Another PC upgrade request for help

[Dave Humphries]

Hi,

I'm the latest in a line of members looking to replace/upgrade their PC.
My 6 year old PC is an Acer i5-650 at 3.2GHz, 6GB RAM with NVIDIA GeForce GT320 graphics, it has compatibility/driver issues, which kinda puts me off Acer and NVIDIA. I also prefer to avoid Seagate as a HDD brand, but I like WD.

I set myself a mental budget of £1000, but what I'm working up to is coming out at £1500+, so I'm looking to trim a bit if possible, justifying that much on a PC when effectively retired might harm my health! I might even be forced to get a job

Apologies for the long post!


I have done my research of posts by the others who've been this route this year - and come up with a spec. I am looking for. It's not dissimilar to Richard's.

Processor: Intel i5-6600 or i7-6700, possibly with a K suffix denoting the ability to 'overclock' it, although I don't intend to. It'll likely be in the range 3.5 - 4 GHz.
Q1: Is it worth the extra for the i7? (for PS and LR) SkyLake?

RAM: 16 GB, or 32 GB ideally, DDR4 at 2133 or faster
Q2: Any brands to look for or avoid?

Tower case: sitting on desk behind monitor for ease of access, so not too noisy.
I like having a built in card reader for downloading images, so I'll hope to have one of those, ideally a USB 3 speed one.
Plenty of USB 3 and USB 2 ports, front and rear.
I have 4 front and 4 rear at the moment (all USB 2 I think) and split one of those in the monitor with dongles for wireless mice(s) and keyboard, plus wired Wacom tablet.

Motherboard: 'Intel' Z170? not sure on manufacturer Asus or Gigabyte, or suffix - I don't need 3D gaming, just start and run LR and PS quicker than now, plus all the usual other things; web, office docs, use of dual tuner DVB-T/T2 TV stick, etc.
Q3: Can I save by downgrading Motherboard? (w/o losing too much)

Drives:
240 - 256 GB SSD for Windows 10 (Home or Pro?), plus things that benefit from fast access; PS, LR and their files
Q4: Is m.2 worth the extra over SATA (if motherboard supports m.2 SSD?)

1 or 2 TB 7200rpm HDD (or pair in RAID1) for other programs, documents, recorded TV programs, etc.
Prefer WD, but if Seagate, 2 in RAID1 array gives some safety against a failure, I guess.
All my image files are currently on external HDD, so they'll just reconnect via USB

Graphics: separate card and here's where I struggle to understand things most, while I want one with a decent memory; 2 GB or more, I am concerned it won't be able to connect to my monitor(s) if I go too high spec. also cost goes crazy.
Some of the cards I have been looking at say they don't support multiple monitors, but I think the on-board graphics of the motherboard does (it certainly has a wide variety of connectors).
NVIDIA seem to be king - their chipset in 80% or more of cards, regardless of manufacturer (ASUS, MSI, GigaByte).

Q5: Can I mix and match monitor connections? e.g. use the separate graphics card for main monitor and on-board graphics for the AOC?
Q6: Also not sure of benefit of Graphics memory and processor to LR or PS, any advice?

To save money, I wasn't intending to buy a new monitor now, just use the 23" Viewsonic VP2365wb (1920 x 1080) plus a little 18.5" AOC 936W as a second monitor (runs at 1366 x 768), these connect via DVI-D and VGA respectively.
If I have to get one - desk width is an issue, the most I could fit would be another 22" or 23" if I had to (i.e. get one with a DisplayPort or HDMI?)
Although, another thought is to turn one sideways, have it permanently portrait orientation, would this work, I assume Win 10 could cope? Anyone else do this?

Optical Drive: either 24x DVD Writer or BluRay - I'm not fussed, it rarely gets used.

Audio: I will use whatever is on motherboard, I don't need much to listen to iTunes or TV on a pair of speakers plus sub-woofer
Not looking for 5.1 or 7.1 and buying more speakers.

UK Supplier:
I'd rather buy a working system with Windows 10 installed, than buy components and risk getting something with hidden compatibility issues.
Currently considering:

Novatech, but Seagate HDD only
Chillblast
QuietPC?

Q7: Any others known with good reputations?

I have a feeling there are some inherent limitations in processor, motherboard, RAM capacity choices.
Q8: How easy is it to administer program/app installs on Win 10 so the ones I need on SSD are put there and the rest aren't, but that their scratchpad workspace is on SSD when necessary?

Thanks in advance for any questions answered, Dave
confuddled and befused

[Cogito]

Dave, I've had nothing but good experiences with Palicomp as a supplier. Just about all of the machines they supply can be upgraded/downgraded by the purchaser. I.e. there is always a choice of how much RAM, how many and how large hard drives etc. etc.
I know this doesn't answer any of your questions but I always reckon the more RAM the better, 2 hard drives are better than one - the first for programs the second for data.
One thing I would suggest is whatever you choose from wherever, upgrade the power supply - those USB ports need feeding......
Have fun!

