Advice on Workstation PC Build - Illustration, Animation, 3D, Video, Photo Editing, Audio Recording

ridejemkiss

Commendable
Aug 2, 2016
4
0
1,510
Hello!

Thanks in advance to everyone that responds to this thread--your help is much appreciated.

This will be my first build and I am looking for advice to make sure none of the components I have selected will be incompatible, redundant, or altogether useless. Here is a parts list I put together based on my somewhat limited knowledge and research:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-5820K 3.3GHz 6-Core Processor ($501.98 @ DirectCanada)
CPU Cooler: be quiet! Dark Rock 3 67.8 CFM Fluid Dynamic Bearing CPU Cooler ($89.99 @ BestDirect)
Motherboard: MSI X99S SLI Plus ATX LGA2011-3 Motherboard ($339.00 @ Amazon Canada)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($169.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($79.98 @ DirectCanada)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($91.57 @ Amazon Canada)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 390 8GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($389.95 @ shopRBC)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 390 8GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($389.95 @ shopRBC)
Case: Phanteks Enthoo Pro ATX Full Tower Case ($129.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Power Supply: Rosewill 1000W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($23.98 @ DirectCanada)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Professional SP1 OEM 64-bit ($173.98 @ DirectCanada)
Total: $2380.36
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-08-13 19:20 EDT-0400

The main purpose of this build is to create a powerful workstation to optimize my workflow and productivity. I am looking to use the machine primarily to illustrate, animate, create motion graphics, 3d render, edit video and photo, and do audio recording. I will mainly be using the Adobe Suite (PS, PR, AE, AI), C4D, Toon Boom, and other similar applications. Aside from that, it will be used for surfing the net, watching movies, and very occasional gaming (this is almost not a priority whatsoever).

As long as I am not compromising performance, I am not adverse to saving money wherever I can, which means brands/aesthetics aren't super import to me in this build. That being said, I am not looking to cheap out either--I want a strong, fast, and reliable workstation I can rely on for the next few years that isn't entirely hideous to look at.

Since I am new to this, any and all constructive feedback would be awesome. Be as harsh or critical as you need to be, I am looking to build a badazz workstation and learn as much as I can in the process :) my feelings won't get hurt

Here are some additional details:

Approximate Purchase Date: ASAP, not in an insane rush, but the sooner the better

Budget Range: $2k-$3k CAD ($1.5k-$2.3k USD), ideally somewhere near the middle

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Illustration, Animation, Video Editing, Sound Editing, Photo Editing, Motion Graphics, 3D Sculpting, Web Surfing, etc.

Are you buying a monitor: No, currently using BenQ GW2750HM + Cintiq 21UX. Might eventually upgrade, let me know if this is something you think would be worth doing sooner rather than later.

Do you need to buy OS: Yes, preferably Windows 7, unless someone can sell me on Windows 10 somehow. Advice on what Windows 7 version I should get is also helpful.

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: No preference, price is really the main factor here.

Location: Montréal, Quebec

Parts Preferences: none, so long as they are reliable, compatible, and perform well

Overclocking: Yes? Like I said, I am new to this... but if I can maximize performance without severely compromising the processor's lifespan I am open to it. If it is not worth the time/effort, then I won't bother.

SLI or Crossfire: ...? not to sure about this. Did a bit of research but any additional advice would be great. I went with 2x Crossfire cards, but let me know if there is a better alternative.

Your Monitor Resolution: Benq - 1920 x 1080, Cintiq - 1600 x 1200

Additional Comments: Window in case is not really necessary, and if the parts inside aren't really aesthetic then I would rather go without. It'd be nice if the case wasn't completely hideous, though. Also, wasn't sure if I should go with a mid or full tower, but I assumed full would be the best. If that doesn't make sense, let me know.

Hit me up with any questions you might have. Again, thanks in advance for your help :)
 
Solution
Well you're close to the best but with a couple of tweaks a little more value for your money:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-5820K 3.3GHz 6-Core Processor ($501.98 @ DirectCanada)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D15 82.5 CFM CPU Cooler ($109.95 @ Amazon Canada)
Motherboard: Asus X99-A II ATX LGA2011-3 Motherboard ($311.14 @ shopRBC)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR4-2666 Memory ($169.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($79.98 @ DirectCanada)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($91.57 @ Amazon Canada)...

frapport

Honorable
Dec 2, 2015
108
0
10,760
Well you're close to the best but with a couple of tweaks a little more value for your money:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-5820K 3.3GHz 6-Core Processor ($501.98 @ DirectCanada)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D15 82.5 CFM CPU Cooler ($109.95 @ Amazon Canada)
Motherboard: Asus X99-A II ATX LGA2011-3 Motherboard ($311.14 @ shopRBC)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR4-2666 Memory ($169.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($79.98 @ DirectCanada)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($91.57 @ Amazon Canada)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 1070 8GB SC Gaming ACX 3.0 Video Card ($579.95 @ DirectCanada)
Case: Fractal Design Define R5 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($139.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($139.98 @ DirectCanada)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($23.98 @ DirectCanada)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Pro OEM 64-bit ($175.98 @ DirectCanada)
Keyboard: Cooler Master Storm QuickFire Rapid Wired Gaming Keyboard ($84.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Total: $2409.48
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-08-15 00:53 EDT-0400
 
Solution