Optimizing this build for high-end graphics

[peachyco]

Hiya, guys! Just new to the forums and I'm hoping you can help me out with this.

I've just passed a local PC assembly course, but what I got there was just the basics, like where I put things, modify the BIOS, and load the OS. Now, I want to optimize my desktop PC for medium-duty graphics work. I'm working mainly with the Adobe Creative Suite 3 and 3D-MAX. As I'm really a noob at this, I might be needing help, especially since over here at Dubai, you often run into language gap problems with the vendor.

Here's my config:
Intel 946GZIS motherboard
Intel P4 Processor 541+ (3.2 GHz, 800 MHz FSB, 1MB L2 Cache)
512MB DDR2 generic memory module
Seagate 160GB SATA HDD
LG 18x DVD Writer

Currently, the PC is running with a Windows XP Service Pack 2 (previously had a Windows 2000 and had problems with installing all the motherboard components). I want to optimize the build for work with graphics, and maybe some high-end computer games that require LOTS of graphics rendering.

Thanks a lot in advance!

[minsonngo]

You will definately need more memory. 1GB minimum... 2GB is better.

A PCI-E video card will also be a very necessary upgrade.

Upgrading the processor to a Core 2 Duo would be good move also if you have the funds. Your board does support it. See here for all processors supported by your board: http://www.intel.com/design/motherbd/is/is_proc.htm

[peachyco]

Thanks for the link. Really helps!

Umm, can you suggest a specific brand/model for the graphics card? Likewise, I'm a bit confused between a graphics card an a graphics accelerator. What should I get?

[minsonngo]

I'm going to leave that to some of the other guys on this board. I'm not a video card man myself... so I can't really recommend the very best card for high-end graphics work.

[Darth Revan]

If you want Nvidia look at EVGA, If you want ATI I have never had a problem with sapphire or ATI themselves.
Nvidia has the 8800 series out which I have there are some minor driver and game issues, especially withthe source engine so the 7xxx series from nvidia. For ATI i think the placeholder cards while we wait for the 600 chip is the 1xxx series.

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by peachyco Now, I want to optimize my desktop PC for medium-duty graphics work. I want to optimize the build for work with graphics, and maybe some high-end computer games that require LOTS of graphics rendering.

How much are you looking to spend?

What video card are you using now? Are you using the on-board graphics?

For what you want to do you could keep your present processor but that motherboard does support C2D processors with the proper BIOS update.

You'll want to increase your RAM as minsonngo mentioned.

Cricket

[peachyco]

Immediately, I can spend roughly $400 to upgrade my system, although I may have another $500 over the next couple of months. As of the moment, I'm stumped on what I should upgrade first. I was thinking raise the RAM to 2GB first (especially since it is the easiest to do), then get the graphics card/accelerator (I'm also still stumped on the brand and model), then swap the processor last (as it is the costliest, I presume).

And yeah, I'm currently using the on-board goodies of the motherboard. It sorta sucks actually, with my Adobe PS work area turning blank white for a few counts whenever I do some editing in rapid succession.

[flanzig1]

For your photo editing and gaming needs, would start at least with an Nvidia 7600GS or ATI X1650Pro. With adding a new video card, you need to check that the PSU will handle the extra load. The ones I mentioned need at least 350w and if you go to the Nvidia 7900 or ATI X1950 series of cards, then looking at 400w or more.

[minsonngo]

Since you have about a $400 budget.

I would get at least 1 GB of memory added to your current system.

The rest I would invest in a good video card. A standalone video card will give you a lot better performance than the onboard with. Plus... NOT using the onboard should free up some of your system memory also.

[peachyco]

Thanks a lot for the fast replies, guys.

So, basically, my gameplan now is:
1. Pump the RAM up to 1GB (2GB if possible)
2. Save money.
3. Save more money.
4. Buy meself an Nvidia 7xxx or ATI X1xxx video card (easy to find here).
5. Save money.
6. Save more money.
7. Save even more money.
8. Grab an Intel Core2 Duo Processor (2.66 MHz) or whatever is better at that point in the future.

Whew! That's not so tough.

[LeftyAce]

For 400 you should be able to do the ram and the video card right now...
$ 100 for ram: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145098

and for a 7 series video card, $220 (200 after mail in rebate):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130061

What PSU do you have? need to make sure it can handle the upgraded video card...

[peachyco]

Originally Posted by LeftyAce What PSU do you have? need to make sure it can handle the upgraded video card...

That's just the thing. I'm not sure what I have right now. It came along with this ATX Rainbow casing. If I'm to inspect it closer, what info/labels should I look out for? Please be as specific as possible, as I am a *real* noob in these things.

[minsonngo]

Look for the brand and model number. Most of them should have it printed on the label.

[peachyco]

I've checked it out. It's a Rainbow 400WP4 switching power supply. Label indicates that it's designed for the Pentium 4 and its maximum output is 400W.

That should do it, right?

[doubledragon5]

I never heard of Rainbow, but my suggestion would be to pick one from this guide.. The ones listed under good.. The bold ones are some of the best.. If you use a low grade psu and it can't handle your system and goes, it can take out your whole system, which means you will be spending more money to replace what was damaged..

http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=131195

[peachyco]

Originally Posted by doubledragon5 I never heard of Rainbow, but my suggestion would be to pick one from this guide.. The ones listed under good.. The bold ones are some of the best.. If you use a low grade psu and it can't handle your system and goes, it can take out your whole system, which means you will be spending more money to replace what was damaged.. http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=131195

Hey, thanks for the tip.