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Need advice for photo editing i7 build

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I need a computer for photo editing (scanning slides, pictures, raw digital, etc.), some basic computer use, and some gaming. Do these parts below work together, any better parts or advice for decreasing cost?
Thanks.

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: In a week or two

BUDGET RANGE: US$2000 or less

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Adobe PS4, scanning & editing slides & photos, Powerpoint, Excel, Access, Word, internet, some gaming

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: best price, used Newegg for preliminary parts list

PARTS PREFERENCES: Intel, best quality for price

OVERCLOCKING: no

SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Maybe

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1920 x 1200

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Never built a computer by myself, but have put in new hard drives, etc. I’m leaning towards custom build to order online merchant as I don’t have the time to troubleshoot any initial problems with parts. Advice on best build to order company welcome.
Any and all advice welcome for parts and anything might be overlooking or need to be aware of. Planning to use Windows 7 as operating system.

Parts List:

CPU: Intel Core i7 920 Nehalem 2.66GHz 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor - Retail

MB: ASUS P6T Deluxe V2 LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

Memory: OCZ Gold 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Low Voltage Desktop Memory Model OCZ3G1600LV6GK - Retail

Case: COOLER MASTER HAF 922 RC-922M-KKN1-GP Black Steel + Plastic and Mesh Bezel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

Hard Drive (for OS & programs): Western Digital VelociRaptor WD3000HLFS 300GB 10000 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - OEM

Hard Drives (for data & backup): Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - OEM

Video Card: SAPPHIRE VAPOR-X 100269VXL Radeon HD 4890 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail

Card reader: SABRENT CRW-UINB 68-in-1 USB 2.0 Internal Card Reader w/ USB 2.0 Port supports SDHC/VISTA - Retail

Optical Drive: Sony Optiarc Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA DVD/CD Rewritable Drive - OEM
Not sure about this one. Would like a good read/write DVD & CD drive.

PSU: CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Retail
Not sure if this is to much or to little wattage or best for system.

CPU Cooler: COOLER MASTER V8 RR-UV8-XBU1-GP 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler - Retail
Not sure if this is the best one for this system.

Tuniq TX-2 Cooling Thermal Compound - Retail

More about : advice photo editing build

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Since you got money to spend and most of it's on editing, I wouldn't recommend velociraptors. SDD's should do the job.

The v8 is ok but, theres better quality cooler's out there.

Scythe Mugen 2, Sunbeam Cr-CCTF (im not sure on the name), S1283v.

Since theres no overclocking involved, the V2 could change to the UD4P Gigabyte or the regular ASUS P6T.

if theres enough money left, you could go for a little more space, WD Black 1TB.

Gigabyte x58-ud4p is about the same as the asus for cheaper.

I am using the cool master v8, good cooler for the $. Bought it because others were out of stock. I am at 4.4ghz at 1.425v, no problems. If your not overclocking, stock is FINE!

avoid the ocz ddr3 stuff below 1800mhz. the 1600mhz gold stuff only gave me trouble; i exchange it for g.skill pc1600. Muskin makes the best ddr3 at the moment based on my experience. Expensive, but it works properly.

An geforce 9800GT will suffice for photo editing, you can get them for 100$.

Raptors are worthless, an SSD will be the fastest option.

I would get seagate 7200.12 1Tb in raid-0 on the ich10r and have a backup drive personally. A good bang for buck option, its what I use.

If your data matters, get a dedicated raid 5 card and run a raid 5. Look up the Dell Perc 5i to LSI 8480E mod. 100$ card off ebay with a bios flash becomes a monster. Be sure to research it to make sure it works with the x58 motherboard your select.
I set this up for a friend of mine who does professional video and photos on a Q9550 rig I built him awhile back and he loves it.

EDIT: sent you a PM with info on the raid 5 card.

Lets see what I can do to help you save some money.

Now on your ram choice, found a better set for less over at Amazon which has them around $30 + cheaper then NewEgg at this time period.
OCZ OCZ3P1600LV6GK DDR3 PC3-12800 1600MHz 6GB Platinum XTC Triple Channel Kits $113.99 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping.
http://www.amazon.com/OCZ-OCZ3P1600LV6GK-PC3-12800-1600...

Since you mention you will not be OC'ing, I would get this Mobo instead and in tis Combo with the CPU.
1. ASUS P6T LGA 1366 Intel X58: $249.99

2. Intel Core i7 920 Nehalem 2.66GHz BX80601920: $279.99 Free Shipping*

Combo Discount: -$25.00
Combo Price: $504.98
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?Ite...

