Dual Core for Basic User + Photoshop Elements, Please Critique

[TechPriestAcolyte]

Hey there, ok, so I've got a friend from work that has been having computer issues.

They have 5 year old computer, that's what they have. After getting with them and offering all sorts of advice, they want to go with the homebuilt route.

This is what I'm planning to build for them:

CPU - E6300 Dual Core 2.8ghz
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116091

MOBO - Gigabyte EP43
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128380

RAM - Mushkin 4gb DDR2
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146731

GPU - HIS Radeon 4670
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161252

PSU - Antec Earthwatts 500W
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371007

and

Case - Centurion 5
HDD - Caviar Black 640gb
CD - Samsung 22x DVD Drive


Basically they want to do internet and e-mail, but also start getting into photoshop. They have elements at the moment, but might end up with more later, I may try to get them to use GIMP or something.

Suffice to say, they'll probably end up with Windows 7 and whatnot. Does this look like an ok system to set someone up with? I tried to keep the price conservative for them, but still outfit them with a nice machine that won't be slow. They like to have a lot open at once and a 5 year old machine just won't cut it for them anymore.

Any thoughts?

Also, what would be a fair flat rate to charge to assemble a computer? They want to pay for it...

 

[shortstuff_mt]

Your link is broken. You have to make your wishlist public. You would probably be best off providing links to the components.

 

[TechPriestAcolyte]

Fixed the list, I shared it, but maybe I did it wrong

Now what yall think?

 

[shortstuff_mt]

You didn't mention gaming at all. Will they be doing any gaming? If not, I don't really see a need for a GPU. You could get a faster triple core AMD build and just use the integrated graphics.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.254080 (AMD Phenom II X3 720 + GIGABYTE GA-MA785GMT-UD2H AM3 motherboard combo) $198.99

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL7D-4GBRH - Retail $94.99

CORSAIR CMPSU-400CX 400W ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Retail $49.99 - $10 MIR

 

[FallenSniper]

I agree with shortstuff, it's always nice to get a little more CPU power, especially if you don't need a GPU.

 

[daship]

Its fine

 

[TechPriestAcolyte]

No, I don't reckon they'll do too much gaming. Though I may put some emulator stuff on it just for their own benefit

The reason I have the GPU is mainly so they can do dual monitors easily later, and so that it is independent from the motherboard so if I they have issues it'll be easier to fix/diagnose.

Do you reckon they'd even be able to utilize that much extra CPU anyways?

 

[obsidian86]

photoshop vegas ect are cpu intensive wares, so a lil more cpu muscle is preferred

 

[TechPriestAcolyte]

No, not Vegas, just Photoshop Elements.

 

[shortstuff_mt]

You could get the AMD setup and just get a cheap GPU like a 4350 or something.

ASUS EAH4350 SILENT/DI/512MD2(LP) Radeon HD 4350 512MB 64-bit DDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 CrossFire Supported Low Profile Ready Video Card - Retail $34.99 - $10 MIR

I would definitely get the best CPU possible. The AMD build also offers a much better upgrade path with the AM3 socket and DDR3 RAM. LGA 775 and DDR2 are in the process of being phased out.

 

[TechPriestAcolyte]

I guess my main snag is, is it going to be worth it to them to pay the extra costs for a better processor. Will they ultimately be able to appreciate/utilize the difference?

 

[mavanhel]

Well, the better processor will last longer, and like shortstuff said, the AM3 socket will allow for future upgrades without having to replace the motherboard.

 

[shortstuff_mt]

It's better to have "too much" CPU than not enough IMO, not to mention the upgrade path. The AMD build is a no-brainer IMO. The Core 2/LGA 775 had a good run, but there are better options now.

I don't see any reason at all to even consider an LGA 775 system for a new build. I don't have any preference between Intel and AMD. I've build many Core 2 machines over the past couple years, but it's time to move on. It seems that AMD has the best options in the low to mid-range market and Intel is the obvious choice in the upper-mid range and high-end market.