How good is Opteron in photoshop?

[Furen]

if he has a $1000 and doesnt care about games (which you havent mentioned, but I'm assuming) then you could even go with a current x2. If he cares about games then you'll need one of those video card things...

 

[phaxmohdem]

Off the top of my head this would be my suggestion for your opteron rig:

Mobo: ASUS K8N-DL --- $269.50 shipped
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131059

RAM: 4X Corsair ECC REG 512MB (2GB Total) --- $291.32 shipped
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145309

CPU: 2X AMD Opteron 242 (1.6GHz Retail) --- $385.98 shipped
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103389

Disk Subsystem: Seagate Barracuda 250GB SATA Main Disk --- $123.99 shipped
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822148065

Power Supply: Antec TruePower 2.0 550W --- $116.99 shipped
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817103932

Video Card: Geforce 6600GT PCI-Express --- $163.00 shipped
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814125156

Case... Pretty much any. The motherbaord is sized to fit most standard ATX cases. IT may not fit into tiny ones though. I'd recommend a chiefmax, or antec SOHO server tower.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811129164 --- $95.99 shipped


Grand Total: $1446.77 Shipped...

That would be my suggestion for a kickass Photoshop rig. It is hella upgradable as well. PCI x16 video slot for any video card you want.. 8 SATA ports, 6 DIMM slotts for up to 24GB RAM, Supports Dual core opterons for future upgrading. If $1450 is too much to handle, you could always go with one gig of RAM, and save a bit there and upgrade later, or snag a smaller hard drive and weaker video card to cut some initial corners.

 

[phaxmohdem]

Alternatively an Athlon X2 System could be:

Mobo + CPU: Foxconn NF4UK8AA + Athlon X2 4200+ --- $638.00 shipped
http://www.newegg.com/product/Product.asp?item=N82E16813186037

RAM: Patriot 2x 1GB Dual Channel Kit (2GB total) --- $219.08 shipped
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16820220011

Disk Subsystem: Seagate Barracuda 250GB SATA Main Disk --- $123.99 shipped
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822148065

Power Supply: Antec TruePower 2.0 550W --- $116.99 shipped
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817103932

Video Card: Geforce 6600GT PCI-Express --- $163.00 shipped
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814125156

Case... Pretty much any. The motherbaord is sized to fit most standard ATX cases. IT may not fit into tiny ones though. I'd recommend a chiefmax, or antec SOHO server tower.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811129164 --- $95.99 shipped


Grand Total: $1357.05 Shipped

This would be faster than the dual opteron setup initially and you could use that Dell case you are talking about (as long as you change power supplies) Wouldn't be as upgradeable though... Again you could use less ram and and smaller HDD to cut costs further if you had too.

 

[AnandThenMan]

Putting standard ATX parts in a Dell case is not easy. They often use a ribbon cable/connector for the LED's, power switch etc. so you may have to cut the cable and figure out what wire goes where. The back plate for the new motherboard is probably not going to snap into place either. (if it doesn't fit you will have to cut the case) Just so you know what you are up against.

I did a few Dell to AMD conversions and they worked out fine, but it was a lot more work than usual. It's pretty funny to see AMD parts in a Dell case.

 

[phaxmohdem]

If you do decide to go with an InHell system Pentium D setup you could find a setup like this:

Mobo: ASUS P5WD2 Socket T Intel 955X --- $212.50 shipped
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131534

CPU: Intel Pentium-D 830 EM64T --- $329.98 shipped

RAM: PQI Turbo 2x1gb Dual Channel Kit (2GB Total) --- $ 232.83 shipped

Disk Subsystem: Seagate Barracuda 250GB SATA Main Disk --- $123.99 shipped
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822148065

Power Supply: Antec TruePower 2.0 550W --- $116.99 shipped
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817103932

Video Card: Geforce 6600GT PCI-Express --- $163.00 shipped
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814125156

Case... Pretty much any. The motherbaord is sized to fit most standard ATX cases. IT may not fit into tiny ones though. I'd recommend a chiefmax, or antec SOHO server tower.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811129164 --- $95.99 shipped


Grand Total: $1275.28

This is the cheapest system on the three I"ve speced out, but in all honesty the last one I would buy for myself. Again you can cut corners with less RAM, less video card, use another case, etc.

Bottom line, if you teacher is a cheapass, get this system. If your professor wants a good system, get the X2. If you professor wants a system he can upgrade in a couple years into a real beast, get the dual opteron system.

