1st build - advice on best system for photo-intensive apps

[photo318]

I apologize for jumping right in and asking for advice instead of first introducing myself on this board. I have been reading several of the threads and really value the advice of members here. I need a computer that has lots of RAM and lasts a long time (My current PC is a Pentium 4 CPU 1.60 GHz with 256 MB RAM – so I know everything now will be faster, but not sure just how much RAM etc. I need).

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Cyber Monday if possible or within next couple of weeks

BUDGET RANGE: (e.g.: $800-$1500) After Rebates – I am willing to pay more now for it to last longer

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: I create graphic intensive photo books using large formatted photos – up to 20 pics per page, photo editing – including RAW photo formats, Family Genealogy (Family Tree Maker 2009), surfing the internet including online trading, track finances, learn foreign language, possible learn piano through MIDI keyboard

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: Amazon.com, TigerDirect.com or newegg.com (not really familiar with this site, but see a lot of references to it), COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA

Please provide an advice or suggestions on these components (and if I missed anything):

CPU: Intel Core i5 750 Lynnfield 2.66GHz LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80605I5750 – Retail

MOBO: Gigabyte GA-P55-UD4P LGA 1156 Intel P55 ATX Intel Mother board or GA-P55M-UD2

RAM: CORSAIR XMS3 8GB (4 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 PC3 12800 Desktop Memory Model CMX8GX3M4A1600C9
I want this computer to last me several years – I would rather buy more now then be short, as my current computer is very low on memory causing photo editing/layout to be extremely slow and low on memory)

or

Corsair xms3 4gb (2x2gb) 240-pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 16000 (PC3 12800) desktop model cmx4gx3m2a1600c9
(if 8GB is really overkill and you believe 4G is enough for all my graphic intensive apps)

HDD: Western Digital 1 TB Caviar Green SATA Intellipower 32 MB Cache Bulk/OEM Desktop Hard Drive WD10EADS

PSU: CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power

GPU: Not really sure what I need. Possible option: GIGABYTE GV-N96TSL-1GI GeForce 9600 GT 1GB Silent Cell 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card GV-N96TSL-1GI

DVD: Samsung Internal Half Height DVD-W Supermulti SATA 22X Lightscribe Black SH-S223L/BEBS

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

HSF: Cooler Master 120mm Red LED Case Fan - R4-L2R-20CR-GP

Thermal Compound: Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound – OEM

Sound Card: ????

Operating system: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders – OEM

Monitor: Dell 2209WA 22-inch 299.00 1680x1050 pixels resolution VGA analog video signal

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: keyboard, mouse, speakers, MIDI keyboard

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: I need a system that is going to last several years, really handles multitasking, and allows me to work with multiple photos at one time.

 

[batuchka]

I am thinking if u have the funds why not go LGA 1366/i7? If u ever need more processing power the i9 chip is a straight drop in .... Your PSU + Case is way overkill for me hehe and could easily be channeled to an i7/1366 set up IMO

 

[photo318]

I chose i5 over i7 after reading a lot of boards that said the the extra price wasn't really worth it for i7. I also chose it because the sample builds by use on this forum emphasized the i5 and said the i7 was for the gamers who plan to upgrade to i9 right away. Whatever I build now I plan to use for several years.

 

[photo318]

Anyone else have any advice on my build specs? I am willing to go to i7 if that is better for memory-intensive applications. I would really appreciate more feed back. If people think that's the way to go, what mobo do you recommend?

 

[Niklas_13]

I would go with the i7 860 over the i5 750 for the HT that the i7 860 has http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115214

A good 550W PSU would be fine http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139004

You dont need a sound card

Maybe look into a SSD for your OS and program use your 1T Drives for storage and backup drives

The P55M-UD2 would be a grate mobo the P55-UD4P would be over kill for a photoshop rig

I would go with 8 gigs of ram

As far as the GPU goes long as it supports your monitors rez and has enough ports if you use 2 monitors should be fine for your work, long as your not playing games / CAD work or 3D stuff

The GPU you posted would be fine or http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150450 would work

 

[photo318]

Everyone says a different CPU - no wonder there are so many posts on these boards with people being confused. I guess I will need to keep thinking on that one and try to figure out which is the best for memory intensive applications. I do like the idea of a SSD for my OS. Any suggestions on a good SSD?

 

[Niklas_13]

The i7 860 is a s1156 chipset and will beat the i5 750 and i7 920 in Photoshop http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=3641&p=1

I wish i can help with a good SSD but i am not that in tuned with them but reading alot of posts it seems like a good way to go for your line of work

 

[photo318]

Anyone else have anything to add to help me figure out the best components for my build? The main goal is something that will last a long time and allow me to work with a lot of photos at one time.

 

[photo318]

Would appreciate anyone elses suggestions.