Need help with a 3d modeling and animation build

[suds20]

I am looking to build or buy a machine to do some art work on. I mostly use zbrush, Modo, Lightwave, XSI, Photoshop and After Effects (www.sudac.tv to see samples). I would like to spend around $1500.00 – 2000.00 (USA)

I have built my own computers in the past (not great at building) and don’t know if its worth it to build or just bite the bullet and go pre made… I hoping someone can convince me one way or the other.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[mfenn]

If you don't think that you want to build one, that's OK. Time is money when it comes to business. You can get some pretty decent Dell T3500s from the outlet with warranty for about $1K.

 

[suds20]

Any suggestions for a custom build?

 

[mfenn]

i5 2500K $225
ASRock Z68 Pro3 $100http://detonator.dynamitedata.com/c...com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820144543
G.Skill DDR3 1600 8GB x2 $80http://detonator.dynamitedata.com/c...com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102954
Quadro 600 $170 - as long as you won't be gaming
Crucial M4 128GB $210
Hitachi 7K1000.D 750GB $110
Lite-ON DVD Burner $22
XFX Core 650W $60 ARhttp://detonator.dynamitedata.com/c...oduct.aspx?Item=N82E16811119233&Tpk=haf%20912
Fractal Design R3 $100
Total: $1,077

Feel free to swap the CPU to the i7 2600K and/or the GPU to the Quadro 2000, but I don't think that either is necessary.