If It were my decision, My order of system selection would be:

1) Dual Opteron
2) X2 system
3) Pentium D

 

[dguy6789]

Here is the system for you:

It contains EVERYTHING except the OS.

CPU:

Intel Pentium D 820

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16819116213

Memory:

2X1GB PC2 3200 DDR2

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16820145074

Motherboard:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16813131534

Power Supply:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16817104934

Video Card:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16814102539

Harddrive:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16822144309

DVD Burner:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16827152053

Case: (I HIGHLY reccomend you get this or some other case because putting a custom pc into a pc manufacturer's computer case is one of the biggest pains and wastes of time you can go through, and then sometimes it still wont work. Besides, this one is very cheap)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16811164039


Total: $978.48

This pc fits your budget, and comes with EVERYTHING except for the Operating system.

 

[Viditor]

Originally posted by: dguy6789
Here is the system for you:

It contains EVERYTHING except the OS.

CPU:

Intel Pentium D 820

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16819116213

Memory:

2X1GB PC2 3200 DDR2

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16820145074

Motherboard:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16813131534

Power Supply:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16817104934

Video Card:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16814102539

Harddrive:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16822144309

DVD Burner:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16827152053

Case: (I HIGHLY reccomend you get this or some other case because putting a custom pc into a pc manufacturer's computer case is one of the biggest pains and wastes of time you can go through, and then sometimes it still wont work. Besides, this one is very cheap)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16811164039


Total: $978.48

This pc fits your budget, and comes with EVERYTHING except for the Operating system.

I wouldn't suggest DDR2 400, especially OEM stuff...
I also wouldn't reccomend a 32MB video card for doing Photoshop...

If you want to ditch the Dell case idea (it IS very problematical), then a Super Lan Boy case is $81
Antec TP V2 430w PSU - $98
Asus A8N-E mobo - $119
AMD X2 3800+ - ~$350
2x1GB OCZ DDR 400 - $221
eVGA 6600GT 128MB DDR3/PCIe/DVI - $165

Total for everything except OS and DVD (I assume he has these on his old system) - $1034

 

[dguy6789]

DDR2 400 will do just fine, as that is all that is needed for an 800mhz fsb. Corsair memory is of the highest quality.

He could get the 128MB model for 1 buck more if needed. A 6600GT is WAY overkill for a system that isn't going to be doing any 3d at all.

 

[HO]

>> also wouldn't reccomend a 32MB video card for doing Photoshop...<<

Photoshop is a 2D app. It doesn't need 128Mb of VRAM to do it's job. In fact, at 1280x1024, 24 bit color, 32Mb is just fine. I use a Matrox G550 and it rocks.

Ho--9 year PS vet.

 

[dguy6789]

Originally posted by: HO
>> also wouldn't reccomend a 32MB video card for doing Photoshop...<<

Photoshop is a 2D app. It doesn't need 128Mb of VRAM to do it's job. In fact, at 1280x1024, 24 bit color, 32Mb is just fine. I use a Matrox G550 and it rocks.

Ho--9 year PS vet.

I was wondering why someone was claiming 32MB wasn't enough for a 2D app. Thanks for the clarification.

 

[AMDrulZ]

Yea the teacher is pretty cheap, it's not like he gets paid well, and he has to pay for some of the yearbook out of his own pocket seriously. And no i don't think that he will game on it unless i take over farcry or halflife 2 or somting and show him how badass grahpic's somting. well i might do that anyway just for the hell of it. LOL

 

[AMDrulZ]

here are some componet's i have looked at. on Newegg

$245.99 [6 reviews] Intel Pentium D 820 Smithfield 800MHz FSB 2 x 1MB L2 Cache LGA 775 Dual Core, EM64T Processor - Retail · Model #: BX80551PG2800FN · Item #: N82E16819116213 · **This item is warranted through the product manufacturer only.

$130.00 [2 reviews] ASUS P5LD2 Socket T (LGA 775) Intel 945P ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail · Model #: P5LD2 · Item #: N82E16813131538 · **This item is warranted through the product manufacturer only.

