First build: Recording PC with some Photo/Video editing

[srqualls]

Hi All,

I've done some really basic stuff before like swap ram and hard drives in a pc, but this is my first full build. I did a lot of research as I put it together, but want to get more knowledgeable input before purchasing.

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3zvzGX
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3zvzGX/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($234.29 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus Z97-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($129.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Kingston Fury Black Series 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX XTR 550W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($76.18 @ Newegg)
Total: $680.43
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-01-08 03:47 EST-0500

This build will mainly be used for audio recording and photo editing and bit of video editing. Quiet operation is one of my main concerns (the PSU was recommended for its quietness in another thread). I already have basics like a mouse/keyboard, monitor, and HDD's for media storage.

The CPU/MOBO/RAM are being purchased as a combo from Newegg for $415.99 so my build total is: $653

Budget is $650-$700 (OS cost not included. I already bought a copy of Win 8.1)

 

[TofuLion]

so you will only be doing workstation tasks with this build? if you won't be doing much gaming, i would recommend something that can handle more threads like an i7 that's locked and then get a cheaper H97 motherboard to make up the price difference.

 

[Trossa]

If you're not overclocking you can get a locked i7 and a H97 motherboard. Looks very nice, everything is high quality. Here's something I put together.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790 3.6GHz Quad-Core Processor ($289.88 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($28.75 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock H97 Anniversary ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($71.95 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($67.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($71.97 @ OutletPC)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX TS 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($52.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $663.52
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-01-07 23:30 EST-0500

 

[srqualls]

Thank you, both. I hadn’t really looked too closely at the i7 earlier because I thought the cost would be prohibitive, but I really like your suggestions.

Trossa, is the ASRock motherboard pretty good? If I could bump up my budget a little would something like the Asus h97-plus be a better option?

 

[TofuLion]

ASRock is a good option for budget-conscious builds. they have more features for less price, but the physical construction is rather lacking. rough cut, flimsy chips that seem like they will break easy. ASUS is much more solid and if you can afford to go with them, i would.