[Mike Buckley]

Regarding whatever RAM you decide upon, buy a configuration that when added to later on doesn't require you to replace some of your existing RAM modules purely because of how the RAM modules and slots are configured. This requires knowing how your slots and initial purchase of RAM modules are configured.

[pnodrog]

Q8 I would not worry too much about installing software on anything other than your SSD. I just checked my C drive (SSD) and the windows directory is about 35Gb, program files about another 20Gb and program data a further 2Gb. This is on a computer I have not tided up for awhile. I used to install software to specific drives and directories but find it much simpler to just let them install to the defaults. Having them in the standard directories also make any support you may require far simpler for whoever is helping you and backup/recovery mapping easier.

The main thing is to control where the software saves the data files and use of temporary working drive.

P.S. All my default libraries and download directory are mapped to drives other than C.

[Shadowman]

Hi Dave,

It's been awhile since I worked with a tower and the last one owned was a bare-bones kits so I basically installed everything I wanted for a much lower price than off the shelf. At the time I was heavily into gaming so although RAM was a necessity, a powerful video card and processor was of maximum concern. For a sort of custom system such as you are looking at, Dell gave the best service equal to doing-it-yourself. You could almost buy straight from the catalog depending on your particular interests, gaming, office, editing you could still upgrade the main components. I usually research my current software and make sure any new purchases are compatible and then I worry about matching costs with my budget.

[Polar01]

I am going to suggest that you look at the following link, I do not suggest that you purchase from them as they are in the US west coast. However they do make one hell of a system or systems that you will find. What I suggest is you look at their specs.
What they suggest to run Photoshop.

https://www.pugetsystems.com/recomme...-Photoshop-139

Cheers: Allan

[Dave Humphries]

Dave, I've had nothing but good experiences with Palicomp as a supplier.

Thanks Tony,

I have added them to the shortlist and spec.ed a system from them too.

Their Trustpilot feedback is patchy, seems they tend to call you back and try to get you to swap spec. (for whatever they have a surplus of I expect) and buy extended warranty, but if you stick to your guns, you'll get what you asked for at a reasonable price. How was your experience?

Cheers, Dave

[Dave Humphries]

Regarding whatever RAM you decide upon, buy a configuration that when added to later on doesn't require you to replace some of your existing RAM modules purely because of how the RAM modules and slots are configured. This requires knowing how your slots and initial purchase of RAM modules are configured.

Yes, I got caught like that back in the nineties, so I'll ensure a couple of slots are free Mike.

Thanks, Dave

[Dave Humphries]

Q8 I would not worry too much about installing software on anything other than your SSD. I just checked my C drive (SSD) and the windows directory is about 35Gb, program files about another 20Gb and program data a further 2Gb. This is on a computer I have not tided up for awhile. I used to install software to specific drives and directories but find it much simpler to just let them install to the defaults. Having them in the standard directories also make any support you may require far simpler for whoever is helping you and backup/recovery mapping easier.

The main thing is to control where the software saves the data files and use of temporary working drive.

P.S. All my default libraries and download directory are mapped to drives other than C.

Thanks Paul,

Yes, perhaps with cheaper/larger SSDs these days, the need for what I suggested has diminished - good thought, better to start off easy.

Thanks, Dave

[Dave Humphries]

~ For a sort of custom system such as you are looking at, Dell gave the best service equal to doing-it-yourself. You could almost buy straight from the catalog depending on your particular interests, gaming, office, editing you could still upgrade the main components.

Hi John,

Yes, I started with Dell, so they are in the shortlist and I'll price up a system from them too.

Thanks, Dave

[Dave Humphries]

I am going to suggest that you look at the following link, I do not suggest that you purchase from them as they are in the US west coast. However they do make one hell of a system or systems that you will find. What I suggest is you look at their specs.
What they suggest to run Photoshop.

https://www.pugetsystems.com/recomme...-Photoshop-139

Hi Allan,

That was a very useful link, I haven't explored their extending links to Adobe yet either, but their summaries seem to make sense.

Looks like I could save a bit on the Graphics card (2 GB instead of more) and put that money towards 32 GB RAM and perhaps I should allow some over clocking on the processor if the motherboard allows and supplier does that.

Cheers, Dave

[davidedric]

Hi Dave,

I bought my last system from Chillblast, and have been very happy with it. It's well built and has performed flawlessly (at least until one of my RAID pair went on the blink - very glad I opted for RAID).

I also liked that when I was deciding what to order I was able to talk to someone who knew what he was talking about and understood what I was hoping to do.

It's around three years old, but I'll happily pm you the spec. If you are interested.

Dave

[James G]

Hi Dave, I've picked this up a bit late. I have used PC Specialist twice now when I have upgraded my system.

They have a fairly easy to use modular build 'diy' system, which you can use to play around with a custom build, or you can opt for one of their standard builds.

As you mix and match components, it will immediately let you know of any compatability issues, and also costs the build for you. (I tried to cost sourcing components myself and couldn't even come close to their costs... no surprise really)

https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/

They do have people available who are extremely knowledgeable and happy to advise if you want to check anything out.

