Worth it to re-build to avoid travel costs/troubles?

Milanna

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Nov 12, 2010
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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.
 

g-unit1111

Titan
Moderator


Yeah I agree with this - a mini ITX rig would solve most of your problems especially since cases are getting smaller and smaller.

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?

Yeah as was suggested I'd look at going mini ITX.

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.

Yeah with that kind of hardware you are most likely not going to get a lot of money. But any bit helps to finance a new system.

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?

You're definitely looking at a new CPU and motherboard. Maybe the graphics but that's something that can be upgraded on an as needed basis. Most CS5/6 applications are generally more CPU dependent than GPU dependent.

4.) I do not really like laptops, but given my need for mobility the next few years, is that something I should consider?

The nice thing is that PCs are getting smaller and not bigger. More and more most manufacturers are building motherboards that can handle ultra high end processors like the i7-6700K and the i7-5960X in smaller and smaller packages. It's nice that Asrock and other motherboard manufacturers are building mITX support for those chipsets with overclocking features.

5.) Any other options I've overlooked?

How much are you looking to spend?
 

ST0RM91

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My brother uses a mac for design and editing and has never complained. If you travel that much and spend that much on shipping / repairs I'd give some serious thought to a laptop since you can take it in hand luggage :)
 
Since no more gaming, a smaller box/laptop as suggested maybe the ticket, but at 500-600 you will be making major compromises.

The current PS lag may simply be due to ram. How's the swapping?

I always factor in the "bother" factor. Your current box, albeit slow as you said, it WORKS and has all your custom setting in it. A new box takes time to build and perhaps troubleshoot and you have to re-customize it to the way you like.

After that, sounds like a simple accounting exercise.
 

ST0RM91

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Maybe a compromise would be to salvage whats usable and transfer it to a smaller case. They have some really good ones right now and so long as you package it right you shouldn't have to spend money on repairs after moving.

What size case do you have right now?
 

Milanna

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Nov 12, 2010
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Sorry I'm late. I didn't get e-mail notification like I thought. Thanks for all the helpful answers, everyone :)! I appreciate it SO much!

Actually, after consideration mini-itx is an amazing suggestion :)!!! Why didn't I think of that?? I guess I had the impression it's too weak, but from what I'm seeing on YouTube that's not the case at all, is it? While laptop seems the most logical answer, I still prefer to build my machine myself. And I think I'll get more value for my dollar doing that anyway. I don't take that much luggage with me when I travel, so I should have no problem transporting something like that with me. Hopefully I won't get hit with a customs fee if it's on my person when I travel? Because afaik no one gets customs for bringing their laptop with them.

Anyway :D I'll go try my hand at working on some builds and ask for advice again later! Thanks again!!!