How much Computer...

[Prism1]

Can you guys/gals share with me how much Computer ( P3, P4 2.8, 1 GiG Ram, etc. )you are using to run your design software and/or your RIP software to drive your printer??

[jayhawksigns]

If you want to run both on the same computer, I would for sure go with a dual core processor, and at least 2GBs of ram. I am particular to AMD processors, but thats mainly personal preference.

[cg-]

Our corporate set us up with a single cpu P4 system with on gig of ram. WHen I actually need to get something done I'll work at home on my Dual Opteron, 2 gig system. I just can't print from there.

AMD's dual core is better than Intel's offering. More memory is always better than not-enough.

[Barry]

Im on a Single Core AMD 3700 with 2 gigs of REALLY fast ram. It gets the job done, but I wouldnt mind a faster system.

[Prism1]

I was thinking of 2 separate computers...one for Design and one for RIP. Do they both need to be HotRod's...OR..???

Thanks again for all the info...I have spent many a nights reading this Great Forum...

[jayhawksigns]

With running two computer, which is the best way to go anyways, it probably comes down more to how much do you want to spend.

I have been running a dual core/processor computer for sometime now for my design station and I will never go back to a single core computer for work applications. Like Barry and many others here I also run dual monitors on my computer, so it makes it easier for me to run with two programs running at the same time, i.e. Photoshop crunching a filter while I continue to work on another project in Flexi. You definitely notice a difference in a single versus dual core computer in instances like that, and even when you are not doing that, with all of the background stuff that runs with Windows anymore, the computer is just more responsive.

As for the rip computer, that probably more depends on whether your rip supports a dual core computer or not. Its logical to spend the extra on a dual core chip (starts at $100 for the same speed processors), because if I am ripping and printing different jobs at the same time with Flexi Production Manager it pauses the print occassionally. Then I have to give the process that is ripping the job a lower priority in the task manager so that it doesn't cause our JV3 to pause waiting for information from the computer.

[Signguy]

I use an Intel Pen4 1 G for design and a Athlon with 1 G for ripping. The design computer is 3+ years old and is very fast. I do favor the AMD processors...they are faster.. I use what I have and "it works for me".

[cg-]

Originally Posted by jayhawksigns

You definitely notice a difference in a single versus dual core computer in instances like that, and even when you are not doing that, with all of the background stuff that runs with Windows anymore, the computer is just more responsive.

Yeah, windows will only give you the "busy" pointer while doing nothing half the time. With dual cpus or dual core you can rip two jobs at once which is nice.

[Prism1]

So can SoftRIP run on the Dual Processor?? How "fast" of P4's or AMD's are you guys running. Money is a consideration...BUT...I want this system to Rock & Roll. Besides...when you're leasing $32k + ...what's another 1000.00...LOL

[jayhawksigns]

What I would do is piece together the rest of you system, and then see how much more you want to throw at it to decide how fast of a processor you want. Dual Core AMDs start at $300, but can go up to $1000 real easy. I went a step up from $300 and went with the $350 chip, I didn't feel that the next step up, another $100, was worth it.

As for Softrip, I don't know for sure, I know that Onyx has an option to support dual core though.