GPU for multi-monitor build? not necessarily gamer-centric

[judgmentalist]

I have never built a PC before. I want to build one now. I would like to use at least three at least 24" monitors; one for proprietary web sites and data entry, one for secondary resources including Google Earth, photos, and related .pdf docs., and a third for running media files etc. in the background.

I have been looking at some online sites that offer help with build plans, and most seem to suggest that I use integrated graphics, which I think would require me to either daisy-chain my monitors or use a variety of different ports depending on what was available. This does not seem like the way to go. I think I would rather choose a GPU that offers multiple display port connections so each monitor could be individually connected.

I have not settled on any components yet, but here is the basic ideas that I have so far.

latest i-5 CPU (from what I've read the i-7 would be a waste for my application)
16gb whatever ram is recommended
1TB SSD for daily use stuff (i know this is probably overkill)
2TB HDD for data storage
case, MOBO, power supply, cooler, etc., etc., all up in the air at this point. thanks in advance,


help? thoughts? much appreciated.

 

[SPAWN of II]

Do you want to overclock your CPU?
Get a tier 1 or 2 PSU http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-2547993/psu-tier-list.html
Mobo depends on OC or not and so does cooler
Case is mostly your preferance
GPU 780ti

 

[Joshua Martin]

Honestly, integrated would be fine as long as the motherboard has the 3 display ports you need. If you aren't gaming or 3d modelling, there is little point in getting a dedicated GPU.

Also, a 1TB SSD is going to be EXPENSIVE. You would probably be fine with a 250GB or 500GB SSD at a much cheaper price especially if you're going to have a 2TB HDD to keep your media and files on.

 

[Joshua Martin]

Do you want to overclock your CPU?
Get a tier 1 or 2 PSU http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-2547993/psu-tier-list.html
Mobo depends on OC or not and so does cooler
Case is mostly your preferance
GPU 780ti

Totally confused why you would recommend a 780Ti for a couple of reasons

1. The newer GTX 970 rivals the 780Ti in performance.
2. If he isn't gaming, why would he need a high-end GPU?

 

[judgmentalist]

Do you want to overclock your CPU?
Get a tier 1 or 2 PSU http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-2547993/psu-tier-list.html
Mobo depends on OC or not and so does cooler
Case is mostly your preferance
GPU 780ti

While I understand what the term "overclock" means, I have no idea how to actually do it, so, I think I would rather stick to the suggested or typical usage and just buy parts that will do what I want without needing to be tweaked, if that makes sense.

 

[judgmentalist]

Honestly, integrated would be fine as long as the motherboard has the 3 display ports you need. If you aren't gaming or 3d modelling, there is little point in getting a dedicated GPU.

Also, a 1TB SSD is going to be EXPENSIVE. You would probably be fine with a 250GB or 500GB SSD at a much cheaper price especially if you're going to have a 2TB HDD to keep your media and files on.

Meh. I may go with a smaller SSD. I just like the idea of having plenty of space on the SSD. My hangup I guess.

 

[judgmentalist]

Okay, so let's go with this one for the power supply. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA68V2YW4085&nm_mc=KNC-GoogleMKP-PC&cm_mmc=KNC-GoogleMKP-PC-_-pla-_-Power+Supplies-_-9SIA68V2YW4085&gclid=CMGWut6OpcsCFdcagQodpMwPWg&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[Joshua Martin]

Okay, so let's go with this one for the power supply. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA68V2YW4085&nm_mc=KNC-GoogleMKP-PC&cm_mmc=KNC-GoogleMKP-PC-_-pla-_-Power+Supplies-_-9SIA68V2YW4085&gclid=CMGWut6OpcsCFdcagQodpMwPWg&gclsrc=aw.ds

Ok, so what are you doing with your computer again? That PSU is way over what you need. You only need a PSU like that for SLI or crossfire gaming builds...

 

[judgmentalist]

Okay, so let's go with this one for the power supply. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA68V2YW4085&nm_mc=KNC-GoogleMKP-PC&cm_mmc=KNC-GoogleMKP-PC-_-pla-_-Power+Supplies-_-9SIA68V2YW4085&gclid=CMGWut6OpcsCFdcagQodpMwPWg&gclsrc=aw.ds

Ok, so what are you doing with your computer again? That PSU is way over what you need. You only need a PSU like that for SLI or crossfire gaming builds...

I currently work off of a 15" laptop running an i3-3120M @ 2.50 GHz with 4GB of probably 4yr old RAM. I recently purchased Nuance Dragon speech recognition software. I can't run that and Spotify, Google Earth and a handful of other windows and apps without everything grinding to a halt. On a 15" screen I'm constantly having to resize windows and move things around to see what I'm doing. So yeah, the new Deus ex Machina will probably be a little over-engineered. . As to the power supply, tier 1 sounds better than tier 2, be quiet! appeals to me, the cost of the individual component did not seem excessive, and "more" sounds better than "not more". And that is more than I actually know on the subject. Basically I want the new toy to do everything I want without breaking a sweat before I even know I want it. For a while. Oh, and I know I want my power supply to be modular. I learned that yesterday. Lol

 

[judgmentalist]

What do you think of this GPU? http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UPHAT2C/ref=as_li_ss_tl?tag=mmcdl-20

 

[Joshua Martin]

Ok, so I'm not really sure what your asking anymore. If you know what you want, go for it. A dedicated GPU isn't required if you aren't gaming or 3d modeling but it seems you're somewhat insistent on getting one. But yes, that PSU and GPU will both work. The PSU is WAY over what you need a long with the GPU. Also, when it comes to PSUs, more isn't always better. You can find a very nice modular PSU for your system for $90. Of course, if you want it.. get it.

 

[judgmentalist]

We just arent communicating well. Basically I don't know enough to know what I don't know. I just want to make sure that I don't go to all the trouble to build a computer and then feel like I am experiencing hardware-related limitations. I will take the time to put together an actual build and then maybe with more information you guys can suggest specific things that should be adjusted.