Graphic PC 2000$

[z_dori]

hi,
i need a nice rig for a friend, she's a graphic designer, just finished here studies.
here budget is 2000$. w/o screens.
she's dosen't work in 3dsmax & same style of design.
phtoshop, flash, etc...
she wont's to work on 2 1280x1024 LCDs. i thought that working in a 24" 1920x1200 LCD is better.
i'd like to get your opinion on that too.
thanks.

 

[Kamrooz]

two 1280 lcd's are a bit small. Having two displays are indeed nice but I would recommend just getting a larger monitor..it's a overall better aspect.

What else will she be working in beisdes photoshop and flash?...

Is she not gaming 100%?...or does she want that luxury...A list of all uses would help since workstation rigs are very different compared to multimedia/gaming.

Does she want to get a rig as cheap as possible or hit the 2,000 mark with lots of goodies?...Reason I ask this is graphics designers need different monitors compared to gamers as well. A really nice design orientated LCD monitor would have to be an IPS panel for the closest color accuracy. If you could give me a list of all uses I could give you a nice thorough list of everything she needs. Without going too over the top as well as putting some of the cash aside for extra goodies such as a Tablet (if she's into drawing....It also helps drastically on creating your ideal visions graphically)...As well as putting some cash into a high end LCD monitor since TN, PVA/MVA panels will not do well for career graphic designer.

Also it seems she won't be overclocking?...correct?

 

[z_dori]

she won't OC, but if needed i will do it for here.
she is now in NY (we're from Israel), she wants to buy a good tablet- so i hope you can recommand on something.
i'll get from here the list of all here uses... & get back to you.
i know about the IPS LCD, my opinion is 24" S-IPS/IPS screen. if she'll have the money next year- she'll add another one.

games- no... movies- yes....

what other goodies asid from Tablet she needs?

thanks!
D.

 

[Kamrooz]

Alright..I made the list..here it is...Make sure you read it thoroughly. I'm also adding a section after for additional optional choices..



Motherboard-

GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3R LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16813128050

Popular mobo....Should do you justice...

If you prefer a dif brand you can look at asus models as well...Such as the Asus P5k series...Although prices to get higher on asus mobos. I only checked the gigabyte model via google for the ram compatibility....not the asus p5k...whichever mobo you plan to nab make sure it's compatible with your ram.

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Processor-

Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 Conroe 2.66GHz 4M shared L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115029&Tpk=e6750

Keep reading the end of the article for 2nd choice.

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Heatsink-

Tuniq Tower 120
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16835154001

Some people prefer the Tuniq 120 while some like the Thermalright ultra120...Very similar performance although the ultra is just barely ahead. But I've heard people saying that the ultra isn't 100% flat in some scenarios...Most people lap them...which I don't have the time or patience for..So I just nabbed a tuniq for my pc.

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Case-

Thermaltake Armor Series VA8003BWS Black Full Tower Case w/ 25CM Fan
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16811133021

Heard many good things about this case...If she doesn't like blue lights and all that jazz she can nab the fans I've listed below. If she doesn't like windows there is other optional choices at the end of the article..keep reading.

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Hard Drives-

Western Digital Raptor WD1500ADFD 150GB 10,000 RPM
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16822136012

Seagate Barracuda ES ST3500630NS 500GB 7200 RPM
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16822148151

I chose the Western digital since Hard drives are the biggest bottleneck. Helpful for a workstation rig. While the seagate is here for storage. I chose the seagate instead of the WD Caviar SE cause of the reliability and warranty. The Seagate has 5 years while the WD Caviar has 3. I've had many drives in the past and so far half my WD drives have died while all of my Seagate drives are still running perfectly.

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Graphics Card-

MSI RX2600XT Diamond Radeon HD 2600XT 256MB 128-bit GDDR4
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16814127305

you don't really need too much since she's not gaming. Just a good enough card for graphics/video. It also has Avivo which helps on video. As well as high definition video decoding.

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PSU-

CORSAIR CMPSU-620HX
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16817139002

Tier 2 PSU...can't go wrong.

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Ram-

Crucial Ballistix 2GB DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16820148069

D9 Micron chips = yummy....great overclockers

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Case Fans-

2X Scythe S-FLEX SFF21F 120mm
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16835185006

2X KINGWIN F-09BB-4pin 90mm
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16811999966

They didn't have many 90mm fans..but the Scythes 120mm are a great ratio between airflow and noise.

