1. How much faster does Photoshop work with a GTX460 1GB over say a GTS450 1GB? I see that there is a way to do a
simple software unlock to boost CS5 and CS5.5 performance with an NV based card. You should ask around on our forum from people who have actually done this or have used an NV based GPU in Photoshop to see what their experience is like. Either way double check that since there is no point in buying a $170 videocard if it won't help him in Photoshop (and there is it if it will). At $170, the GTX460 1GB sounds expensive. You are very close to the faster GTX560 with rebates.
2. I would change that SSD into a Vertex 3 or Intel 510. Does your dad need 256GB though? Maybe 80-120GB is sufficient for OS.
3. Please please please toss that PSU out of your build. For not much more, you can get the Lepa Gold rated 500W PSU for that build. It's modular and comes to
$78 after coupon code. Lepa is
identical to the Enermax Modu 87+ but has a shorter warranty (hence the lower price). Or go with
Corsair or Seasonic (but this brand has a huge price premium) or Antec or
PC Power & Cooling. Those are all proven PSU manufacturers.
4. Go for a cheaper motherboard. Is your dad going to be overclocking? Doubtful. Either way, even budget boards will allow a 2600k to get to 4.7-4.8ghz.
Gigabyte Z68 with 2 SATA 3 ports for
$120
Gigabyte Z68 with 4 SATA 3 ports for
$144.
5. Does Photoshop benefit from more than 8GBs of Ram? I don't know but if you are set on 16GBs, G.Skill is selling DDR3-1600 4x4GB for
$144 after coupon.
gg and gl.