How much power does a rip need?

[anotherdog]

I'm looking at a new install of Versaworks 3. I need to decide whether to use one of the existing computers that hang around or go out and buy a spanky new beast of a machine.
It will be running a vp540, doing all kinds of medium sized signage.
Any thoughts on what should be running this...RAM, vista etc.

thankew!

 

[TonyHoles]

I use that setup with xp but if I had vista on this setup I would go from my current 4gigs of ram to 8gigs. 4 works but more ram is always better.

 

[cdiesel]

Our RIP stations are very inexpensive, slow machines. They cost less than $600 each, including monitors. With VW, you can "RIP while printing" which will start RIPping the file immediately, and printing immediately. No matter how slow your computer is, the printer will always be slower.

Keep in mind, we don't use our RIP stations for design, just RIPping and occasionally the guys will jump on the web for something, but that's it. If you're going to use it for design, then I'd go with a nicer/faster machine, but that's based on design, not on the RIP.

 

[SignBurst PCs]

I use that setup with xp but if I had vista on this setup I would go from my current 4gigs of ram to 8gigs. 4 works but more ram is always better.

Don't go with 8GB yet, as that would force you into 64 Bit and VersaWorks is not quite ready for that. We can get it to run sometimes, but others it is a disaster in 64 Bit.

- Stick with a 32 Bit RIP station. 4GB is plenty for just RIP.

- As long as you get a decent system, Vista works very well. Don't buy a "budget PC and expect it to be fast.