Im interested in some guidance related to my impending exit from using a PC and getting a Mac Pro to do my Photoshop work and printing with. I havent upgraded since Photoshop CS and have been operating this software and a Epson 9600 printer using a Dell workstation with dual Xeon Processors (6 year old technology). I typically use the West Coast Imaging workflow for large files (dodging and burning layers derived from a duplicate layer that is a much smaller size file format and then reintroducing/overlaying the large master file when I have adjustments that I am happy with). My images are all 16 bit drum scans with original files sizes of approx 500 MB to 1 GB depending on if I am using a 4x5 or 4x10 transparency as the original. I also do some digital SLR work when location or subject matter dictates that the LF equipment isnt prudent. My questions are as follows:
What Mac Pro configuration will be best for processing the images mentioned above, likely using Photoshop CS5 and possibly Lightroom (to help reduce the SLR workflow). By configuration, Im thinking processor speed (is there a point where the money for extra speed doesnt make sense?), RAM needs (how much is needed to do the scenario above?), scratch disk needs (is there a number that is optimal and is anything greater than the ~640 GB disk really necessary?), graphics card needs (if any?? for running a 30" Mac Screen for pic processing-Im not a gamer).
I built a system on Apples website maxing out the speed, incorporating 12 GB RAM and putting a 2TB hard drive in the unit with 3x 640GB scratch disks and came out at over $7K (without monitor) which exceeds my budget by a couple grand so Im wondering where to make the cuts or if I need to just save some more money to get it right.
All input appreciated- thanks E
Bookmarks