Building 1st PC Workstation - all help appreciated!

[jmollen]

Building my first PC for professional use, mostly doing Motion Graphics in After Effects (Element 3D) & other 3D software like Cinema 4D.

- I have a budget of about 1500$.

Here's a list of parts that I've been working on, please feel free to make suggestions and changes! The total is around 1400$ so let me know what I will get the most out of upgrading or changing. I would really appreciate the help, a little lost with this stuff.

[UPDATED]
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3yVmsY
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3yVmsY/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($326.95 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Seidon 120V 86.2 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($49.99 @ B&H)
Motherboard: MSI Z97 PC MATE ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($77.85 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($144.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($95.45 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($66.89 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 970 4GB Twin Frozr V Video Card ($328.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($109.99 @ Directron)
Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($94.99 @ NCIX US)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM (64-bit) ($93.75 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1389.84
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-10-08 17:20 EDT-0400


Side note. Would it be possible to make this machine a "Hackintosh"? Just to have the possibility of switching to MAC OS in the future, since MAC seems to be the standard for my co-workers.

Thanks!!

 

[Outlander_04]

If you are rendering and never gaming consider using a quaddro or Firepro .


As it is you need a 500 watt psu

 

[Jesus_In_Adidas]

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/4FZzD3
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/4FZzD3/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1231 V3 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($242.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Seidon 120V 86.2 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($49.99 @ B&H)
Motherboard: MSI Z97 PC MATE ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($87.85 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($144.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($95.45 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($66.89 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: ATI FirePro W8000 4GB Video Card ($560.00 @ Amazon)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: SeaSonic G 550W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($78.99 @ NCIX US)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM (64-bit) ($93.75 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1500.89
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-10-08 06:44 EDT-0400

 

[Jesus_In_Adidas]

If you're ok with a gaming card:

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/N6BhHx
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/N6BhHx/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1231 V3 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($242.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Seidon 120V 86.2 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($49.99 @ B&H)
Motherboard: MSI Z97 PC MATE ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($87.85 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($144.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($95.45 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($66.89 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI Radeon R9 390X 8GB Video Card ($403.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($103.86 @ Mac Mall)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM (64-bit) ($93.75 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1369.74
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-10-08 06:49 EDT-0400

Leaves you with an extra buck

 

[jmollen]

Thank you so much for the responses, you guys rock.

I was thinking of switching the GPU to an Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor, that should be better right?

For the GPU's, most rendering stations I've read about have something like Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB WINDFORCE 3X Video Card (or the Quaddro?) what's the difference between that and the ATI FirePro you suggested?

 

[Jesus_In_Adidas]

Intel i7 will cost you more and Xeon's are used in such system computers. You don't necessarily need the i7 however, if you're going for an i7, go with the Skylake.

These are different cards. GTX is only a mid-range gaming card - The radeon 390X is much better and the
Quadro / FirePro cards are used in workstations and specified for 3D rendering etc - they are much faster.
http://www.amd.com/en-us/products/graphics/workstation/firepro-3d/8100

I don't wanna insult you, but how come you are buying something that you don't have a clue about, which is a lot of money and will be used for "work" or smth?

Change the thread topic to WORKSTATION BUILD - NEED HELP etc.. maybe there will be more people with more knowledge to assist you with what you actually need. I don't have a clue if FirePro or Quadro cards are better, but usually you are receiving more bang for buck with ATI products and they are usually adequately priced performance wise.

 

[jmollen]

Intel i7 will cost you more and Xeon's are used in such system computers. You don't necessarily need the i7 however, if you're going for an i7, go with the Skylake.

These are different cards. GTX is only a mid-range gaming card - The radeon 390X is much better and the
Quadro / FirePro cards are used in workstations and specified for 3D rendering etc - they are much faster.
http://www.amd.com/en-us/products/graphics/workstation/firepro-3d/8100

I don't wanna insult you, but how come you are buying something that you don't have a clue about, which is a lot of money and will be used for "work" or smth?

Change the thread topic to WORKSTATION BUILD - NEED HELP etc.. maybe there will be more people with more knowledge to assist you with what you actually need. I don't have a clue if FirePro or Quadro cards are better, but usually you are receiving more bang for buck with ATI products and they are usually adequately priced performance wise.

No offense taken. I've recently started to work with digital arts, I just don't know much about the hardware & I need a good workstation. I'm trying to learn more by just doing research online - From what I've read After Effects is more CPU reliant than GPU, AE is where I do most of my work so maybe I can get away with a lesser GPU? I might want to do some gaming as well in the future.

