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I really need a new PC, and have one specced and ordered from Chillblast, but they are clearly struggling to get the parts (I suspect that maybe they are in financial difficulties?) and they have offered me a full refund.
So has anyone got any recommendations for someone to spec and build me a PC for photo editing?
I've come across PC Specialist and Gladiator PC, but know nothing about them.
And no, I am not going to build my own - I will need my hand holding through the speccing process to get good performance and value.
Thanks
Scan always used to be good. But this was 10 years ago. No idea what they're like now.
I used Palicomp when the boy wanted a cheap gaming pc. Decent service and backup when a couple of things went wrong.
Scan always used to be good. But this was 10 years ago. No idea what they’re like now.
I like Scan but it's mostly because their store is within kicking distance of me if there's a problem. 😁
Twitch streamer i watch recommends PC specialist. He has a partnership with them and the code MANZ gets you an extra £30 off. Not a lot, but something is better than nothing if you are buying one from there.
have one specced and ordered from Chillblast, but they are clearly struggling to get the parts (I suspect that maybe they are in financial difficulties?)
I cannot comment on the company but there is a global shortage of some components for various reasons and has been for some time.
So has anyone got any recommendations for someone to spec and build me a PC for photo editing?
Is there any particular reason you're not just buying an off-the-shelf box? I'd have thought that the criteria for photo editing wouldn't be much more than sufficient RAM and a high-end screen.
Thanks, I'll have a look into those suggestions.
"Is there any particular reason you’re not just buying an off-the-shelf box? I’d have thought that the criteria for photo editing wouldn’t be much more than sufficient RAM and a high-end screen."
You are probably right, but I'd like at least 32 GB RAM, possible 64 GB, at least 6 TB SSD with space for more (I currently have 4 TB of images) and the ability to run 3 screens. Plus all the associated graphics cards and motherboards to make that lot run properly.
My current Chillblast PC is 10 years old and has been upgraded a few times but is really struggling to run some of the Lightroom AI functions and flatly refuses Photoshop. It takes 40 minutes to run an AI function that a pal can run in a few seconds with a top end Mac. I'd like this next PC to last a similar time.
Looking at Dell XPS (for example) I don't think I get what I need / want even on the most expensive model. My Chillblast spec was £1800. But lots of this might be based on ignorance, hence needing someone to help me through the options, which Chillblast provided.
I recently built up a high end gaming PC and bought a fair few parts from Scan. I was very impressed with them.
Another recommendation for CCL. Either that or a Dell offer.
Local shop on Stirling.
Like my LBS.
It takes 40 minutes to run an AI function that a pal can run in a few seconds with a top end Mac.
To get similar performance on a PC you will need to spend the same amount as the Mac costs so buying a Mac might be the best option. In fact you will get better performance on a low(er) end Mac than a high end PC for rendering etc. and probably in a laptop form factor…
Is that because the Mac will have proper graphics card or because the Adobe stuff is more efficient on a Mac without a graphics card?
I could have started this thread.
FYI
Lightroom and photoshop are now designed to run the demanding stuff on a graphics card
My 11 year old Chillblast machine is still going but I replaced it this year with a machine from PC specialist. When I was looking at finding a provider there didn't seem to be too much in it, PC specialist are well reviewed. New machine is terrific albeit it's not configured for what you need, FWIW the process was painless, lots of updates on progress during the build, when I contacted someone to ask a question about configuration they were as helpful as you'd hope.
I'd recommend Chillblast. We have several of their platforms from 10 to less than 1 year old and they've all been superb. Any faults have been dealt with quickly and flexibly. Nice people.
I thought both CCL and Chilliblast are in administration, so get your refund asap! They are owned by the same parent company.
https://www.eteknix.com/tactus-group-files-hit-with-late-filing-of-accounts-notice/
I'd just be going to dell. You can custom configure their alienware stuff with more ram/storage so can easily meet your needs.
That sorta thing
I bought a Dell PC during lockdown. It is fine for what it is, wouldn’t particularly recommend one though. It has a few proprietary bits; motherboard and PSU being the main ones that mean repairs and/or upgrades are not straight forward.
What is the commute engine that the software you want to run is using?
you say AI commute take an age on your current computer and seconds on your mates mac, are you comparing exactly the same software and input deck?
The software running on the Mac may well be optimised for running on the new M chipsets, there is much lovely dedicated chippey going on in those macs, so much so that you can not compare the old skool ram quantity and cpu speed metrics to compare them.
