System for graphic design purposes

zinowor · Mar 12, 2014

Hi, I need a new computer specifically for graphic design. It doesn't have to be a super computer, just something that will run smoothly enough. My budget is at most 1000 euros, so I'm looking to specialize this build as much as possible to keep the cost down.

I will use it for programs like Keyshot, Artcam, Photoshop etc.

Unfortunately I'm only experienced with building systems for gaming, but as I understand it gaming builds usually serve pretty decently as graphic design workstations. So I figured a low-end gaming build would serve my needs in this case.

The build I was looking at is this:

Intel Core i7 4770 Boxed

MSI B85-G41 PC Mate

MSI GeForce GTX 760 Hawk

Corsair Carbide 200R Closed

Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO

Crucial Ballistix Sport 2x8

Seasonic S12G 550W

Samsung 840 EVO 250GB

Now the gpu in this build has 2gb, but I can also get the model that has 4gb. I heard it was better to have more memory on your gpu, but I'm not sure if it's necessary in my case.

With a monitor added it's around 1000 euros, so I'm at the limit of what I'm willing to pay for it.

Any input is greatly appreciated.

tiny voices · Mar 12, 2014

You DO NOT need the CPU cooler as you cannot overclock that CPU and the stock cooler will be perfectly fine.

The 2gb card will be fine for your uses.

iNova · Mar 12, 2014

tiny voices :

Yeah but I've seen the stock cooler reach 90C on the 4770K when rendering videos or photoshop, plus if the CPU is cooler, it may expand the lifetime slightly.

tiny voices · Mar 12, 2014

Running cool doesn't really extend lifetime. A CPU in constant load as the same lifespan as a CPU that idles or even is turned off frequently.

The CPU cooler is a luxury item here but if OP wants it, it will not hurt anything. It may also be a bit quieter than the stock one as well.

iNova · Mar 12, 2014

tiny voices :

Personally I would go for the CPU Cooler because I've seen people rendering videos and photoshop hit 90C with the stock cooler on the 4770K, but if the OP is fine with the CPU nearly overheating then thats his choice.

iNova · Mar 12, 2014

GPU Memory won't matter for 1080P. If your running on any resolution higher then 1080P then go for the 4GB version or a GTX770 or GTX780 if your fine with going overbudget (I'm assuming your not fine with going overbudget, just an option)

zinowor · Mar 12, 2014

tiny voices :

Thanks for the reply. I hadn't realized I didn't need the cpu cooler lol.

Do you think my PSU is too much? I was thinking maybe 450w would be sufficient, since I won't be overclocking anyway.

iNova · Mar 12, 2014

zinowor :

Keep the 550W, the GTX760 uses power to...

zinowor · Mar 12, 2014

iNova :

Interesting, thanks for sharing.

Well, in this case I was going for a CPU Cooler that would cost me around 25 euros, so it's probably worth it.

tiny voices · Mar 12, 2014

A gtx760 can use MAX 168w under full load. Add that to the MAX 100w for the CPU and you have 268w with the CPU and GPU at full 100% load which is unlikely to happen.

A GOOD quality 450w unit would be perfectly fine as long as it has the proper connectors as many <500w units don't have 2 PCI connectors for the GPU.

iNova · Mar 12, 2014

zinowor :

iNova :

Interesting, thanks for sharing.

Well, in this case I was going for a CPU Cooler that would cost me around 25 euros, so it's probably worth it.

Hyper 212 Evo is a great choice for cheap but effective air cooling

I'm here to help, anymore questions or concerns?

zinowor · Mar 12, 2014

iNova :

I know it uses power, I was just thinking of cumulative energy spendings.

But I'll stick with the 550w then. Perhaps my original build is pretty decent for what I need.

I could skimp on the quality of the components to cut some of the price, but I'm not a fan of doing that. So unless someone has some remarks about the build, I'll go with what it is at the moment.

tiny voices · Mar 12, 2014

zinowor :

iNova :

I know it uses power, I was just thinking of cumulative energy spendings.

But I'll stick with the 550w then. Perhaps my original build is pretty decent for what I need.

I could skimp on the quality of the components to cut some of the price, but I'm not a fan of doing that. So unless someone has some remarks about the build, I'll go with what it is at the moment.

Have a look at my post regarding the PSU.

zinowor · Mar 12, 2014

tiny voices :

Would an 80 plus gold PSU with 450w fit my build?

tiny voices · Mar 12, 2014

MAKE SURE it is Antec, XFX, Corsair (not CX, CS, RM), Seasonic only.

zinowor · Mar 12, 2014

tiny voices :

The 550w PSU from my original build has a 450w version as well.

http://www.seasonicusa.com/S12G.htm

Seems pretty solid to me. Although it's only 11 euros less than the 550w version.

Do you feel like having that extra power is just NOT needed?

tiny voices · Mar 12, 2014

That 450w unit should run your build perfectly fine. Unless you plan to get a more powerful GPU in a year or so, no the 450w unit would be fine.

shortstuff_mt · Mar 12, 2014

While it's true that a quality 450W PSU would power the system I would go with the 550W for the extra 11 euros. There's no reason to max out a 450W PSU when the 550W is better suited for the system IMO. The official Nvidia recommended minimum PSU wattage is 500W for the GTX 760 (I know that's over-stated, but still...). PSUs lose capacity as they age and the 450W PSU eliminates the possibility of an upgrade in the future.

zinowor · Mar 12, 2014

tiny voices :

Nope, I probably won't change a thing about it. I just need a workhorse that never complains.

Btw, big thanks to you and iNova. You guys have been really helpful.

System for graphic design purposes

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