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evaluate my photoshop/light gaming build and help cut costs

Tags:
  • Photoshop
  • Computers
  • Build
  • Systems
  • Gaming
Last response: in Systems
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September 25, 2014 6:47:50 AM

My proposed build: http://pcpartpicker.com/user/dspmusic/saved/xkmNnQ

I am a first time builder (I have an Dell 6 year old XPS that died), so please be patient with me, as I have read quite a bit, but still feel clueless. I will use the computer for primarily lightroom and photoshop (non-professional). I work with large files, multiple layers and filters. I will also use the computer for streaming music throughout my house. My son will use the computer for gaming (primarily minecraft now, but I expect he will get into more graphics intensive gaming in the next year or two).

As you will see, my build is close to US$2k. If would appreciate it if you can help me get this build down to, or under US$1,500. There is no pride of authorship in my build, so have at it. My preference is to put together a system that will last 5 years and that can be upgraded as needed. I am in the U.S.

More about : evaluate photoshop light gaming build cut costs

a b 4 Gaming
September 25, 2014 7:01:25 AM

Hi there and welcome.

Lets see what I have done and why :

1. Cheaper CPU cooler that actually performs better and quieter.
2. Cheaper but more than sufficient motherboard. I find Asus ROG boards horribly overpriced.
3. Cheaper/faster memory.
4. Saved a bit on the SSD without sacrificing quality or space.
5. Saved on the HDD. The WD Black is a complete waste.
6. Lower wattage PSU. 600W is MORE than enough.
7. And finally, a MUCH BETTER but similarly priced graphics card, the new GTX970.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($338.95 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 65.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-Gaming 5 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($138.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($99.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($101.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB ACX Video Card ($329.98 @ NCIX US)
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: XFX 650W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24F1ST DVD/CD Writer ($18.98 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: Dell U2412M 60Hz 24.0" Monitor ($251.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1710.81
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-09-25 10:00 EDT-0400


RIght now price discussion, this isn't quiet the 1500$ you were aiming for, however I can get you there for some mimimal sacrifices?

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September 25, 2014 7:06:21 AM

Thanks, that's very helpful. Seems like if I want to cut costs further, I need to consider whether I need: (A) 16GB of RAM (maybe I can get by with 8?) and (B) 3TB HD (maybe I can manage with 2).


Novuake said:
Hi there and welcome.

Lets see what I have done and why :

1. Cheaper CPU cooler that actually performs better and quieter.
2. Cheaper but more than sufficient motherboard. I find Asus ROG boards horribly overpriced.
3. Cheaper/faster memory.
4. Saved a bit on the SSD without sacrificing quality or space.
5. Saved on the HDD. The WD Black is a complete waste.
6. Lower wattage PSU. 600W is MORE than enough.
7. And finally, a MUCH BETTER but similarly priced graphics card, the new GTX970.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($338.95 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 65.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-Gaming 5 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($138.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($99.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($101.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB ACX Video Card ($329.98 @ NCIX US)
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: XFX 650W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24F1ST DVD/CD Writer ($18.98 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: Dell U2412M 60Hz 24.0" Monitor ($251.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1710.81
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-09-25 10:00 EDT-0400


RIght now price discussion, this isn't quiet the 1500$ you were aiming for, however I can get you there for some mimimal sacrifices?



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a b 4 Gaming
September 25, 2014 7:12:36 AM

A) True. :)  8GB is fine for MOST people, but I can not speak for your "large files" :) .
B) False, will barely save 20$ if you go 2TB.

Alternatives :

1. Drop the CPU cooler, you can add it later relatively easily.
2. Drop the SSD, can add it later too, albeit a little more difficultly.
3. Remove the overclock ability altogether, this will save you at least 180$.
4. Drop 100$ of the GPU for a GTX760 since the GTX970 is more powerful than you need at 1200p. (This option hurts to say since the GTX970 really is AMAZING value for money, almost twice the performance of a GTX760 but 100$ more)
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September 25, 2014 7:28:37 AM

Very helpful!

So, if I drop overclocking (which I really don't think I need), what does the system build look like (I know to lose the "k" processor, but not sure about the MB). I will keep the GTX970 (which seems like a good long term investment) and drop down to 8gb RAM (and add 8 later if I need it).


Novuake said:
A) True. :)  8GB is fine for MOST people, but I can not speak for your "large files" :) .
B) False, will barely save 20$ if you go 2TB.

Alternatives :

1. Drop the CPU cooler, you can add it later relatively easily.
2. Drop the SSD, can add it later too, albeit a little more difficultly.
3. Remove the overclock ability altogether, this will save you at least 180$.
4. Drop 100$ of the GPU for a GTX760 since the GTX970 is more powerful than you need at 1200p. (This option hurts to say since the GTX970 really is AMAZING value for money, almost twice the performance of a GTX760 but 100$ more)


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Best solution

a b 4 Gaming
September 25, 2014 7:36:56 AM

That translates to :

1. Xeon equivalent I7 that costs 60$ less.
2. Cheaper mobo, Z97 motherboards are meant for overclocking and SLI, since you are doing neither, no point in spending that much on it.
3. Cheaper CPU cooler.
4. And less RAM obviously. :) 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1246 V3 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($283.94 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($28.52 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H97-GAMING 3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($80.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($81.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($99.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($101.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB ACX Video Card ($329.98 @ NCIX US)
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: XFX 650W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24F1ST DVD/CD Writer ($18.98 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: Dell U2412M 60Hz 24.0" Monitor ($251.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1498.32
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-09-25 10:36 EDT-0400
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September 25, 2014 7:39:52 AM

Will going with a non-Z97 MB materially affect upgrade paths over the next few years?
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a b 4 Gaming
September 25, 2014 7:45:23 AM

dspmusic said:
Will going with a non-Z97 MB materially affect upgrade paths over the next few years?


No, ONLY restriction you will have is the lack of SLI (not being able to add a second graphics card) and overclocking.
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September 25, 2014 7:56:36 AM

Thanks. This is all really good advice. I think I will go with this build unless anyone objects in the next hour.


Novuake said:
dspmusic said:
Will going with a non-Z97 MB materially affect upgrade paths over the next few years?


No, ONLY restriction you will have is the lack of SLI (not being able to add a second graphics card) and overclocking.


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a b 4 Gaming
September 25, 2014 7:57:37 AM

All a pleasure. :) 

Have fun!
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!