. I'm not sure of the difference. -- Thanks, DougF (KG4LMZ) -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Semi-OT: building a dedicated computer for photo editing
Approximate: The stuff I already have - Case $60 650W Power supply $100 1.5TB SATA HDD $80 (storage drive) 250GB SATA HDD ??? (boot drive) It's from my laptop. I replaced it with a 500GB drive that I think cost me around $100 at the time. Stuff I still have to buy - Mainboard, CPU Memory (32GB) - $830.00 ($130 + $300 + $100x4) Windoze 7 Pro 64 bit (OEM) $140 Blue-ray player/DVD writer w/Lightscribe $100 64GB SSD $110 I can hold off on the SSD initially; let Photoshop use the storage drive for the scratch disk at first, and add the dedicated SSD later. Eventually, I want to replace the 250GB boot drive with a PCIe SSD, but that's just not in the budget right now. At some point, I expect to add a decent video card to it, which is a whole new can of worms to open up. I figure the whole thing will come in less than $2,000, spread out over a year or so. The main advantage this has over the Mac is I can build my own PC. I semi-know what I'm doing. From: Larry Colen Interesting post. I've been noticing lately that Lightroom doesn't run as quickly as I'd like on my three year old iMac, and that a friend's new $600 laptop specs out noticeably higher than the iMac (modulo display). I've also spent the past several years constantly running up against storage limitations on the iMac and having to shuffle almost all of my data off onto USB external drives. I'm curious how the cost of this new system breaks down. Despite my preference for MacOS, a desktop Mac starts out at $BIGNUM dollars and goes up from there, so I've considered a PC based box. One thing that causes me pause, though it would also apply to a desktop mac, is the displays. A while back, someone observed that up until HDTV the performance and resolution of displays were constantly improving. Since HDTV, it's been damn near impossible to find a display with more than 1920x1080 resolution, at least for an affordable price. John Sessoms wrote: I'm planning a new computer to dedicate for photo audio editing. I've got the money saved and am just finalizing the necessary components before I buy. I already have some of the components on hand; the case power supply (650W), and a couple of hard drives I can use at least temporarily. My current (planned) configuration is a Gigabyte mainboard with Intel i7-960 and 32GB ram (maxed out). I'll be using the on-board video to begin with. I'll also need to get a new DVD burner - I'm looking for something that will at least play Blue-ray has Lightscribe. How does on-board compare with a moderate priced video card? Last time I checked you could get pretty good video cards for not a hell of a lot of money. I'm planning on running Windoze 7 64 bit and I intend to install LightRoom, PhotoshopCS5 and Corel Painter 11 as my primary photo-editing tools. I will also be using my Nikon CoolScan IV ED with it eventually want to get a flatbed scanner for larger formats. I'm saving for the Epson V750 M-Pro. If it all works out, I should have the money by mid-year. I'm currently considering a configuration with 3 hard-drives. Primary for the OS software, secondary for Photoshop's scratch disk LightRoom's cache file and will use a 1.5TB SATA drive I already have for data (I'll probably put Windoze's swap file here as well). Two things I haven't quite satisfied myself about: 1. Minimum size for the main drive? I'm considering something along the lines of 250GB, because I have a spare 250GB SATA (2.5 inch) drive I took out of my laptop when I upgraded it to a 500GB data drive. I eventually want to change it out for a SSD. But that's down the road quite a piece, because even small SSDs are still VERY expensive. 2. But I am considering a SSD for the scratch disk. Is 64GB large enough? That seems to be the current price point I'm comfortable with. Any brand recommendations? I have heard good things about computers that boot off of SSD. You lose a lot of the incentive to just leave the machine running all of the time. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Semi-OT - building a dedicated computer for photo editing
On 2012-01-08 9:25, AlunFoto wrote: Right now, at NewEgg.com Box: Xigmatek Elysium Big Tower Black. US$ 219.99 PSU: Corsair AX 1200W PSU ATX 12V V2.31, 80 Plus Gold, Modular US$ 279.99 Mobo: ASUS P9X79 Deluxe, Socket-2011 US$ 279.99 CPU: Intel® Core i7-3930K Processor Socket-LGA2011, Six Core, 3.2Ghz US$ 599.99 RAM: two sets of Corsair Dominator DDR3 1600MHz 32GB Kit w/4x8GB XMS3 US$ 339.99 x 2 Videocard: ATI FirePro V5800 1GB GDDR5 PCI-Express 2.0, 2x Dual Link DVI, 128bit There aren't any V5800 boards at NewEgg at the moment. HD5750 US$ 114.99 System disk: Plextor SSD PX-256M2P 256GB 2.5 SATA 6 Gb/s (SATA3.0), This product isn't listed, but they have the PX-256M3 US$364.99 Scratch disk: Corsair SSD Force Series GT 60GB SATA 6 Gb/s (SATA3.0), 555MB/495MB/s read/write, 80k IOPS (4k aligned) US$ 114.99 So, that's US$2,600, no hard drives. You can drop down to the quad core CPU (save $300 on the CPU and probably $100 more on the mobo), change the 256GB system drive for a duplicate of the 60GB drive (save $150), go with an 850W power supply (save $150) which is still more than this setup requires, look at a mid-tower case (save $150), and stick with 32GB of RAM instead of 64GB (save $340). Now you're around US$ 1,400 with very little loss of capability or performance. -- Thanks, DougF (KG4LMZ) -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Semi-OT: building a dedicated computer for photo editing
