Desktops: Assistance in Choosing my Video/Graphics Card
Assistance in Choosing my Video/Graphics Card
by Gail_C - 4/6/09 7:58 AMI'm hoping one or more of my favorite CNET gurus can help me (Mr. Proffitt, are you here?). I have to preface this with the fact that I know very little about computer components, so I have to rely on purchasing a desktop that's already built for me.
My question will be which video/graphics card to choose.
I do a great deal of photo editing from raw images, do graphics design, and would like to watch a Blu-ray movie or two if I find the time. I don't do any gaming.
I read the information available here and on TomsHardware, but I really didn't understand what I was reading. One of my concerns is noise, the other is heat, both inside the unit and emanating from it.
Right now, today only (4/6/09) with my discounts, for just under $1,200 I can grab a Dell XPS desktop with:
Core i7-920 (8MB L2 Cache 2.66GHz)
6GB Tri-Channel DDR3 SDRAM at 1066MMz -6 DIMMs
750GB - 7200RPM, SATA 3.0Gb/s, 16MB Cache
Single Drive: BD Combo (Writes to DVD/CD)
ATI Radeon HD 4670 512 MB
or
ATI Radeon HD 4850 512 MB (+ $100)
Soundblaster X-Fi Hi Def Audio
Dell 1505 WLAN PCIe card with 11n mini-Card & external antenna
19 in 1 Media Reader with Bluetooth
Dell Speakers/Subwoofer (doesn't matter which, I always use earphones)
Keyboard & Mouse
Vista 64-bit, various other software & 3Yr warranty
Although I've always had Samsung monitors, I'll most likely get the Dell SP2309W for now. ($$$) I believe anything larger would just overwhelm me.
I only have a choice between the two graphics/video cards above. Which one should I choose to include with this setup?
Thank you for your time.
Gail
"photo editing" should be zero gains.
by R. Proffitt
- 4/6/09 8:19 AM
In reply to: Assistance in Choosing my Video/Graphics Card by Gail_C
As to the blue ray playback I own a simpler HD 3000 series under 99 bucks and it seems to be enough for BR play.
Both are good choices but unless there is gaming involved I'd go cheaper.
As to heat, ask them about Watts being used during BR play.
Bob
Video / Graphics Card
by Gail_C - 4/6/09 8:42 AM In reply to: "photo editing" should be zero gains. by R. Proffitt
Thank you for your reply, Mr. Proffitt. I greatly appreciate it.
I'll ask about the watts used for watching Blu-ray.
If there's a big difference, I'll post it here. Otherwise, I'll definitely choose the 4670, and save some money.
Thank you, again.
Gail
stick with the 4670
by ramarc - 4/6/09 2:39 PM In reply to: Assistance in Choosing my Video/Graphics Card by Gail_Cthe hd 4870 is only better for gaming... for bluray acceleration the hd 4650 will provide identical functionality.
I understand
by Gail_C - 4/6/09 6:57 PM In reply to: stick with the 4670 by ramarcThank you, Ramarc. That's exactly what I did.
Gail
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