First build - recommended parts for photoshop?

[hyark89]

Hi all,

Never built my own computer before, and am trying to research what parts to get. I'm getting a little overwhelmed by all the options, so I'd appreciate any feedback! My main use will be Photoshop. I don't use it professionally, but more like a serious hobby. Very minimal, if any gaming. No over-clocking as that kind of intimidates me lol. My budget is $1000-$1500.

Here's the parts I've picked so far and why, and the questions I have about them:

Processor: i7-3770 because it is multi-core and 64-bit, which CS6 can take advantage of.
Graphics card: GTX 460 1 Gb, supports OpenGL and good performance for its price.
RAM: At least 16 Gb, seems like many photoshop users suggest this size.
2 hard drives, either 1 SSD and 1 HDD, or 2 SSD

Questions:
A lot of people suggest dedicating a single SSD drive as the scratch disk. Since I'm only getting 2 hard drives however, will it make that much of a difference if I use the same drive for something else, for example the OS? Or does it really have to be ONLY for scratch files in order to really up the performance?
Is an i7-3770 overkill for casual (but still frequent) use of Photoshop?

Again, any pointers are greatly appreciated.

 

[Mousemonkey]

This topic has been moved from the section CPU & Components to section Systems by Mousemonkey

 

[g-unit1111]

Graphics card: GTX 460 1 Gb, supports OpenGL and good performance for its price.

The 460 is several generations old now and is a massive power hog compared to what's out now. No need to purchase one.

Here's what I would suggest:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-3770 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($299.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock H77 Pro4/MVP ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($87.55 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($84.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($89.25 @ Newegg)
Storage: OCZ Vector Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 660 Ti 2GB Video Card ($279.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Titanium Grey) ATX Mid Tower Case ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Enthusiast 650W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($22.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $1164.72
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-01-11 23:33 EST-0500)

 

[hyark89]

Hi g-unit, thanks a bunch for the input! I'll definitely take a look at all the parts you recommended. This PCPartPicker looks pretty useful too. Any advice on my question about scratch disk dedication?

Thanks again!