Need a little advice on my build

M

mrapino

New Member
Hello everyone,

I am a web designer and developer. I work heavily in the Adobe Suite ... usually photoshop, illustrator, and premier the most, but I work on whatever my clients need.

Anyway ... I am currently using an old hand-me-down iMac with 4GB RAM, and it is SO SLOW. When I am working in Photoshop, I will soon in to do some detail work, and then when I zoom out, the display is all sorts of jacked up. The photoshop image gets all jumbled, and there is no way I can work on the file until I close some other programs (that I usually need open), and restart Photoshop.

As you can imagine, what should take me no time at all, takes me on average 3-6 times longer (which is a strain on my cash flow).

Okay, so that's what I am dealing with, and next is what I require.

I am a multi-tasker. When I am in research mode, I need a computer that can handle MANY programs and windows open at one time. Also, for a baseline, let's say I may have 3-4 Adobe Programs running at once (there is bleed over into multiple applications when I am working on big projects). On top of my creative programs, I will probably have an FTP open, a text editor, a browser or two ...

Assume I need some major processing power.

I went ahead and built out a couple of machines, which I will link to below. I am really looking for validation that one of these machines is on the right track. One caveat is that my budget is stretched SUPER thin with these builds. If there is a way to get what I need while reducing the cost, please let me know.

I am set on running the OS on an SSD (maybe other applications, too?), with a regular HDD for everything else. That is, of course, unless someone has other suggestions on a better config.

I will be making the transfer from Mac to Windows (unless someone wants to recommend how running a Mac OS on a PC is feasible).

Everything else is open to suggestion. I really just want a lightning fast, and super solid machine within a reasonable budget. The builds that I have are at my absolute high end, so my range is $750 - $1100.

Thanks so much for your help!!

Build 1: http://pcpartpicker.com/user/mrapino/saved/JrTmP6

Build 2: http://pcpartpicker.com/user/mrapino/saved/ZxyFf7
 
So you are putting this computer together yourself and is this only place you want to buy from?
Also are you intending to overclock?
If you are wanting to multi-task then more memory is better than faster memory and I would suggest you only buy 8gb chips.
 
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Hey, thanks for the reply! PC Part Picker is a place that compiles the best prices for parts from around the web.

I am using PC Part Picker to configure a build, and then once I choose the final pieces, I'll go out an purchase the parts from the suggested websites.

Also, has anyone ever heard of CyberPowerPC? My friend told me to look into getting a PC from them. What would be the pros or cons of going this route?

I'm leaning towards building the PC. I built 2 with my brother so far, but we are definitely not experts.

Thanks for taking a look! I'm curious to see what suggestions/changes anyone has.

Cheers!
 
list 2 is better.
But CPU to i5 4690k unless you pick i5 4670k at microcenter
Mobo - get Asus Z97-A instead of z87
 
If you have already built a couple before you should be ok and we are here to help of course, its really up to you. I ask about overclocking because if you didn't intend to do any you could save money by buying a cheaper motherboard and you also would not need that cooler at all.
The two most important things in your build is the cpu and the ram, get the best cpu you can afford and as much memory as possible.
Also I don't think you need buy such expensive video cards.
 
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Well, my brother did most of the work on the other 2 computers, and I am trying to learn a bit more about all of this. I wanted to do most of the leg work myself, just in case my brother isn't available to help this time.

Overclocking could be on the table ... I'll accommodate it, just in case I want to in the future. Is there a MAJOR performance boost from overclocking?

Thanks for the suggestion about the IPS panel! That's a superior monitor type from the look of it.
 
I think using the money to buy a better cpu will give you a bigger boost and is easier than overclocking. I will look on this site and make a suggestion of what I would buy and then leave it up to you.
 
Okay, I think that we won't do overclocking ... I'd like to get a better CPU, cheaper motherboard, and I'll remove the cooler.

So, that being said ... for the performance that I need for design, video editing, multi-tasking, etc ... What CPU and motherboard would you suggest?

Also, should I go with a full tower or mid tower case? Is the case I chose good?

Thanks!
 
Thanks so much for doing that! So, I have a few questions:

- Is there a benefit to going with an ATX vs. the Micro ATX that you chose in the parts list?
- Should I get any fans?
- You chose a steel case ... is aluminum better for heat dispersal?
- Do you have experience with this case, and if so, is it roomy? (I have big hands, and I like having extra room to work on things. Is Full Tower overkill?)
- I will also need a monitor, mouse, and keyboard. I'm assuming any mouse and keyboard will suffice?
- Is a 1GB video enough to handle HD video editing and graphic design work? (I just want to make sure I have a PC that will be able to handle it if my needs should become more rigorous).

I think that's all for now. Thanks again for helping me out!
 
Actually, I just checked on NewEgg and the video card you chose is not available. Can you change the video card to another one you might suggest, and resend me the part list?

Cheers!
 
An ATX mobo will have more expansion (PCI) slots and maybe more sata and usb connectors. If you dont intend to overclock, use two graphics cards, use more than 6 HDD's or SDD's, then this motherboard will be fine and will support all in the build to its full capability.
Here is the case, which comes with fans: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlhclcOoUu4
Any mouse and keyboard from Logitech will be fine, I would suggest buying wired and not wireless, so you never need worry about them going dead on you when you need them the most.
Graphics cards do make a difference, but they are also easier to upgrade after if you decide you need more power.

Ok here with better graphics card and better monitor: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/wWWsnQ
 
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Thanks again. I took a look at everything, and made 2 adjustments. I chose a different monitor, and a different video card.

http://pcpartpicker.com/user/mrapino/saved/nR22FT

Can you take a look at both and let me know if they're compatible and if the video card is a decent pick? It has a great rating on NewEgg, but I don't know much about them.

I was able to reduce the cost into my budget range with these 2 adjustments. Will my new video card be powerful enough to handle some heavy graphics and video?

Cheers!
 
I was looking at the cpu's and they have a better cpu running a 4Ghz instead of 3.4Ghz, which is going to give a nice boost and its only a little more expensive.
Im now reading up on the graphics cards and an amd r9 270x is looking like a better bet, unless you prefer cuda then just go with the 660, it really seems to depend on what program you are using.
Here you go: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/KCpvqs
 
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If the R9 270X is comparable in price, and it performs better than the 660, I'd go with the R9 270X. You included the 660 in your last part list. Can you recommend a good R9 270X?

I think after finalizing the video card, I'll be all set!
 
Yep that ram is good. I use the same ram as you can see im my sig, but mine is cas 9 and I also managed to overclock it up to 1800mhz :), but pny is ok too.
 
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