From: Matthew Hunt My current (planned) configuration is a Gigabyte mainboard with Intel i7-960 and 32GB ram (maxed out). You're buying new parts? I'm happy with my i7-930 that I built a year and a half ago, but I don't see any sense in investing in Socket 1366 parts at this time. It's at end-of-life: http://www.anandtech.com/show/5216/intel-discontinuing-some-clarkdale-lynnfield-and-sandy-bridge-desktop-cpus The Sandy Bridge (Socket 1155) parts are faster for the same price, and have at least a chance at an upgrade path. According to the Mainboard specs it's Socket H2 (LGA 1155) and the CPU is Socket H2 (LGA 1155). Gigabyte GA-Z68MX-UD2H-B3 Actually, it looks like the i7-960 is no longer available since I put this together and it will be i7-2600 instead. I'll be using the on-board video to begin with. If you stick with the i7-960, you're sure you have a MB with onboard video? It's not part of the CPU or the X58 chipset. The 1366 platform is pretty focused on people adding high-performance graphics cards. Some (but not all) Sandy Bridge CPUs include on-CPU graphics, and some (but not all) motherboard chipsets allow you to use those graphics. Video Chipset: Intel® HD Graphics (CPU embedded) 2. But I am considering a SSD for the scratch disk. Is 64GB large enough? That seems to be the current price point I'm comfortable with. Any brand recommendations? I use a 64 GB SSD for my Windows 7 Pro installation, critical apps (Office, Lightroom, web browsers, etc.), LR catalog, some Windows virtual memory (2 GB), and hibernate file (6 GB). I have ~16.5 GB free at this time. Important to note that if you want to be able to hibernate your computer, the hibernation file will be the size of your RAM, and needs to reside on the boot disk. My user profile (home directory) is *not* on the SSD; I relocated it following these instructions: http://www.starkeith.net/coredump/2009/05/18/how-to-move-your-windows-user-profile-to-another-drive/ I highly recommend an SSD for the kind of things I listed above. It's a huge improvement in system usability. If you get a Sandy Bridge CPU and a MB with Z68 chipset, you can take advantage of Smart Response Technology, which lets you use an SSD as a cache for your mechanical HDDs. That way, you don't have to worry about what to put on the SSD, and what to put elsewhere. Based on reviews, this setup works quite well, and I would strongly consider it for a new build. http://www.anandtech.com/show/4329/intel-z68-chipset-smart-response-technology-ssd-caching-review -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Semi-OT: building a dedicated computer for photo editing
On Sun, Jan 8, 2012 at 9:15 AM, John Sessoms jsessoms...@nc.rr.com wrote: ... The main advantage this has over the Mac is I can build my own PC. I semi-know what I'm doing. .. A new 27 iMac i5 quad core with 8G RAM and 1T drive, everything else all put together, is $1850 or so before tax. Buy it, take it home, load your software (either Mac OS X apps or load up Win 7 and your apps), get to work. I will never build another computer again. It's a total waste of my time and energy. I want to do photography, not work on computers. There's only so much time and energy I've got, you see, and the photography is much more important to me. -- Godfrey godfreydigiorgi.posterous.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Semi-OT: building a dedicated computer for photo editing
From: Rick Womer From: steve harley (on Macs, Aperture _loves_ the GPU, though Lightroom ignores it),? Now that is weird. ?Why would Adobe ignore so much processing power? I also wonder if it's true. ?When we were in Oxford in 2009 I did all my photo processing on a 15in unibody MBP. ?With Leopard it was a pain to switch between the two graphics processors; but I recall that if I went to the trouble things such as creating 100% previews were faster with the faster graphics chip. Rick Haven't Apple Adobe previously had harsh words for one another with regards to whether certain Adobe products would be permitted to run on Apple products? -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Semi-OT: building a dedicated computer for photo editing
