PC specs in a design workplace...

[calgonix]

Hello,

I know I'm going to get some flack for this, so first of all let me say this is not my choice or decision. It is just how the company is deciding to go. I'm just one of the flunkies that is being asked on how we can offer suggestions to move along easily.

We have been a Mac based department of a larger corporate entity for several years now (currently running OS X 10.4 on G5's). It has come to the time that pressure is to much and we are being pushed in the way of a PC based workflow. I'm used to working on PC's, so I have a basic handle on what to tell them to get, but I'm a little behind on some specs and have a lot of rumors as to what SHOULD be gotten. We are getting rid of around 8 G5's and moving to:
- 3.3 Ghz PCs. That is the low limit on what we've been told on the CPU. I don't know if they are dual core, but I assume it is. Intel Xeon chip I THINK, but I do not remember.
- 1 Gig of RAM to start with (this I'm going to force to get bumped up, especially if Vista is involved).
- Unknown OS, but I'm fearing Vista due to the other new corporate computers I've heard of.
- 20.1" IBM flat screen (not widescreen, but I'm pushing for 22" widescreens).
- No video card info., etc.

These will be running Quark 7.3, CS2 (maybe CS3 soon), Fireworks, Flash and so on. We do print and web design both. Since they are pushing this, I want to make it worthwhile, but not skimp at the same time since the designers are irritated already. So hit me with your current PC situations in the workplace, ideas to what to watch for, and what YOU would prefer if you were forced into a situation like this.

Thanks!

[PrintDriver]

Firstly, More Ram. Creative Suite is a ram hog. On top of Vista?

[hewligan]

I second that. Even with XP and CS2, 1 Gig of Ram is a bit on the slow side. Vista and CS3? That's not even near enough.

To be honest, I wouldn't even worry about the processor or graphics card. Dual-core would be nice to have, but other than that, pretty much any modern processor or graphics card is plenty up to the task.

But you need more RAM.

[CkretAjint]

I run 2 gigs of RAM at work and find it isn't enough sometimes....

[jonfisher]

I run a 2.8Ghz Intel Extreme Core 2 Quad-Core with 4GBs of RAM and an NVidia Quatro FX 3500. I'm running XP Pro and CS3. I can still choke the system when bouncing between apps.

[furiouSPEED]

I still can't figure out this sort of problem, working in better spec of pc is helpful, although sometimes it is still disappointment when having to work with thousands of points and nodes.

On the other hand I found my mouse unexpectedly move extremely fast, although both the double click and motion speed were set at their slowest.

[hewligan]

Originally Posted by jonfisher

I run a 2.8Ghz Intel Extreme Core 2 Quad-Core with 4GBs of RAM and an NVidia Quatro FX 3500. I'm running XP Pro and CS3. I can still choke the system when bouncing between apps.

Well, that's a RAM issue. And, unfortunately, you can't have any more, since XP Pro only supports 3.6 GB.

[mkb.aus]

It depends what sort of design ur doing but ram is the most important ingredient allowing you to run more programs switch between files as needed. If you're doing a lot of image editing or rendering you'll need a faster cpu and processor. We run both mac and pcs here, the Macs have been upgraded to quad core xeon mac pros while the pcs range from 2.3ghz dual2cores up to a couple of dual core xeons.

[calgonix]

I'm definately getting the RAM bumped up (like I stated earlier). For that I just have to research the maximum for Vista and the platform we are going to be using. I'm going to ask for the max allowed by my bosses and see what they give me. The PC is listed as being an IBM M57P Small Form Factor PC, so I'm sure it is also limited on space.

Like I said, we do web and print design (basic Flash and XML web work, printed pieces ranging from simple ads and letterfold brochures to POP style pieces and booths). We finally have our own dedicated server for our department, but this seems like the price we are going to have to pay. I imagine a dual core should be good at those specs, but I want something to last and not end up being a dog in 1-2 years.

My familiarity is with XP (both regular and Pro), but Vista I don't have much of a clue about except that it is a RAM hog. I'm thinking 6-8 Gigs of RAM might be OK with CS2, but like I said I don't know the limits of Vista or the platform.

Thanks for all of your help!

[calgonix]

Double post, sorry!