Here's what I would ask for: <smile> RAM: Corsair 2GB PC3200 DDR Kit (SKU: TWINX20483200PT) ($179) CPU: AMD Athalon X2 4600+ ($599) MOBO: K8N Neo4 Platinum MS-7125-010 Motherboard ($103) VIDEO: Gigabyte GeForce 6600 GT Silentpipe II ($158) HD: 2 x Seagate Barracuda 7200.9 300GB (SATA II) ($129 ea.) DISPLAY: 2 x Samsung SyncMaster 915N 19" LCD Monitor ($329 ea.)
Total: $1955.00 This also assumes that the current power supply is capable of handling this. Prices are based on searches via Tom's Hardware. [http://www.tomshardware.com] You could drop to a lower CPU (say a AMD Athalon X2 3800+, which will save you $200.), or switch to CRTs. Priorities: 1 RAM 2 Monitors X 2 3 HD X 2 Grant -----Original Message----- From: framers-bounces+grant.hogarth=reuters....@lists.frameusers.com [mailto:framers-bounces+grant.hogarth=reuters.com at lists.frameusers.com] On Behalf Of Rita Lewis Sent: Thursday, March 09, 2006 9:44 AM To: framers at lists.frameusers.com Subject: Advice for Upgrading Windows Computer I haven't been keeping up with the list lately, so forgive me if this topic has been discussed recently. (I know it has been discussed periodically in the past, but I assume that standards have changed some since then.) I work as a contractor at a government site, and we've been asked to submit a wish list for upgrading our computers. Does anyone have any advice on the current minimum standards in DTP for RAM, disk space, graphics card, video card, processor, etc.? I have Windows XP and, in addition to FrameMaker and various plugins, the major programs I use are Windows Office 2003 (XP?), SnagIt, WordPerfect Office 11 (for legacy documents), and Acrobat 7. We currently have Photoshop and some other graphics programs on a common machine, but I could be adding some of these to my machine in the future. I'm working at home today, and so I don't recall all my the specs on my computer at work, but I know I'm pathetically low on RAM (384MB--have been begging for more for 2+ years). Fortunately, I've gotten by with that because most of our documents have been small. However, I'm currently converting a huge document (1200+ pages) from WordPerfect to FrameMaker and adding color photos and graphics, and I know I'm going to need more computer power. Any advice would be appreciated. In addition to replying to the list, I'd appreciate a cc to my individual account to expedite receipt of any messages. Thanks! Rita