On Sun, Jan 8, 2012 at 12:32 PM, John Sessoms jsessoms...@nc.rr.com wrote: From: Matthew Hunt My current (planned) configuration is a Gigabyte mainboard with Intel i7-960 and 32GB ram (maxed out). You're buying new parts? I'm happy with my i7-930 that I built a year and a half ago, but I don't see any sense in investing in Socket 1366 parts at this time. It's at end-of-life: http://www.anandtech.com/show/5216/intel-discontinuing-some-clarkdale-lynnfield-and-sandy-bridge-desktop-cpus The Sandy Bridge (Socket 1155) parts are faster for the same price, and have at least a chance at an upgrade path. According to the Mainboard specs it's Socket H2 (LGA 1155) and the CPU is Socket H2 (LGA 1155). Gigabyte GA-Z68MX-UD2H-B3 Actually, it looks like the i7-960 is no longer available since I put this together and it will be i7-2600 instead. Yes, the i7-2600 is Socket 1155 (Sandy Bridge), but the i7-960 wasn't. The i7-9xx were Socket 1366. Totally different beasts from different generations, requiring different motherboards. If you stick with the i7-960, you're sure you have a MB with onboard video? It's not part of the CPU or the X58 chipset. The 1366 platform is pretty focused on people adding high-performance graphics cards. Some (but not all) Sandy Bridge CPUs include on-CPU graphics, and some (but not all) motherboard chipsets allow you to use those graphics. Video Chipset: Intel® HD Graphics (CPU embedded) Right, again, that's a capability of the i7-2600 and Z68 chipset. It would not have been the case with an i7-960. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Semi-OT: building a dedicated computer for photo editing
From: Godfrey DiGiorgi On Sun, Jan 8, 2012 at 9:15 AM, John Sessoms jsessoms...@nc.rr.com wrote: ... The main advantage this has over the Mac is I can build my own PC. I semi-know what I'm doing. .. A new 27 iMac i5 quad core with 8G RAM and 1T drive, everything else all put together, is $1850 or so before tax. Buy it, take it home, load your software (either Mac OS X apps or load up Win 7 and your apps), get to work. I will never build another computer again. It's a total waste of my time and energy. I want to do photography, not work on computers. There's only so much time and energy I've got, you see, and the photography is much more important to me. Depends on what you enjoy how much satisfaction you get out of doing it. Sure, I could get almost the same performance from that iMac while spending just a little more money ... BUT I wouldn't enjoy putting it together half so much, and I wouldn't get to use any of the parts I already bought. Plus the computer would be configured to what Apple thinks I need rather than to what I want. Different strokes for different folks. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Semi-OT: building a dedicated computer for photo editing
On Sun, Jan 8, 2012 at 9:37 AM, John Sessoms jsessoms...@nc.rr.com wrote: Haven't Apple Adobe previously had harsh words for one another with regards to whether certain Adobe products would be permitted to run on Apple products? The only bone of contention in recent times has been the implementation of flash media on iOS. Flash is ancient, cpu and power hogging technology superseded by superior technology for AV playback. This is over ... Adobe has announced the end of development on flash media for mobile devices. Lightroom does not use the GPU, runs beautifully on Mac OS X. It was originally developed on Mac OS X too. -- Godfrey godfreydigiorgi.posterous.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Semi-OT: building a dedicated computer for photo editing
On Sun, Jan 8, 2012 at 10:15 AM, John Sessoms jsessoms...@nc.rr.com wrote: Depends on what you enjoy how much satisfaction you get out of doing it. Sure, I could get almost the same performance from that iMac while spending just a little more money ... BUT I wouldn't enjoy putting it together half so much, and I wouldn't get to use any of the parts I already bought. Plus the computer would be configured to what Apple thinks I need rather than to what I want. Different strokes for different folks. Yes indeed. You want to hobby with computers, I want to do photography. Both are perfectly fine pastimes. -- Godfrey godfreydigiorgi.posterous.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Semi-OT - building a dedicated computer for photo editing