I suspect that a Mac could well be what you need, but quite possibly at a much lower spec level to what you think you need.
You need to be really clear on what your primary software toolset will be and then dig deep into the requirements of those running in either the PC or Mac hardware, they will be different.
As an aside I have seen a £25k server doing sweet fa, maxing out one of the 64 cores because the software engine could only use one core at a time.
£25k server doing sweet fa
Ha, I give you the £33k PC - https://www.overclockers.co.uk/8pack-domin8-intel-sapphire-rapids-3495x-overclocked-extreme-workstation-fs-00p-8p.html
Note only sold to the UK due to "High Demand". I wonder how many have been sold and are being used by millionaires to play Minecraft.
Scan is my local and always been great when I've bought from them. If you're local to them I recommend you go there as you can pop in and have a chat with the tech team.
This was my 3xs laptop before I bought an Alienware
Alienware are also good but very pricey. You can get the same spec much cheaper.
Regarding the Dell suggestion, I would steer clear s they often use customised motherboards which will cause you significant problems with upgrades at a later date.
Ccl /scan etc are all very good places to purchase from and I would suggest if you go Intel then something like a 13th generation Intel chip, 32 or 64gb ram (go 64). NVMe for boot and big storage (unless you have a nas) and a 4060 will last you for years to come. If you want a game at any point, go through a more significant graphics card - Perhaps a 4070 or 80
Something I would recommend if you are doing full custom, is to make sure you're putting at least at 360 mm radiator in. I have a 240 mm in mine and I wish I've gone for the biggest I could have fitted as then The fans are going slower and the pump is under less strain
Monitor wise , I have been very impressed with a 4K AOC panel but I'm a gamer rather than a video or photo editor (I do do some but I don't colour calibrate my monitor for example)
Thanks. I’ve cancelled my Chillblast order so I’ll have a look at those other sites.
peterno51
Full Member
What is the commute engine that the software you want to run is using?you say AI commute take an age on your current computer and seconds on your mates mac, are you comparing exactly the same software and input deck?
Same raw files from same cameras trying to use Lightroom anti-noise AI, so identical operation.
What Mac is your friend using? There's top-end then there's "OMFG how much!?" Mac Pro top-end! 🙂
Following on from Quentyns' post..
Would you consider getting help from somebody on here to make (And possibly build) a system. As I know you've said you wouldn't do it yourself.
I have always kept clear of pre-built systems as you tend to pay over the odds, for what is essentially a fairly easy thing to do yourself.
Minus the aftersales support, I know.
I'd happily help you, but appreciate you may want an easier 'one click' option.
I'm in the same boat, want a pc for 3d rendering and slicing. I've been playing around with specs at palicomp and AMD. I was hoping to get a decent spec for under a grand, but as soon as you need big storage and ram that seems unlikely....
Anyone aware of a provider that does 0% finance? I think I can use paypal on palicomp to spread cost over 4 months. It would be more comfortable if it was longer. Don't want another credit card unless I have to.
Scan.co.uk do provide pretty decent finance options actually.
And they do actually do pretty decent spec/price builds..
On the list of people to avoid when buying bits I will offer up E-Buyer as one whose disk supplying leaves quite a bit to be desired. After 3 attempts to get a functioning LaCie external drive delivered and one effort where internal disks for work arrived DOA I have given them up as a bad job. Not recommended for spinning rust delivery as they are unable to pack boxes to protect the components.
Build yourself, just plug bits into the only hole they fit and you are done. Technic lego is more complicated these days.
Or refurbed Mac Mini M2/3.
Wow, Chillblast recent reviews are all appalling 🙁
Apple. AI photo denoise runs 10x faster on my mac laptop than my BIL gaming rig. Zero bullshit too. Buy it, open it, done.
OCUK do a PC configurator... https://www.overclockers.co.uk/pc-systems/custom-pcs
But you'll always end up paying over the odds Vs building yourself...
I'd avoid of the shelf systems, Dell Alienware for example..are still full of propriety parts which could make future upgrades problematic, and they still manage to be overpriced for what they are.
build your own. You'll get a better spec that going to a builder. Never buy dell. They are unbelievably shit.
Never buy dell. They are unbelievably shit.
Their Monitors, laptops and office jockey machines can be very good indeed.
I have a Dell gaming monitor, and it's stonkingly good.
Too many corners cut with thier PC's *if* you want something fancy though... plus with building your own you can build exactly what you want to get the best for your budget and intended usage.