New CS5/transcoding/multi tasking (no gaming) system build

[BassetBoy]

Approximate Purchase Date: this week

Budget Range: ~$1200 Before Rebates

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Software development, high volume media server, transcoding, Photoshop, "Instant user availability."

Parts Not Required: keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers, OS Windows 7 Ultimate x64

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg.com

Country of Origin: US

Parts Preferences: Intel Sandy Bridge, Asus Mobo

Overclocking: Yes

SLI or Crossfire: No

Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080

Additional Comments: I will not play any games with this system. My current (old) HP DC7100 gets busy and takes seconds to repaint the screen or start up a graphics editor or about almost anything. My top criteria is instant availability and response. I have a large MP3 collection (100,000+ tracks and videos in various formats and multi hundred thousands of raw and jpeg images). I want to be able to stream and transcode as needed to a networked home theater system (DLNA and Home Sharing). I code and edit C++. I will be doing extensive video editing (1080p) and photoshop.

This is my proposed system. I would appreciate comments and suggestions.

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO Item #: N82E16813131730

Intel Core i5-2500K Item #: N82E16819115072

G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBXL Item #: N82E16820231428

COOLER MASTER HAF 912 Mid Tower Computer Case Item #: N82E16811119233

XFX P1-650X-CAH9 650W Modular Active PFC Power ... Item #: N82E16817207007

OCZ Vertex 3 VTX3-25SAT3-120G 2.5" 120GB SATA III MLC (SSD) Item #: N82E16820227706

Western Digital Caviar Black WD2002FAEX 2TB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" HDD Item #: N82E16822136792

LG Black Super Multi SATA WH12LS30 BluRay Burner Item #: N82E16827136226

I intend to use the Sandy Bridge integrated graphics but might consider adding a $100 - $150 ATI GPU if needed.

 

[mdd1963]

Looks quite sensible, IMO....

 

[gregoryswan1985]

I agree. Looks like you have it handled

 

[ps3hacker12]

are you sure you wont benefit from the 2600K's 8 threads, the 2500K is still a great CPU though.

 

[BassetBoy]

So my four fuzzy areas:

1. Is this the right memory for over clocking? Is there a better choice?
2. Case and power supply are "budget gamer." Are there better choices considering my NO GAMES criteria?
3. Will I need a GPU? am I fooling myself that the integrated graphics will be adequate?
4. Is my current slow system clouding my mind and the "instant response" criteria pushing me into overkill (and overly expensive territory)?

 

[mjmjpfaff]

1) what do you mean- ypu wont have to overclock the memory it is fine at 1600mhz
2) case and psu are fine
3) you might want a gpu the gtx 460's are really cheap and very good
4) how old is it? the only thing i would change is get a cheaper ssd the crucial m4 64gb for 120$
you might want to get the i7 2600k because you will be running multi-threaded programs and it is a good investment

 

[ps3hacker12]

if your not planning on gaming, you could save quite a lot by going with some cheaper items (which wont give a downgrade in performance):
asrock z68 pro3-m: ($115)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157252

PSU: the PSU you currently have is a bit pricey, if you willing to go for an OCZ, for less price (with same great reliability) then this would fare your well:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341034
OCZ PSU review:
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/OCZ/GameXStream700W/5.html

if your looking for an energy efficient PSU for still less than your option, and still great reliablity:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371031

the money saved could go towards a 2600K:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115070&cm_re=2600K-_-19-115-070-_-Product

and a nice ati 5670 would perform very well for your needs: ($60)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161365&cm_re=ati_5670-_-14-161-365-_-Product