New media build... confirm components

P

PNWSGM

Weaksauce
Joined
Jul 9, 2012
Messages
72
1) What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming? Photoshop? Web browsing? etc
A little bit of gaming, mostly photo editing, and storage. Have a laptop for web browsing etc.

2) What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included?
Don't really have one, as if it's more than I want, I will just wait and save up more!

3) Which country do you live in? If the U.S, please tell us the state and city if possible.
Uh, greater Seattle area.

5) If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. List make and model.
I will be re-using the case (at first), then the hard drives [I think one is a seagate 500gb and a Seagate 1tb, not sure on exact models.], then also the optical drives, as well as the EvGA GTS-450

6) Will you be overclocking?
No, as I do not know enough about the subject, nor do I really want to risk the hardware.

7) What is the max resolution of your monitor? What size is it?
See below for monitor specs.

8) When do you plan on building/buying the PC?
Building

9) What features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Firewire? Crossfire or SLI support? USB 3.0? SATA 6Gb/s? eSATA? Onboard video (as a backup or main GPU)? UEFI? etc.
Uh, I don't know? It needs to be fast, and needs to either have a way for me to transfer photos directly off the card (Fastest way) or for me to use the USB connection on my camera to transfer them (Not so fast)

10) Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license? If yes, what OS? Is it 32bit or 64bit?
One of the hard drives I plan on reusing has Windows XP on it so I will be using that. HOWEVER, I would like to upgrade to Windows 7 in the near future. That would be after saving up and purchasing Windows 7 and a new hard drive to throw it on.


BUILD COMPONENTS
CPU:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116501
CPU COOLER:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118223
MOBO:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131837
RAM:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231442
PSU:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139031
MONITOR:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236052
PERIPHERALS:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823126097

CASE (FUTURE UPGRADE POSSIBLY):http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112239

I hope that includes everything I need to include, and is in the right format! Thank you for all/any input! :)
 
The i7-3770K is way overkill for you. For your purposes, a non-K i5 will be more than enough (pick one) The K designation allows you to overclock, and seeing as you don't intend to, a K chip is a waste of money. The difference between the i7s and i5s is Hyperthreading which is only useful to you in parallel computation applications such as encoding/transcoding music and videos. You won't see much help from an i7 in games over an i5.

Is there any reason why you need 16GB of memory? How large are the photos you plan on editing? (or how large are your Photoshop documents if that is your purpose) Your Windows XP (assuming 32-bit version)won't even be able to utilize more than 4GB (technically less than 4GB) of it. 8GB is enough for most applications, in which case you will be best off with these babies: Samsung beast ram

Also, you'll want to take the CM Hyper 212 over that Zalman.
Lastly, consider a better video card. Even a Radeon HD 7770 will run circles around that GTS450. Check out the buy/sell forum, I saw a few floating around for only $120 not too long ago.

EDIT: You really should put a budget on this build so the folks here can help you better.
 
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In addition to what rastaban said, that PSU isn't a good choice for the money considering that there are higher quality modular PSUs in that price range like the Corsair HX650. Even then, that PSU is still a bit overkill for your needs.

As for your OS, is that copy of XP OEM or retail? Is it the 64bit version? Do you actually have the serial key and XP install disc? I ask because XP rarly handles being transferred from one setup to another. So you will need to reinstall XP with this new build.

What case will you be reusing?
Are your optical drives SATA or PATA?
 
rastaban said:
The i7-3770K is way overkill for you. For your purposes, a non-K i5 will be more than enough (pick one) The K designation allows you to overclock, and seeing as you don't intend to, is a waste of money. The difference between the i7s and i5s is Hyperthreading which is only useful to you in parallel computation applications such as encoding/transcoding music and videos. You won't see much help from an i7 in games over an i5.

Is there any reason why you need 16GB of memory? How large are the photos you plan on editing? (or how large are your Photoshop documents if that is your purpose) Your Windows XP (assuming 32-bit version)won't even be able to utilize more than 4GB (technically less than 4GB) of it. 8GB is enough for most applications, in which case you will be best off with these babys: Samsung beast ram

Also, you'll want to take the CM Hyper 212 over that Zalman.


but you really should put a budget on this build so the folks here can help you better.
Click to expand...

Thank you for your response!