Doug Franklin wrote: So, that's US$2,600, no hard drives. You can drop down to the quad core CPU (save $300 on the CPU and probably $100 more on the mobo), change the 256GB system drive for a duplicate of the 60GB drive (save $150), go with an 850W power supply (save $150) which is still more than this setup requires, look at a mid-tower case (save $150), and stick with 32GB of RAM instead of 64GB (save $340). Now you're around US$ 1,400 with very little loss of capability or performance. A bit unfair to say no hard drives, I think, but I see your point. Reason I wanted to go with a larger PSU is that I plan to add a second graphics card (in addition to the RAID disks + an eSATA bay). Not because I want to do gaming, but because it simplifies the challenge of calibrating two computer screens. AFAIK, larger PSUs are slightly more resilient to power spikes in the grid too. The large case was chosen to leave room for watercooling and more disks if necessary. As to the RAM, I agree. That's the easiest part to upgrade later too. I guess 64 GB is an overcompensation for my current computer. It has 8 GB DDR2, and I regularly hit the roof when working with DNG files from the 645D. WRT to the 6 core CPU I guess I have to explain even if I said I wouldn't. :-) This system spec is something I arrived at after considering whether to build a dual Xeon workstation, or go for a i7 series single-CPU setup. So the budget I started out with was the equivalent of the cost for the prospected Xeon machine. That gave me a pretty comfortable headroom for picking components... But then again, I didn't have any _real_ plans of buying it. Just a mental excercise. So John S... Listen to Doug. He's the sensible one here... :-) Jostein -- http://www.alunfoto.no/galleri/ http://alunfoto.blogspot.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Semi-OT - building a dedicated computer for photo editing
On 2012-01-08 13:24, AlunFoto wrote: A bit unfair to say no hard drives, I think, but I see your point. Sorry, I just meant that didn't include the cost of any real hard drive capacity, since you're bringing over drive you already have. Reason I wanted to go with a larger PSU is that I plan to add a second graphics card (in addition to the RAID disks + an eSATA bay). 850W PSU is enough for two nVidia 560ti cards with the setup you're discussing and a bit of headroom. 1200 is overkill. You shouldn't need water cooling for this setup unless you're planning to overclock it. So John S... Listen to Doug. He's the sensible one here... :-) Don't get me wrong! I'd build a dual quad-core (or six-core) setup with 64GB of RAM and a pair of nVidia 580 video boards in a heartbeat, if I had that much money lying around doing nothing. :-) -- Thanks, DougF (KG4LMZ) -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Semi-OT: building a dedicated computer for photo editing
On 08/01/2012 00:28, John Sessoms wrote: I'm planning a new computer to dedicate for photo audio editing. I've got the money saved and am just finalizing the necessary components before I buy. I already have some of the components on hand; the case power supply (650W), and a couple of hard drives I can use at least temporarily. Try running your spec through http://support.asus.com/powersupply.aspx Don't forget to add one or two extras, like another HDD or DVD drive, just in case Note that the answer it gives is the power actually needed, not the number written on the box. A good power supply is probably only 80% efficient - many are less than 50%. You need to check that with your present unit. -- No fixed Adobe -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Semi-OT: building a dedicated computer for photo editing
on 2012-01-08 07:10 Rick Womer wrote - Original Message - From: steve harley (on Macs, Aperture _loves_ the GPU, though Lightroom ignores it), Now that is weird. Why would Adobe ignore so much processing power? from what i understand (i can't dredge up a source offhand) it's because they build their software with cross-platform libraries that make it hard for them to get leverage from some OS-specific system services (i believe there's a bit of not invented here mixed with that) I also wonder if it's true. you have to read between the lines, but here's one place it's stated pretty directly: http://feedback.photoshop.com/photoshop_family/topics/gpu_mpe_support_for_lightroom_4_multiprocessor_support -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Semi-OT: building a dedicated computer for photo editing
on 2012-01-07 20:19 Rick Womer wrote Larry, For photo editing I bought a Mac Mini with 8GB RAM, a Dell 24 inch monitor, and a 1TB firewire 800 external hard drive for under $1K. the Minis are great; they are extremely quiet and low power; the base model has somewhat wimpy integrated graphics but the next model up (2.5GHz dual-i5) has a decent GPU; if you mainly use Lightroom, the GPU doesn't matter and the quad-i7 in the server may be the best choice; one downside to the Mini is that the drives are a bit on the slow side, and hard to change; a Thunderbolt external SSD-based drive (of which there are yet few choices) would fix that but would drive up the price quite a bit -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Semi-OT: building a dedicated computer for photo editing
on 2012-01-08 11:17 Godfrey DiGiorgi wrote Lightroom does not use the GPU, runs beautifully on Mac OS X. It was originally developed on Mac OS X too. in case it's not clear, i've not intended to say Lightroom is _slow_ on Mac OS X; i've never used LR hard, though i've seen some interesting benchmarks: http://www.barefeats.com/wst10c4.html my point was only that since i use Aperture, which does heavily depend on the GPU, a good GPU is a priority for me -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Semi-OT: building a dedicated computer for photo editing
