mac pro advice

[false-Aesthetic]

Let me preface this post with the following:

My current machine is a G4 tower 933mhz with 512mb RAM.

The tower is for grad school.

I do not consider myself a gamer AT ALL. My future machine will be used for photoshop 90% of the time. The other 10% will be split between playing shredder chess, web surfing, paper writing and playing DVDs. Possibly I will be doing video editing....using whatever pro programs I might need. (Ths is a slim possibility)


The photo files I use are around 1.5-2 gigs. 16bit color etc. As soon as Photoshop CS3 comes out I will have it.


I'm set on getting the 2.66 tower with 160gig HD.


My first question is: What graphics card do I get?

I've heard that it doesn't really matter for photoshop. I'm pretty sure that whatever I get it'll be an awesome upgrade from what I have now. Again, I DON"T GAME.

Question 2:

What happens if I get 2 sticks of 512 ram and then upgrade with 1 gig stick later? Do I lose performace? Will I have to/Should I buy 2 512s later.


Question 3:

Does installing your own ram void the extended warranty? I don't think it does but I'm not sure.

-----

This is my first new computer since 2001. I don't mind spending a bit more but I'd love to keep everything under 3 grand. I really appreciate your input.



Thanks

T.

 

[bradc]

First Question:

Stick with the stock 7300, it's still a very powerful video card and will save you some money.

Second Question:

If you are going to add RAM, add it in pairs. This way you'll benefit from dual-channel performance. So yes, add 2 sticks of 512. However, if you're working with 1.5-2gb images, you will definitely want more than 1gb of ram. It would be similar to having a McLaren F1 with tires off of a Toyota Prius. Despite having huge horsepower(processing performance) you aren't going anywhere with those tires (RAM).

Third:

I don't think it voids your Warranty, but if it does, just take out your 3rd party RAM before you send it in.

 

[false-Aesthetic]

ram

So if I add it in pairs

Can I have 2 512 sticks and 2 gig sticks? Or do I need to get rid of the 512 sticks too?

Will I lose performacne if I have a mixed "bag"