Need help from Computer dudes here. . .

[franknbeans]

I just started some photo editing and really don't want to replace my entire Desktop. . . this being said, My desk top can't keep up with Light Room3 though. . .

I attached my Computers Performance Index Sheet for those that want to see it.

I'm guessing a new graphic card may do it. . .but I don't know what to get.
I was told that Windows 7 may help too.


advice??

[KeepItGreasey]

Originally Posted by franknbeans

I just started some photo editing and really don't want to replace my entire Desktop. . . this being said, My desk top can't keep up with Light Room3 though. . .

I attached my Computers Performance Index Sheet for those that want to see it.

I'm guessing a new graphic card may do it. . .but I don't know what to get.
I was told that Windows 7 may help too.


advice??

i'm assuming you have Vista?

first of all, "upgrading" your operating system is not something i would recommend. your computer was probably built specifically to run the operating system that it came with. and by the time you'll need a new computer, a tried and true operating system will be available and will come with the new computer.

i have a very similar setup to yours, and when anything slows down - i open up Task Manager, select the Processes tab and click on the "Memory" column to see which program is sucking up the most memory and causing things to skip a bit. and if it's a program that i don't need to have running, i'll shut it down manually through Task Manager.

[franknbeans]

yeah, I'm on Vista. . .

thanks for the tip.

[skuttduck]

Um, why are running a 32bit operating system with 5gb of RAM?

You should run 64bit (vista or windows 7) to get use out of any more than 4gb of ram.
I haven't gamed much in years, so I don't know what to tell you about video cards.

When it came to video editing and stuff, I found that getting a faster hard disk helped.

A dedicated graphics card would help. You would free more memory up for programs.

The last video card I did order was 256MB ATI RADEON HD 3470 for a Dell Optiplex 780

[franknbeans]

That's why i thought upgrading to 7 would be a good idea. . . the Ram is because i got a good deal on two sticks and I just put them in there. . .

As for the graphics card, that is what I was thinking too.

[skuttduck]

Originally Posted by KeepItGreasey

i'm assuming you have Vista?

first of all, "upgrading" your operating system is not something i would recommend. your computer was probably built specifically to run the operating system that it came with. and by the time you'll need a new computer, a tried and true operating system will be available and will come with the new computer.

i have a very similar setup to yours, and when anything slows down - i open up Task Manager, select the Processes tab and click on the "Memory" column to see which program is sucking up the most memory and causing things to skip a bit. and if it's a program that i don't need to have running, i'll shut it down manually through Task Manager.

Leaving web browser windows with FACEBOOK open often sucks up 1gb of Ram I found.

You can always run msconfig to check/uncheck things at startup if you suspect they are causing it.

Itunes, quicktime, and realplayer are notorious for leaving processes running that don't need to be.

I have found that windows 7 is better than vista, and a fresh clean install with 64bit would probably see a performance increase. The fact it came with 32bit and 5gb of ram is pretty dumb.

[KeepItGreasey]

so you're editing photos, or videos, or both?

i might understand a computer slowing down while editing HD video...

[skuttduck]

Originally Posted by franknbeans

That's why i thought upgrading to 7 would be a good idea. . . the Ram is because i got a good deal on two sticks and I just put them in there. . .

As for the graphics card, that is what I was thinking too.

You'll have to wipe the system, or install new for going to windows 7 64bit. You can't go from 32 to 64 bit on an upgrade.

I'm still stuck here at home on windows vista 64bit home premium. I could upgrade if I bought ultimate. It irks me because I can get enterprise or professional through the university with the MSDNAA we have for free.. Ah well.

[KeepItGreasey]

Originally Posted by skuttduck

Leaving web browser windows with FACEBOOK open often sucks up 1gb of Ram I found.

You can always run msconfig to check/uncheck things at startup if you suspect they are causing it.

Itunes, quicktime, and realplayer are notorious for leaving processes running that don't need to be.

I have found that windows 7 is better than vista, and a fresh clean install with 64bit would probably see a performance increase. The fact it came with 32bit and 5gb of ram is pretty dumb.

yeah, see, i regularly leave my browser open with at least 10 tabs running, but i rarely get up around 1GB of ram usage - then it really slows down.

but that's why i recommend shutting down unused programs through Task Manager so you can get a good look at what's sucking up all the RAM and possibly causing your processor to work overtime

[franknbeans]

The computer didn't come with 5gb or ram. . I put that in there last year looking to speed it up some. . Like i said, I got a good deal on the ram sticks and put them in there knowing it would be over 4gb.

Editing Just pictures, no video.

[KeepItGreasey]

i'm also on a 32bit system... and 3GB of RAM, with no futher upgrades possible without a new board.

just pictures: you should be good just by shutting down programs that you aren't using while you're editing pictures. give it a try and let us know.

don't listen to all the computer nerds who are telling you to install Windows 7 or to wipe your system clean and install a 64bit version of Vista. these are the computer versions of guys on C5 who wont rest until their Camaro has the most horsepower out of any 5th gen, and the loudest choppiest exhaust - but with no "drone".

i'm just trying to give you advice to make it work with what you've got.

[2ndgenz28]

freeware

X-setup for killin hidden startups
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4083.html

PRCview to see and kill even more
prcview.com

[skuttduck]

Originally Posted by KeepItGreasey

i'm also on a 32bit system... and 3GB of RAM, with no futher upgrades possible without a new board.

just pictures: you should be good just by shutting down programs that you aren't using while you're editing pictures. give it a try and let us know.

don't listen to all the computer nerds who are telling you to install Windows 7 or to wipe your system clean and install a 64bit version of Vista. these are the computer versions of guys on C5 who wont rest until their Camaro has the most horsepower out of any 5th gen, and the loudest choppiest exhaust - but with no "drone".

i'm just trying to give you advice to make it work with what you've got.

I'll put it in Camaro speak then.

Your computer is like running AFM on the L99. You have 8 cylinders and all you are using is 4. So you need to defeat the AFM..

Happy now

Seriously you aren't using 5 gb until you install 64bit. With 32bit all you can use is 3.5gigs of Ram. Then the video card eats some of that ram too.

[franknbeans]

here is a screen shot when task manager is running. .

I have LR3 running in the back ground. . .my issue is when i navigate to a new picture it takes 10-15 seconds to load and when I am able to fully edit the picture.