 

[Jesus_In_Adidas]

Sure then, i would go with this
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($359.89 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Seidon 120V 86.2 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($49.99 @ B&H)
Motherboard: MSI Z170A GAMING M3 ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($144.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($104.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($95.45 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($66.89 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI Radeon R9 390X 8GB Video Card ($405.96 @ B&H)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($109.99 @ Directron)
Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($103.86 @ Mac Mall)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM (64-bit) ($93.75 @ OutletPC)
Case Fan: Phanteks PH-F140HP_WT 2 88.6 CFM 140mm Fan ($14.99 @ Amazon)
Case Fan: Phanteks PH-F140HP_WT 2 88.6 CFM 140mm Fan ($14.99 @ Amazon)
Case Fan: Phanteks PH-F140HP_WT 2 88.6 CFM 140mm Fan ($14.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1580.73
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-10-08 18:15 EDT-0400

It's pretty much a round up what we talked about. 3 extra case coolers for top and rear mount.
Move the stock rear cooler to front, it will look much better.

This should be perfectly stable and capable for handling your work as well as 1440p gaming in high/ultra quality, with maybe only some exceptions.

 

[Jesus_In_Adidas]

EDIT!! Fractal design case price increased by 30$ !!! not worth !!!
Had to change it with this super banger case: http://phanteks.com/Enthoo-Pro-M.html
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($359.89 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Seidon 120V 86.2 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($49.99 @ B&H)
Motherboard: MSI Z170A KRAIT GAMING ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($149.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($104.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($95.45 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($66.89 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 390X 8GB Tri-X Video Card ($423.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Phanteks Enthoo Pro M ATX Mid Tower Case ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($103.86 @ Mac Mall)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM (64-bit) ($93.75 @ OutletPC)
Case Fan: Phanteks PH-F140SP_BK 82.1 CFM 140mm Fan ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Case Fan: Phanteks PH-F140HP_WT 2 88.6 CFM 140mm Fan ($14.99 @ Amazon)
Case Fan: Phanteks PH-F140HP_WT 2 88.6 CFM 140mm Fan ($14.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1573.75
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-10-08 18:53 EDT-0400

The black Phanteks fan matches the one in the case, they should both go in front, as you will need to mount your Seidon cooler in the rear. + 2 fans in top.
also, changed the MSI card with Sapphire Radeon R9 390X 8GB Tri-X Video Card to keep the same color palette, but the MSI is equally good and cheeper, so it's your coise.
http://www.kitguru.net/components/graphic-cards/zardon/sapphire-r9-390x-tri-x-8gb-review/23/

Also, cosider this instead of Seidon
http://de.pcpartpicker.com/part/phanteks-cpu-cooler-phtc14pebk
and +1
Case Fan: Phanteks PH-F140HP_WT 2 88.6 CFM 140mm Fan ($14.99 @ Amazon)
For the rear.

Good luck, please post a picture or send me a PM whenever this monster will be assembled - or whatever you would go with in the end

 

[jmollen]

EDIT!! Fractal design case price increased by 30$ !!! not worth !!!
Had to change it with this super banger case: http://phanteks.com/Enthoo-Pro-M.html
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($359.89 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Seidon 120V 86.2 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($49.99 @ B&H)
Motherboard: MSI Z170A KRAIT GAMING ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($149.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($104.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($95.45 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($66.89 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 390X 8GB Tri-X Video Card ($423.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Phanteks Enthoo Pro M ATX Mid Tower Case ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($103.86 @ Mac Mall)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM (64-bit) ($93.75 @ OutletPC)
Case Fan: Phanteks PH-F140SP_BK 82.1 CFM 140mm Fan ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Case Fan: Phanteks PH-F140HP_WT 2 88.6 CFM 140mm Fan ($14.99 @ Amazon)
Case Fan: Phanteks PH-F140HP_WT 2 88.6 CFM 140mm Fan ($14.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1573.75
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-10-08 18:53 EDT-0400

The black Phanteks fan matches the one in the case, they should both go in front, as you will need to mount your Seidon cooler in the rear. + 2 fans in top.
also, changed the MSI card with Sapphire Radeon R9 390X 8GB Tri-X Video Card to keep the same color palette, but the MSI is equally good and cheeper, so it's your coise.
http://www.kitguru.net/components/graphic-cards/zardon/sapphire-r9-390x-tri-x-8gb-review/23/

Also, cosider this instead of Seidon
http://de.pcpartpicker.com/part/phanteks-cpu-cooler-phtc14pebk
and +1
Case Fan: Phanteks PH-F140HP_WT 2 88.6 CFM 140mm Fan ($14.99 @ Amazon)
For the rear.

Good luck, please post a picture or send me a PM whenever this monster will be assembled - or whatever you would go with in the end

I will Thanks again for your help, this looks perfect.