From: Godfrey DiGiorgi On Sun, Jan 8, 2012 at 10:15 AM, John Sessoms jsessoms...@nc.rr.com wrote: Depends on what you enjoy how much satisfaction you get out of doing it. Sure, I could get almost the same performance from that iMac while spending just a little more money ... BUT I wouldn't enjoy putting it together half so much, and I wouldn't get to use any of the parts I already bought. Plus the computer would be configured to what Apple thinks I need rather than to what I want. Different strokes for different folks. Yes indeed. You want to hobby with computers, I want to do photography. Both are perfectly fine pastimes. I enjoy my photography. I just see no point in wasting money on something that doesn't give me satisfaction, when I can get something that will for the same money. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Semi-OT - building a dedicated computer for photo editing
From: Doug Franklin On 2012-01-08 13:24, AlunFoto wrote: A bit unfair to say no hard drives, I think, but I see your point. Sorry, I just meant that didn't include the cost of any real hard drive capacity, since you're bringing over drive you already have. Reason I wanted to go with a larger PSU is that I plan to add a second graphics card (in addition to the RAID disks + an eSATA bay). 850W PSU is enough for two nVidia 560ti cards with the setup you're discussing and a bit of headroom. 1200 is overkill. You shouldn't need water cooling for this setup unless you're planning to overclock it. So John S... Listen to Doug. He's the sensible one here... Don't get me wrong! I'd build a dual quad-core (or six-core) setup with 64GB of RAM and a pair of nVidia 580 video boards in a heartbeat, if I had that much money lying around doing nothing. I don't think of it as money lying around doing nothing; more like I've been saving up a little bit at a time for almost a year now so I won't have to put any of it on a credit card. Interest on savings SUX, but not as much as PAYING interest on a credit card. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Semi-OT - building a dedicated computer for photo editing
On 2012-01-08 20:31, John Sessoms wrote: I don't think of it as money lying around doing nothing; more like I've been saving up a little bit at a time for almost a year now so I won't have to put any of it on a credit card. Know what you mean, but I'm in a different position. I haven't been saving, and my computer isn't botheringly slow on anything I ask it to do. So I don't /need/ to do anything. However, I built it over four years ago, and I'm starting to get the itch to build a new one. Memory is so cheap right now it's amazing, but hard drive prices still haven't recovered from the flooding. -- Thanks, DougF (KG4LMZ) -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Semi-OT: building a dedicated computer for photo editing
From: mike wilson On 08/01/2012 00:28, John Sessoms wrote: I'm planning a new computer to dedicate for photo audio editing. I've got the money saved and am just finalizing the necessary components before I buy. I already have some of the components on hand; the case power supply (650W), and a couple of hard drives I can use at least temporarily. Try running your spec through http://support.asus.com/powersupply.aspx Don't forget to add one or two extras, like another HDD or DVD drive, just in case Note that the answer it gives is the power actually needed, not the number written on the box. A good power supply is probably only 80% efficient - many are less than 50%. You need to check that with your present unit. I used a power supply estimator I found at Newegg back when I first started planning this, and it told me I needed 500W. I wanted a 800W PS, but the Corsair TX650 went on sale at a steep discount plus a rebate, so I went ahead and took the plunge on it. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Semi-OT - building a dedicated computer for photo editing
On Jan 9, 2012, at 9:55 AM, Doug Franklin wrote: Don't get me wrong! I'd build a dual quad-core (or six-core) setup with 64GB of RAM and a pair of nVidia 580 video boards in a heartbeat, if I had that much money lying around doing nothing. :-) If I had that much money lying around I'd buy a tropical island. But each to his own... Dave -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Semi-OT: building a dedicated computer for photo editing
