Graphic Designer Building New Computer

[SullDC]

Hi, I'm new to this forum, so please bare with me. I am a graphic designer and I'm looking to spend ~$2,000. I was originally going to get a Dell XPS system but I realized I could get much more bang for my buck if i built my own. Programs I use: Photoshop, Flash, Dreamweaver, Maya, After Effects. So I need a comp that can handle Graphics, 3D, and Video effortlessly (and probably some cool games). After searching reviews I am looking at an AMD 64 X2 3800, ASUS P5WD2 Premium MOBO, and ATI radeon x800 XL. (also 500gb HD, and 2 gigs of ram) I don't want to be a bother to people but does anyone have any suggestions on my selections, primarily the mobo and video card? Also a case with very good cooling. Thanks!

 

[kyleawesome]

Well the first thing I'd tell you to do is check out a socket 939 Opteron 165 before going with the x2 its a dual core, and has twice the L2 cahce and only 30bucks more.

 

[p8ntslinger676]

ok just to tell you this i have been helping a lot of people including my best friend deside on the best parts and build computers. i will give you the best build to date and i just came up with it last night. this is real good not what you are looking at by any chance, it will be soo much better

 

[p8ntslinger676]

this will blow almost anyone else's systems socks off, the newest and the best

X1900XTX 512MB, best on the market $479
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814103175

620watt Enermax PSU, great quality and will last $175
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817194004

ASUS A8R32 Crossfire, great reliability and will be very expandable $187
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131004

Opteron 175 2.2Ghz Dual core, super preformance, my friend just got a 170 and it kicks ass $504
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103584

2x(1GB) Mushkin PC3200 timings 2-3-2-6, real fast $195 before rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820146425

Raptor 74gig 10K rpm, great for OS and programs $155
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822144160

Seagate Barracuda SATA II 300GB, you do not need two 500's this will do just fine, buy those when they come down $135
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822148110

Zalman CNPS9500, top end cooler for your CPU, best on the market $65
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16835118223

and yoiu have $100 left over to get a good case, will be more after you get the rebate. Get a case with good cooling. ill help if you want me to.

You are going to love this computer, it will KICK ASS