Questions regarding a sub-$600 all-purpose computer

[johnmaso]

Good Day everyone! I am a new poster, and even a newer at building systems. Forgive me in advance for my lack of understanding. I understand that building a computer depends on what I do, and so a little introduction

I am a Master's prepared registered nurse currently pursuing my doctorate. I used to be a professional photographer in my pre healthcare days and continue to freelance. As such, I use a lot of programs such as CS5 with NiK software, Nikon Capture NX, and Lightroom 3.0. I also use a lot of SPSS software for my research. On my spare time, I like to game a little bit (SCII, Dragon Age, CIV V, and WoW [I stopped playing WoW after TBC])

I am upgrading from an HP pavillion which ran a Q6600 quad core, 4GB of DDR2 ram, and 8600GT video card.

I am keeping a budget of sub-$600 (if possible). I still have a lot of student loans! Here are the parts I have already have / ordered:

CPU: AMD hexacore 1090t (black)

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=61038&pagenumber=3&RSort=1&csid=ITD&recordsPerPage=5&body=#ReviewStart

MOBO: MSI 870-G45 crossfire ready

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6470640&pagenumber=1&RSort=1&csid=ITD&recordsPerPage=5&body=#ReviewStart

GPU: Visiontek Radeon 5750

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=9115&CatId=3669

RAM: G.Skill Ripjaw X 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3-1600

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=20-231-428&SortField=0&SummaryType=0&Pagesize=10&PurchaseMark=&SelectedRating=-1&VideoOnlyMark=False&VendorMark=&IsFeedbackTab=true&Page=7#scrollFullInfo

Hard Drive: 2 TB Western Digital

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5758911&Sku=TSD-2000EARS


I got these parts used from either yard sales or swap meets:


Case: Antec Titan 650 ($10)

http://www.antec.com/Believe_it/product.php?id=Mjc=

A couple of Light scribe optical drives ($5 each)


Overall: my current cost is $570 ( I used a variety of discounts and coupons from slickdeals.net)

For my purposes is this build ok? Also, I have a hand me down 400watt dynex power supply from my brother. Is this sufficient? I can probably go $50-$100 more max.

As far as monitors, I still have a 23 inch HP monitor:

http://www.shopping.hp.com/product/display/display/1/storefronts/WC292AA%2523ABA

and a 42” NEC plasma monitor.

If you need more info, please let me know. I am a total newbie at this, so any help would be much appreciated.

Thank you!

Much respect,
Doni

 

[rolli59]

I would not trust the Dynex PSU even if it is big enough. Here is a well priced quality unit from Antec http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371034
And a corsair budget unit http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139017
Your system should be fine for your described use.

 

[Jeteroll]

also, there is no need for 8gb of ram, 6gb would save you a little money

 

[jerreddredd]

Buy a quality PSU as suggested by rolli59. Corsair, seasonic, antec.

 

[jerreddredd]

also, there is no need for 8gb of ram, 6gb would save you a little money

It's dual channel MB. so its either 2, 4, or 8Gbs with 2 sticks. 6 doesn't work.

 

[ScrewySqrl]

you can do better for not much more money:

i5-2500 + 4 GB RAM + Free Game: $246.98
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.623057

HIS HD 6850 + Free Game: $164.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.620490

AS Rock H61-VS: $59.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817815007

Hitachi 500 GB HDD: $38.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822145299

Xigmatek 400W 80+ Bronze PSU: $39.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817815007

LG 24x DVD burner: $18.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136216

Rosewill R218 Case: $29.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147073


total $599.88

 

[johnmaso]

Best answer selected by johnmaso.

 

[johnmaso]

Thank you everyone! Sorry for the late reply (my thesis has taken much of my time)

But as an update, I have built the system and it works fine with the Dynex PSU.

However, I plan to do as rolli59 suggests and get a better power supply. I have already ordered a more powerful PSU (650 watts, crossfire ready) and another 5750 to crossfire. It should arrive within the week.

For now, the system is blazing fast. For what its worth, I got a straight 7.5/7.9 on my WEI (except for my hard drive which got a 5.9 as expected).

When I get the time, ill run SC2 and DA:O to test the GPU.

Thank you again for all the help!