My current system is two years old and after upgrading a monitor last year I went back to them to upgrade my graphics card for 10bit Display Port support. Contrary to my expectations they advised not using a particular card (expensive!) since I'm not a gamer. I ended up with a considerably cheaper 6gb Nvidia card which has performed brilliantly supporting 3 screens.

[Cogito]

How was your experience?
Cheers, Dave

Very good. I bought a system which has only gone wrong once but a call to their help centre put it right. I think if anything serious happens, they will arrange pickup and return, which is good news. I'll just repeat my final comment in my first post. Get the biggest power supply they offer.....
Best, Tony

[Dave Humphries]

Hi Dave,

I have always existed on single OS+documents HDD and so far (touch wood, cross fingers) have been lucky, but I guess it's only a matter of time, so another consideration this time round is whether to go RAID with HDD (documents, downloads, media), SSD (OS, progs and app data) or both. Thoughts anyone?

That will obviously be quite a financial burden though (and I was looking to spend for performance)

I bought my last system from Chillblast, and have been very happy with it. It's well built and has performed flawlessly (at least until one of my RAID pair went on the blink - very glad I opted for RAID).

Could I ask the brand of drive that failed?
e.g. Seagate, Western Digital, Samsung, etc.

... and whether it was HDD or SSD, I assume the former, but might be wrong!

Also, first hand; how did this manifest and how did you 'recover' the situation.
Is it as simple as fitting a replacement drive and the rest automatically 'restores' itself?


RAID 10 for SSD, with 4 say; 256 GB drives, giving better capacity (just under 500GB) and full duplication, seems an interesting concept. (as smaller drives are cheaper)
Or perhaps this just adds complexity for OS installation or recovery?

It occurs to me that the OS 'drive' is the one you/I really need RAID on, a simple HDD on which 'document' files (of all types) are kept on is more easily/cheaply backed up by other means, as files are dated and incremental back ups can be done. (That's not to say they are anywhere near as often as they should be.

I assume you went RAID1 (mirrored)?

Cheers, Dave

[Dave Humphries]

Hi Dave, I've picked this up a bit late.

Not really late James; you were within 24 hours of my posting and it has taken me as long to reply

I have used PC Specialist twice now when I have upgraded my system.

They have a fairly easy to use modular build 'diy' system, which you can use to play around with a custom build, or you can opt for one of their standard builds.

Thanks for that link, I have been to their website and am adding them to the shortlist.

My current system is two years old and after upgrading a monitor last year I went back to them to upgrade my graphics card for 10bit Display Port support. Contrary to my expectations they advised not using a particular card (expensive!) since I'm not a gamer. I ended up with a considerably cheaper 6gb Nvidia card which has performed brilliantly supporting 3 screens.

Can I be nosey and ask which card?
And what connections used to your monitors?

The NVIDIA GTX1060 seems fairly ubiquitous at the moment in these level systems (i.e. non gaming), but IIRC it is DVI, HDMI and DP, so my little VGA monitor won't be able to connect. That may steer me to a lower spec card now and have to do what you have if I find the need (and funds) for a better monitor in future.

TIA, Dave

[tao2]

Hi Dave,

The NVIDIA GTX1060 seems fairly ubiquitous at the moment in these level systems (i.e. non gaming), but IIRC it is DVI, HDMI and DP, so my little VGA monitor won't be able to connect. That may steer me to a lower spec card now and have to do what you have if I find the need (and funds) for a better monitor in future.

Yes, ye can connect a VGA tae a DVI socket. Adapters are only a couple of ££s. In fact ye probably have a connector in that wee box of stuff that ye keep meaning tae throw out...

PS ah'll try and get back tae ye on the other stuff...busy right now.

[Dave Humphries]

Yes, ye can connect a VGA tae a DVI socket. Adapters are only a couple of ££s. In fact ye probably have a connector in that wee box of stuff that ye keep meaning tae throw out...

Hi Boab,

Problem is I need the (one) DVI socket (on NVIDIA) for my main monitor at the moment (it only has VGA and DVI).

Thanks for the info though, never know when it might be useful - e.g. if I end up with a card with no VGA, but 2 x DVI.

I'll have a rummage in that box

Cheers, Dave

[tao2]

Hi Dave,

on second thoughts...a VGA monitor, in 2017 ? (nearly). Ah'd buy a used, up to date monitor with HDMI, DVI and Display Port as my secondary monitor. Give the VGA tae the local drop-in centre/church/convent or charity shop...

[billtils]

Hi,

RAM: 16 GB, or 32 GB ideally, DDR4 at 2133 or faster


240 - 256 GB SSD for Windows 10 (Home or Pro?), plus things that benefit from fast access; PS, LR and their files
Q4: Is m.2 worth the extra over SATA (if motherboard supports m.2 SSD?)

1 or 2 TB 7200rpm HDD (or pair in RAID1) for other programs, documents, recorded TV programs, etc.

Dave

I'm a Mac guy so can't help with your machine/OS specific questions but, FWIW, my experience in tweaking/upgrading several generations of Macs is that the old saying "you can never have too much RAM" is good advice, and after moving to all-SSD I'd never go back to HDD.