$1000-1500: Photoshop & Stock Trading - Build Help

Hai Ngo · Jul 20, 2013

I'm a freelance photo assistant (glorified intern) who plans on becoming a digitech (someone who does all the computer-side stuff of a photoshoot, including shooting straight into the computer and onto a big monitor and retouching) and then a commercial photographer (hopefully). I trade stocks on the side -- mostly a hobby (just dreams of being rich one day..... sigh....).

I want a computer to retouch & edit photos (Photoshop, etc.) and to trade stocks (3 or 4 monitors). I run OptionsHouse web based platform for trading. I open up lots of web browser windows and they are all constantly loading info. No games.

First time builder.
THANK YOU SO MUCH in advance.
Wannabe Geek.

Approximate Purchase Date: within the next 6 months? no rush, no deadline.

Budget Range: Preferably $1,000 total; $1,500 if needed (not including monitors).

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Photoshop, Trading stocks with 3 or 4 displays (only 1 NEEDS to be HD, multiple HD is nice...), and occasionally Adobe After Effects

Are you buying a monitor: Yes, but not in this budget. If you have recommendations, please let me know so I can keep track of that in the back of my mind. I currently have an ASUS VE247H LCD. (Already have a mouse and keyboard.)

Parts to Upgrade: no upgrades, all new.

Do you need to buy OS: Yes. Windows. Windows 8?

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg.com (whatever/wherever is cheapest)

Location: Saint Louis Park, MN, USA (I have a Micro Center locally!!)

Parts Preferences: No preference. I'm a noob.

Overclocking: No

Your Monitor Resolution: 1x 1920x1080. Need to buy 2 or 3 more; they don't NEED to be HD (for photo retouching). I think 2 HD (for photo retouching and editing simultaneously) and 1 lower resolution (just for stocks, web, music) would be nice... I'm open to suggestions for this.

Additional Comments: Photoshop, Bridge, OptionsHouse stock trading web based platform, After Effects. No games. PLEASE NOTE that this tower will be moved from my house to photoshoot location semi-frequently (~3 times/week). Already have a mouse and keyboard.

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: My college laptop isn't cutting it anymore. It takes me like 3 mins to boot photoshop and like 5 mins to save some of the bigger files (and I cross my fingers that it doesn't crash doing so).

jinayhvora · Jul 20, 2013

this would be my build, selected MicroATX for it to be easier to carry around http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1iKdh

mastrom101 · Jul 20, 2013

I recommend buying all of the same panel in most cases.

High-end
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($279.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H100 92.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($79.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z87X-UD4H ATX LGA1150 Motherboard (Purchased For $140.00)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance Pro 32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($279.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Corsair Neutron Series GTX 240GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($214.99 @ Best Buy)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Black 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($149.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition 2GB Video Card ($169.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master Storm Scout 2 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair Enthusiast 650W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($15.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $1490.90
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-07-20 18:21 EDT-0400)

Mid-end
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($279.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H100 92.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($79.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z87X-UD4H ATX LGA1150 Motherboard (Purchased For $140.00)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($123.30 @ Newegg)
Storage: Sandisk Ultra Plus 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($89.99 @ Microcenter)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Black 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($149.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition 2GB Video Card ($169.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master Storm Scout ATX Mid Tower Case ($67.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair Enthusiast 650W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($15.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $1177.21
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-07-20 18:24 EDT-0400)

Budget
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($199.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Seidon 120M 86.2 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z87X-UD4H ATX LGA1150 Motherboard (Purchased For $140.00)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($123.30 @ Newegg)
Storage: Sandisk Ultra Plus 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($89.99 @ Microcenter)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7850 2GB Video Card ($154.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Microcenter)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 430W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($22.50 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($15.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $916.71
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-07-20 18:29 EDT-0400)

I think the second build is the best choice. As for Windows, pick up Professional if you plan to upgrade to 32 GB of RAM.

Hai Ngo · Jul 21, 2013

Thank you for your help mastrom101 & jinayhvora!! I'm new at this and have been reading a lot of stuff online. I ran across this (i5 vs i7) and was wondering if you guys had any comments regarding this (and how/if it effects me). I understand that these are the 3rd generation ones and there is a 4th generation model out there now, but does the same general philosophy apply?

