$1000 Build for Flight Simulator and Photoshop Use

[eb1229]

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: this week (the closer the better))
BUDGET RANGE: $700 - $1000 After Rebates

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Play Flight Simulator, Adobe Dreameaver, Photoshop, In Design, Burn DVD's

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Monitor Samsung Syncmaster 24"

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg.com, but I am open
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA

PARTS PREFERENCES: NO preference

OVERCLOCKING: No SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Not Sure

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1920x1200

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: I am going to store large video and audio files on this machine

 

[jbakerlent]

Welcome to the forum. Do you need the OS as well within that budget? If so, this build should work well for both FSX and Photoshop.

CPU: ■Intel Core i5 750 -$200-
MOBO: ■Gigabyte GA-P55-USB3 -$116-
RAM: ■G.Skill Ripjaws -$116-
GPU: ■Asus Radeon HD 5770 -$163-
HDD: ■Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB -$90-
PSU: ■SeaSonic S12II 520B -$70-
Case: ■Antec 300 Illusion -$60-
HSF: ■Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus -$27-
OS: ■Windows 7 Home Premium -$100-

If you don't need the OS, then you could move up to a crossfire capable build, but I figured it wouldn't be necessary anyways since you are playing only FSX (which reacts unfavorably to multi-GPU setups).

 

[eb1229]

Thanks for quick and detailed reply!

I have the OS but I do not think that the MOBO does crossfire. I do not know much about DVD burners, but I record hypnosis sessions for clients. Any suggestions?

 

[jbakerlent]

No, the MOBO and PSU won't work with crossfire. I would just get a cheap, well reviewed, SATA DVD Burner.

If you want crossfire capability, this will work
MOBO: ■Gigabyte GA-P55A-UD4P -$185-
PSU: ■Antec TP-750 -$120-

Then here's a ODD
■Asus -$25-

 

[eb1229]

Thanks for the additional options. What did you mean when you wrote that FSX reacts unfavorably to multi-GPU setups?

 

[jbakerlent]

It's a bit odd, in almost all cases, dual GPUs slow it down.

http://www.jetlinesystems.com/performance.html

 

[eb1229]

Thanks! I travel alot...Is it practical to buy a laptop as well that I can play FS on as well? I figured it wouldn't but I am curious what you think.

 

[jbakerlent]

I wouldn't want to run it on a laptop in part because of the small screen. Also, you'd need very powerful hardware, which would mean bad battery life, lots of heat, and a heavier more bulky system.

 

[eb1229]

Thanks for all your help. Do you think I should go with crossfire capability since I am going to primarily play Flight Sim? Can you suggest good speakers, a keyboard, and mouse?

 

[Somebody_007]

how does a good HDD improve fps?

 

[jbakerlent]

^Who said it did? Or are you asking if it does?

 

[Somebody_007]

in the link you posted a good hdd improves fps and raid0 even decreases performance. I wonder how this is possible?

 

[eb1229]

I am about to purchase but the drivers on the video card seem to be problematic. Any suggestions?