Looking to build future-proof, up-gradable workstation PC, opinions needed!!

[Evmo25]

Hi there,

I need to build a computer which can handle Rhino and Grasshopper in conjunction with Keyshot, Cinema 4D and Photoshop. However, I haven't got the money at the moment to build a full-blown workstation, so I need a computer which has good base components which will work with the software and I can then add other components, like the graphics card, at a later date, and not have to replace any of the components to do this. Additionally, I would like the computer to be compact.
Any help and opinions on this would be much apriciated!
Below is my initial thoughts on a parts list-

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor (£272.28 @ Aria PC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-B150N Phoenix-WIFI Mini ITX LGA1151 Motherboard (£83.22 @ Amazon UK)
Memory: Crucial 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR4-2133 Memory (£32.59 @ Amazon UK)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO 250GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive (£84.85 @ CCL Computers)
Case: Fractal Design Node 304 Mini ITX Tower Case (£67.03 @ Amazon UK)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 430W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply (£49.74 @ Aria PC)
Total: £589.71

Thanks

Evan

 

[cin19]

I don't know how you use those programs, like the pro or advanced amateur, because you may need 16GB or more RAM, if you add more RAM later, there is no guarantee they're going to work together. So may buy the 16GB (2x8GB) at least right now.

And get other PSU Corsair CX450M instead the cx430, because the 450M is much better than the cx 430.

If you have to limit the budget within £600, may buy other case like

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2400 Memory (£56.99 @ Amazon UK)
Case: BitFenix Colossus Mini Mini ITX Tower Case (£44.95 @ Amazon UK)
Power Supply: Corsair CXM 450W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply (£49.99 @ Novatech)
Total: £151.93
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-10-25 22:44 BST+0100

 

[badboyrog2]

PCPartPicker part list: http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/list/3KzZ2R
Price breakdown by merchant: http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/list/3KzZ2R/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor (£290.75 @ Amazon UK)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-B150N Phoenix-WIFI Mini ITX LGA1151 Motherboard (£83.22 @ Amazon UK)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory (£82.99 @ Novatech)
Storage: A-Data Premier SP550 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive (£57.59 @ CCL Computers)
Case: Phanteks Enthoo EVOLV ITX Mini ITX Tower Case (£59.95 @ Amazon UK)
Power Supply: XFX XTR 550W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply (£75.72 @ CCL Computers)
Total: £650.22
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-10-25 22:57 BST+0100

 

[Evmo25]

I don't know how you use those programs, like the pro or advanced amateur, because you may need 16GB or more RAM, if you add more RAM later, there is no guarantee they're going to work together. So may buy the 16GB (2x8GB) at least right now.

And get other PSU Corsair CX450M instead the cx430, because the 450M is much better than the cx 430.

If you have to limit the budget within £600, may buy other case like

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2400 Memory (£56.99 @ Amazon UK)
Case: BitFenix Colossus Mini Mini ITX Tower Case (£44.95 @ Amazon UK)
Power Supply: Corsair CXM 450W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply (£49.99 @ Novatech)
Total: £151.93
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-10-25 22:44 BST+0100

Hi there,
Thanks for the reply. I will be using the programs at an reasonbly advanced level, so the worstation will need to have a fair amount of computing power. Thanks for the suggestion about RAM, its a good point. How does the revised build below look? I am tryingto keep it around the £600 mark.

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor (£290.75 @ Amazon UK)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-B150N Phoenix-WIFI Mini ITX LGA1151 Motherboard (£83.22 @ Amazon UK)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2400 Memory (£56.99 @ Amazon UK)
Storage: SK hynix SL308 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive (£67.06 @ Amazon UK)
Case: Lian-Li PC-Q04B Mini ITX Tower Case (£57.86 @ More Computers)
Power Supply: Corsair CXM 450W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply (£49.99 @ Novatech)
Total: £605.87

I was also wodering if you have any suggestions for the graphics card I could add in at a later date?

Cheers

 

[cin19]

Look good.

For the GPU, it depends on what budget you have, and when will you buy? If you will buy the GPU within one yr like this, something like gtx1050ti, or RX 470 (AMD), even up to gtx1060. And keep in mind, the case ( Lian-Li PC-Q04B) can only support up to 190mm long GPU.