[~$1000 PC Build] 3D CAD, Matlab, Photoshop, some games, etc.

[jondrumming]

Greetings everybody,

I finally created an account on this forum after lurking about for the last couple of years. I've routinely found myself on this site after searching Google for solutions to my common issues with computers, phones, etc.

My HP Pavilion M7 is still kicking after a few years in a computer-heavy engineering program. I am now planning to do my first PC build. I'm trying to keep my budget down around $1000CAD, before tax (I can do maybe $200 of wiggle room, just in case some great deal or better value is suggested).

I've done a bit of homework on compatibility and prioritization of components, i.e. where the bulk of my money should be going - but ultimately I am really new to PC builds and I'm hoping to get this right on the first try.

Based on any of your experiences with these individual components, or combinations of the following, how do you feel that this machine would suit a workload of 3D CAD modelling (and other structural modelling software like SAP2000), Photoshop, Matlab, some light gaming, and watching of 1080p HD movies?

So, if any experienced folks could please advise on whether I'm distributing my budget in a smart way, if any of these components will create problems with each other in compatibility, it would be appreciated very much!

The parts and price list is as follows:

Thanks very much in advance for your help.

[PCPartPicker part list]
(http://pcpartpicker.com/p/pRKWzy)

**CPU** | [Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor]
$228,99

**CPU Cooler** | [Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler]
$29.99

**Motherboard** | [Asus Maximus VI Hero ATX LGA1150 Motherboard]
$189.99

**Memory** | [Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory]
$79.99

**Storage** | [Sandisk Ultra Plus 128GB 2.5" Solid State Drive]
$59.99

**Storage** | [Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive]
$59.98

**Video Card** | [EVGA GeForce GTX 660 2GB Video Card]
$184.99

**Case** | [Corsair 600T White Graphite ATX Mid Tower Case]
$129.99

**Power Supply** | [Corsair CX 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply]
$79.99

**Optical Drive** | [Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer]
$16.98

**Wireless Network Adapter** | [TP-Link TL-WDN4800 802.11a/b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter]
$$34.99

**Case Fan** | [Corsair Air Series White 2 pack 52.2 CFM 120mm Fan]
$20.99

**Fan Controller** | [NZXT Sentry Mix 2 Fan Controller]
$27.72

| | **Total** | |
$1085.54

 

[Peskyleo]

I' definitely add more memory possibly 16GB optimally 32GB. Not all 3D applications require a lot of memory but some need it, not really for the final rendering, but for the actual 3D modeling/editing.
As for the graphics card you could go with a 770 even though its not necessary, you should be fine with the 660.

 

[Pr3di]

Throw an eye over this one and play with it:

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2dcJgs
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2dcJgs/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($339.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI Z97-G55 SLI ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($114.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($162.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate 2TB 3.5" 5900RPM Hybrid Internal Hard Drive ($131.96 @ Amazon)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 770 2GB ACX Video Card
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($109.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer
Total: $959.91
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-01 05:39 EDT-0400