Agreed

Separate graphics card is not necessary for 2D work.

Only exceptions are people who want to play 3D games and/or do 3D modelling.

One other possibility is if you want to Multi-monitor and the onboard only
has one output.


"dmaster" wrote in message
s.com...
On Jun 5, 12:22 pm, "just bob" kilbyfan@aoldotcom wrote:
"Dave Cohen" wrote in message

news:xCe9i.6892$My4.6842@trndny05...





Allen wrote:
dennis@home wrote:
mogh baba wrote in message
...
hi,

I have a question which I hope someone can give me e good answer.
Recently, my computer died and the serviceman says the usual word:
You
do not win by repairing this and it is better to get a new pc.
the only sertiouse requirement I have from a new pc is that it is
good
for working with digital RAW files. The specifications suggests that
the new computer with 250 G HDD and 1024 ram and an Intel Core 2
duo
2.0 desktop seems to be good enough for me. My only question is
about
the integrated garaphic card. the seller says it is very good and
if
i want to get a seperated card it will cost me more than 150 US
dollar. shall I go for the integrated card or get a seperate one?
Shall I think about other specifications? The integrated card is
called: "onboard Intel GMa3000 256mb".

If its just normal photo editing then integrated graphics should work
fine.
Its 3D games performance that you pay extra for.

You may want more RAM you never have enough IME.

Make sure you get a good monitor.
You need to be able to see what you are editing.

If expense is not a problem have a look at a tablet PC..
they are notebooks but they have a full screen graphics tablet built
in.

Make sure you get one with a Wacom compatible screen as some of the
newer low cost ones just have a touch screen and not a graphics
tablet.
If it only works with the supplied stylus it should be a wacom.
If it works with your finger nail its not.

You may still want a monitor but they all support that AFAIK.

Assuming that you are looking at an IBM-type new PC, it will almost
certainly come with Windows VISTA installed, so your first requirement
should be at least 2064 Mb of RAM. Also, you should investigate the
cost
of adding a second HD of at least 250 Gb or larger. Especially in the
case of memory it is cheaper to get these things as part of a new
machine.
Allen

I agree with the RAM statement, it's reasonably cheap and more can
never
hurt. However, I would consider an external hd as an alternative to a
2nd
internal. The machine is otherwise ok assuming it includes a good 19"
or
better monitor.
Dave Cohen

I would get a 512MB video card or the 256MB video card, minimum.- Hide
quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Given that the O.P.'s intent was photo work, why? He's not going to
be swapping large texture files or doing anything else that might take
advantage of even a fraction of the video memory. Nor is he planning
to run any intense 3D games that might make use of the GPU that is
presumably on the "512MB video card" you recommend.

And if you changes his mind and wants a capable game card, then I'd
suggest picking a good GPU since that's probably going to be way more
important than the difference between 512MB and 256MB of video memory.

Dan (Woj...)