The CPU: Intel Core i5-3570 Ivy Bridge 3.4Ghz Quad Core Processor - $211.69
Intel's Core processors are still the clear market leaders in power and performance. After all, this is the same processor thatTom's Hardware put in their $1000 gaming PC, and our friends at Logical Incriments think this—not the i7—is the best processor for high-end performance, especially in gaming. We think it'll handle whatever you throw at it pretty handily, and besides: The only difference between the i5 and the i7 is the hyperthreading, which you'd only miss if you're doing high-end video encoding, 3D rendering, or video editing. For gaming and everyday use, you won't notice it's missing at all. Want to overclock and get a little more for your money? Grab the $219 i5-3570k instead.
Source: lifehacker.com

Hai Ngo · Jul 21, 2013

jinayhvora :

You have a little badge saying you're a monitor expert, so I thought I would ask if the specific monitors you picked out were particularly good for their price? My current monitor is okay (its viewing angle for accurate color is pretty small), but I would like to get one that is nicer to be my retouching screen (and then one that is cheap and generic). I've read that Dell's 24-inch U2412M is a really good monitor?

I'm looking for a 24"-ish monitor with a nice viewing angle (so colors don't change on me at diff angles), low glare, and accurate colors. I don't need some crazy high resolution and I don't need some abnormally great color range. I guess I'm just asking for general thoughts/comments right now.

jinayhvora · Jul 21, 2013

keep ur eisting monitor and get the other two i put, that leaves u with 3 monitors

Hai Ngo · Jul 21, 2013

Notes:
1) I'll need wireless capabilities for when I'm on location for shoots -- so I need a wireless card? (or should I find a different motherboard?)
2) I want USB 3.0 ports available in the front of my case.
3) Will the 128BG SSD be plenty for my OS, adobe products, and other software?
4) I don't think I need a CD/DVD drive.
5) I am considering the NZXT Vulcan case. They didn't have it as an option on PC Builder.

I looked at all the suggestions, and I thought I would try to save a few bucks where I could. So this is kind of a combination of the suggestions (...does building a PC work that way??): http://pcpartpicker.com/user/FallenOmnipotent/saved/20sK

CPU Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core (Microcenter Override) $279.99
CPU Cooler Corsair H100 92.0 CFM Liquid $79.99
Motherboard Gigabyte GA-Z87X-UD4H ATX LGA1150 $169.99
Memory G.Skill Sniper Gaming Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 $119.99
Storage Sandisk Ultra Plus 128GB 2.5" SSD $89.99
Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM $89.98
Video Card Asus GeForce GTX 650 Ti Boost 2GB $168.98
Wireless Network Adapter Rosewill RNX-N250PCe 802.11b/g/n PCI-Express x1 $19.95
Case Cooler Master SGC-2100-KWN3 ATX Mid Tower $59.99
Power Supply XFX 450W ATX12V / EPS12V $59.98
TOTAL: $1139 (No OS, No CD/DVD Drive)

..Will this work? Anything I should know?.. I'm a complete noob...

mastrom101 · Jul 21, 2013

Hai Ngo :

Thank you for your help mastrom101 & jinayhvora!! I'm new at this and have been reading a lot of stuff online. I ran across this (i5 vs i7) and was wondering if you guys had any comments regarding this (and how/if it effects me). I understand that these are the 3rd generation ones and there is a 4th generation model out there now, but does the same general philosophy apply?

The CPU: Intel Core i5-3570 Ivy Bridge 3.4Ghz Quad Core Processor - $211.69
Intel's Core processors are still the clear market leaders in power and performance. After all, this is the same processor thatTom's Hardware put in their $1000 gaming PC, and our friends at Logical Incriments think this—not the i7—is the best processor for high-end performance, especially in gaming. We think it'll handle whatever you throw at it pretty handily, and besides: The only difference between the i5 and the i7 is the hyperthreading, which you'd only miss if you're doing high-end video encoding, 3D rendering, or video editing. For gaming and everyday use, you won't notice it's missing at all. Want to overclock and get a little more for your money? Grab the $219 i5-3570k instead.
Source: lifehacker.com

I7 is better for rendering.

In terms of the build you posted: I like it, but I would change the case to either a 500R or a Storm Scout.
I would also swap the video card for a 7870GHz edition as it is much faster for the same price.

g-unit1111 · Jul 22, 2013

Hai Ngo :

If you're going to be moving your PC from location to location I'd heavily suggest looking into an mITX form factor PC, maybe something like this:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($349.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: NZXT Kraken X40 98.3 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($82.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87E-ITX Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($164.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: OCZ Vector Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 650 Ti Boost 2GB Video Card ($159.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Node 304 Mini ITX Tower Case ($68.00 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: PC Power & Cooling Silencer MK III 500W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($63.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1249.89
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-07-22 00:34 EDT-0400)

Tavo_Nova · Jul 22, 2013

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1jhfS

got 3 monitor asus 1920x1080 5ms IPS monitor.

min ITX form factor with gigabyte wifi, prety much you can carry this stuff around. you did say you won't be overclocking so I got you a 3770 and a H77 mobo, a 240gb ssd from intel (520), 3tb seagate barracuda for storage, 2gb 650 ti from evga you might want their warranty. and specially a Bitfenix prodigy white (you can chooose another color) btw I know the power supply is so overkill for this build but I just had to put it hahahaha. even some nice 500w Modular psu (prefered full modular or semi modular) due to the space inside the chassis.

