Hi All,
I'm looking for workstation build advice. In 2012, I built my current workstation with the help of the fine folks in this forum:
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/342174-31-looking-build-workstation-3000-4000-budget
Essentially, it has an Intel Core i7-3930K Sandy Bridge-E 3.2GHz processor, 16 GB of DDR3 1600 RAM, PNY GeForce GTX 680 2GB GPU, a 500 GB SSD for OS and programs, 4x 256 GB SSD in RAID 0+1 for working files, and 4x 3 TB 7200 RPM HDD in RAID 0+1 for storage.
It has served admirably (and continues to do so), but I am wondering if things have advanced substantially over the past 5 years where I should consider building a new machine? I just built a screaming-fast gaming machine with my son (i7 8700K, GeForce 1060 6GB, 16 GB of DDR 3600 RAM, etc.) that has me itching again...
I mainly use it for image editing, video production and to a lesser extent, digital audio recording and editing. My main programs are currently the latest versions of Photoshop, Lightroom, Illustrator, Premiere and Pro Tools.
So, given the fact that my current machine has no obvious problems aside from being 5 years old, can I expect a substantial performance bump by upgrading to a new workstation?
If so, here's what I'm thinking:
Approximate Purchase Date: e.g.: This week
Budget Range: $2000 to $3000 after rebates
System Usage from Most to Least Important: Image editing, video editing, audio recording and editing, accounting, word processing
Are you buying a monitor: Possibly - I currently have three NEC MultiSync EA 232WMi Monitors that are working fine. I wouldn't mind upgrading them later.
Parts to Upgrade: Entire system
Do you need to buy OS: Yes - Windows 10 Pro
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Newegg (no tax in NYS) or Amazon. B&H is also okay, but is taxed.
Location: Albany, NY
Parts Preferences: I prefer Intel, although I have had good luck with AMD in the past. Value is a definite consideration.
Overclocking: Maybe, but system stability is important.
SLI or Crossfire: Not likely
Your Monitor Resolution: Currently 1920 x 1080 (x 3 monitors)
Additional Comments: As above -- main software is Photoshop, Lightroom, Illustrator, Premiere, Pro Tools.
And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: I am replacing a five-year-old machine that I configured with the help of the forum here: http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/342174-31-looking-build-workstation-3000-4000-budget
Thanks in advance for any advice or recommendations!
--Jim.
I'm looking for workstation build advice. In 2012, I built my current workstation with the help of the fine folks in this forum:
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/342174-31-looking-build-workstation-3000-4000-budget
Essentially, it has an Intel Core i7-3930K Sandy Bridge-E 3.2GHz processor, 16 GB of DDR3 1600 RAM, PNY GeForce GTX 680 2GB GPU, a 500 GB SSD for OS and programs, 4x 256 GB SSD in RAID 0+1 for working files, and 4x 3 TB 7200 RPM HDD in RAID 0+1 for storage.
It has served admirably (and continues to do so), but I am wondering if things have advanced substantially over the past 5 years where I should consider building a new machine? I just built a screaming-fast gaming machine with my son (i7 8700K, GeForce 1060 6GB, 16 GB of DDR 3600 RAM, etc.) that has me itching again...
I mainly use it for image editing, video production and to a lesser extent, digital audio recording and editing. My main programs are currently the latest versions of Photoshop, Lightroom, Illustrator, Premiere and Pro Tools.
So, given the fact that my current machine has no obvious problems aside from being 5 years old, can I expect a substantial performance bump by upgrading to a new workstation?
If so, here's what I'm thinking:
Approximate Purchase Date: e.g.: This week
Budget Range: $2000 to $3000 after rebates
System Usage from Most to Least Important: Image editing, video editing, audio recording and editing, accounting, word processing
Are you buying a monitor: Possibly - I currently have three NEC MultiSync EA 232WMi Monitors that are working fine. I wouldn't mind upgrading them later.
Parts to Upgrade: Entire system
Do you need to buy OS: Yes - Windows 10 Pro
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Newegg (no tax in NYS) or Amazon. B&H is also okay, but is taxed.
Location: Albany, NY
Parts Preferences: I prefer Intel, although I have had good luck with AMD in the past. Value is a definite consideration.
Overclocking: Maybe, but system stability is important.
SLI or Crossfire: Not likely
Your Monitor Resolution: Currently 1920 x 1080 (x 3 monitors)
Additional Comments: As above -- main software is Photoshop, Lightroom, Illustrator, Premiere, Pro Tools.
And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: I am replacing a five-year-old machine that I configured with the help of the forum here: http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/342174-31-looking-build-workstation-3000-4000-budget
Thanks in advance for any advice or recommendations!
--Jim.
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