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Optical Drives-

2X LITE-ON LH-20A1L-05 (SATA + Lightscribe)
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16827106073

if you want you can drop one...but I always prefer having 2 drives just incase I want to do a quick copy.

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Floppy-

Uber elite floppy drive of doom :lol:
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16821152005

Very useful...bios updates and all that jazz.

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Thermal Paste-

Arctic Silver 5
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16835100007

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Tablet for the lovely lady-

WACOM Intuos3 PTZ631W 6" x 11" Active Area USB Tablet
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16883100026

I chose a widescreen tablet since she will probably get a widescreen monitor...If she doesn't get a widescreen monitor make sure you switch this out for a normal sized waacom tablet. Don't go with any other tablet then waacom...They are the best in the business...

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ATM that all totaled up comes up to $1,813.93 dollars. There is also 90 dollars worth of rebates to bring it down to $1,723.93...I think there was around 3-4 rebates as well. Do keep in mind I added the tablet also which is a wide screen tablet. This all depends on the monitor she goes for. If it's too early for the tablet you can drop it and reduce the price to $1,443.93. With rebates that would drop down to $1,353.93.

Overall a solid system build. But here are some additional options if you wish to choose different parts.


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Case-

If she doesn't like the idea of the window case she can get this one instead.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133032

I don't personally own a thermaltake armor but I've heard MANY good things about it.


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Fans-

the one I chose in the original list is the high CFM Scythe s-flex fan. They have one that's slightly cheaper and quieter although it has lower CFM's.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835185005

Overall I don't think she wants to be overrun by noise...The ones I chose are great for their airflow at 29 DB at around 67 CFM's. But these ones are quiter if you want to sacrifice a little airflow....ol...Do keep in mind though that the high CFM Scythe s-flex is 29.99 on new egg in singles..but if you buy bulk the prices drops dramatically. If you buy 2 which is what I setup for this rig it drops down to around 13 or 14 each.

The small 90mm fans on posted in the system above are really one of the three 90mm fans that newegg sells. So wasn't many choices...The 90mm fan is almost as loud as the 120mm Scythe fans...that should give you an idea of how silence the scythe fans are....They have great airflow for their sound range also.

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Graphics Card-

I chose the ATI card listed in the rig since ati's avivo technology imo is better then nvidias. Although here is a 2nd choice on a GFX card.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130088

This one has a lifetime warranty compared to the ATI one...So that might be more useful but the choice is yours. There is probably not much of a difference in terms of quality between those two visually but I prefer ATI when it comes to video quality. Just wanted to give you some options. EVGA is a great brand..too bad they only do nvidia cards >_<...their lifetime warranty, customer service, and Step-Up program are top notch..although step-up is only a 3 month duration just in case you wanted to know.

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Processor-

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115017

This choice is up to you. Video editing applications, 3d modeling, video encoding, and some other apps are multi threaded. So it's up to you if you want the quad. It will bring the price of the rig up by $80.00 but worth it imo. If you aren't going to OC you may as well just nab the E6750....But it also depends on how long this rig will be used. If you are oc'ing 100% then nab the quad...a MUCH better deal and the life of the rig will last longer. Overall I'd nab a quad regardless...but the choice is yours. Some prefer the higher clock speeds if they are going to upgrade within a year or two anyways...Great price for the 6750...But for my uses quad is more beneficial...Choice is yours.

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That's all...Hope this helps you out. Keep in mind if you want to go even higher on the parts you can drop the tablet. If she gets a widescreen monitor that would be the best tablet for her. If she's going to be using a non widescreen make sure she gets a normal sized tablet.