I was told to look at the i7 K series by another forum because of how much photoshop work I do, which is a lot, about 90% of the time the computer is up and running photoshop/lightroom are open and running. Merging photos/hdr merges. I also plan to possibly move into video editing once I upgrade to a new camera body (hopefully soon as well). I am currently using CS6 as well. Also, like I said I plan to upgrade to Windows 7 in the not too distant future. The GTS450, was a free card from EVGA (Yay for lifetime warranty!).

All of that being said, I will take an i5 into consideration (who doesn't like saving money?!). However I don't want to feel like I need to upgrade the computer again in a year or however long.

Danny Bui said:
In addition to what rastaban said, that PSU isn't a good choice for the money considering that there are higher quality modular PSUs in that price range like the Corsair HX650. Even then, that PSU is still a bit overkill for your needs.

As for your OS, is that copy of XP OEM or retail? Is it the 64bit version? Do you actually have the serial key and XP install disc? I ask because XP rarly handles being transferred from one setup to another. So you will need to reinstall XP with this new build.

What case will you be reusing?
Are your optical drives SATA or PATA?
Click to expand...
So, HX650 would be a better choice is what you are saying?

Unsure on details regarding OS, however I do have the actual install disc and serial key.

I have some old apevia case and the drives are PATA.

Also, I have considered upgrading the opticals, however that would be in my "second phase"?
 
Oh and please read and answer question 8 again.
 
PNWSGM said:
Thank you for your response!

I was told to look at the i7 K series by another forum because of how much photoshop work I do, which is a lot, about 90% of the time the computer is up and running photoshop/lightroom are open and running. Merging photos/hdr merges. I also plan to possibly move into video editing once I upgrade to a new camera body (hopefully soon as well). I am currently using CS6 as well. Also, like I said I plan to upgrade to Windows 7 in the not too distant future.

All of that being said, I will take an i5 into consideration (who doesn't like saving money?!). However I don't want to feel like I need to upgrade the computer again in a year or however long.
Click to expand...

You definitely will not need an upgrade in 3-5+ years with an IVB i5. I know that Photoshop and Lightroom have some functions that make use of Hyperthreading but don't know the specifics. You can check this thread to get a better idea of peoples' experiences with HT on those programs. I'm running a quadcore i7-960 with HT and the benchmarks for Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge i5's are usually superior. My chip has never struggled with PS, so you should be fine with a modern i5.
 
Danny Bui said:
Oh and please read and answer question 8 again.
Click to expand...

Uh, yes I will be building the computer?

rastaban said:
You definitely will not need an upgrade in 3-5+ years with an IVB i5. I know that Photoshop and Lightroom have some functions that make use of Hyperthreading but don't know the specifics. You can check this thread to get a better idea of peoples' experiences with HT on those programs. I'm running a quadcore i7-960 with HT and the benchmarks for Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge i5's are usually superior. My chip has never struggled with PS, so you should be fine with a modern i5.
Click to expand...

That thread is regarding CS5, not CS6. And they say to get the i7?
 
PNWSGM said:
and the drives are PATA.
Click to expand...

Well that's a problem...modern mobos don't support PATA. Time to open up the wallet for new HDDs. I'm sure Danny has a list of good drives to recommend. I'll check back tomorrow.

PNWSGM said:
That thread is regarding CS5, not CS6. And they say to get the i7?
Click to expand...

My bad, didn't see the CS5 part. But the issue seems to be debatable. I'll be curious to do some more investigation tomorrow.
 
rastaban said:
Well that's a problem...modern mobos don't support PATA. Time to open up the wallet for new HDDs. I'm sure Danny has a list of good drives to recommend. I'll check back tomorrow.
Click to expand...

Errrr... Sorry. The Hard drives are SATA, the optical drives are PATA.
 
PNWSGM said:
So, HX650 would be a better choice is what you are saying?
Click to expand...
Yes.
PNWSGM said:
Unsure on details regarding OS, however I do have the actual install disc and serial key.
Click to expand...
Please find out more as it's a bit of waste to get all that RAM to pair with a 32bit XP setup.
PNWSGM said:
I have some old apevia case
Click to expand...
Gonna have to replace that ASAP then considering that many of those Apevia cases have crap cooling.

PNWSGM said:
and the drives are PATA.