Would add the OS with your Case selection for this Combo.
1. Microsoft 66I-03525 Vista Premium SP1 64-bit w/free Windows 7 upgrade coupon: $109.99 Free Shipping*

2. Cooler Master HAF RC-922M-KKN1-GP: $99.99

Combo Discount: -$15.00
Combo Price: $194.98
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?Ite...

Quote:
Optical Drive: Sony Optiarc Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA DVD/CD Rewritable Drive - OEM
Not sure about this one. Would like a good read/write DVD & CD drive.
Yes it is a good one.

Quote:
PSU: CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Retail
Not sure if this is to much or to little wattage or best for system.
Since you said you might SLI/Crossfire, it is a keeper.

Quote:
CPU Cooler: COOLER MASTER V8 RR-UV8-XBU1-GP 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler - Retail
Not sure if this is the best one for this system.

Get one of these CPU HSF Coolers'.
XIGMATEK Dark Knight-S1283V 120mm Long Life Bearing CPU Cooler - Retail $44.98 Free Shipping*
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Scythe MUGEN-2 $36.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

CoGage True Spirit Heatpipe CPU Cooler with 120mm PWM Silent Fan for Intel LGA1366 $37.95
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_p...

Get this Mounting Kit below for the CoGage, it is better then the Push/Pin mounting kit it comes with.
Thermalright LGA1366 Bolt-Thru-Kit Retail BOX Bolt-thru Board Mounting kit $9.95
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_p...

One of the latest Reviews on 1366 CPU HSF Coolers'.
http://www.hardocp.com/article/2009/07/23/intel_core_i7...

Quote:
Hard Drive (for OS & programs): Western Digital VelociRaptor WD3000HLFS 300GB 10000 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - OEM
As fullmetall said on getting an SSD, would be the best for what you will be using the Computer for. Here are a few SSD's to look at.
Corsair P128 (CMFSSD-128GBG2D) 2.5" 128GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid state disk (SSD) - Retail $345.99
Free Shipping*
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

OCZ Vertex Series OCZSSD2-1VTX120G 2.5" 120GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid state disk (SSD) - Retail ($339.00 after $30.00 Mail-In Rebate) Free Shipping*
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Good Review on SSD's. Solid State Drive Comparison - Round 2
http://www.techspot.com/review/181-solid-state-drive-ro...

Now if SSD is not your cup of tea, then I would suggest you go with either of these WD 1TB HDD's.
If your are going to Raid your HDD's then this one from WD is one of the best.
Western Digital RE3 WD1002FBYS 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache $159.99 Free Shipping*
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

If just going with a single HHD, then this WD will do.
Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache $94.99 Free Shipping*
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Your Graphic card is a decent choice, but imho this one from XFX is better.
XFX HD-489A-ZDFC Radeon HD 4890 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 $199.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Or get two of these XFX for Crossfire now.
XFX HD-487A-ZHFC Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 $144.99 Free Shipping*
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

You will need this 8-pin Power Extension Cable for most Cases that has Bottom Mounted PSU.
1ST PC CORP. 12" 8-pin EPS extension cable Model CB-8M-8F - Retail $8.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

The rest of your choices look very good. Good Luck on your upcoming Build.



Thank you fullmetall, messerchmidt, and Yossty for the advice and pointers, it has given me a lot to think about. Based on your advice I’m considering the following changes.

Add a power extension cable to the list of parts.

Change to the XFX Radeon HD4890. The geforce 9800GT would be ok, but I like what I’ve read about the Radeon’s better.

The OCZ Vertex 120GB SSD seems like a good option instead of the velociraptor, although more expensive. If I go this route will likely stay with 2 WD Black 640s instead of changing to 1TB because of cost.

Messerchmidt, thanks for the info on the raid 5 cards, but I think I’ll stay with True Image software for now; maybe in the future.

To save I’m going to change to the regular ASUS P6T, stay with the stock cooler (if I decide to overclock in future will then change cooler).

Messerchmidt recommended avoiding ocz ddr3 below 1800mhz. Any advice on1600mhz from Corsair, Crucial, or Kingston (in case I have it built and g.skill is not an option)?

Yoosty, thanks for the combo deals, makes me think even more about building. However, with a bran new build I am worried about if there is a piece that doesn’t work and the time and effort of trying to figure out which piece. Putting the pieces together is no problem.

There is also a 4850 thats sitting at the $100 mark, better gpu rating, better / faster card.


Mushkin is the only high priced ram i would buy at 1600mhz on ddr3 or ocz.

OCZ Platinums or a mushkin brands are my picks.
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