New computer needed

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Forgetmeknot

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Hi im wanting to get a new computer as since I've installed photoshop cs6 its running so slow. I was advised a MAC would be better??
I wasn't sure if there was any inparticular that's specially designed for photographers that has a calibrated screen included or if this is something id have to get separetly? Not really sure what i need to be looking for when getting one. Someone said it needs a good graphics card whilst others said make sure its got more processors??

Thanks.
 
what is your current computer? might just need an upgrade on memory capacity.

for a new computer, Mac wouldn't be better, you don't need a good graphics card, you will want fast processor and more memory. if portability isn't needed, get a desktop because it's cheaper and faster, also easier to upgrade later on.
 
Our current computer is a year old. We bought it last September. It was latest one out at the time but things change so fast. Its a Packard bell all in one touch screen. Its core i3 processor but that's all i really know lol.
I got told it had loads of memory but since installing programmes its running very slow and it keeps coming up with error messages so that when im editing it won't let me save the photos unless i change it to lower picture quality. I think it was saying ram was low??

Thanks for your help. I don't really understand all the technical side of computers.
 
If it's only a year old, try to get it back to the supplier under warranty.
If not, it would be worth taking it to a local computer repair shop. I once had a 2 year old computer that slowed right down, but was as good as new after a total format an reload of all the software. Cost was £60 and only took a day.
Hope this helps:)
 
Click on Ctrl-Alt-Del to bring up the task manager.

Click on the performance tab with CS6 running and see if anything is causing the CPU usage to max out or go very high - also the PF usage.

If it is you could try closing various processes to see if any one is causing a problem.

Things like firewalls and anti-virus software can really hog the resources.

Or you could simply be trying to run too many programs on limited memory - if that's the case either increase the memory or close down some programs.

I'm assuming you're running W7?

.
 
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Im not at home till later but will try that. It does come up with a message from Norton saying about high CPU usage but not a clue what it means. It only ever says it when in photoshop or elements. But says that message constantly within 5 minutes of using programme.
Thanks
 
W7 64 bit?
 
Click start
right click "computer"
left click "properties"
Tell us the info shown re cpu
ram
OS type.
 
Yes sorry its windows 7. I only have photoshop open and folder with photos in. I thought it was because i had too many photos stored so transferred them all to hard drive but still saying it.
 
Oh re the calibrated screen. you will need to get a hardware calibration device.

screens need recalibrating at regular intervals.
 
Not sure how much difference their is between CS5 and CS6 but I've been running CS5 on a laptop using a core2duo until my latest upgrade and it worked perfectly well (albeit a MBP). The reality is that you really need to sort out the issues with the current computer rather than throw money away upgrading when you don't need to.

You say that your OS is Windows 7 but is it 32 bit or 64 bit? If it is 32bit then chucking lots of RAM at it isn't going to necessarily make it run much faster.

It sounds to me like you need to check you OS and then re-install it (or upgrade it if you are running 32bit). There is probably still some life in your current machine.

As for your question about Macs, they are a tool for a job. A shiny new Mac is likely to run CS6 faster than your current box simply because it is a shiny new one. A shiny new Windows machine will probably run it faster too. Macs and Windows PCs are inherently the same inside (they can both run the others OSes technically). IF you have other Apple kit then you might like the integration etc but that is another story. The best thing to do would be to stick a load of stuff on a memory stick and arrange a visit to your local Apple store but, to be honest, your current machine should be capable enough to do what you want
 
Right think this is info you need:

Its a Packard bell OneTwo L5800

Intel (R) core(TM) i3 CPU 540 @ 3.07ghz

4gb memory and 64 bit operating system.

Hope this helps? Thank you everyone i really appreciate your help.
 
So it's an all in one job. I fix these at work day in day out.

If not can backup all your photos from it try a fresh install. Keep hitting alt + f11 as soon as you turn it on and run a recovery. This will reset everything to factory settings. It'll take around an hour so grab a cup of tea while it does it.

If it's still slow afterwards get it checked over properly. They are a pretty poor design and run really hot resulting in all sorts of hardware failures.
 
I'm running CS6 64-bit with a core2 processor and it flies :D
 
lol

I forgot to add it's a Q6850 Extreme :naughty: although compared with the i7 processors I think it's time I upgrade soon, although it's more my hard drive which is the problem but with only SATA 1 on my motherboard I'm not sure if SSD is worth it?
 
Forgetmeknot said:
Right think this is info you need:

Its a Packard bell OneTwo L5800

Intel (R) core(TM) i3 CPU 540 @ 3.07ghz

4gb memory and 64 bit operating system.

Hope this helps? Thank you everyone i really appreciate your help.
Click to expand...

According to this website you can fit up to 8GB RAm into that machine.

This should let CS6 run smoothly and allow you to keep the machine for a while longer yet.
 
gman said:
lol

I forgot to add it's a Q6850 Extreme :naughty: although compared with the i7 processors I think it's time I upgrade soon, although it's more my hard drive which is the problem but with only SATA 1 on my motherboard I'm not sure if SSD is worth it?
Click to expand...

You'll still find a big difference but must be coming up to bite-the-bullet-time;)
 
Aye, I don't want to hijack the thread although I guess it's slightly relevant but my thinking is that the only parts I'm not happy with are the primary hard drive and the motherboard for lack of USB3 and SATA3. Everything is fine for my needs (processor, memory, graphics card, sound card, extra hard drives etc)

So buying a pre-built system could be a waste as it will come with memory etc that I don't need, but I'm not sure if I can get a motherboard that will take my processor and also have the SATA3 and USB3 etc? So I may need to upgrade the processor?
 
gman said:
Aye, I don't want to hijack the thread although I guess it's slightly relevant but my thinking is that the only parts I'm not happy with are the primary hard drive and the motherboard for lack of USB3 and SATA3. Everything is fine for my needs (processor, memory, graphics card, sound card, extra hard drives etc)

So buying a pre-built system could be a waste as it will come with memory etc that I don't need, but I'm not sure if I can get a motherboard that will take my processor and also have the SATA3 and USB3 etc? So I may need to upgrade the processor?
Click to expand...

You will restrict yourself too much trying to accomodate your present CPU.....

.....sorry OP:)
 
Sounds to me with the high cpu usage you may well have some sort of malware issue
I agree with what has already been said about a factory reset, but if you didn't want to lose or go through the process of backing every thing up iv would attempt to remove the infection.
Drop me a pm if you want and I will talk you through the process, im up all night tonight so anytime is okay
 
I had a few similar problems and a guy at work gave me tune up utilities whic i installed and ran and afterwards things were running much better ...
 
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