Also, I have considered upgrading the opticals, however that would be in my "second phase"?
Click to expand...
That's gonna have to be first phase as most Intel motherboards do not actually have a PATA port. In fact, the Asus mobo you chose doesn't have a PATA port. Luckily SATA DVD burners are cheap.
PNWSGM said:
Uh, yes I will be building the computer?
Click to expand...
Ok, READ the question:
8) When do you plan on building/buying the PC?
Click to expand...
I've bolded the relevant part just in case you can't see it.

EDIT: Also, please tell us what's the maximum amount of money you can spend RIGHT NOW on this PC?
 
Danny Bui said:
Yes.

Please find out more as it's a bit of waste to get all that RAM to pair with a 32bit XP setup.

Gonna have to replace that ASAP then considering that many of those Apevia cases have crap cooling.


That's gonna have to be first phase as most Intel motherboards do not actually have a PATA port. In fact, the Asus mobo you chose doesn't have a PATA port. Luckily SATA DVD burners are cheap.

Ok, READ the question:
I've bolded the relevant part just in case you can't see it.

EDIT: Also, please tell us what's the maximum amount of money you can spend RIGHT NOW on this PC?
Click to expand...

Damnit, read the question too fast both times. When? As soon as possible. It could probably wait until after the first of the year, but I don't really want to. I have the itch to build another computer and it'd be nice to have the power to go through photos quickly. haha.

Like I said though, plan to upgrade the OS in the future so why not buy the parts that will work good with it now instead of spending more money later?
 
Second time I've had to ask you a question again:
Also, please tell us what's the maximum amount of money you can spend RIGHT NOW on this PC?
Click to expand...

To answer your question: You can probably afford an OS key right now depending on your budget and what parts we recommend. I can definitely see ways in your current build list to fit in Windows 7.

EDIT: If your Photoshop work is really serious, then you should be looking at an IPS monitor rather than a TN monitor.
 
Danny Bui said:
Second time I've had to ask you a question again:


To answer your question: You can probably afford an OS key right now depending on your budget and what parts we recommend. I can definitely see ways in your current build list to fit in Windows 7.

EDIT: If your Photoshop work is really serious, then you should be looking at an IPS monitor rather than a TN monitor.
Click to expand...

Then put a list together for me.
 
PNWSGM said:
Then put a list together for me.
Click to expand...

I can't put together a list until I know what's the maximum amount of money that you're willing to spend on this PC build. Considering that you need additional parts not described in your original build list (DVD burner, better case, OS, far better monitor for Photoshop work, etc), knowing how much you're willing to spend lets me know if I can fit in those needed parts.

So answer the question please.
 
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Danny Bui said:
I can't put together a list until I know what's the maximum amount of money that you're willing to spend on this PC build. Considering that you need additional parts not described in your original build list (DVD burner, better case, OS, far better monitor for Photoshop work, etc), knowing how much you're willing to spend lets me know if I can fit in those needed parts.

So answer the question please.
Click to expand...

Let's go with $1100

And I kind of like this case: http://www.xoxide.com/lianli-pc-7fnwxcase-internalblack.html
 
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Now was that so hard?

Anyway, here's the build:
$367 - Intel Core i7-3770 CPU + G.SKILL Ripjaws Series F3-12800CL10D-16GBXL 2 x 8GB DDR3 1600 RAM Combo
$235 - MSI Z77A-G43 Intel Z77 ATX Motherboard + Windows 7 Professional SP1 64bit OEM Combo
$90 - Samsung 830 Series MZ-7PC128B/WW 2.5" 128GB SSD
$18 - LG iHAS124-04 DVD Burner
$30 - Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus HSF for LGA 1366 and LGA 1156
$90 - SeaSonic M12II 620 Bronze 620W Modular PSU
$80 - Corsair Carbide Series 300R ATX Case
$185 - Asus VS239H-P Black 23" LED IPS Monitor
----
Total: $1095 shipped