I use a similar build for my photo editing rig. except I use a 670 and a 3770k with a H80i.

Total: $1759.12 with all those shipping rebates etc.

btw we could go cheaper with using a crucial or gskill rams, but I just loved these corsair dominators and their platinum psu series reason why I put there, but the cost should be less by changin the psu and ram to suit your needs, but I opted for the 16gb (2x8GB) 1866

angaddev · Jul 22, 2013

In terms of photoshop/lightroom, my i5-2500k chugs along brilliantly and shows that there is no need for an i7 for high-end image editing.

Tavo_Nova · Jul 22, 2013

well even back then we can do this kinda stuff using a core2duo, but having a beast rig in a really small form factor is super sexy

angaddev · Jul 22, 2013

Tavo_Nova :

Yes, I was just trying to save the OP quite a bit of dosh, when you're on a budget you don't really need it to be "sexy" .

g-unit1111 · Jul 22, 2013

Tavo_Nova :

I put the Falcon Northwest TIKI on my list of "If I won the Powerball" list of things to buy. :lol:

Tavo_Nova · Jul 22, 2013

yep that's why with my build he should change the psu (most prefered are modular or semi modular psu) to a lower end, chagne the ram to crucial bax 8gb cl9, and he can already lower it by a lot, specially by going for the 3570 non K. but hey it's OP's call,

note: this gave me an Idea gonna be building a new rig using this case and put it on water cooling, but instead of K I'm gonna use the i3 3220, and yeah it's a waste but it's fun.

Hai Ngo · Jul 22, 2013

WOW! Thanks again for everyone's help. I'm learning so much!

So eventually I'll probably want to upgrade to a 4 drive system: 1 ssd for OS & software, 1 ssd for short term internal backup, 1 hhd for storage, 1 hhd(?) for cache. But it looks like even the mini builds have room to upgrade to a 4 drive build? If I do build a mini, size would be a priority for easier packing & transportation (That will be a reason for me to get a bigger power supply right off the bat). As a result, I'm leaning towards the Fractal Design Node 304 Mini ITX Tower Case over the BitFenix Prodigy Case. It looks soo small though. Will it have room for my intended upgrade (in about 2 years)? I am suprised the the mini build price seems very competitive with the mid-tower build. Am I giving up performance? And sometimes when I'm on location, I'm set up in direct sunlight. Should I be concerned about overheating problems in these mini builds?

(After asking all these questions, it sounds like I should probably do a mid-tower build, unless someone tells me that none of the above are real concerns.)

mastrom101 · Jul 22, 2013

Hai Ngo :

WOW! Thanks again for everyone's help. I'm learning so much!

So eventually I'll probably want to upgrade to a 4 drive system: 1 ssd for OS & software, 1 ssd for short term internal backup, 1 hhd for storage, 1 hhd(?) for cache. But it looks like even the mini builds have room to upgrade to a 4 drive build? If I do build a mini, size would be a priority for easier packing & transportation (That will be a reason for me to get a bigger power supply right off the bat). As a result, I'm leaning towards the Fractal Design Node 304 Mini ITX Tower Case over the BitFenix Prodigy Case. It looks soo small though. Will it have room for my intended upgrade (in about 2 years)? I am suprised the the mini build price seems very competitive with the mid-tower build. Am I giving up performance? And sometimes when I'm on location, I'm set up in direct sunlight. Should I be concerned about overheating problems in these mini builds?

(After asking all these questions, it sounds like I should probably do a mid-tower build, unless someone tells me that none of the above are real concerns.)

I would recommend a mid-tower case with handles for portability. An ITX rig sacrifices performance (sometimes), thermals and expandability.

