Mac/Windows/laptop or desktop?

TommyTheGun

Hi Guys,

Excuse the vague description of the thread title but i'm looking for some expertise from you guys in what you think should be my best choice

Basically, current Laptop (dell XPS M1330) bought back in 2007 is dying a death and has been for many years. time to upgrade so I'll explain what I will need it for.

Trying to get back into some design work for myself really, using solidworks / solid edge 3D software. Looking to learn the guitar so would like a good App/software program etc.. to run on the machine, and general day to day ease of use.

Currently have a tablet ,asus transformer (an absolutely disastrous machine and i'm sorry i ever went against buying the iPad at the time) so mobility is not key, but further down the line it could be. I have a tv with a HDMI input so I could also use that for m screen if it was just a CPU tower etc...

basically looking for something that will run smoothly, because i've just had enough of this old laptop and the disastrous Android tablet.

Obviously budget is an issue with a mac/macbook air/pro being fairly pricey but if youd think its really worth it i'd consider.

have looked and researched all around but there's just so much out there

Thanks in advance of any helpfulness

Thanks,
Tom

Torqay

If performance is such a big issue you should build your own. No laptop (windows or mac) can match the processing power of a current Core i7 desktop CPU.

If you want to avoid the hassle, at hardwareversand.de they'll build the computer to your specifications for a small fee (€20?), pcspecialist.co.uk are quite reasonable as well. If you prefer Mac OS X over Windows (without having to pay the Apple premium) then PearC.de might be of interest (they do ship to Ireland).

TommyTheGun

So, Continuing my research,I came accross this: (and I'm sure many of you have seen this)

http://www.tested.com/tech/pcs/454052-small-quiet-fast-building-modern-gaming-pc/

So, I kinda think this is what I'm really looking for. Using it for 3D modelling, general day usage, Cycling training software, possibly a few extra bits watching movies etc......, but NOT for gaming. I'll use my TV as the monitor with a HDMI input

So based on the article I researched the components and the computer came in at approx. €800
maybe a bit over budget, so if any of you guys think I'm overkilling for what I need , then please feel free to correct me.
I have attached a file of everthing I've researched although with a little more research I'm hoping I can get it cheaper than the €800 (There's 2 motherboards included in the price in the file)

This Similar PC (without OS , http://www.amazon.co.uk/OCHW-PILEDRIVER-GRAPHICS-COMPUTER-OPERATING/dp/B00CQYUSHI/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1378681893&sr=8-11&keywords=Bitfenix+Prodigy+mini-ITX)

can be bought for approx €427, but I'm not quite sure of the capabilities of the components so what would you think of this as an alternative?

Thanks a lot,
Tom

Mods, feel free to move to PC building if this is the wrong forum, Thanks

Torqay

You can't really "overkill" when it comes to 3D modelling.

If it's serious business, you'll also want a workstation-grade GPU (Quadro Pro, FireGL) as certain features supported by professional design software are locked in consumer graphics card. Also the drivers are more stable.

TommyTheGun wrote: »

This Similar PC (without OS , http://www.amazon.co.uk/OCHW-PILEDRIVER-GRAPHICS-COMPUTER-OPERATING/dp/B00CQYUSHI/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1378681893&sr=8-11&keywords=Bitfenix+Prodigy+mini-ITX)

can be bought for approx €427, but I'm not quite sure of the capabilities of the components so what would you think of this as an alternative?

Forget about that AMD A4, it's a joke of a processor. The current Celeron desktop CPUs are faster than that.

BloodBath

Fill this in please.


1. What is your budget? [€xxx]

2. What will be the main purpose of the computer? [Gaming/Video editing/3D Modelling/HTPC/Internet] (If gaming include which games)

3. Do you need a copy of Windows? [Yes/No]

4. Can you use any parts from an old computer? [Hard drive/DVD Drive/Case/PSU/etc.] (If possible state brand and model of the parts to ensure compatibility)

5. Do you need a monitor? [Yes/No]

5a. If yes, what size do you need. [19'/20'/22'/24'/etc.]

5b. If no, what resolution is your current monitor and do you plan to upgrade in the near future? [1920x1080/1440x900/etc.] [Yes/No]

6. Do you need any of these peripherals? [Keyboard/Mouse/Wireless Card/Card Reader/Speakers/etc.]

7. Are you willing to try overclocking? [Yes/No]

8. How can you pay? [Bank Transfer/Credit Card/Laser]

9. When are you purchasing? [In x days]

10. If you need help building it, where are you based? [South Dublin City/Cork City/Kerry/etc.]

TommyTheGun

BloodBath wrote: »

Fill this in please.


1. What is your budget? €6-800

2. What will be the main purpose of the computer? [Gaming/Video editing/3D Modelling/HTPC/Internet] (If gaming include which games)

Internet, some 3D solid modelling PRACTICE! , not gaming. General day to day use without the annoyance of having to wait an age to turn on/off/ load program. Able to plug into tv via HDMI to use. Not purchasing a monitor

3. Do you need a copy of Windows? [Yes/No]

Not sure yet

4. Can you use any parts from an old computer? [Hard drive/DVD Drive/Case/PSU/etc.] (If possible state brand and model of the parts to ensure compatibility)

No, all new build

5. Do you need a monitor? [Yes/No]
No

5a. If yes, what size do you need. [19'/20'/22'/24'/etc.]

