Feedback Wanted - Photo Editing System - $1500

[kevin425]

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Between Thanksgiving and Xmas - take advantage of all the sales. System not to exceed $1500

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Photo editing (CS4 & Lightroom), video editing (Premier Pro), surfing the internet, listening to music (iTunes), work (MS Office), light gaming.

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers, existing HDD for scratch disk, OS

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: Newegg.com

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: US

PARTS PREFERENCES: None

OVERCLOCKING: Maybe (more concerned about system stability; SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Maybe in the future

MONITOR RESOLUTION: I have a new HP LP2475W, 1920 x 1200

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: I would like the system to be quiet, reliable and last for 3-4 years before needing significant upgrade.

++++++++++++++++++

Here’s what I’m thinking based on recommendations I’ve read in the forum over the last few weeks.

CASE: LIAN LI PC-B25F Black Aluminum ATX Mid Tower Computer Case – Retail - $160 (I'm very impressed with the engineering/build quality)

CPU: Intel Core i7-860 Lynnfield 2.8GHz 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Processor – Retail - $290

MOBO: GIGABYTE GA-P55A-UD4P LGA 1156 Intel P55 ATX Intel Motherboard w/ USB 3.0 & SATA 6 Gb/s – Retail - $185
Or
MOBO: ASUS P7P55D PRO LGA 1156 Intel P55 ATX Intel Motherboard – Retail - $170

RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL8D-4GBRH – Retail – (2x) $110 = $220 (I’m open to other suggestions)

HSF: COOLER MASTER Intel Core i5 & Intel Core i7 compatible RR-B10-212P-GP 120mm "heatpipe direct contact" Long life sleeve CPU ... – Retail - $30

HDD: SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive – OEM (OS/Apps) - $54

HDD: Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drives – OEM (Data) - $95

PSU: CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply – Retail - $100

GPU: PNY VCQFX580-PCIE-PB Quadro FX580 512MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 Workstation Video Card – Retail - $190

DVD: SAMSUNG DVD Burner Black SATA Model SH-S223L LightScribe Support – OEM - $30

Thermal Compound: Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - OEM

OS: Windows 7 Professional

Thanks for your comments.

 

[gkay09]

^ That is a very good setup...but with a workstation card, dont expect to game on it...
And I doubt you can go SLI with a workstation card...So that P55 PRO(though you can get that Gigabyte board as it comes with USB 3.0 and SATA 6GB/s) and 650W PSU would not be required...
And the RAM that you have selected is also very good and more the RAM, the better for your usage...

Rest are very good...

 

[kevin425]

I am reconsidering the video card to maybe ATI...any recommendations for this application? Also I would be interested feedback on the two MB options?

All comments, suggestions welcome.

 

[gkay09]

^ Maybe the Nvidia cards would suit you better as these apps take advantage of CUDA(Nvidia specific technology) but even ATI has STREAM(Similar to CUDA)...so check in the company forums if the apps that you use take advantage of which technology and stick to that...
As for the mobo - Check this one...
GIGABYTE GA-P55A-UD3 LGA 1156 Intel P55 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128412

 

[ekoostik]

This'll save you $60. NewEgg has G.Skill 1600 CL7's on sale for a limited time for only $80. G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL7D-4GBRM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?nm_mc=AFC-SlickDeals&cm_mmc=AFC-SlickDeals-_-NA-_-NA-_-NA&Item=N82E16820231303

Also, consider if you really need 8GB. There are not a lot of cases where you need more than 4GB. But perhaps the kind of video editing you do requires more RAM?

 

[gkay09]

^ No...Photoshop CS and video editing in general make use of all the available RAM...So 8GB I would say is not an overkill if the OP does these tasks regularly...

 

[ekoostik]

Ok. I should have said "perhaps video editing requires more RAM". Not "the kind ... you do". Too much tryptophan.

Still a good deal on the RAM.

 

[dpaul8]

I really like your build. I took a look at the Lian-Li case, and although it is expensive, I was impressed by the layout and quality. I will definitely look at this case for my next build.

The i860 processor is a perfect choice for your applications. Either one of the original motherboards you listed is good. You definitely want 8 GB of RAM for Photoshop and video editing.

I would recommend an ATI 5770 graphics card instead of the workstation card. This card will support up to three monitors, and it will allow you to calibrate each monitor separately. It will work really well with your HP2475W monitor, and you can always add another monitor later when you have the money.

If you can, I would add another Samsung F3 drive to use as a scratch disk with your applications, as this will increase the throughput. This gives you three hard drives, which is ideal for Photoshop. You will be able to run CS4 using Windows 7.

Good luck with your build.