Hi all - some advice would be nice please

[sjaddy123]

Hi all - have lurked here for a while soaking up the great knowledge and advice that is sometimes imparted here.

I was wondering if i could have some advice on the following spec please:

Processor
* Intel Core i3-530 Processor 2.93GHz,
* 4MB Cache

Memory
* 3GB DDR3 1333Mhz
* Memory Slot: 2 x DIMM

Hard Drive
* 500GB SATA II Hard Drive

Optical Drive
* Super multi DVDRW

Software
* Operating System: None

Graphics
* Dedicated Intel HD Graphics (Core i3-530)

Networking
* Network Interface: 10/100M LAN, Realtek® RTL8101E

A system prebuilt based on the above is being done for £300. I am looking to replace the following

AMD X2 5600+ (can't be OC'd because it is a Dell).

I already have some additional HDD's I can move over to the new box.

I have a paid copy of Windows 7 pro 64 bit so that isn't an issue and I am guessing I would need to change the memory out if there is really only 2 slots available.

I am looking to get into more digital photography and GIMP/Photoshop elements converting from RAW to whichever format is required. Also looking to possibly edit home videos of the kids.

I don't play games on the box (well apart from the odd game of championship manager) so not sure I need a beefier graphics card - if the i3 graphics card would be able to cope with editing that is.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks
Stephen

 

[Yewen]

3GB of memory will not suit the i3 processor, your best with going for 4GB and getting the most out of the chip.

Everything else is very basic, with no mention to PSU or other components.

The real power of the i3 processor comes from overclocking, take a look at this thread: http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18100771

We can get an extra 50-70% out of these chips without much hassle, that is a massive performance boost and with little effort the i3 can out perform the i7 in games.

I would strongly recommend building yourself, it is easier than what you might think.

Have dropped you an email.

 

[sjaddy123]

thanks Yewen. Would an i3 530 though be a good choice for video editing/photo manipulation or should i save the pennies for an i7?

Or woud the i3 530 be a big enough improvement from an am x2 5600+ to notice the difference?

 

[Yewen]

thanks Yewen. Would an i3 530 though be a good choice for video editing/photo manipulation or should i save the pennies for an i7?

Or woud the i3 530 be a big enough improvement from an am x2 5600+ to notice the difference?

You will notice a huge difference in performance jumping from the 5600 to a i3, if you clock the i3 on a budget it is one of the best for the image editing. Video editing depending on your program may get benefit from a quad core.

Overclocking the i3 will stretch performance in games to the level of a similarly clocked i7, program dependant you can get similar results in windows as well.

What programs are you running?

 

[sjaddy123]

The main apps would be gimp/photoshop for the photos but for the video editing i havent decided. I thought possibly the adobe premiere elements.

I currently run a sony app on a 4 year old laptop for that so would be looking for a better package for them.

also would be running open office/thunderbird/ff