Digital Photographer seeks advice on system build...links added-sorry!

Forum Systems : New Build Digital Photographer seeks advice on system build...links added-sorry!

My primary use for this computer will be for photo editing. I shoot (2) 12 megapixel cameras in raw format. I will primarily be using lightroom, CS3(eventually CS4), and photomechanic. I might do some basic web browsing and manage my music files as well:

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Sometime in the next week.

BUDGET RANGE: $1500-$2500 Before Rebates

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: I have a 24" Dell Ultrasharp(1920X1200), Saitek Keyboard, Logitech G9 Laser Mouse and a cheap 2.1 harmon kardon speaker system already. I have several external HD's that I backup my files to, so I see no reason for a raid. Would consider Acronis for backing up my OS.

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: Newegg

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA

OVERCLOCKING: No

SLI OR CROSSFIRE: No

So far with some guidance from some friends, I have come up with :

Case and Power Supply - Combo Deal $285
Antec P183 Black Aluminum / Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
Antec CP-1000 1000W Continuous ATX12V v2.3 / EPS12V v2.91 SLI Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.336294

Processor $289
Intel Core i7-920 Bloomfield 2.66GHz LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80601920 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819115202

MOBO - $340 (would probably consider P6T - $290 as well)
ASUS P6T6 WS Revolution with NF200 3xPCIe true x16 LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813131358
ASUS P6T
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813131365

RAM - $320 - $340 (have considered the 3 below) 12 gigs total
OCZ Gold 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Low Voltage Desktop Memory Model OCZ3G1600LV6GK - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820227365

G.SKILL 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL9T-6GBNQ - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] DR3%201333

CORSAIR XMS3 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model TR3X6G1600C8 G - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820145236

DVD/CD Rewritable - $28
Sony Optiarc 24X DVD/CD Rewritable Drive Black SATA Model AD-7240S-0B - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6827118030

Data drive 1 or 2 - $100ea.
Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822136284

OS Drive - $300
Intel X25-M Mainstream SSDSA2M080G2R5 2.5" 80GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820167023

OS - Windows 7 for sure...not sure which version to get
Pro - $140
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6832116758
Ultimate - $180
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6832116762

Video Card - I am totally stymied by this one! I would really like some suggestions that will nicely compliment this system.

Thanks Much!!! Toms Hardware Rules!!

Message edited by MikeMu on 02-08-2010 at 10:28:52 PM

Add a reply

With your $2500 budget and the kind of work you do (multi core intensive) don't focus this build the CPU. Focus on CPUs - dual CPUs on the motherboard.

I also do much photoediting (10 MP camera) and am now starting HD video eidting. If I had your budget I would look at dual Xeon systems.

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/ [...] e=32844195

Reply to hundredislandsboy

Your build is WAY overkill for your needs, but atleast your future proof.

I shoot with a Canon REbel XS 10.1 MP always using Raw. Im looking to get the 7D soon.

I use a Dual core e3200 OC to 3.6 with 4G ram CS4, lightroom, portaiture, and others, effects/filters only take a few seconds to complete.

I wish I woulda new more about cameras before I bought my first SLR, I woulda save and bought a better one if I knew a little more at the time and realized how much I would use it.

Reply to daship

thanks for the responses...I feel pretty confident about most of my choices, but I am lost still when it comes to video cards!

Reply to MikeMu

anybody got any input??

Reply to MikeMu

1. The i5-750 would run very well for you and save some money, but would limit you to 8GB of ram.
2. Just about any video card would work for you. I would suggest looking at a site such as newegg, browsing some of the basic models and looking for some with good feedback from previous customers. Somewhere between $50 and $100 would be a good range for this. You can buy much more expensive cards but they won't help you unless you like to play games, and they will add more heat and noise to your system.
3. I would suggest spending more money on your storage system. At least have multiple drives in a RAID setup for added security.
4. If you aren't running multiple gamer video cards you don't need nearly this much power supply. You could cut that down a lot.

Reply to cadder

thanks Cadder....anyone else?

Reply to MikeMu

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1400-1800 range, first build, need feedback

By Hopz, 7 hours ago:

I would keep the 750W for future upgrades and possible SLI in the future. Will save you...

Digital Photographer seeks advice on system build...links added-sorry!

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