jonnypoland Posted June 24, 2008 Share Posted June 24, 2008 I am currently looking for a new desktop to buy before starting my post grad dip in architecture in sept i mainly use archicad for all modeling/drawing work and photoshop for post archicad. i have been experimenting with 3ds max and have had a few reasonable renderings through vray and am keen to use it more. performance is key here i want a fast computer. here is the dilemma: my budget is strictly £1500.00 i would really like a mac but as the mac pro is too expensive this only leaves the 24" dual 3Ghz imac which costs £1389.00 i am really tempted by this but think this must be crazy when i can get a quad processor dell for the same price. i would love to know what you guys and girls would do in my situation. thanks, jonny Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJLynn Posted June 24, 2008 Share Posted June 24, 2008 If you want to run MacOS, get a Mac. If you want to run Windows, get a PC. I have no idea what this stuff costs in the UK but 1500 should buy a good PC. A Core 2 Quad with 4GB RAM and a Geforce 8800GT is a very popular option these days. If you can get it with XP or XP64 that's a bonus. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonnypoland Posted June 24, 2008 Author Share Posted June 24, 2008 would there be a big difference in performance between the imac and the pc spec you have just mentioned? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJLynn Posted June 24, 2008 Share Posted June 24, 2008 Yes. iMacs use only Core 2 Duos, what I mentioned is a Quad. When using an app that multithreads well (such as most modern renderers) a Quad will nearly double the performance of a Duo assuming the core speeds are equal. Also what I mentioned has a faster video card. Added: Here is a spec for a reasonably good workstation I was recently asked to configure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonnypoland Posted June 24, 2008 Author Share Posted June 24, 2008 thanks for that i wasnt aware that programs could "multithread" so that now clarifys my querie with multiple processors. although i love everything about macs i think i am going to have to go with a PC as it seems i can get more for my money even if it is in an uglier package! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slinger Posted June 24, 2008 Share Posted June 24, 2008 Another thing, PCs are so much easier to upgrade with parts....thats one reason i really hate Macs, and the fact it's a Mac Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJLynn Posted June 24, 2008 Share Posted June 24, 2008 That, and you have no taste. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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