Final check on first build

[Guest]

Quick recap: I've got a budget of about $1,500, and most of the work I'll be doing will be digital painting in Photoshop, with some basic modeling and animation in Maya and Mudbox. I'm still a student, so I need consistent and functional, not professional.

This is what the build looks like at the moment, and I'm planning to order on Monday.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/DGDu

Any suggestions or changes that you would make? Case, PSU, and heatsink fan in particular, since I just grabbed those based on reviews, but I'd be interested in any other suggestions as well.

 

[nnaatthhaannx2]

I'd suggest getting a Nvidia card if you're working with Adobe programs.

Since you're working with design, you might want to check out an IPS monitor, for they're more accurate.

And if you're going to spend that much on a case, get the Fractal Design Define R4.

 

[Guest]

I was planning to get an Nvidia until I did some research. The HD 7870 has the most consistent performance across all the programs I use. It's not always the fastest, but it does well in every single one of them.

Great suggestion on the IPS monitor. I found a decently priced Asus that seems to have good reviews.

The Fractal Design Define R4 keeps getting recommended to me, so unless I can get something cheaper, that's now the plan.

Thanks for the help! Here's the updated list.
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/EbG4

 

[g-unit1111]

I'd suggest getting a Nvidia card if you're working with Adobe programs.

Since you're working with design, you might want to check out an IPS monitor, for they're more accurate.

And if you're going to spend that much on a case, get the Fractal Design Define R4.

Yeah I agree, NVIDIA would be better because of the added hardware acceleration instructions. Get a 660TI if you can afford it.

The Samsung 840 is a decent SSD, better would be the OCZ Vector: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=20-227-915

The Fractal Design Define R4 keeps getting recommended to me, so unless I can get something cheaper, that's now the plan.

The Define R4 is a great choice. The NZXT Phantom 410 and Antec P280 are also excellent choices in that price range as well.