Hello everybody, this is going to be my first build. I've been doing a lot of research over the past couple weeks and have created a tentative parts list. I'll be replacing my Dell laptop and have been torn between the portability of a laptop (as I'm a college student) and the power of a desktop. So I figured I'll build myself a desktop before my laptop fails, then get another cheapie for internet and note taking in school when it does. So here's my info:
Approximate Purchase Date: Hopefully before the end of Sept.
Budget Range: ~$800-1000
System Usage from Most to Least Important: I'm an amateur photographer, so the main thing I need to be able to do is run photoshop (smoothly and quickly). I'm often running both Lightroom and Photoshop together. I do a lot of internet browsing. I don't do much gaming aside from a few rounds of some MOBA or MMO every once in a while with my gamer friends.
Are you buying a monitor: Yes, something in the 20-24" HD range, probably ASUS.
Do you need to buy OS: Yes, gonna see if I can get Windows 7 through school at a discount.
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: I've mostly been looking at Newegg for parts, but not opposed to buying elsewhere.
Location: Toledo, OH
Overclocking: No
SLI or Crossfire: No
Your Monitor Resolution: Most likely 1920x1080
And here's the tentative parts list:
CPU: I'm thinking Intel Core i5-3570K Ivy Bridge 3.4GHz (3.8GHz Turbo) LGA 1155 77W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 4000 BX80637I53570K - $230
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116504
Probably more than I need... Would I be better saving the $10-15 and going with an i5-3570 or i5-2500K? I kind of wanted to stick with Intel because I've consistently read they are better than AMD, at least for gaming. I'll look into other recommendations though.
Mobo: ASUS P8Z77-V LE PLUS LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard - $170
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131848
Graphics: This is one I wasn't too sure on... How great of one do I need to run photoshop programs and the rare video game? Thinking maybe: ASUS GT630-2GD3 GeForce GT 630 2GB 128-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card - $80
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121639
Really looking for recommendations on this one.
Memory: G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 16GB (4 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Low Voltage Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9Q-16GBXM - $90
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231478
Again, probably way more than I need, but it seems like the consensus is the more the better when running photoshop programs.
Storage: Crucial M4 CT064M4SSD2 2.5" 64GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) for OS and browser stuff (per a recommendation on this forum). - $70
Western Digital Caviar Black WD1002FAEX 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive for general storage. - $110
I have another WD 1TB external I use solely for my RAW file storage for my photography. I'll probably just remove it from the case and install it in the new computer.
Monitor: I'm not quite sure yet, but liking this Asus VE228H 21.5" Full HD HDMI LED BackLight LCD Monitor w/Speakers - $145
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236100
I'd love the 27" Asus, but it's out of my budget.
Other: Gotta pick up a CD/DVD burner. What's the difference between these two:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135240 - $25
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204 - $20
Also going to pick up a 3.5" card reader and 5.25" adapter for one of the front bays. - ~$35
I also need a wireless card. My room is the furthest away from our router in our house so I'm looking for recommendations on a good one. - $ ???
All this will be going into an NZXT Phantom Black/Green case. Possibly with a few green LED fans swapped in/added on later. - $120
I've got a temporary mouse, keyboard, speakers till I can afford matching green lit stuff.
Power Supply: This is where I have no idea... How much power will I need? I'd prefer a modular system, but not a must. Looking recommendations on brand here as well. - $ ???
I know this has been a long thread with lots of questions past the "will these work together," so I thank you in advance for any advice/recommendations!
Approximate Purchase Date: Hopefully before the end of Sept.
Budget Range: ~$800-1000
System Usage from Most to Least Important: I'm an amateur photographer, so the main thing I need to be able to do is run photoshop (smoothly and quickly). I'm often running both Lightroom and Photoshop together. I do a lot of internet browsing. I don't do much gaming aside from a few rounds of some MOBA or MMO every once in a while with my gamer friends.
Are you buying a monitor: Yes, something in the 20-24" HD range, probably ASUS.
Do you need to buy OS: Yes, gonna see if I can get Windows 7 through school at a discount.
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: I've mostly been looking at Newegg for parts, but not opposed to buying elsewhere.
Location: Toledo, OH
Overclocking: No
SLI or Crossfire: No
Your Monitor Resolution: Most likely 1920x1080
And here's the tentative parts list:
CPU: I'm thinking Intel Core i5-3570K Ivy Bridge 3.4GHz (3.8GHz Turbo) LGA 1155 77W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 4000 BX80637I53570K - $230
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116504
Probably more than I need... Would I be better saving the $10-15 and going with an i5-3570 or i5-2500K? I kind of wanted to stick with Intel because I've consistently read they are better than AMD, at least for gaming. I'll look into other recommendations though.
Mobo: ASUS P8Z77-V LE PLUS LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard - $170
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131848
Graphics: This is one I wasn't too sure on... How great of one do I need to run photoshop programs and the rare video game? Thinking maybe: ASUS GT630-2GD3 GeForce GT 630 2GB 128-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card - $80
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121639
Really looking for recommendations on this one.
Memory: G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 16GB (4 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Low Voltage Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9Q-16GBXM - $90
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231478
Again, probably way more than I need, but it seems like the consensus is the more the better when running photoshop programs.
Storage: Crucial M4 CT064M4SSD2 2.5" 64GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) for OS and browser stuff (per a recommendation on this forum). - $70
Western Digital Caviar Black WD1002FAEX 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive for general storage. - $110
I have another WD 1TB external I use solely for my RAW file storage for my photography. I'll probably just remove it from the case and install it in the new computer.
Monitor: I'm not quite sure yet, but liking this Asus VE228H 21.5" Full HD HDMI LED BackLight LCD Monitor w/Speakers - $145
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236100
I'd love the 27" Asus, but it's out of my budget.
Other: Gotta pick up a CD/DVD burner. What's the difference between these two:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135240 - $25
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204 - $20
Also going to pick up a 3.5" card reader and 5.25" adapter for one of the front bays. - ~$35
I also need a wireless card. My room is the furthest away from our router in our house so I'm looking for recommendations on a good one. - $ ???
All this will be going into an NZXT Phantom Black/Green case. Possibly with a few green LED fans swapped in/added on later. - $120
I've got a temporary mouse, keyboard, speakers till I can afford matching green lit stuff.
Power Supply: This is where I have no idea... How much power will I need? I'd prefer a modular system, but not a must. Looking recommendations on brand here as well. - $ ???
I know this has been a long thread with lots of questions past the "will these work together," so I thank you in advance for any advice/recommendations!