Need Advice: "future-proof" AMD photo-editing system

[BADGJ31]

I'm looking to build myself a new computer to replace my old Dell 4600. It's just not cutting it these days. I've upgraded it over the years to run WIN7, photoshop elements for photo/video editing, burn DVDs, play music, surf internet, and play some games like Oblivion. Otherwise it's an office PC. I probably will only game with the new Diablo III whenever it comes out. I'm also thinking of doing a Ubuntu/WIN 7 dual-boot setup. For photo editing I'm going to use my current monitor as a second.

That being said, I am looking to build a new computer next year - maybe Q2 2011. I'm trying to plan my build but I'm on a $1000 budget as of prices NOW. My main goal is to be future-proof so that I can do modular upgrades in the future without having to start from scratch like I am now. I need everything but a keyboard and mouse - I'll save the $40 and use my old input devices!

What I have so far:

C: Drive - OCZ Technology Agility Series Solid State Drive - 60GB - Serial ATA/300 - $125.00
D: Drive - WD Caviar GREEN ~ $60
Mobo - ASRock 890GX EXTREME4 AM3 AMD 890GX HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX - $135.00
PSU - Antec EarthWatts Green EA-430D Green 430W Continuous power ATX12V v2.3 / EPS 12V 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply - $65.00
Case - Antec Three Hundred Chassis - $60.00
Monitor - ASUS VH242H Black 23.6" 5ms HDMI Full 1080P Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 1000:1 (ASCR 20000:1) Built in Speakers - $190.00
RAM - Crucial 8GB DDR3/1600 CL7? - $110.00
CPU - AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition Deneb 3.4GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor HDZ965FBGMBOX - $160.00
Optical - LG WH10LS30K 10X Blu-ray Burner - LightScribe Support - Bulk - OEM - $99.99
CPU Cooler - Xigmatek’s Gaia - $30.00

A) Would you go with ASRock's 890GX Extreme4, the ASUS M4A89GTD PRO/USB3 AM3, or wait for the 2011 AM3+ mobos? I would like to just go with on-board graphics, but I've been hearing that for photoshop I need crossfire with sideport memory and CUDA (Whatever that is)?
A.1) Do the new 900 series northbridges even support onboard audio/video?
B) Is 430W enough or should I go with Corsair 650W?
C) Do I even need a CPU Cooler?
D) Should I wait for Bulldozer AM3+ or save my money with Phenom II?
E) Is Caviar Green a good choice for my data drive?
F) Is everyone going with 60GB or 90GB for their system SSD drive and what is a Sandforce controller - do I need it?
G) Will I see a difference in performance with DDR3-1300 vs. DDR3-1600 memory?
H) Do you see any opportunity in this build to gain performance while reducing cost?

 

[mianmars]

First off u said you are gona buy new system in Q2 next year if thats true then why in the world r u planning right now when you know till then we will have many new components and new pricing of all components. OR u buying it right now ?

 

[goalguy876]

Prices change so much that the computer you could build today would be completely different then the computer you could build in Q2 of next year. Wait until your ready to buy

 

[BADGJ31]

First off u said you are gona buy new system in Q2 next year if thats true then why in the world r u planning right now when you know till then we will have many new components and new pricing of all components. OR u buying it right now ?

I'm building a system as if I were buying it today, and upgrading as I see fit until I buy. Then when I purchase I get a nice surprise of lower prices! For instance, if the AM3+ boards don't make everyone blow their wad, then I'm going to stick with my cheaper AM3 board. My questions still remain for this setup, as it likely wont change tremendously on purchase day whenever that may be. I'm just trying to stay ahead of the game! ;0)

 

[ScrewySqrl]

ok, Bulldozer when it comes out Q2 of 11, will use all new AM3+ motherboards. NO Backward compatibility at all.

If you are building now, you should be fine. If you are building Q2, wait until then

If you are building now, I'd suggest the AS Rock 870 Extreme 3 at $95 over the 890 at $135. Will still do everything you want/need

I'd also suggest that for photoshop, you shoudl consider a hexcore: 1075t for $200 is a great price right now

 

[BADGJ31]

Best answer selected by badgj31.

 

[Maziar]

This topic has been closed by Maziar