Newbie needs advise on new PC

rmitchell · 10-21-2008, 02:56 PM

Hello everyone -

We are starting a new elearning program that will incorporate video & audio elements, and possibly virtual environments and avatars eventually...

My boss has agreed to purchase a new PC for me to begin this development project. What should it have to function quickly and effeciently when downloading, uploading, streaming, and editing video & audio elements?

Operating System & bit size:
Hard Drive Capacity:
Memory Capacity:
Monitor specs & size:
Anything else I'm forgetting?

Thanks for your advise!

**dm01** · 10-21-2008, 04:33 PM

Hmm, you probably want Windows XP (if available) or Windows Vista. You will want x86 (32 bits), because there are not many applications available for 64-bit operating systems.

Memory Capacity: As much as you think you will need, these projects can run large. It would be best to get at least the same again in external hard drives, in case of catastrophe.

Monitors: at least 19". Not everyone has the glorious 21-50" monitors yet, so test on even smaller monitor sizes if you can to make sure the program still looks good. You may be able to connect more than one monitor to the machine depending on your configuration and your graphics card. Resolution isn't a big concern unless you are incorporating a complex 3-D world with your new software.

Your biggest concern will be the raw processing power if you're going to be moving more than one large file around at a time. For this, I would go for at least a dual-core processor, maybe a quad-core if your boss is generous.

Decent sound and graphics cards. These days, everyone wants top-notch graphics and surround sound. If your application does not have these, people won't buy it. Fine, I may be exaggerating a little, but sound and graphics are a good area to spend time on.

Mainboard: speed is your primary consideration here. Since you are using Windows, Intel or AMD would be good choices.

Power Supply: enough juice to power your rig and then some, but not too much power or you will fry your precious mainboard. If you are getting your rig pre-built from a decent supplier this will be figured out for you.

RAM: For moving and working with more than one large file, 2-3GB should suffice, maybe 4 if you start having problems. Adding a RAM stick to a desktop is fairly simple.

That's all I can think of for now. If you have any more questions just ask.

**jamiemac2005** · 10-24-2008, 12:24 PM

I definately second what dm01 has suggested, if you could find a Dual/Quad-Core machine that ships with XP you'd definately be on to a winner(Putting XP on your comp isn't too hard a task though). What sort of budget are you looking at?

What do you expect to use software-wise? (definately consider this if you think of using Vista, compatibility issues are an effort and Vista does tend to use a lot of system resources just running).

Cheers,
Jamey

10-21-2008, 02:56 PM	#1 (permalink)
rmitchell Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 2 OS: XP 2002 SP3	Newbie needs advise on new PC Hello everyone - We are starting a new elearning program that will incorporate video & audio elements, and possibly virtual environments and avatars eventually... My boss has agreed to purchase a new PC for me to begin this development project. What should it have to function quickly and effeciently when downloading, uploading, streaming, and editing video & audio elements? Operating System & bit size: Hard Drive Capacity: Memory Capacity: Monitor specs & size: Anything else I'm forgetting? Thanks for your advise!

10-21-2008, 04:33 PM	#2 (permalink)
dm01 Moderator: Design Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Richmond, B.C.; Canada Posts: 1,463 OS: Windows XP [Version 5.1.2600] SP3 \| Ubuntu Jaunty Jackalope \| Windows 7 Ultimate (MSDNAA I <3 you) My System	Re: Newbie needs advise on new PC Hmm, you probably want Windows XP (if available) or Windows Vista. You will want x86 (32 bits), because there are not many applications available for 64-bit operating systems. Memory Capacity: As much as you think you will need, these projects can run large. It would be best to get at least the same again in external hard drives, in case of catastrophe. Monitors: at least 19". Not everyone has the glorious 21-50" monitors yet, so test on even smaller monitor sizes if you can to make sure the program still looks good. You may be able to connect more than one monitor to the machine depending on your configuration and your graphics card. Resolution isn't a big concern unless you are incorporating a complex 3-D world with your new software. Your biggest concern will be the raw processing power if you're going to be moving more than one large file around at a time. For this, I would go for at least a dual-core processor, maybe a quad-core if your boss is generous. Decent sound and graphics cards. These days, everyone wants top-notch graphics and surround sound. If your application does not have these, people won't buy it. Fine, I may be exaggerating a little, but sound and graphics are a good area to spend time on. Mainboard: speed is your primary consideration here. Since you are using Windows, Intel or AMD would be good choices. Power Supply: enough juice to power your rig and then some, but not too much power or you will fry your precious mainboard. If you are getting your rig pre-built from a decent supplier this will be figured out for you. RAM: For moving and working with more than one large file, 2-3GB should suffice, maybe 4 if you start having problems. Adding a RAM stick to a desktop is fairly simple. That's all I can think of for now. If you have any more questions just ask. __________________ Validate your Markup Validate your CSS Notepad++ Please use [html], [php], and [code] when posting code or markup. I do not help by Private Message or e-mail. If for some reason I have over-looked a reply to a thread that I have previously replied to, then send me a message.

10-24-2008, 12:24 PM	#3 (permalink)
jamiemac2005 Design Team Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Coventry, UK Posts: 1,886 OS: Vista, various linux distros	Re: Newbie needs advise on new PC I definately second what dm01 has suggested, if you could find a Dual/Quad-Core machine that ships with XP you'd definately be on to a winner(Putting XP on your comp isn't too hard a task though). What sort of budget are you looking at? What do you expect to use software-wise? (definately consider this if you think of using Vista, compatibility issues are an effort and Vista does tend to use a lot of system resources just running). Cheers, Jamey __________________ Myspace