Please help review desktop configuration

[meyerk77]

Hello,

Thank you in advance for reading; this is a big deal for me as I depend on my computer for my family's livelihood; I freelance and don't have a lot to spend. This computer needs to be a workhorse and last ideally 4-6 years. I use it for watching video/webinars/live meetings/adobe creative suite 5 and up/ entire MS office suite/ tons of open programs and webpages at once/ dual screen.

Is this a good choice & are these parts compatible?

HP Workstation z600 - Xeon E5620 2.4 GHz ?
HP Workstation z600 - MT - 1 x Xeon E5620 / 2.4 GHz - RAM 4 GB - HDD 1 x 250 GB - DVD±RW (±R DL) / DVD-RAM - FirePro V5900 - Gigabit Ethernet - Windows 7 Professional 64-bit
ASIN: B006AR2SNO
Item model number: VA805UT#ABA
(see link here: http://www.costcentral.com/proddetail/HP_Workstation_z600/VA805UTABA/11504383/ )
I'm actually looking at it on amazon for $840.00, which seems like an exceptional value.

1) Based on my usage needs, do you think this computer is a good choice?

2) I was looking for intel core i-7 but read that this processor, Xeon, is preferable, is that accurate?

3) I note the RAM on this is lower than I had been looking for; is this a good choice/compatible to upgrade additional RAM? Crucial BLS4G3D1339DS1S00 Ballistix Desktop Memory Module - 4GB, PC3-10600, DDR3-1333MHz, 240-pin DIMM, 1.5V, CL9, Non-ECC, Unbuffered

4) Also the Hard Drive memory is lower than I wanted, do you know whether I should be able to add this hard drive in as a second drive (is it compatible), and will that still allow me to keep the Windows 7 OS platform it ships with? (Apparently there is not a compatible solid state drive...) Seagate ST1000DM003 Barracuda 1TB Hard Drive - 7200RPM, 64MB, SATA 6Gb/s

5) One of the reasons I picked this was the understanding that FirePro V5900 is a pro-quality graphics card...is this a good choice, specifically for my needs (I'm not a gamer and don't do animation/Maya, etc.)?

6) are there any other obvious issues with power source (650W) or other compatibility/performance issue?

thank you in advance for your help! Truly appreciated.

 

[meyerk77]

Sorry, I found this forum on a google search for detail about a graphics card so I didn't see the great post on how to ask for help with configuration for dummies which is clearly posted at the top of the forum until after my question was posted.....will try to complete as an addendum here.

Approximate Purchase Date: e.g.: ASAP, hopefully within 2-3 days.

Budget Range: (e.g.: 300-400) Under $1200 and the cheaper the better since its all on credit.

System Usage from Most to Least Important: 1) multi-tasking running lots of programs and browser windows at once; 2) running adobe creative suite efficiently; 3) videos/webinars/live meetings....this is heavy use professional computer for a professional online marketer/graphic designer whose workday almost never ends.

Are you buying a monitor: No; I have two HP HD displays with multiple connection options; computer must support dual screen.


Parts to Upgrade: (e.g.: CPU, mobo, RAM) **Include Power Supply Make & Model If Re-using** : I'm looking for a new PC, but based on the best one I've found (although open to other suggestions) I would want to upgrade the RAM and harddrive. If that necessitates upgrading power source, mobo, or other, please advise as I am unaware. Existing power supply listed as AC 120/230 V ( 50/60 Hz ); 650W.

Do you need to buy OS: No (assuming PC listed here; I'm open to other options but prefer to stay on Windows 7 Pro OS).

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Tiger Direct or Newegg (open to other suggestions)

Location: City, State/Region, Country - Maysville, KY; (Cincinnati OH metro)

Parts Preferences: by brand or type: none

Overclocking: Yes / No / Maybe - not sure what this is

SLI or Crossfire: Yes / No / Maybe - not sure what this is

Your Monitor Resolution: 1440x900 (at least one of them is; not sure of 2nd).

Additional Comments: Almost exclusively run Adobe creative suite 5, Microsoft Office suite 07, and Google Chrome...and run them all heavily and constantly.

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: Everything is running extremely slowed and delayed; I've tried bandaid solutions such as virus scans, etc., but ultimately my needs have outgrown my system which was state of the art 7 years ago....but that was 7 years ago. I'm running on XP which is no longer supported and I'm pretty sure I've outgrown my graphics card (Nvidia GeForce GT 430) and I've replaced the hard drive twice in 7 years.


here is the main computer I'm looking at:
HP Workstation z600 - Xeon E5620 2.4 GHz ?
HP Workstation z600 - MT - 1 x Xeon E5620 / 2.4 GHz - RAM 4 GB - HDD 1 x 250 GB - DVD±RW (±R DL) / DVD-RAM - FirePro V5900 - Gigabit Ethernet - Windows 7 Professional 64-bit
ASIN: B006AR2SNO
Item model number: VA805UT#ABA

Link to this model is here: http://www.costcentral.com/proddetail/HP_Workstation_z600/VA777UTABA/11365642/pricegrabber/
I'm looking at it on amazon for about $800 but the costcentral listing is more informative about the specs

additional RAM that I"m looking at is:
Crucial BLS4G3D1339DS1S00 Ballistix Desktop Memory Module - 4GB, PC3-10600, DDR3-1333MHz, 240-pin DIMM, 1.5V, CL9, Non-ECC, Unbuffered

here is a link to it:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1412135&sku=C19-6131

substitute or additional hard drive I'm looking at (since solid state drive apparently not an option/compatible):
Seagate ST1000DM003 Barracuda 1TB Hard Drive - 7200RPM, 64MB, SATA 6Gb/s

and here is the link to the HD:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=744346&sku=TSD-1000AS7

thanks in advance

 

[meyerk77]

note: by adobe creative suite I specifically mean the graphic design programs: Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign and Dreamweaver CS5; apparently this makes a dif. for graphics card.