I'm planning a new computer to dedicate for photo audio editing. I've got the money saved and am just finalizing the necessary components before I buy. I already have some of the components on hand; the case power supply (650W), and a couple of hard drives I can use at least temporarily. My current (planned) configuration is a Gigabyte mainboard with Intel i7-960 and 32GB ram (maxed out). I'll be using the on-board video to begin with. I'll also need to get a new DVD burner - I'm looking for something that will at least play Blue-ray has Lightscribe. I'm planning on running Windoze 7 64 bit and I intend to install LightRoom, PhotoshopCS5 and Corel Painter 11 as my primary photo-editing tools. I will also be using my Nikon CoolScan IV ED with it eventually want to get a flatbed scanner for larger formats. I'm saving for the Epson V750 M-Pro. If it all works out, I should have the money by mid-year. I'm currently considering a configuration with 3 hard-drives. Primary for the OS software, secondary for Photoshop's scratch disk LightRoom's cache file and will use a 1.5TB SATA drive I already have for data (I'll probably put Windoze's swap file here as well). Two things I haven't quite satisfied myself about: 1. Minimum size for the main drive? I'm considering something along the lines of 250GB, because I have a spare 250GB SATA (2.5 inch) drive I took out of my laptop when I upgraded it to a 500GB data drive. I eventually want to change it out for a SSD. But that's down the road quite a piece, because even small SSDs are still VERY expensive. 2. But I am considering a SSD for the scratch disk. Is 64GB large enough? That seems to be the current price point I'm comfortable with. Any brand recommendations? -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Semi-OT: building a dedicated computer for photo editing
On Sat, Jan 7, 2012 at 6:28 PM, John Sessoms jsessoms...@nc.rr.com wrote: My current (planned) configuration is a Gigabyte mainboard with Intel i7-960 and 32GB ram (maxed out). You're buying new parts? I'm happy with my i7-930 that I built a year and a half ago, but I don't see any sense in investing in Socket 1366 parts at this time. It's at end-of-life: http://www.anandtech.com/show/5216/intel-discontinuing-some-clarkdale-lynnfield-and-sandy-bridge-desktop-cpus The Sandy Bridge (Socket 1155) parts are faster for the same price, and have at least a chance at an upgrade path. I'll be using the on-board video to begin with. If you stick with the i7-960, you're sure you have a MB with onboard video? It's not part of the CPU or the X58 chipset. The 1366 platform is pretty focused on people adding high-performance graphics cards. Some (but not all) Sandy Bridge CPUs include on-CPU graphics, and some (but not all) motherboard chipsets allow you to use those graphics. 2. But I am considering a SSD for the scratch disk. Is 64GB large enough? That seems to be the current price point I'm comfortable with. Any brand recommendations? I use a 64 GB SSD for my Windows 7 Pro installation, critical apps (Office, Lightroom, web browsers, etc.), LR catalog, some Windows virtual memory (2 GB), and hibernate file (6 GB). I have ~16.5 GB free at this time. Important to note that if you want to be able to hibernate your computer, the hibernation file will be the size of your RAM, and needs to reside on the boot disk. My user profile (home directory) is *not* on the SSD; I relocated it following these instructions: http://www.starkeith.net/coredump/2009/05/18/how-to-move-your-windows-user-profile-to-another-drive/ I highly recommend an SSD for the kind of things I listed above. It's a huge improvement in system usability. If you get a Sandy Bridge CPU and a MB with Z68 chipset, you can take advantage of Smart Response Technology, which lets you use an SSD as a cache for your mechanical HDDs. That way, you don't have to worry about what to put on the SSD, and what to put elsewhere. Based on reviews, this setup works quite well, and I would strongly consider it for a new build. http://www.anandtech.com/show/4329/intel-z68-chipset-smart-response-technology-ssd-caching-review -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Semi-OT: building a dedicated computer for photo editing
Interesting post. I've been noticing lately that Lightroom doesn't run as quickly as I'd like on my three year old iMac, and that a friend's new $600 laptop specs out noticeably higher than the iMac (modulo display). I've also spent the past several years constantly running up against storage limitations on the iMac and having to shuffle almost all of my data off onto USB external drives. I'm curious how the cost of this new system breaks down. Despite my preference for MacOS, a desktop Mac starts out at $BIGNUM dollars and goes up from there, so I've considered a PC based box. One thing that causes me pause, though it would also apply to a desktop mac, is the displays. A while back, someone observed that up until HDTV the performance and resolution of displays were constantly improving. Since HDTV, it's been damn near impossible to find a display with more than 1920x1080 resolution, at least for an affordable price. On 1/7/2012 3:28 PM, John Sessoms wrote: I'm planning a