Hi,
I was looking a some benchmarks of these two chips. I may get a dell desktop, but the AMD is a good bit cheaper.
Its between an intel core 2 duo 1.83 GHz vs AMD x64 4600 GHz.
I really need to know which is faster for PS.
Thanx in advance!
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First of all, I would advise you to go for Intel C2D. Only in your case I would go for at least E6400 processor (2.1 GHz), not E6300 (1.8 GHz). I wouldn't go over E6600 (2.4 GHz, but 4MB cache), since for example "extreme" series models like E6800 are just not worth it - you get 5-10% percent faster processor for 100-200% higher price.
Also, IMHO it's always better to buy individual components and then assemble them yourself (or in the shop), since you can get exact components you want, at much lower price than "brand name" computers.
Anyway, good and strong computer would look something like this:
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 / E6600
Motherboard: Asus P5B Deluxe
Memory: 2x1GB DDR 2 ram, in dual channel mode
Hard Disk: Seagate Baracuda 320GB, 16MB cache, SATAII, 7200.10 series
Graphic Card: ATI Sapphire Radeon X1650 Pro (2xDVI)*
PSU: Seasonic S12 series, 430W*
As for graphic card, it's up to you - IMHO there's no point to invest into not-so-cheap Matrox professional cards or such, since any card will be good for Photoshop work. It would be good to invest in card with 2 x DVI ports, since you can hook 2 x LCD displays to it (without VGA -> DVI converter).
For PSU, it's important to have enough Watts, to have good efficiency (over 80%), to be relatively silent, and highest quality possible (for your budget). 430W Seasonic is all that, and some more. It's important to point out that nominal Watt values don't mean much when you're picking power supply, since some 550W PSU's have under 300W actual power for example. You'll do just fine with PSU's like Seasonic 430W / Antec NeoHE 430W or 480W / Hiper Type-R 580W / SilverStone Element 500W.
Regarding cases, it's also up to you, since exterior design is quite important feature for most people. For internal features you should look for good cooling, enough space, so that cables and components wouldn't be cramped in there, enough rom for additional components, quality build etc. Good case should have 12cm rear vents, front vents (12 cm, 9cm or 8cm - 12cm are best option), those are a must, while it's good to have optional vents (on top, side etc.). Manufacturers you should look into are Antec, Silverstone, Coolermaster, Thermaltake and Lian Li. Lian Li are best of the lot, but they are also very expensive, so maybe they aren't good option for most users. Some good cases are for example Antec 150, Silverstone TJ2, Coolermaster Centurion 5, Thermaltake Armor / Armor Jr. etc.
I would sincerely advise you to take that route instead of brand-name assembled computer, since you'll be getting much stronger, faster and better computer, with better upgrade options, at lower price.
For example, Asus P5B Deluxe motherboard is ready for Kentsfield processors (new Intel processors, just like Core 2 Duo, but with 4 cores instead of 2), it has eSATA port (so you can attach external eSATA hard disk enclosure and have same transfer speeds as with internal SATA disks), it's upgradable to 8GB ram etc.
For hard disk, Seagate Baracuda series 7200.10, with 16MB cache, is great option, since those disks are very fast (in benchmarks they are almost the same as much more expensive 10000RPm Raptors). You should think about at least two hard disks, since it's always better to have Photoshop scratch disk on separate physical drive. It would also be good option to consider putting several hard disks into RAID array.
Configuration like this will be great for Photoshop work, and it will last you a long time (and upgrade options are good), especially considering arrival of Windows Vista, which will be resource hungry OS. It's way better option than some Dell, or some similar computer.
