A Strong Home Office Computer

[Antecedent]

Hey all,

I've recently decided that my circa-2008 computer in my home office is no longer relevant and needs replacing. This would not be my first computer build, but, unfortunately, I'm horrible at picking the right parts!

This computer would need to be able to run multiple Adobe Creative Suite applications, on top of Quickbooks and the (basically required) Microsoft Office suite. It would also be fantastic to run a few modern games on it in my free time.


Requirements and Limitations:

1. My preferred target budget would be around 1,000 USD. Target purchase date is in a month or so.

2. This build doesn't need to include a data hard drive, DVD combo drive, OS, monitors, or a keyboard and mouse.

3. I would like a small-ish SSD to run Windows 7 and essential apps from.

4. Modular PSU required.

5. Cable management-oriented case required.

6. This computer will be running dual DVI monitors. The graphics card should reflect this.

7. Overclocking likely.

8. Preferably quiet.

9. USB 3.0 please.



Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[properbuilds]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1230 V2 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($234.98 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 76.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($24.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: ASRock Z75 Pro3 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($84.55 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix sport 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($83.72 @ Amazon)
Storage: Crucial M4 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($115.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 660 Ti 2GB Video Card ($276.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 (Arctic White) ATX Mid Tower Case ($94.99 @ Microcenter)
Power Supply: Rosewill Tachyon 550W 80 PLUS Platinum Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $991.18
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

 

[Antecedent]

I'll be switching the case with the black pearl version. Otherwise, fantastic!

Thanks!

 

[tenaciousk]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($134.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($41.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 830 Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition 2GB Video Card ($239.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 520W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $981.92
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-06 18:01 EST-0500)

 

[properbuilds]

I'll be switching the case with the black pearl version. Otherwise, fantastic!

Thanks!

Hi, i listed that one because it's cheaper, it's really a quality case and silent one, i didn't know what color you had of preference.

 

[Antecedent]

Hmm... two conflicting builds.

I think 16GB RAM might be overkill. And I trust the i5 series more...

Thoughts?

 

[Antecedent]

Hi, i listed that one because it's cheaper, it's really a quality case and silent one, i didn't know what color you had of preference.

It isn't a problem! I usually swing either way, color-wise. I just prefer the black one with that case.

 

[tenaciousk]

One thing to note is the Xeon, is a great processor. but does not support overclocking. Unless you are doing a lot of Video Editing. you will never touch 16gb of Ram.

 

[properbuilds]

One thing to note is the Xeon, is a great processor. but does not support overclocking. Unless you are doing a lot of Video Editing. you will never touch 16gb of Ram.

This computer would need to be able to run multiple Adobe Creative Suite applications

The xeon 1230 v2 is a better cpu for productivity vs i5, since it's the i7 without the igp(it's like the i5-3350p of the i5) and 16GB will a good bet for those needs
You can raise the xeon up to 4.1 ghz.
http://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php?cpu=Intel+Xeon+E3-1230+V2+%40+3.30GHz
Check also for reviews of the cpu in newegg

 

[Antecedent]

The xeon 1230 v2 is a better cpu for productivity vs i5, since it's the i7 without the igp(it's like the i5-3350p of the i5) and 16GB will a good bet for those needs
You can raise the xeon up to 4.1 ghz.
http://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php?cpu=Intel+Xeon+E3-1230+V2+%40+3.30GHz
Check also for reviews of the cpu in newegg

One thing to note is the Xeon, is a great processor. but does not support overclocking. Unless you are doing a lot of Video Editing. you will never touch 16gb of Ram.

I think I'll go with properbuilds' modified build. Thanks for the help, Tenaciousk!

Final build:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1230 V2 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($234.98 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 76.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($24.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: ASRock Z75 Pro3 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($76.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix sport 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($94.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial M4 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($115.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 660 Ti 2GB Video Card ($276.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($109.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Rosewill Tachyon 550W 80 PLUS Platinum Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1009.89
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-07 00:20 EST-0500)