$138.00 [3 reviews] CORSAIR VALUESELECT 1GB (2 x 512MB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM Unbuffered DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) System Memory - Retail (limit 10 per customer) · Model #: VS1GBKIT667D2 · Item #: N82E16820145568

$112.00 [5 reviews] ASUS EN6600/TD/128 Geforce 6600 128MB 128-bit DDR PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail · Model #: EN6600/TD/128 · Item #: N82E16814121180

$162.00Mail-In rebate -$25.00$137.00 [7 reviews] Wallet saver bargainWestern Digital Caviar SE WD3200JD 320GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache Serial ATA150 Hard Drive - OEM · Model #: WD3200JD · Item #: N82E16822144394

$75.99 [36 reviews] HP Black 16X DVD+R 4X DVD+RW 2.4X DVD+R DL 8X DVD-R 4X DVD-RW 16X DVD-ROM 40X CD-R 24X CD-RW 40X CD-ROM 2M Cache IDE DVD Burner w/ Light scribe - Retail · Model #: DVD640I · Item #: N82E16827140007

$29.99 [24 reviews] Atech Flash PRO-9 BLACK 11-in-1 USB2.0 Internal/ External Card Reader - Retail (limit 9 per customer) · Model #: PRO-9 BLACK · Item #: N82E16820176815

$52.00 [704 reviews] Weekend Warrior Special!!ASPIRE X-Dreamer II ATXB4KLW-BK Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 420W Power Supply - Retail (limit 10 per customer) · Model #: ATXB4KLW-BK/420W · Item #: N82E16811144026

$223.95 [1 reviews] Microsoft Windows XP Professional with SP2 - Retail · Model #: E85-02665 · Item #: N82E16837116195 · **Software delivered damaged and/or defective may be returned for an identical replacement. · In Stock · $0.99 FedEx Saver Shipping · (Not available in HI, AK, and PR)

Total $1144.92

 

[AMDrulZ]

I am looking at an X2 set up to. any one have a good idea for a cheaper like $100 to $120 socket 939 that work's good with the X2.

 

[Viditor]

Originally posted by: AMDrulZ
I am looking at an X2 set up to. any one have a good idea for a cheaper like $100 to $120 socket 939 that work's good with the X2.

That Asus A8N-E for $119 was from Monarch...very nice board (I have one on one of my computers...)

 

[AMDrulZ]

Well I think I found it on new egg not sure though it this the one?
ASUS A8V-E Deluxe Socket 939 VIA K8T890 ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
Model #: A8V-E Deluxe


ok looked on monarch look's like i could get most of the stuff for them.
And the board on new egg is not the one you said so ignore that question

 

[Viditor]

Originally posted by: HO
>> also wouldn't reccomend a 32MB video card for doing Photoshop...<<

Photoshop is a 2D app. It doesn't need 128Mb of VRAM to do it's job. In fact, at 1280x1024, 24 bit color, 32Mb is just fine. I use a Matrox G550 and it rocks.

Ho--9 year PS vet.

I suppose since I use Photoshop for HDTV, I am more of a high-end user...but you will need an HDTV output for that kind of work. I also use it for surfaces on 3D apps...
I guess if the teacher is doing print only, any 2D card will do...if it's for video however, it would make sense (especially for the small price difference) to go with a card that has HDTV output.

 

[Viditor]

Originally posted by: AMDrulZ
Well I think I found it on new egg not sure though it this the one?
ASUS A8V-E Deluxe Socket 939 VIA K8T890 ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
Model #: A8V-E Deluxe


ok looked on monarch look's like i could get most of the stuff for them.
And the board on new egg is not the one you said so ignore that question

A8V is a Via chipset, A8N is an Nforce4 chipset...

Monarch will also be the first with the 3800+ and usually cheaper for AMD chips...they are a 1st Tier distributor.

 

[AMDrulZ]

I went on monarch and found the board you were talking about. And I think it is mostly for printing he mostly work's with photo's he does the school's yearbook. I was thinking 64 to 128 MB card will do fine. I will most likely get a 128 why not? After all it is an AMD it has to have some gaming potential.

 

[HO]

I know this thread is old, but it's relevant to me because I'm still trying to figure out my own Photoshop box. So, here's my quandary:

I tend to use a computer for a long time (~ 5 years or so), and during that time I will probably have to move to a 64bit OS in order to run a 64bit version of PS. It's a given (I think) that by then, 4G of RAM will be a minimal configuration. SO, I am looking at the Pentium D and the Opterons because they will permit the using of 8G or more of RAM.... which to choose?

Another X factor is the upcoming 1XX Opteron series. I assume they will have the same memory constraints (4G) as the current 939 processors, but I don't know that for sure. Anyone know the answer to that one?

 

[Viditor]

Originally posted by: HO
I know this thread is old, but it's relevant to me because I'm still trying to figure out my own Photoshop box. So, here's my quandary:

I tend to use a computer for a long time (~ 5 years or so), and during that time I will probably have to move to a 64bit OS in order to run a 64bit version of PS. It's a given (I think) that by then, 4G of RAM will be a minimal configuration. SO, I am looking at the Pentium D and the Opterons because they will permit the using of 8G or more of RAM.... which to choose?

