New PC.

[SillyOldDufferModerator @sillyoldduffer]

When it comes to buying computers I represent an entirely different school of thought. I buy 'ordinary' machines, usually last years 'best buy'. I do this because last year's model will be cheaper, often considerably cheaper than this year's, just slower. I run all the 'ordinary' applications: browser, spreadsheet, word processor etc. I have some 'high-end' applications like CAD, compiling, and photo-processing, and they all work fine. It would be 'nice' if they went a bit faster, but I've saved money by not insisting on it. Having said that, I have upgraded all my machines with an SSD: these make a worthwhile difference.

Raymond's specification looks very much like a Games machine. That is one with the brute performance necessary for smooth delivery of 3D animation, typically across three big high-definition screens. Gaming is one of the most demanding applications you can put on a computer, and the latest and best hardware is expensive. Paying for that performance if you don't play games is questionable value for money.

Would I buy a machine like that? Certainly would if I won the lottery. Otherwise, I'm happy with what I've got. For similar reasons I drive an old 2 door eco Corsa to Tesco's rather than the new red sports car my heart craves!

Dave

[Raymond AndersonParticipant @raymondanderson34407]

Hi Dave, so what you are saying is that is overkill for my needs
I always thought that Blu Ray ( not so much the cad) needed plenty of muscle and I would like a little in reseeve. I Have no interest in using it for gamws as im not into that at all.
So I could downgrade a little? I will easily downgrade as long as im not short of muscle. I am well and trully a thicko when it comes computers.

[Swarf MakerParticipant @swarfmaker85383]

It would be a good idea to try and understand what resources your current computer is using when running your application software. The 'resource monitor' will give you a first stab at looking at CPU and memory usage and disk transfer activity/rates.

Certain applications can share the processing load between the CPU and the GPU. Some older applications struggle to use the advantages of multi-core CPUs.

Making a sound economic vs performance decision is not easy. You would be wise to look for forums on the internet that may have something to say regarding the needs/performance of your specific applications.

[Raymond AndersonParticipant @raymondanderson34407]

Hi Swarf Maker, I have done just that, and joined the PC Specialist forum.

cheers

[Raymond AndersonParticipant @raymondanderson34407]

After checking out PC Specialist [ great reviews ] and actually speaking to a lad that uses them Thats who I went with. Ordered it today and should be delivered tail end of next week. Went with the following specs' [Changed a few specs on recommendations ] actually downgraded a wee bit with the Graphics card and CPU.

Processor (CPU)Intel® Core™i7 Eight core Processor i7-6900K 3.3 GHz 20 MB.
MotherboardASUS® RAMPAGE V EDITION 10: E-ATX, USB 3.1, SATA 6 GB/s, RGB Ready
Memory (RAM)64GB HyperX PREDATOR QUAD-DDR4 3000MHz X.M.P (4 x 16GB)
Graphics Card8GB NVIDIA GEFORCE GTX 1080 – DVI, HDMI, 3x DP – GeForce GTX VR Ready!
1st Hard Disk500GB Samsung 850 EVO 2.5" SSD, SATA 6Gb/s (upto 540MB/sR | 520MB/sW)
2nd Hard Disk1TB WD BLACK 3.5" WD1003FZEX, SATA 6 Gb/s, 64MB CACHE (7200rpm) Might be a wee bit overpowered for my needs, but I prefer to be over rather than under . So this should take care of anything I do. now or in the future. Next will come the task of upgrading / installing all me software. to Windows 10.

cheers

[SillyOldDufferModerator @sillyoldduffer]

Posted by Raymond Anderson on 02/01/2017 10:57:09:
Hi Dave, so what you are saying is that is overkill for my needs

…

Hi Raymond, only just seen your post.

Yes I was suggesting overkill. I see you've ordered something else, also with decent poke. I'd be delighted to own one, so enjoy it!

On the subject of having two screens, (or one big one!), this is a surprisingly useful arrangement for 'ordinary' work if you have the space and spare cash. For example, you can have an application running on one with a browser displaying the instructions on the other and are able to read both. A single small screen means one of the applications will be underneath the other, forcing you to flip between them.

Dave

[Raymond AndersonParticipant @raymondanderson34407]

Hi Dave, I never thought about 2 before. I could see the benifits. Probably be a bit pushed for space where the new Pc is going. I am using an older NEC lcd monitor 18 inch It is fine and reliable, but I think I would have the space for a new 22in maybe 24 at a push. I will certainly get a new one later but will probably have to stick with 1 only.
cheers

[MuzzerParticipant @muzzer]

Just be aware that some CAD systems only make use of one core. We bought a really top-end workstation with 2 Xenon processors and buckets of RAM a couple of years ago, only to find that Solidworks would only use one of the many cores. That was bought specifically for running the CFD simulation part of SW which is very computationally demanding. However, you can't buy a single core processor with any power to speak of these days as far as I know, so it's a moot point. If you want lots of GHz, you get several cores.

I'm a dual display convert too. Or triple if you include the laptop display. I like CAD in one display and the other stuff accessible on another screen without having to switch applications. Some CAD will extend across multiple displays but that doesn't work for me.

One bugbear that only applies to laptops is the increasing use of USB-C as an expansion port instead of a pukka docking port. When you get two 4K UHD monitors connected up, the things stutter and cut out.

Murray

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