 

[meyerk77]

totally having a convo with myself here...but in case anyone else picks this up....here is another possibility I've stumbled on: http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=XW8600-XQC20X2-MAR-R&cat=SYS

which seems a better match ASIDE from probably the graphics card; if I went this route how difficult would it be to upgrade the graphics card; could I replace it with a good quality one without having to make additional parts replacements?

Features/Specifications:
HP xw8600 Workstation Dual Xeon E5405 2.0 GHz Tower System

General Features:
Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64-bit pre-installed w/CoA
Two (2) Intel Xeon E5405 2.0 GHz quad-core processors
12 MB L2 cache, 1333 MHz FSB Speed
Intel 5400 chipset
16 GB DDR2 PC2-5300 FB-DIMMs
Two (2) 500 GB SATA hard drives
DVD±RW DL drive with LightScribe
NVIDIA Quadro FX 1700 512 MB PCI Express video card installed
Integrated Realtek ALC262 audio
Dual Intel 82572EI Gigabit Ethernet Controller
Integrated FireWire support

Motherboard Features:
Two (2) Socket 771 CPU sockets (occupied)
Two (2) PCI Express x16 slots (one occupied)
Three (3) PCI Express x8 slots (two wired as x4, one wired as x1)
One (1) PCI 32-bit/33 MHz slot
One (1) PCI-X 133 MHz slot
Eight (8) 240-pin DDR2 DIMM slots
Six (6) Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s ports
Eight (8) Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) 3.0 Gb/s ports w/RAID 0, 1, 5, 10

Front I/O Ports:
Two (2) USB 2.0 ports
One (1) 6-pin IEEE 1394 FireWire
One (1) 3.5 mm Microphone in jack
One (1) 3.5 mm Headphone out jack

Rear I/O Ports:
Two (2) PS/2 ports
One (1) 9-pin serial port
One (1) DVI-I port (on video card)
One (1) S-Video port (on video card)
Five (5) USB 2.0 ports
One (1) 6-pin IEEE 1394 FireWire port
Two (2) RJ-45 Ethernet ports
3.5 mm Line in, line out, microphone jacks

Case Features:
Three (3) 5.25-inch external drive bays (one occupied)
Four (4) 3.5-inch internal drive bays (two occupied)
800-watt power supply (100 - 240V, 50/60Hz)

 

[meyerk77]

I tried to go to pcpartpicker and this is what I came up with: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/lXQZ but not sure if its all the best choices in terms of best value given my needs and also compatibility; I have no clue where to start in terms of picking motherboard and RAM (would like to start with at least 8-12 RAM). I'm sure its very likely what I've already picked is not compatible.

 

[BreadWhistle]

This is what I have whipped up for you -


CPU: Intel Core i7-3770 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($289.99 @ Newegg) I picked this CPU because it can handle anything, probably more than you need, so it very future proof. Also comes with great Intel HD4000 integrated graphics.
Motherboard: ASRock H77 Pro4/MVP ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($87.55 @ Newegg) Just your regular motherboard; no overclocking. Does the job.
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($39.99 @ Newegg) Since you will be having many apps open at once, more rap is crucial. 1600 MHz RAM is also slightly faster 1333MHz
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($74.99 @ SuperBiiz) This is probably one of the best drives for data security. 1TB for much space
Case: Antec One ATX Mid Tower Case ($44.99 @ Amazon) Again, regular case, gets the job done.
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 430W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($34.99 @ Newegg) This is a good PSU made by a reputable brand. Won't fry your components.
Optical Drive: MSI DH-24AAS-17 R DVD/CD Writer ($28.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $601.48
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

Edit: Didn't see the last post about all budget, and all that other stuff. Will change soon

 

[meyerk77]

thanks breadwhistle! I thought I needed a more advanced graphic card and also a higher wattage power supply, but I guess maybe I don't (?) based on your suggestion...thank you for taking the time to put that together and reply; I really appreciate it.

 

[meyerk77]

here's another potential option, IF Radeon HD 6350 / 512mb graphics card is good enough...
HP Business Desktop 6200 Pro A2W42UT Desktop Computer - Intel Core i7 i7-2600 3.4GHz - Micro Tower - 4 GB RAM - 500 GB HDD - DVD-Writer - AMD Radeon HD 6350 512 MB Graphics Card - Genuine Windows 7 Professional -
SKU: 1021163342
Manufacturer: Hewlett-Packard
Mfg. Part number: A2W42UT#ABA

http://www.pcsuperdeals.com/_e/Desktop_Computers/sproduct/1021163342/HP_Business_Desktop_6200_Pro_A2W42UT_Desktop_Computer_Intel_Core_i7_i7_2600_3_4GHz_Micro_Tower.htm

 

[BreadWhistle]

After seeing that you will be using 2 monitors and lots of video editing, I noticed that you probably will need a GPU. I have picked this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102983 becuase it has 2GB of GDDR5 memory, a 256 bit bus width, and is cheaper than the GTX 660 which it outperforms.

 

[meyerk77]

thanks again breadwhistle! appreciate the recommendation.

day two of crazed computer searching, and I've determined that 2 dual xeon processors circa 2009 are in fact not better for my purposes than a single quadcore 1-7-3770 processor, so that narrows my search.

 

[meyerk77]

Best answer selected by meyerk77.