Regarding the monitor. What is she planning to get? Also what is her budget? If she has a lax budget I would recommend no smaller then a 24"....If she wants a real top notch display I would recommend the Nec 2490WUXI. It doesn't have a Wide Gamut like the 2690 version...It has a 76% Gamut which is normal. Wider Gamut displays are basicly much richer colors. Images tend to look oversaturated although it is great...But not too great if your working for precise colors. Fortunately photoshop can notice the color space and adjust it so you don't run into color accuracy problems....But the choice is hers. If she wants a top notch display the 2490 WUXI is great but expensive at 1400-1500 dollars. The 2690 model runs around 1600-1700. There are other choices out there which are also great. If she doesn't want to spend that much on a expensive monitor she can nab the Planar PX2611. It's a 26 inch IPS panel monitor for around 900-1000. Great deal...although they are not as good as the nec models but for the money and size they are a steal. All great monitors with IPS panels. Try to stay away from TN, PVA/MVA....If she's serious about her graphical work only IPS will do. Try to make sure she goes a big monitor route. Getting two smaller 1280x1024 based monitors is a pain. I've been doing graphic design, video editing, video special effects, 3d modeling and many other tasks for a few years...My brother also goes to Art Center in Pasadena, CA which is a prestigious art school...He goes crazy over the size of his monitor since it's so tiny...Most the time you need a large single look on your works compared to splitting everything on two monitors...just get one large one it's more ideal. If she ends up in the future wanting another then she should get another large monitor for a dual display.

Too tired to re-read everything for typos so I apologize if some segments are confusing. If you have any questions feel free to ask. Ohhh..and one more thing...If you want to nab different ram go for it...I chose the ballistix modules because they use D9 micron chips. I was trying to find some 2X2 GB modules to bring it up to 4gb but newegg doesn't have all the best choices. If you are going to go the 4gb route then nab windows XP 64bit.

Enjoy ^^...looking forward to your questions/comments.

 

[zenmaster]

Thoughts -

1)QuadCore Could really be of use Prefer that as part of std build.
The 1066FSB of that chip also greatly cuts RAM cost per gb.

2) RAM - Get 4gb. Graphic work can use up lots of RAM. Especially when working with multiple images at the same time.

3) HDDs. Raptor will not help much since the speed needs to be on the data drive. It may help startup by 20-30 secs, but that is once a day while getting coffee. We also need backups. Get 2x750gb WDD. Not much more and actually are as fast as 150gb Raptors. This way she will have very fast data drive and the space to backup from one drive to the other.

4) PSU - The 620w is fine, but more than necessary. The 450w Corsair has been reviewed over and over again and shown to be more than enough for a 8800Ultra. The 520w is slightly better style build and identical to the 620w which is why I selected that one. NewEgg is overpriced here.

5) Monitors - Let her have her dual monitors. Nothing beats dual monitors for productivity work. Great for having multiple images up and comparing or similar tasks.

6)Misc thoughts - Great case, I picked one cheaper that is also good. Really not a big deal but I was not sure how budget would total. I did not add extra fans, you can if you want, but I tend to add fans if needed and case already has a number of nice fans. Add if desired later, definitely not need *** day.


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Mobo - $130 (Agree Here)
GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3R LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/product/prod [...] 6813128050

CPU - $280 (Think your Upgrade Should be Considered required here)
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz -
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819115017

Tuniq Tower 120 - $65 (Overkill, but that's OK)
http://www.newegg.com/product/prod [...] 6835154001

RAM - $110 (4x1gb - 4gb is very important here - Overkill on Ram Speed w/ 1066)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820144062

HDDs x2 - $380 (You need data backup. A single data storage drive is insufficient. These drives are as fast as the raptor which mean 1 disk the same speed and one fater. Also she can back data from one drive to the other)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136131
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Total - $965 for the core of the system.

Case - $130 (Very Good - Just saves a bit of money)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129017

PSU - $100 (Corsair 520w - Plenty for any non-SLI system.)
http://www.buy.com/prod/corsair-hx520w-520w-sli-certified-modular-atx-power-supply/q/loc/101/203270716.html

Case Fans 0 = Case Ships with plenty.

DVD-RW - $28
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135148

Media Reader w/floppy - $25
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813998514&Tpk=floppy%2bmedia%2breader

GPU - $160 (Just Another Option - Bit faster than any other listed.)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130084

Sub Total = $713
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Final Total $1678

 

[Solariscs]

I agree with the Quad, she would be happy with the performance again on programs that start to utilize it. What was posted above should be just fine. It doesn't need a totally silent case, you don't need something that expensive.

IF you have any more questions please message me. Aim or yahoo, Maximus9102. I'll be glad to help.

PS: Shana Tova

 

[Osa4747]

If you have $2000 to spend, spend it. I would spend it on a better video card if your using a 24" monitor. You'll probably want to take a look at the 800 GTS 320MB version. A great bang-for-the-buck card, no matter which brand. Although I'd go with a higher clocked EVGA version, since she will not be overclocking of her own will.

 

[Kamrooz]

The raptor would help. Since it's the 150 gb version her source material can work off that drive and be transferred to a storage drive later. I really doubt she would need 2x750 gb wester digital drives. Keep in mind this is graphical work not massive hi def videos..it's a waste...It seems a bit excessive. I would only recommend that type of space if you're video editor...heck I would recommend more...but depends on usages.

If you want you can nab that western digital drive. But backup drives are suppose to be 100% reliable...considering my past using WD and seagate drives...The Seagate drives have always been much more reliable for me. The choice is yours. The WD SE also has a 3 year warranty compared to Seagates 5....choice is yours...But I'd think backup drives would have to be more reliable...not extremely speedy...Afterall. You're only going to be transfering the finished source once to the drive...Why buy a drive that has a lesser warranty?...as well as the fact they are not as reliable as seagates drives. Don't get me wrong...The WD drives are indeed great...but they don't last as long as Seagates IMHO. Also don't get the 750 gb drives. She doesn't need That much space. If you want just nab her two of those seagate drives I mentioned. Or there 750 GB counterpart....

4 GB is becoming the minimum slowly but surely...I have 4gb my self. Unfortunately not many 2x2gb kits...Don't get four 1gb sticks....get 2x2 gb if you are getting 4 gigs. If you plan to OC four sticks can cause issues in some cases.

The reason I chose a 620 watt is so she can have upgrade room if she wants to add more in the future. the 620 watt would do her fine but more doesn't hurt in terms of power...Afterall...even though it's a 620watt it doesn't mean she'll be charged more on her electric bill..all about how much hardware pulling juice.

Try to stay away from dual monitors for now!...trust me on this..I've been doing this type of work as well as my brother. In almost all scenarios you need a lot of viewing space when you're working on your projects...two 1280x1024 monitors can not give you this. If she's only going to be working on website designs at 1024 or so resolution spec only THEN it is acceptable...but it all depends on the graphical usages. If she's going to be working on larger files just nab a 24"...or even yet that planar 26" I mentioned.

The quad is indeed a plus...I stated it in my optional choice but it really should be considered....I would nab it for sure.

Once gain case fans are your choice...Just added those quality fans incase she doesn't like blue flashy lights all over the place. Try to get a SATA dvd rom drive like I listed in my origial post...Why get PATA?...it's going out slowly....It just restricts airflow with the large and bulky cables.

I don't think she really needs anything to crazy for a graphics card. Just something that can do the job for video and graphical work and dual display in the future. There won't be any gaming so why get a 8800 GTS?..it's a waste for this rig. Just stick with a 2600XT or a 8600 GT/GTS....It will work perfect for her. Ask her if she wants to play some games though..if she says yes then nab the 8800 GTS 320..if she says no the 2600/8600 cards will do her fine...the 8800 GTS is a waste if she's not going to game at all...Just save that money for more goodies.

I agree with zenmaster on the case....That's also a popular choice with good airflow. Choice is yours on that.

 

[jaguarskx]

i know about the IPS LCD, my opinion is 24" S-IPS/IPS screen. if she'll have the money next year- she'll add another one.

The 24" LCD market is dominated S-PVA, some A-MVA panels. 6-Bit (or possibly 8-bit) TN panels have started to invade this segment with cheap monitors. There are only a few 24" monitors that uses S-IPS panels:

1. Dell 2407WFP (Revision A03 only) These are no longer produced and not all A03 used S-IPS panels.

2. NEC Display Solutions LCD2490WUXi-BK at nearly $1,400, but it is designed for the graphics professional.

3. EIZO CE240W-BK Black 24.1" at over $1,600 and is also for the graphics professional.

 

[runswindows95]

Another case possibility:

http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16811103011

Comes with dual 1" fans

 

[Kamrooz]

Jaguar is correct. If those are a bit too pricey you can also nab the Planar PX2611W. Cheaper then the nec solutions priced at 900-999 dollars...also, it's a 26". The Planar uses a good S-IPS panel which is indeed good. Not as good as the necs H-IPS panel but it's still a darn good flat panel.