Ok, so here's the deal. I have dragged my rig with me back and forth overseas, spending about an additional $600+ since building it in customs, shipping, and repair fees. At this point, given the age of the system (5 years), I'm thinking it's really not worth it to take it back-and-forth again. With the cost and hassle of transport, maybe I should just sell my current machine and re-build overseas. So I'm looking for advice on the best course of action.
Current Build:
CPU: i7-950
Mobo: gigabyte x58a-ud3r
GPU: gtx 460 1gb
Memory: 6gb - CORSAIR XMS3 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3
HDD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185
PSU: Corsair gold 750-850 somethingorother (it was the only one my local shop had when my old one crapped out)
OS: Windows 7 sp1
Intended use:
I used to be in to games, but since these days I only use it for studying apps, browsing, and watching youtube, I have no major complaints. My only wish is that it was a faster with Adobe CS5 since I do digital painting and graphics (hobby level) on a regular basis. I do video editing from time to time. Working with multi-layer PSDs in photoshop really slows things down.
Budget:
IF going for a totally new build, it would probably have to be around $500-600 (excluding monitors, not sure about os) to be even with the cost of another round trip. If my CPU isn't too bad/old (I don't know, is it?), I guess I could just take that out of this machine and put it in a new one since it's so small and easy to transport.
So I guess the questions are-
1.) Is it better to leave this machine here (Country A) and just build a new one from scratch when I get back to Country B? Would I be able to build a new machine with similar power to my current build (or maybe a bit more for Photoshop) for the same price as another round trip?
2.) Is it worth it to sell this current one to help fund a new one? It's so old, I assume it's not worth much.
3.) If I scrap the new build idea and just keep this machine due to costs, what is the first thing I should look to upgrade to get better performance in Photoshop?
4.) I do not really like laptops, but given my need for mobility the next few years, is that something I should consider?
5.) Any other options I've overlooked?
I know another option is just to transport it back in pieces in my luggage instead of shipping, but I am afraid of them getting damaged in luggage. Assuming I even have room.
Sorry, I think this might be really confusing and I feel embarrassed to post it. If only money were no object. But I'm going back to grad school (aka broke life), and have no idea which country I'll end up in, which is why I have to weigh the costs pros/cons so carefully.
I really appreciate any patient advice or tips anyone can offer.
Current Build:
CPU: i7-950
Mobo: gigabyte x58a-ud3r
GPU: gtx 460 1gb
Memory: 6gb - CORSAIR XMS3 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3
HDD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185
PSU: Corsair gold 750-850 somethingorother (it was the only one my local shop had when my old one crapped out)
OS: Windows 7 sp1
Intended use:
I used to be in to games, but since these days I only use it for studying apps, browsing, and watching youtube, I have no major complaints. My only wish is that it was a faster with Adobe CS5 since I do digital painting and graphics (hobby level) on a regular basis. I do video editing from time to time. Working with multi-layer PSDs in photoshop really slows things down.
Budget:
IF going for a totally new build, it would probably have to be around $500-600 (excluding monitors, not sure about os) to be even with the cost of another round trip. If my CPU isn't too bad/old (I don't know, is it?), I guess I could just take that out of this machine and put it in a new one since it's so small and easy to transport.
So I guess the questions are-
1.) Is it better to leave this machine here (Country A) and just build a new one from scratch when I get back to Country B? Would I be able to build a new machine with similar power to my current build (or maybe a bit more for Photoshop) for the same price as another round trip?
2.) Is it worth it to sell this current one to help fund a new one? It's so old, I assume it's not worth much.
3.) If I scrap the new build idea and just keep this machine due to costs, what is the first thing I should look to upgrade to get better performance in Photoshop?
4.) I do not really like laptops, but given my need for mobility the next few years, is that something I should consider?
5.) Any other options I've overlooked?
I know another option is just to transport it back in pieces in my luggage instead of shipping, but I am afraid of them getting damaged in luggage. Assuming I even have room.
Sorry, I think this might be really confusing and I feel embarrassed to post it. If only money were no object. But I'm going back to grad school (aka broke life), and have no idea which country I'll end up in, which is why I have to weigh the costs pros/cons so carefully.
I really appreciate any patient advice or tips anyone can offer.