Aug 182010
I get a lot of questions from students about what kind of computer I recommend. First, I recommend one you can afford- Shop around and watch out for botique names (Alienware, etc…). You often pay a lot for the logo on the case. Look for smaller companies that have been around a while or build your own if you know how.
But this summer, I talked to some of the development team for CS5 Production Premium, and this is what they recommended as a really great build that won’t completely break the bank (But E-machines will never have a model like this, if you know what I mean… This is NOT a bargain PC setup).
- CPU:quadcore chip (i7)
- RAM: 8 gb ram minimum
- GPU: Geforce gtx 475 (for pixel bender and other support) COMING OUT SOON! Replaces Geforce 285 in my old list
- SOUND: Off-motherboard is always best, but not critical unless recording high end surround sound editing. (Creative E-Mu, Turtle Beach cards, and M-audio mentioned as good affordable choices.)
- Motherboard: One that supports all the above
- PSU: MOST OFTEN OVERLOOKED PART OF YOUR KIT- AND ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT!!! DO the research to make sure you have what you need and get a GOOD, NAME BRAND PSU. (Antec, PC Power and Cooling, Sparkle, Enermax, Coolermaster) (More info)
Instead of all the above, why not just recomend an iMac?
In a phrase, less power for more money. This box is maybe 1000 bucks at most. iMac doesn’t have anywhere near the power for this price point, and is difficult to upgrade when videocard needs it. This is a serious box for video editing. Gotta get into a Mac pro to match it at 3x the price. After effects loves nvidia cards for best gpu rendering