new computer to dedicate for photo audio editing. I've got the money saved and am just finalizing the necessary components before I buy. I already have some of the components on hand; the case power supply (650W), and a couple of hard drives I can use at least temporarily. My current (planned) configuration is a Gigabyte mainboard with Intel i7-960 and 32GB ram (maxed out). I'll be using the on-board video to begin with. I'll also need to get a new DVD burner - I'm looking for something that will at least play Blue-ray has Lightscribe. How does on-board compare with a moderate priced video card? Last time I checked you could get pretty good video cards for not a hell of a lot of money. I'm planning on running Windoze 7 64 bit and I intend to install LightRoom, PhotoshopCS5 and Corel Painter 11 as my primary photo-editing tools. I will also be using my Nikon CoolScan IV ED with it eventually want to get a flatbed scanner for larger formats. I'm saving for the Epson V750 M-Pro. If it all works out, I should have the money by mid-year. I'm currently considering a configuration with 3 hard-drives. Primary for the OS software, secondary for Photoshop's scratch disk LightRoom's cache file and will use a 1.5TB SATA drive I already have for data (I'll probably put Windoze's swap file here as well). Two things I haven't quite satisfied myself about: 1. Minimum size for the main drive? I'm considering something along the lines of 250GB, because I have a spare 250GB SATA (2.5 inch) drive I took out of my laptop when I upgraded it to a 500GB data drive. I eventually want to change it out for a SSD. But that's down the road quite a piece, because even small SSDs are still VERY expensive. 2. But I am considering a SSD for the scratch disk. Is 64GB large enough? That seems to be the current price point I'm comfortable with. Any brand recommendations? I have heard good things about computers that boot off of SSD. You lose a lot of the incentive to just leave the machine running all of the time. -- Larry Colen l...@red4est.com (from dos4est) -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Semi-OT: building a dedicated computer for photo editing
Larry, For photo editing I bought a Mac Mini with 8GB RAM, a Dell 24 inch monitor, and a 1TB firewire 800 external hard drive for under $1K. Rick http://photo.net/photos/RickW - Original Message - From: Larry Colen l...@red4est.com To: Pentax-Discuss Mail List pdml@pdml.net Cc: Sent: Saturday, January 7, 2012 10:07 PM Subject: Re: Semi-OT: building a dedicated computer for photo editing Interesting post. I've been noticing lately that Lightroom doesn't run as quickly as I'd like on my three year old iMac, and that a friend's new $600 laptop specs out noticeably higher than the iMac (modulo display). I've also spent the past several years constantly running up against storage limitations on the iMac and having to shuffle almost all of my data off onto USB external drives. I'm curious how the cost of this new system breaks down. Despite my preference for MacOS, a desktop Mac starts out at $BIGNUM dollars and goes up from there, so I've considered a PC based box. One thing that causes me pause, though it would also apply to a desktop mac, is the displays. A while back, someone observed that up until HDTV the performance and resolution of displays were constantly improving. Since HDTV, it's been damn near impossible to find a display with more than 1920x1080 resolution, at least for an affordable price. On 1/7/2012 3:28 PM, John Sessoms wrote: I'm planning a new computer to dedicate for photo audio editing. I've got the money saved and am just finalizing the necessary components before I buy. I already have some of the components on hand; the case power supply (650W), and a couple of hard drives I can use at least temporarily. My current (planned) configuration is a Gigabyte mainboard with Intel i7-960 and 32GB ram (maxed out). I'll be using the on-board video to begin with. I'll also need to get a new DVD burner - I'm looking for something that will at least play Blue-ray has Lightscribe. How does on-board compare with a moderate priced video card? Last time I checked you could get pretty good video cards for not a hell of a lot of money. I'm planning on running Windoze 7 64 bit and I intend to install LightRoom, PhotoshopCS5 and Corel Painter 11 as my primary photo-editing tools. I will also be using my Nikon CoolScan IV ED with it eventually want to get a flatbed scanner for larger formats. I'm saving for the Epson V750 M-Pro. If it all works out, I should have the money by mid-year. I'm currently considering a configuration with 3 hard-drives. Primary for the OS software, secondary for Photoshop's scratch disk LightRoom's cache file and will use a 1.5TB SATA drive I already have for data (I'll probably put Windoze's swap file here as well). Two things I haven't quite satisfied myself about: 1. Minimum size for the main drive? I'm considering something along the lines of 250GB, because I have a spare 250GB SATA (2.5 inch) drive I took out of my laptop when I upgraded it to a 500GB data drive. I eventually want to change it out for a SSD. But that's down the road quite a piece, because even small SSDs are still VERY expensive. 