Another X factor is the upcoming 1XX Opteron series. I assume they will have the same memory constraints (4G) as the current 939 processors, but I don't know that for sure. Anyone know the answer to that one?

1. The AMDs tend to operate much better in 64bit than the Intels at this stage...part of this may be due to the lack of a hardware IOMMU on the Intel chipsets (AMD has it already on board the chips themselves)
2. The Opterons and 939s are not limited to 4GB of ram, but some of the consumer level motherboards are for the 939. They ARE usually limited to 4 slots per CPU, but they can use 2GB modules...

 

[HO]

Originally posted by: Viditor

2. The Opterons and 939s are not limited to 4GB of ram, but some of the consumer level motherboards are for the 939. They ARE usually limited to 4 slots per CPU, but they can use 2GB modules...

? Hmmm, I figured that the 4G limit was imposed by the chipset used on the 939 boards. IS there a current 939 board that can use 8G under a 64bit OS?

EDIT: On the Opteron front, is there any inherent flaw in going with dual 246s (because of $) with the intent of upgrading substantially later, say in 2-3 years?

 

[AMDrulZ]

Get An Athlon X2 3800 they are better than any of the lower end Pentium-D's and over clock well. Just use some high-end air-cooling and you should be good for Photoshop.

 

[Markfw]

Originally posted by: HO

Originally posted by: Viditor

2. The Opterons and 939s are not limited to 4GB of ram, but some of the consumer level motherboards are for the 939. They ARE usually limited to 4 slots per CPU, but they can use 2GB modules...

? Hmmm, I figured that the 4G limit was imposed by the chipset used on the 939 boards. IS there a current 939 board that can use 8G under a 64bit OS?

EDIT: On the Opteron front, is there any inherent flaw in going with dual 246s (because of $) with the intent of upgrading substantially later, say in 2-3 years?

Well, if you go that way, make sure you get PCI-X (64 bit, and not to be confused with PCI-express). Yes, that advantage is that you will be able to use dual-core opterons for a total of 4 cores and at least 8 gig of memory (with the right mobo)

 

[HO]

Originally posted by: AMDrulZ
Get An Athlon X2 3800 they are better than any of the lower end Pentium-D's and over clock well. Just use some high-end air-cooling and you should be good for Photoshop.

Umm, the idea is to be able to use more the 4G of memory when it becomes necessary to do so. Is there a board that supports the X2s that can do this?

Originally posted by: Markfw900
Well, if you go that way, make sure you get PCI-X (64 bit, and not to be confused with PCI-express). Yes, that advantage is that you will be able to use dual-core opterons for a total of 4 cores and at least 8 gig of memory (with the right mobo)

I wasn't aware that a board had to support PCI-X in order to use dual core Opterons.

EDIT: maybe I misread your statement... I think now that you did not mean to imply that dual core Opterons run only on a PCI-X board. However, if I don't have a high-end SCSI array, why would I need PCI-X?

 

[Viditor]

Originally posted by: HO

Originally posted by: Viditor

2. The Opterons and 939s are not limited to 4GB of ram, but some of the consumer level motherboards are for the 939. They ARE usually limited to 4 slots per CPU, but they can use 2GB modules...

? Hmmm, I figured that the 4G limit was imposed by the chipset used on the 939 boards. IS there a current 939 board that can use 8G under a 64bit OS?

EDIT: On the Opteron front, is there any inherent flaw in going with dual 246s (because of $) with the intent of upgrading substantially later, say in 2-3 years?

The limit isn't in the 939 chipsets per se, but remember that 939 chips only have the one HT connection...which means only one CPU and 4 memory slots. 2GB dimms are VERY expensive at the moment and are not something you'd find on a consumer board.
There are exceptions however...for example, the Abit UL8.

As to the 246 Opterons, that would certainly work and allow for a max of 16GB based on current designs. However, there are a number of changes happening in the next year on the Opteron front that might give you pause...
1. Remember that dualcore is ~5-15% faster than dual cpu on AMD chips
2. Software is charged per socket and not per core, making a DC Opteron less expensive.
3. Socket F (due in a year) will almost certainly be FBDIMM, which can currently use up to 16GB per dimm (making it possible for a single DC Opteron system to have 64GB onboard) and can be either DDR OR DDR2...