Hello everyone - I'm hoping I can get some advice from the more knowledgable posters here (all of you are more knowledgable than am I). My current desktop PC is frustratingly slow in processing Photoshop files. It also has limited internal storage. I've decided to have a new desktop built - either by experienced techs or by myself if I feel brave and confident.
I know where I'd like to end up in terms of features and capability, but I'm not sure what combination of components will get me there. I'm willing to pay for speed, power, and flexibility, but I don't want to overspend for marginal return. My budget is $2500-$3000 USD. Obviously, I'd prefer to pay closer to $2500 if possible, but will consider the higher end if the return on investment is justified.
I've copied the recommended template, and included all comments I can think of. I haven't purchased anything yet, so instead of mentioning specific components, I've listed the attributes I'd like from each. I'll gladly take any and all advice on how to best spend my money to get the best possible machine. Thanks in advance.
Approximate - Purchase Date (this week)
Budget Range - USD $2500-$300 (After Rebates)
System Usage from Most to Least Important - Photoshop CS6/Lightroom 4; Surfing Internet, Music, Watching Videos, Office Applications; Video Editing, Gaming
Parts Not Required - keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers
Preferred Website(s) for Parts - e.g.: newegg.com, Amazon.com, Microcenter.com
Country - US
Parts Preferences
CPU - I think I prefer an Intel CPU, since all I have read says they are the best for Photoshop. I'm looking at the i7 or i5 CPUs but don't have any idea which would be better for my purposes without buying too much.
Motherboard - I'm looking at ASUS, but am open to any other suggestions or recommendations. What I'm looking for in a motherboard is the capacity to expand to 64GB RAM in the future. Right now, I anticipate starting with 32GB. I'd also like to maximize the number of slots so I can add capacity in the future. I would like the motherboard to include some I/O ports, but am not sure what is considered standard and what needs to be purchased separately. I'd like several USB 2.0 and 3.0 if possible, and obviously ports for two monitors and two printers.
WIFI - I'd like to have wifi for wireless networking
RAM - I want to start with 32GB of RAM with the option to expand to 64GB in the future. I think DDR3 is standard, but I'm not sure if there are other considerations. I also am not sure what speed of RAM memory I need.
Case - I want a full tower since size and weight aren't an issue, and I'd like the case to have lots of internal and external bays so I can expand or modify the computer in the future.
Power Supply - I'm assuming that, for what I anticipate doing, that I'll need at least 750W, maybe even up to 1000W? Again, potential future expansion is an issue. I'd also like it to be relatively quiet.
Fans - if the case comes with a fan and hte processor has a heatsink, would I need to include another fan? I don't mind doing it if it is necessary or advisable.
GPU - I've read conflicting accounts of what role a graphics card plays in image editing. Some say it's nearly irrelevant and that any functional $50 card will do. Others say that, with CS5/CS6, the graphics card is more essential. Those who say this recommend at least 1GB of graphic card memory. The cards should also accomodate two monitors.
Sound Card - I listen to music on my PC quite a bit, and I have some nice Bose speakers. Do I need a dedicated sound card? If so, what should I look for?
Internal HD - My current desktop has a 1TB internal drive partitioned into C and D drives. I have all of my software (including Windows 7 64bit) on this drive. I'd like to keep it to avoid having to re-acquire and download all of my software. Can I legally use my existing copy of Windows 7 on the new build if I retain the current HD?
In addition to this recycled TB drive, I'd like to install (2) 3TB HDs (7200 rpm)for storage of my photo library. I have multiple 2 TB external drives for backup.
Internal SSD - I'd like to get 2 internal SSDs - one for a boot drive and the other for what Photoshop calls a "scratch drive." I'm not sure what size SSD would be best, but I suspect a 120-240 GB range would be sufficient.
Optical Drive - I'm looking at a combo Blu-ray, DVD W/R drive, but not sure what specs to consider
I/O Ports - I'd like to make sure I have lots of USB (2.0/3.0) as well as ports for monitors and printers. I'm not sure if Firewire or other ports are necessary.
Overclocking - Yes - from what I understand, this is becoming more useful and more common. I think most of the mid-high end CPUs have this option.
SLI or Crossfire - I'm not at all familiar with these terms.
Monitor Resolution - 1920x1200
Additional Comments - I'd like this desktop to be upgradeable in the future. Ideally, I'd like it to last 5 years, with an anticipated upgrade after 3.