2. But I am considering a SSD for the scratch disk. Is 64GB large enough? That seems to be the current price point I'm comfortable with. Any brand recommendations? I have heard good things about computers that boot off of SSD. You lose a lot of the incentive to just leave the machine running all of the time. -- Larry Colen l...@red4est.com (from dos4est) -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Semi-OT: building a dedicated computer for photo editing
on 2012-01-07 20:07 Larry Colen wrote Interesting post. I've been noticing lately that Lightroom doesn't run as quickly as I'd like on my three year old iMac, and that a friend's new $600 laptop specs out noticeably higher than the iMac (modulo display). I've also spent the past several years constantly running up against storage limitations on the iMac and having to shuffle almost all of my data off onto USB external drives. as i've noted before, a Gigabit Ethernet NAS might suit you well, if you can upgrade your switches, etc. I'm curious how the cost of this new system breaks down. Despite my preference for MacOS, a desktop Mac starts out at $BIGNUM dollars and goes up from there, so I've considered a PC based box. i'm interested to hear John's numbers, but i'm guessing $700-900; otoh, a refurb quad-i5 iMac with that gorgeous 27 display is $1420 + tax ($1570 for a quad-i7); you'll want to spend another $100+ on RAM, but otherwise you'll be all set; the difference hangs on how you value the display and what price you put on Win vs. Mac (and your time on the self-build) http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals/mac/imac/27 One thing that causes me pause, though it would also apply to a desktop mac, is the displays. A while back, someone observed that up until HDTV the performance and resolution of displays were constantly improving. Since HDTV, it's been damn near impossible to find a display with more than 1920x1080 resolution, at least for an affordable price. and that applies to a 27 iMac just how? you might be interested in my mind-numbing post to follow in this thread ... -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Semi-OT: building a dedicated computer for photo editing
on 2012-01-07 16:28 John Sessoms wrote 2. But I am considering a SSD for the scratch disk. Is 64GB large enough? That seems to be the current price point I'm comfortable with. Any brand recommendations? as for SSDs, the Sandforce-based models are among the best currently (although a new generation seems to be around the corner, at least in enterprise level (ca. $7/GB!)); Sandforce is both fast and has best-of-class wear-leveling; the two brands i know that use Sandforce are OCZ Vertex-3 and OWC Mercury Extreme; it's worth getting a 6Gbps (SATA-III) version if you have a suitable bus (which you might on a Sandy Bridge MB); OWC is a vendor i trust, though they are Mac-oriented i know not Windows hardware arcana, but i've considered building a hackintosh specifically to improve Aperture (and maybe Lightroom) performance; that quest in essence would be similar to yours; after a bit of research, though, i've decided against spending hours choosing components and hacking installers, and instead plan to pick up a 2010 model 27 iMac (either a refurb from Apple or a used model with AppleCare) my reasoning (at this point i devolve into details Windows people, and most everyone else, would best ignore) is that the iMac has an excellent (if glossy) 27 display, a pretty good GPU (on Macs, Aperture _loves_ the GPU, though Lightroom ignores it), and the unique feature that i can run it headless while dedicating the big display to my mid-2009 13 MacBook Pro; in fact a Windows machine could even use the display (provided it has DVI or MiniDisplayport) headless is the killer feature for me; the 2011 model works headless only with ThunderBolt-equipped Macs, ruling out use with my 13 MBP; the 2010 model can also run Mac OS X 10.6, which suits me better than 10.7; headless is important to me because in addition to photo duty, this machine will be my always-on light-duty home server (hosting FileMaker Server, music, films, and a document scanner, as well as a disk farm); in the server functions the iMac will replace a 2006 MacBook Pro whose video-RAM has solder problems (a common defect) my plan means i'll also be able to sell an Apple 24 Cinema Display and a Samsung 2343 (a nifty low-end monitor with 2048x1152 res, perhaps of interest to Larry) and give my partner both my Bluetooth keyboard (for iPad use) and my 2006 MBP (for the little bit of non-tablet stuff she needs to do) -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