Key changes, improvements, and notes:
- All the combo deals expire on November 1st. So buy those combos before that date.
- Since you're not overclocking, no reason for you to get a K series CPU. Hence the regular i7 3770 above
- Again, since you aren't overclocking, no reason for that overclock oriented Asus mobo.
- The chosen RAM lets you upgrade to a max of 32GB of RAM later on without having to replace or throw away any RAM sticks. As a result of the potential 32GB of RAM capability, Windows 7 Pro had be to chosen since Windows 7 Home Premium is artificially limited to 16GB of RAM max.
- A SSD will make a huge difference when it comes to overall system responsiveness. A $90, that's an excellent deal for a good quality 128GB SSD.
- That Seasonic is still of better quality than the Corsair you chose but a tad lower-end than the Corsair HX650 I mentioned earlier.
- Due to the fact that pretty much a lot of Apevia cases have shitty cooling and piss poor cable management, you really needed a new case right away. I don't recommend that Lian Li in your OP for two reasons: It doesn't have front panel USB 3.0 and does not have a side fan that'll make a big difference in cooling.
- Since you are doing a ton of Photoshop work and for accurate color representation during such work, you will need an IPS monitor.
- Included a better cooling yet cheaper HSF.

Essentially I scrapped your entire build and started anew.
 
Unfortunately it says the CPU/RAM combo is no longer available. Perhaps it ended on 10/1? Thank you for that though! Where do I deposit your money? :p
 
PNWSGM said:
Unfortunately it says the CPU/RAM combo is no longer available. Perhaps it ended on 10/1?
Click to expand...
Damn. That it did. Yeah I was working on that build list before midnight. In any case, that CPU and RAM are still solid choices.
PNWSGM said:
Thank you for that though! Where do I deposit your money? :p
Click to expand...
Preferably in an off-shore bank account in the Caymen Islands. :D
 
Danny Bui said:
Damn. That it did. Yeah I was working on that build list before midnight. In any case, that CPU and RAM are still solid choices.

Preferably in an off-shore bank account in the Caymen Islands. :D
Click to expand...

Good to know. Will definitely look into all of that.

However, do you suggest swapping the Seasonic for the HX650?
 
Danny Bui said:
Not really in your case.
Click to expand...

I just used to hear (at least if I am remembering correctly) that seasonic was not the best company around.

With your items you listed plus the windowed version of the case (I'm a kid when it comes to that kind of stuff) it comes to a total of $1126.90, simply because the CPU/RAM combo is no longer available and the case is +10 for the window. Plus the keyboard and mouse since I need new ones really bad haha.
 
PNWSGM said:
I just used to hear (at least if I am remembering correctly) that seasonic was not the best company around. .
Click to expand...
You remembered incorrectly: Seasonic makes some of the world's best PSUs. In fact, the Corsair HX650 is actually made by Seasonic.

PNWSGM said:
With your items you listed plus the windowed version of the case (I'm a kid when it comes to that kind of stuff) it comes to a total of $1126.90, simply because the CPU/RAM combo is no longer available and the case is +10 for the window. Plus the keyboard and mouse since I need new ones really bad haha.
Click to expand...
So can you afford all of that?
 
Danny Bui said:
You remembered incorrectly: Seasonic makes some of the world's best PSUs. In fact, the Corsair HX650 is actually made by Seasonic.


So can you afford all of that?
Click to expand...


Ah my mistake then. That's good to know though!

I can after my next paycheck. :D Thanks for all the help! Definitely helped out the noob over here hahaha.
 
Looks like it's sorted out then. Keep in mind that buying Win7 now will allow you to upgrade to Win8 for $15. I haven't tried out Win8 yet so no comment there.
 
PNWSGM said:
I know this is kind of off topic, however will that psu support a decent amount of LED lighting?

Also: Just looking around newegg, found this set of ram of $4 more... worth it?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233282
Click to expand...

Let's just say... LED's are powered by watts in the decimal range (i.e. 0.1-0.3 watts per LED). You could fill your entire case to the brim with LED's, on top of your components, and your PSU wouldn't break a sweat :D . (ok i'm kidding, that's actually a lot of LED's if you get the really small 3mm ones)
My point is, there's ample power from that PSU to feed an above average amount of LED lighting. :)

As for the RAM, i think you're quite mistaken. Danny had linked 2 x 8GB which is 16GB total of RAM, whereas you linked 2 x 4GB, which is only 8GB total. So you are getting half the amount of RAM, for $4 more.
 
Ah apparently, I can't read... thanks.

But sweet, I figured they were low, but I didn't know how low. Thanks!
 
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