Some new parts for a Photo Editing / Gaming build

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irishblue

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Jan 30, 2012
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Dear Sirs,

My motherboard died on me so I’m looking to replace it as well as a few dated components. I have listed the parts I would like to recycle and separately the parts I would like to replace.
I have picked out the parts I would like to purchase according to what made sense to me. However being a layman I’m sure my choice can be improved upon. Also any advice on the parts I already have but shouldn’t be incorporated into the new system would be greatly appreciated. :)

Additional info according to „How to ask for New Build" sticky post

Approximate Purchase Date: e.g.: As soon as possible
Budget Range: $1000-1400
System Usage from Most to Least Important: (Photo editing (Photoshop) Gaming, surfing the internet, watching movies).
Are you buying a monitor: No
Parts to Upgrade: CPU, mobo, GPU, HD & Case
Do you need to buy OS: No
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: www.digitec.ch
Location: Zürich, Switzerland but feel free to link parts in the US. The Swiss currency is almost one to one with the US dollar and parts are similarly priced/available
Overclocking: No
Your Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080
Additional Comments: I use the PC primarily for Photo editing (Photoshop) and playing games (Eve Online / Dual account running on 2 separate screens). The system should be durable i.e. last 3-5 years.
Why Are You Upgrading: My motherboard broke and my current CPU and GPU are a little bit dated. I need some more storage space. My current case is a bit of a pig (noisy/rattling fans, lot's of dust getting in).

I already have

Memory / RAM
4x Corsair XMS3 (4GB, DDR3-1333, DIMM 240)

CPU Cooler
Noctua NH-D14

Power Supply
Seasonic X-560 (560W)

Optical Drive
LG Blu-ray

Hard Drive
Samsung 850 Pro (256GB, 2.5")

Further hard Drives
Crucial m4 SSD (128GB, 2.5") – I use this for data I’m currrently working with
WD RE4 (500GB, 3.5", Desktop)
WD RE (2000GB, 3.5", Server, Workstation)


I had thought to buy.

Case
Fractal Define R5

Motherboard
Gigabyte GA-Z97X-Gaming 5 (LGA 1150, Z97, ATX)

CPU
Intel Xeon E3-1231 V3 (LGA 1150, 3.40GHz)

GPU
Gigabyte GTX 970 G1 Gaming (GM204, 4GB)
or
MSI R9 390 Gaming 8G

Hard Drive
WD Blue (4000GB, 3.5", Desktop)
 
Solution
CTurbo
The H97 and Z97 are fundamentally the same as far as durability goes. The Z97 board offers a few extras like overclocking, faster RAM, and some of them support SLI. The Xeon can't overclock so I would go with the H97.
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CTurbo

CTurbo

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I like your parts selection especially the e3-1231v3, but I have to wonder if it's necessary to get a Z97 motherboard when you could save a lot of money by getting a H97 board instead. The 390 is a tad better than the 970. I would pick depending on which monitor you use. If it's 60hz 1080p or lower, go with the 970, if it's 144hz 1080p or 1440p or higher, go with the 390.
 
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irishblue

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Hi CTurbo,

Many thanks for your swift reply. I chose the Z97 as it "seemed" to offer a bit more performance for not that much more money. But I have to be honest that much of the technical description concerning motherboards is completely over my head. I will however definetley take your advice on boards and look into the Gigabyte GA-H97-D3H (LGA 1150, H97, ATX) again (presuming that's the one you meant). Do you have any idea which of the 2 boards is likely to be more durable. I skimped a bit on price when I bought the last one which has come back to haunt me by breaking on me and I didn't want to make that mistake again :-D

Also your advice regarding the GPU is greatly appreciated. The screens I use are 2 ASUS PB248Q's so I guess the 390 is the one to go with.

Once again many thanks for your kind input.
 
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CTurbo

CTurbo

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Aug 27, 2013
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The H97 and Z97 are fundamentally the same as far as durability goes. The Z97 board offers a few extras like overclocking, faster RAM, and some of them support SLI. The Xeon can't overclock so I would go with the H97.
 
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Solution
I

irishblue

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Jan 30, 2012
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Thanks again for your input. :)

One final question before I progress to ordering the components. If I stick with the Z97 and invest in faster RAM is the performance increase worth it? If not I will follow your suggestion and go go for the H97.
 
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I

irishblue

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OK, in that case the H97 it is :)

Many many hanks for all your help on this Cturbo. It's very much appreciated.
 
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A

Anon212

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Aug 19, 2015
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With that money you can get better gpu , also update to 8 or even 16gb of ram but 16 would be overkill , and buy new and stronger psu for future ;)

Also i found SSHD from WD which is up to 4x more faster and almost the same price

CPU – Xenon 1231-v3 3.5GHz Quad Core - http://amzn.to/1hTILh3 - 280$
SSHD – WD 4TB SSHD - http://amzn.to/1NNTIuB - 175$ - 4x faster than normal HDD
MB - http://amzn.to/1JtGPGx - 110$
GPU – EVGA Gtx 980 4GB - http://amzn.to/1JtFyPR - 500$
PSU – EVGA SuperNOVA 750W - http://amzn.to/1fsJUdP - 81$
RAM – kingston hyperX Furry 8Gb -http://amzn.to/1JtGWSh - 49$
Case - http://amzn.to/1NNV091 - 138$
TOTAL : 1333$
 
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