I know I have a lot of considerations here, and some of them may be unnecessary or contradictory. I'll be grateful for any guidance anyone can provide. Thanks again.
I know where I'd like to end up in terms of features and capability, but I'm not sure what combination of components will get me there. I'm willing to pay for speed, power, and flexibility, but I don't want to overspend for marginal return. My budget is $2500-$3000 USD. Obviously, I'd prefer to pay closer to $2500 if possible, but will consider the higher end if the return on investment is justified.
I've copied the recommended template, and included all comments I can think of. I haven't purchased anything yet, so instead of mentioning specific components, I've listed the attributes I'd like from each. I'll gladly take any and all advice on how to best spend my money to get the best possible machine. Thanks in advance.
Approximate - Purchase Date (this week)
Budget Range - USD $2500-$300 (After Rebates)
System Usage from Most to Least Important - Photoshop CS6/Lightroom 4; Surfing Internet, Music, Watching Videos, Office Applications; Video Editing, Gaming
Parts Not Required - keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers
Preferred Website(s) for Parts - e.g.: newegg.com, Amazon.com, Microcenter.com
Country - US
Parts Preferences
CPU - I think I prefer an Intel CPU, since all I have read says they are the best for Photoshop. I'm looking at the i7 or i5 CPUs but don't have any idea which would be better for my purposes without buying too much.
Motherboard - I'm looking at ASUS, but am open to any other suggestions or recommendations. What I'm looking for in a motherboard is the capacity to expand to 64GB RAM in the future. Right now, I anticipate starting with 32GB. I'd also like to maximize the number of slots so I can add capacity in the future. I would like the motherboard to include some I/O ports, but am not sure what is considered standard and what needs to be purchased separately. I'd like several USB 2.0 and 3.0 if possible, and obviously ports for two monitors and two printers.
WIFI - I'd like to have wifi for wireless networking
RAM - I want to start with 32GB of RAM with the option to expand to 64GB in the future. I think DDR3 is standard, but I'm not sure if there are other considerations. I also am not sure what speed of RAM memory I need.
Case - I want a full tower since size and weight aren't an issue, and I'd like the case to have lots of internal and external bays so I can expand or modify the computer in the future.
Power Supply - I'm assuming that, for what I anticipate doing, that I'll need at least 750W, maybe even up to 1000W? Again, potential future expansion is an issue. I'd also like it to be relatively quiet.
Fans - if the case comes with a fan and hte processor has a heatsink, would I need to include another fan? I don't mind doing it if it is necessary or advisable.
GPU - I've read conflicting accounts of what role a graphics card plays in image editing. Some say it's nearly irrelevant and that any functional $50 card will do. Others say that, with CS5/CS6, the graphics card is more essential. Those who say this recommend at least 1GB of graphic card memory. The cards should also accomodate two monitors.
Sound Card - I listen to music on my PC quite a bit, and I have some nice Bose speakers. Do I need a dedicated sound card? If so, what should I look for?
Internal HD - My current desktop has a 1TB internal drive partitioned into C and D drives. I have all of my software (including Windows 7 64bit) on this drive. I'd like to keep it to avoid having to re-acquire and download all of my software. Can I legally use my existing copy of Windows 7 on the new build if I retain the current HD?
In addition to this recycled TB drive, I'd like to install (2) 3TB HDs (7200 rpm)for storage of my photo library. I have multiple 2 TB external drives for backup.
Internal SSD - I'd like to get 2 internal SSDs - one for a boot drive and the other for what Photoshop calls a "scratch drive." I'm not sure what size SSD would be best, but I suspect a 120-240 GB range would be sufficient.
Optical Drive - I'm looking at a combo Blu-ray, DVD W/R drive, but not sure what specs to consider
I/O Ports - I'd like to make sure I have lots of USB (2.0/3.0) as well as ports for monitors and printers. I'm not sure if Firewire or other ports are necessary.
Overclocking - Yes - from what I understand, this is becoming more useful and more common. I think most of the mid-high end CPUs have this option.
SLI or Crossfire - I'm not at all familiar with these terms.
Monitor Resolution - 1920x1200
Additional Comments - I'd like this desktop to be upgradeable in the future. Ideally, I'd like it to last 5 years, with an anticipated upgrade after 3.
I know I have a lot of considerations here, and some of them may be unnecessary or contradictory. I'll be grateful for any guidance anyone can provide. Thanks again.