Advice on pc and monitor upgrade

Stuart Philpott

Stuart Philpott

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Stu
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Guys I'm looking for a monitor probably 27 inch that supports adobe and sRGB colour spaces possibly the del ultrasharp UP2716D and maybe a dell PC to go with it.

I know little about all this technology,but do have a son whom can build if needed. I'd really like to advice from photographers though.Budget for monitor around £500 not really sure. if I need 4K do I? I don't game this is very much tools for photo editing and visiting the web,don't stream films or much else really.

Basically I am after good tools that will allow me to get the best from my images . Not really sure on budget for PC but goal is costs as low as possible ,while still giving me tools that will perform.

Thanks for any thoughts help or wisdom

Stu
 
Ay up Stu, you're going to get loads of varying opinions as there is so much good gear around nowadays.

Knowing what you're after id consider one of 2 monitors around your budget. First choice would be a benq SW2700PT. that can be had for around £580. Secondly I'd go for the dell model you mention. If you have the space available I'd be tempted to get a second cheap monitor as well just for the tool palettes in photoshop.

Whatever you go for a colour profiler is a must.

Computer wise look for a desktop that has an intel i5 processor and can take 16gb of ram. Again there are numerous options but those are the basic specs I'd suggest.

You can go higher spec, but I use my setup for similar stuff to yourself, and my gear is far from the top of the range but does me fine.

I have a Mac mini which people often turn their noses up at but works for me. Together with a dell 24" monitor, 2nd older monitor and an x-rite i1 profiler it all came in at just over £1000, so IMHO you don't need to go to ridiculous cost for a good setup for amateur use. A similar windows pc setup would be a similar cost.

Mike
 
One thing that many high end ready-built systems assume is that you are going to be playing games and for that purpose are specced with high end graphics cards supporting 3D rendering and acceleration.
This type of graphics card can often cost £300-£400 and are unecessary for Photoshop use.
As long as it supports Open CL acceleration, you don't need a particularly powerful graphics card to run Photoshop.
There is a detailed outline of graphics card requirements for Photoshop here: https://forums.adobe.com/thread/979969

For a self-build, I went with an Intel i7 processor, which does not cost much more than an i5.
There are a lot of variations of both i5 and i7 processors, so make sure you understand what you are getting.
Have at least 8GB RAM available and obviously you'll be using a 64-bit OS.
 
Lads,thanks for the replies and merry chrimbo,just brief in words but not thanks this reply, I'm rushing :need to get out chasing Kez:D (fink i'm winning Mike)

Oliver I guess a grand would be nice but might not be doable,frankly cheeper better. I know I need tools for a job to function at a certain level,but the spec in real terms and cost i'm so unsure on I omitted PC budget deliberately.Just digging really to see what came back?

Mike, how doing me old mucker:) second monitor might not be feasable,but point noted won't involve cost either it's the space thang. I've found I can get the dell alot cheeper than the BenQ mate pretty sure i'm going there now both have been mused,it's tight the ben seems to come out slightly on top,but the price for me is crucial.

Brian yes why I mentioned I don't game: I know there is a relevence ,cheers for the link, it's something I hoped might arise.


thanks lads really grateful

Stu
 
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