Hai Ngo · Aug 24, 2013

Hello again everyone-
Here's my update:

A lot of work & life came up, so I'm just now building everything. Unfortunately I've run into stupid beginner problems. I ended up buying the storm scout 1, which now I realize is not compatible with the corsair h100 liquid cool. The case would cost me about $50 to return, and the liquid cool about $35 to return. I did more reading on the liquid cool and thought that for the next two years where it'll probably be mostly a stationary desktop, I will just use the stock heat sync for now, and upgrade later when the enclosed liquid cool technology develops a little more and gets a little cheaper (so I'm opting to return the h100). For now, the noise and slightly increased heat will be okay. (I'm aware of the Hyper Evo 212+. I just thought I would see how hot my PC runs and then upgrade accordingly.) [EDIT: Also, the case allows for 2 more fans on the side panel. Maybe I'll do that when some fans go on sale and are basically free?]

Here is the current build:
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1vBUx
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1vBUx/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1vBUx/benchmarks/
Permanent link: http://pcpartpicker.com/user/FallenOmnipotent/saved/20Na

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($279.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z87MX-D3H Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory (Purchased For $123.30)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($164.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Black 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive (Purchased For $99.99)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 650 Ti Boost 2GB Video Card ($173.98 @ Newegg)
Wireless Network Adapter: Rosewill RNX-N250PCe 802.11b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($19.95 @ Amazon)
Case: Cooler Master Storm Scout ATX Mid Tower Case ($75.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 650W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply (Purchased For $49.99)
Monitor: Dell U2412M 60Hz 24.0" Monitor (Purchased For $259.99)
Total: $1368.15
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-24 18:14 EDT-0400)

mastrom101 · Aug 26, 2013

Hai Ngo :

Hello again everyone-
Here's my update:

A lot of work & life came up, so I'm just now building everything. Unfortunately I've run into stupid beginner problems. I ended up buying the storm scout 1, which now I realize is not compatible with the corsair h100 liquid cool. The case would cost me about $50 to return, and the liquid cool about $35 to return. I did more reading on the liquid cool and thought that for the next two years where it'll probably be mostly a stationary desktop, I will just use the stock heat sync for now, and upgrade later when the enclosed liquid cool technology develops a little more and gets a little cheaper (so I'm opting to return the h100). For now, the noise and slightly increased heat will be okay. (I'm aware of the Hyper Evo 212+. I just thought I would see how hot my PC runs and then upgrade accordingly.) [EDIT: Also, the case allows for 2 more fans on the side panel. Maybe I'll do that when some fans go on sale and are basically free?]

Here is the current build:
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1vBUx
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1vBUx/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1vBUx/benchmarks/
Permanent link: http://pcpartpicker.com/user/FallenOmnipotent/saved/20Na

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($279.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z87MX-D3H Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory (Purchased For $123.30)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($164.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Black 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive (Purchased For $99.99)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 650 Ti Boost 2GB Video Card ($173.98 @ Newegg)
Wireless Network Adapter: Rosewill RNX-N250PCe 802.11b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($19.95 @ Amazon)
Case: Cooler Master Storm Scout ATX Mid Tower Case ($75.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 650W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply (Purchased For $49.99)
Monitor: Dell U2412M 60Hz 24.0" Monitor (Purchased For $259.99)
Total: $1368.15
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-24 18:14 EDT-0400)

I would buy a 660 or 7870 instead. Otherwise looks good.

Hai Ngo · Aug 30, 2013

Everything is up and running! Except my wifi card... So the gpu is really thick and covers up the x1 wifi card slot. So I stuck it in the x8 slot right under the dedicated x1 wifi slot. My reception was really bad and lots of intermitancy problems. I looked up reviews and that is a common problem with not using the x1 slot for this card (Rosewill RNX-N250PCe 802.11b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter).

1) I'm trying to find a new wifi card for the x8 slot in my gpu. Any recommendations? (I could always go USB too if you guys recommend that..)
2) Also, I'm going to add two fans to my side panel (of my storm scout 1 case). Should the air be going into the PC or out of the PC?...

mastrom101 · Sep 2, 2013

1) I would recommend a USB adapter.

2) Side fans are generally intakes.

AxlFone · Sep 2, 2013

Here is good adapter. http://promotions.newegg.com/neemail/latest/index-landing.aspx
TP-LINK TL-WDN4800 Dual Band Wireless N900 PCI Express Adapter, 2.4GHz 450Mbps/5GHz 450Mbps, IEEE 802.1a/b/g/n, WEP/WPA/WPA2
$54.99
Your Price: $37.99
With Promo Code
EMCXMTX63

This is good too. GIGABYTE Bluetooth 4.0/WiFi Expansion Card GC-WB300D GC-WB300D

$1000-1500: Photoshop & Stock Trading - Build Help

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