Computer build for around $1000

[gl25]

My friend is interested in buying a pre-built computer. Might order it from mwave,monarch, or pc club. He is a photographer so his main application will be Photoshop. His budget is around $1000. He doesn't need a monitor,speakers,or the mouse or keyboard. Not interested in overclocking.

Can he get by with a cheaper video card since he is mainly using it for 2d applications?

What processor is more appropriate for his use; AMD or Intel?

What would be a good motherboard?

Any other suggestions?

 

[MarioBros]

AMD, definitly
I would go wit an ASUS mobo

 

[gl25]

Thanks, how cheap of a video card do you think he can get without sacrficing performance?

 

[PascalT]

I wouldn't go with an asus mobo.. Asus is expensive and doesn't cater to his needs. Try something less expensive. I'd go with an nforce 3 board and an amd64 754 2800+.

Vid card: if he's only gonna do photoshop he can get by with an older ATI Card. personally i've had a gf3 in my comp for years and it has been fine. ATI has better 2d image quality tho.

 

[AVP]

hey you can get this for 1000 shipped. Not a bad deal but only 512mb memory
http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merchant...n=PROD&Store_Code=M&Product_Code=80302

 

[imNAKED]

I would go Intel since his main application is Photoshop.

 

[Showtime]

Just tell him to grab one of the Dell deals that pops up each month. He should be able to get a decent computer with kb/mouse for around $600. If he's not going to OC and doesn't play games, he'll be fine with a dell.

-show

 

[Gooberlx2]

Originally posted by: Showtime
Just tell him to grab one of the Dell deals that pops up each month. He should be able to get a decent computer with kb/mouse for around $600. If he's not going to OC and doesn't play games, he'll be fine with a dell.

-show

I'll agree with this. He should check out Dell's Outlet, especially with that 15% coupon right now.

 

[classy]

Originally posted by: PascalT
I wouldn't go with an asus mobo.. Asus is expensive and doesn't cater to his needs. Try something less expensive. I'd go with an nforce 3 board and an amd64 754 2800+.

Vid card: if he's only gonna do photoshop he can get by with an older ATI Card. personally i've had a gf3 in my comp for years and it has been fine. ATI has better 2d image quality tho.

754? No way, no how, would I suggest a person looking to spend 1000 dollars, build on a 754 platform. AMD with a 939 platform is what you should looking at.

 

[classy]

Seeing as that Photoshop is his main objective, even though Intel might have a small advantage, I would still suggest AMD. The 939 has got plenty of mileage left in it. Dual Cores will be available for it and the N4 boards look like real keepers. Spend his money wisely. Get yourself a good board and maybe start out with a 3000+ A64. This will not only satisfy his needs today, but 14-18 months down the road will provide him with a cheap upgrade path.

 

[AVP]

whoa sorry i thought it saved the setup i made with that link...anyways, a monarch furia system wtih a 9600pro will work great for waht your doing i think.

 

[gl25]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the help.