Desktop recommendations

[badz]

Hi,

 

I'm looking for an affordable, but powerful desktop, one that can handle the following software without lag or delay, with quick render times-

 

https://daz-studio.en.softonic.com/

 

https://www.reaper.fm/

 

I also plug into 2 Dell monitors, watch a lot of YouTube and often combine YouTube viewing with Daz Studio and Reaper. Could anyone please recommend which desktop may best be suited to my requirements? Ideally it should be under £400 if possible, I'm not bothered about how it looks, but I'd like it to be quiet if possible and I'd like to be able to throw any of the aforementioned software at it, without generating much lag or slowing. Perhaps a relevant analogy would be a Ferrari engine in a Skoda body type of approach; I need something fast to get the jobs done and the rest is superfluous.

 

Thanks in advance!

[KenB]

Hi and welcome to ExTS

 

We don't recomment specific hardware or machines as, if you are unhappy with your buy, you will automatically blame us :)

 

What I can do is point you in the right direction.

 

1. Make sure that the version of Windows is 64bit and Win 10

 

2. A Solid State Drive [ SSD ] is a lot faster than a standard Hard Drive.

 

3. 4GB or more RAM

 

4. Intel Xeon/Core 2 Duo or Quad /Core i7 or AMD Opteron/Phenom processor

 

5. Stay away from onboard Video Card.

 

Having said all of this you will be hard-pressed to find these specs on a machine for £400

 

You could compromise on the Hard Drive.

 

To manipulate graphics you need the best specs that you can afford.

DAZ Studio does not require a machine with particularly high specs [ look this up ] I did, however, read a few reviews that certainly didn't recommend it :(

 

You may find this useful reading - click here

Edited December 16, 2020 by KenB

[badz]

Many thanks KenB, very useful tips! Why should one stay away from an onboard video card?

 

Thanks.

[KenB]

Generally, on-board video cannot cope with manipulating graphics intensive software as well as a dedicated Video Card.

 

A Video Card has its own GPU [ Graphics Processing Unit ] and RAM.

 

On-board video has to make use of the system's RAM and CPU.

This can cause the system to "bottle-neck" and slow down depending upon what processes it is doing.

 

Just another note about SSDs.

These are expensive and for the same money you would be able to get a much bigger [ but slower ] SATA hard drive.

If you want a lot of storage then you may have to compromise on this option.

 

I have just had a quick "Google" and you should be able to get a reasonable machine for your £400.

Be aware that if you come across "Renewed" in the description the system has been used and is refurbished.

Edited December 17, 2020 by KenB