Hardware advice - what to get?

[jdeeesign]

I'm in dire need of an upgrade on my computer at work, and have asked for it, but get little response. I'm running a PC, P4, 1.7 GHz, 512 RAM, and am always running Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign... a lot of the time, I have all 3 open at once.

I know I need more RAM, but is there anything else that yall would suggest? I have been working in very large Photoshop files recently (over 200MB and over 100 layers high res) and my machine is getting really bogged down. Is upgrading to 1.5 Gig of RAM going to help it out, or is processor speed a big part of it also?

Thanks for the help...

[Patrick Shannon]

Yes, I think you'll definitely see a difference when it comes to RAM, more the better. Keep in mind that if you're working with images that big, there will be some lag of some sort to be expected.

Short of replacing the processor/motherboard, a faster hard drive could help if you're not already using one (like 7200RPM). I don't know exactly how "dramatic" the difference would be, though...RAM would be the first priority.

[D-Frag]

yeah you don't have alot of memory, you should have at least a gig if your working on files that large. Also I would recommend setting up virtual memory if you have enough space on your hard drive, just remember that after every job you basically have to dfragment your computer again, this will clean up the gaps that PS uses for virtual memory. You could try maxing out your processor on that motherboard, im sure you could get it up to 2 gigs, but I don't think it will make much of a difference.

[jdeeesign]

thanks.. i'll definitely push to get some more RAM. I'm not sure how to check the speed of my hard drive.. how do I do that?

[Patrick Shannon]

One way should be the label on the top of the hard drive, it should say something of the sort....I'm willing to bet it's 5400rpm already, but then maybe you already have 7200rpm.

It's really laptops that tend to have a slower drive speed.

[JoeJoe]

What brand of PC do you have? One way to check is to open the case and look at the hard drive. It should tell you the speed. If it's a Dell, I believe you can go to their site and enter the Service Tag and you can find all kinds of info about the system. If you plan to open the case, make sure the power is off and unplug the power cable to prevent a power shock. Also, be careful not to disconnect any cables inside the case unless you know what you are doing.

Joe

[jdeeesign]

it's a Dell Precision 340. I went online and put in the service tag and couldn't find it. Next time I shut off my computer, I'll open it up real quick and check. I've been asking for more RAM for a WHILE now, and they keep putting it off. Grrrr