5b. If no, what resolution is your current monitor and do you plan to upgrade in the near future? [1920x1080/1440x900/etc.] [Yes/No]

6. Do you need any of these peripherals? [Keyboard/Mouse/Wireless Card/Card Reader/Speakers/etc.]

Yes to all

7. Are you willing to try overclocking? [Yes/No]
No idea what that is I'm afraid

8. How can you pay? [Bank Transfer/Credit Card/Laser]
Any

9. When are you purchasing? [In x days]
Within next month hopefully

10. If you need help building it, where are you based? [South Dublin City/Cork City/Kerry/etc.]

Should be ok building it I think

Thanks, Tom

TommyTheGun

anybody of any help?

Thanks,
Tom

yoyo

Moved it to PC B&U for you op. People here can help you spec a build up

Nick

justsomebloke

OP have you tried 3D modelling off a TV? It's not exactly great and I would really recommend getting a 22"-24" monitor instead (actually 2 monitors would be even better so you have training material on one and modelling software on the other). Even if you are getting a laptop I would recommend a monitor as well as they make a massive difference

BloodBath

Do the ops get notified when these posts are moved as I never see them reply once moved. It's like they can't find their post.

justsomebloke

BloodBath wrote: »

Do the ops get notified when these posts are moved as I never see them reply once moved. It's like they can't find their post.

AFAIK, no they don't get notified however a link generally remains in the original forum that when clicked will still open the thread.

BloodBath

That link only stays there for a short time though does it not?

marco_polo

BloodBath wrote: »

That link only stays there for a short time though does it not?

You can still find created threads on your profile easily enough though, and I think you may well get auto subscribed to threads you create as well?

BloodBath

That's true but a lot of newer members might not know how. I've seen it happen a good few times with these threads that were moved.

The op doesn't come back.

TommyTheGun

BloodBath wrote: »

That's true but a lot of newer members might not know how. I've seen it happen a good few times with these threads that were moved.

The op doesn't come back.

between 0952 and 1356 today I was sleeping so hardly going to reply in between! relax lads

Thanks for moving it to this forum

FYI , I did receive a link in my email saying a reply to the thread etc....

TommyTheGun

justsomebloke wrote: »

OP have you tried 3D modelling off a TV? It's not exactly great and I would really recommend getting a 22"-24" monitor instead (actually 2 monitors would be even better so you have training material on one and modelling software on the other). Even if you are getting a laptop I would recommend a monitor as well as they make a massive difference

Thanks,

No I haven't actually. The 3d modelling is not my primary concern. I want to have a decent system so that if i do get time to pick back up the modelling that I have the option. I can buy a monitor if the TV is useless.

I would obviously consider a laptop at the right specs

I think a few weeks ago I was looking at an MSI? with a haswell? (afaik thats the new intel chip from what i could gather), I'll try find the link. It was recommended on one of them best buts of 2013 etc...

yoyo

BloodBath wrote: »

That link only stays there for a short time though does it not?

It's up to the mods to decide on length, I generally leave a "permanent redirect" to avoid this problem

Nick

TommyTheGun

would be this machine if not building because struggling for info here! :-)

http://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/MSI_CX61_Haswell_1389668.html

with review here:

http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/reviews/laptop/3460055/msi-cx61-20d-011uk-review/

any thoughts anybody?

Thanks,
Tom

bezerk

Item|Price
AMD FX-8320 Prozessor, Boxed, Sockel AM3+|€136.29
8GB-Kit G-Skill RipJaws PC3-12800U CL9|€65.40
Samsung SSD 840 Pro 128GB SATA 6Gb/s|€118.53
WD Caviar Blue 1TB 6Gb's|€54.81
XFX Radeon HD 7750 Core Edition, 2GB DDR3|€78.55
BitFenix Merc Alpha|€33.19
Super-Flower Amazon 80Plus 450W|€45.88
ASRock 970 Pro3 R2.0, AM3+, ATX|€61.72
Shipping|€18.99
Total|€613.36

This should do you fine. Could go with a xeon or i7 if you want to spend the 800. I have a very good SSD in there that will make your PC very quick

BloodBath

A slightly different build. Went with the latest Haswell i5. Afaik those programs don't make use of multiple cores effectively so you would be better off with a faster quad core system. Since you aren't overclocking either the i5 would be the better option. It also uses about half the power of the 8320.

Made a few other changes as well and threw in the extras.

Item|Price
Intel Core i5-4570 3,2 GHZ Tray, 6MB Cache, LGA 1150, VGA|€168.88
Alpenföhn Sella - 92mm, AMD/Intel|€17.77
MSI H87-G41 PC Mate, ATX, Sockel 1150|€75.74
XFX Radeon HD 7750 Core Edition, 2GB DDR3|€78.55
8GB-Kit G-Skill RipJaws PC3-12800U CL9|€65.40
Samsung SSD 840 EVO Basic 120GB SATA 6Gb/s|€84.39
WD Caviar Blue 1TB 6Gb's|€54.81
Cooler Master N300, ATX-Midi-Tower, schwarz, ohne Netzteil|€32.49
Super-Flower Amazon 80Plus 450W|€45.88
Sharkoon Squad Laser Mouse|€11.99
LogiLink Gaming & Grafikdesign Mauspad XXL|€2.99
LiteOn iHAS124-04 schwarz SATA|€16.45
LogiLink USB 2.0 all-in-one Card Reader, für 3,5" Einbauchschacht|€3.32
2 x LogiLink e-SATA Anschlusskabel mit Sicherungslasche, 1m|€3.12
ASUS PCE-N15|€14.90
Wavemaster MX-3+|€39.99
Shipping|€18.99
Total|€735.66

Keyboard €24

Windows 7 €35