Critique this build please

[CptObvious]

My uses: Photoshop Lightroom, Adobe Premiere Elements, light gaming (CS:S), HTPC

Shuttle SH67H3 barebones $239.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16856101117
Intel i5-2500K $219.99
G.SKILL 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3 1600 RAM $59.99
WD Caviar Black 500GB 7200RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s

I already have an external DVD and a copy of Win 7 HP

Total $579.96 shipped at Newegg

I'm also thinking about getting a Mac Mini once it refreshes with Sandy Bridge. I have a 4-year old Macbook now.

Thanks in advance.

 

[WarrenH]

You'll probably want to consider a separate video card if you're using Adobe, the onboard intel plus ok, but may struggle. Possibly see how things run before spending extra.
Whilst I too favour WD black, you may wish to consider faster drive for your type of use, possibly an SSD.

 

[flensr]

I'd probably get the 1TB Caviar Black because I hate running out of storage space. Try the on-chip graphics first and then see if you need to upgrade. The shuttle case will limit your ability to upgrade the vid card somewhat, but an even worse restriction may be from the power supply. So give it a shot as-is first, but if you go for an upgraded video card just remember you might need a new psu to go with it.

If you have money to burn, consider an SSD for the boot drive and the regular hard drive for data. The whole computer will feel faster and more responsive with an SSD being used for system and program files.

 

[CptObvious]

Thanks. I'm thinking about just going with a tower to save $. Some suggested the Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB is comparable in performance for about the same price.

 

[Pardus]

Why get the shuttle? Case and mb for less.

$69: APEVIA CORP. X-QPACK-NW-BK/420 $69
$52: GIGABYTE GA-G31M-ES2L LGA 775 Intel G31 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard