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Ed012
Inspiring
March 4, 2017
Question

Further advice on PC Spec

  • March 4, 2017
  • 2 replies
  • 505 views

Further to my recent question that ended on 22.02.2017, I have a few questions regarding a quote for a new PC. The i7-7700K quoted is at 12337 on the Passmark CPU Benchmark. I am trying to keep costs down and would like an opinion on whether that particular processor is required; the i7-6700 is at the 10000 mark.

In the future I will add sound files to my photo and video clip combinations that have around 90 minute lengths; I didn't attempt to do so with my previous underpowered PCs.

The GeForce GTX 1050 graphics card was quoted and I noted that on one of the forum posts the 1060 (6Gb) card was recommended as an upgrade; this would cost me an extra £150 but if it is superior then I will go for that one.

Finally, I was considering sharing my current monitor between current and new PC but it is a 19" Flat Screen set to the recommended resolution of 1440 x 900.

On Adobe's website the system requirements for Premiere Elements 15 is 1024 x 768 and this is one of the Supported Monitor Settings. Do you think that I should ignore this and buy a Full HD screen. I would like to learn how to calibrate the screen in order to send photos to Printing Companies and for them to be accurate.

Can all monitors be calibrated or are there specific models to consider.

sorry if I appear naive but my subject of study was painting and printmaking and to avoid a life of poverty I learned on a part time basis how to draw on computer and went on to work as a Technical Illustrator and CAD Technician. Consequently the technical side was solved by company IT departments.

I have retired now and have more time to explore new directions.

Any help will be appreciated.

    This topic has been closed for replies.

    2 replies

    S
    Steve Grisetti
    Legend
    March 6, 2017

    Windows 10, without a doubt. It's a terrific operating system that keeps getting better, IMHO.

    S
    Steve Grisetti
    Legend
    March 4, 2017

    An upgraded graphics card won't give you a boost with Premiere Elements' performance, if that's what you're looking for. But that processor is certainly going to more than capable to edit just about anything!

    I would probably not go with a monitor that only has a 1440x900 resolution. The program really seems optimized for a monitor of about 1920x1080 -- although you could probably work with a monitor as small as 1280x1024. I would find anything less than that frustrating.

    As for calibrating your monitor -- it depends on how deep you want to dig a hole. There is professional color calibration equipment out there that will allow you to get your colors very precise. But computers and monitors have gotten so good lately that I don't even know professionals who do that kind of calibration.

    It's really not necessary for consumer video or photo editing.

    B
    Community Expert
    Bill SpragueCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    March 4, 2017

    Steve is, as usual, right.  An HD 1920x1080 screen is a help.  Since it is video, a smaller TV with a monitor connection works for me.  I've tried using Premier Elements with the "Hardware Acceleration" on and off with only minor difference.  I don't understand it, but somehow Intel CPUs have some video code hardwired in making a nVidea type graphics card unnecessary. 

    What Steve did not mention is use of a SSD.  If you can put your video source files, scratch disks, preview files and output all in one folder on an SSD there is a significant improvement.   I would trade the expense of a graphics card for an SSD in a heartbeat.

    E
    Ed012Author
    Inspiring
    March 6, 2017

    Good morning Steve

    I will take your advice and go for the i7-7700K but not the NVidia GTX1060 graphics; the 1500 should be adequate as the only other software I use is Photoshop Elements and I intend to upgrade to the version 15 bundle.

    Regarding the monitor I will buy a 1920 x 1080 monitor and send a file for printing at one of the companies reviewed in photography magazines.

    Bill

    I also received a recommendation for SSDs in my two quotes:

    1) SK Hynix SL301 250Gb plus a Seagate 2TB Hard Disc.

    2)  Kingston 240Gb SSDNow M.2 2280 G2 plus Seagate Firecuda 3.5 SSHD, 7200rpm.

    I Googled SK Hynix and some reviewers preferred the Samsung 850 Evo 256Gb. It's a minefield out there.

    Regarding the Seagate Firecuda the spec says that it is SSHD then 7200rpm; I thought that SSDs do not have moving parts?

    I am also assuming that the 250Gb SSD is the C: drive and the second HD is the equivalent of what would be a partitioned drive, both internal, and that the software will operate on the 250Gb SSD and the second drive can be reserved for rendering.I already have two external backup drives; I switched from film camera to digital in 2008 and have archived thousands of photos and video clips from my backpacking holidays. Can you confirm that the second hard drive will be internal and operate in a similar way to a partionioned drive?

    Do you use Windows 10 or is the less power hungry Windows 7 sufficient. I have version 7 Home premium, 64bit.

    I am almost ready to commit to the new PC so I will await your replies.

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