Got a question.

I've never had to purchase/build a computer with the sole purpose of graphic design (heavy photoshop, web design, etc), so I'm not sure the best specs to look for when searching for one.

High RAM is obviously a plus (due to resource hogs), I would guess trying to stick with XP, large HD for storage of the large graphic files...but what else?

It's for a co-worker at my office, and management is requiring it be a Gateway Windows PC.

Any tips on what to look for?

1/3/2008 8:31:40 AM

Faster HD's sound like a good thing.. look into some raptors in a raid setup.

1/3/2008 8:46:56 AM

Quote :

"management is requiring it be a Gateway"

1/3/2008 8:57:53 AM

Yea, that's possibly the most retarded thing I've read this year.

1/3/2008 9:03:54 AM

I agree, don't get me started

every PC and monitor they have in here is a Gateway

They must have some type of deal i'm not aware of

1/3/2008 9:47:23 AM

Fastest processor you can afford, I would go with a quad core over dual core. Fast ram and a lot of it and I would also use a 64bit OS now that PS is a 64 bit compliant application. I would run one or two raptor 10k drives for your OS, programs and projects in progress, but use regular 7200 drives for storage. Running 3 drives in raid 5 would be best, but getting two drives mirrored would work fine too.

Graphics card isn't as important for PS work, but will help you out to have a dedicated card for dual DVI output. Just be aware that if you do go with 64bit OS, you need to make sure you have drivers for all your hardware. If you buy from gateway, they should be straight about that. But sounds stupid to just go through gateway.

1/3/2008 10:01:38 AM

My boss used to actually be like that. It was more because he wanted everything to look the same than anything else... I've finally talked him into other brands and even a macbook pro for me, so progress is being made

1/3/2008 10:06:09 AM

get a cintiq

1/3/2008 10:17:11 AM