a_drone

Distinguished
Mar 19, 2010
20
0
18,510
Will build a PC for a mate intended for Photoshop CS5 and also for the odd game. The Photoshop work will be designing vector logo's and editing photo's (12MP max).

It would be nice if the machine had an upgrade path. I'm not sure as to what will give the longest life, an 1155 build or an AM3.

Approximate Purchase Date: The next month, unless something better will come out in the next 2-3 months.

Budget Range: $600, no rebates.

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Photoshop CS5, some gaming,

Parts Not Required: keyboard, mouse, monitor

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: None

Parts Preferences: No preference

Overclocking: Maybe

SLI or Crossfire: Maybe

Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080
 
At this time $600 is the point where Sandy Bridge starts to make sense


Intel Core i3-2100 Sandy Bridge $125
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115078

GIGABYTE GA-Z68A-D3H-B3 LGA 1155 $130
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128502

G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 4GB $45
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231438

GIGABYTE GV-N550OC-1GI GeForce GTX 550 Ti $140
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125367

Antec Three Hundred + BP430 Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 430W Power Supply $90
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129065

SAMSUNG Spinpoint F4 HD322GJ/U 320GB $43
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152244

A dvd drive $25


Total is $598

You can get cheaper motherboards but thyre not really upgradeable .
The Antec 300 is a gaming case with lots of air flow . If you want to make it quieter you can disconnect fans . It vents hot air quite well with them disconnected
Another $15 gets you a 1 terabyte hard drive
 



Nothing lasts forever , but there are better stronger processors , and room for more powerful graphics cards . Right now I dont think you can do better for the price , and there should be an upgrade path for several years
 

bob100684

Distinguished
Nov 11, 2010
83
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18,640
Since with cs5 it seems to be the more cores the better:

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