New build -- advice on components, please!

[ekatsumata]

Hi,

I'm building a new system, and was hoping for some feedback on some of the components I am considering. Let me first say that I am not a gamer, and will be using this for digital image editing (primarily Photoshop CS2, and a few other imaging apps). I work mostly with files in the 100MB range, but on occassion work with files ranging from 300MB to 1GB in size. Occasionally, I do some light video editing, but not much. I also multi-task, surfing the web while Photoshop processes batches of folders, and while playing music on iTunes. I will be installing an existing copy of Win2k as my OS. I will not do any overclocking. Here?s what I?m considering:


Motherboard -- I don?t need SLI, but I definitely do need Firewire 800 (1394b), and this one seems to be one of the few boards that have it (gigabit Ethernet is a plus):
GIGABYTE GA-K8N Pro-SLI Socket 939 NVIDIA nForce4 SLI ATX AMD Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813128301

Processor -- This seems to be a reasonable buy, though I am considering investing in a Dual Core...
AMD Athlon 64 3200+ Venice 1GHz FSB Socket 939 Processor Model ADA3200BPBOX
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103535

Memory -- okay, I need help with this one. I do not plan to overclock my CPU, so am I correct in assuming that "value RAM" will meet my needs? Or should I expect better performance from more expensive RAM? I was considering something along these lines:
CORSAIR ValueSelect 2GB (2 x 1GB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 (PC 3200) Unbuffered System Memory Model VS2GBKIT400C3
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145579

Video Card -- I need help with this also. I don't think I need anything too fancy for what I'd be using this for, but I would like dual DVI so I can run two monitors in an "extended desktop." I was thinking of this:
XFX PVT43PUDS7 Geforce 6600 256MB GDDR2 PCI Express x16 Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814150123

Hard Drive -- I already have a bunch of drives for storage that I plan to transfer over, but I'll need a new SATA drive strictly for the OS (Win2k) and apps. I was considering a WD 74GB Raptor for this purpose, but was wondering if anyone had any other suggestions. BTW, I have no intentions of striping my primary drive.

Power Supply -- I have absolutely no idea what to look for. I'll be running the above components, as well as a DVDR, 3 ATA hard drives, and one or two more SATA drive. Any suggestions?

I'd like to keep the costs down as much as possible, so if there are areas where I can save money, I'd be happy to hear about it. I also don't mind spending a little extra money, if there is something more expensive that would be a better investment (maybe a dual-core? Or a better motherboard and FW800 PCI card?). Also, I?d like the system to be reasonably quiet.

This build will be a much needed upgrade from an Athlon XP 1600+ based system. Thank you very much in advance.

 

[Finns14]

I would say get rid of that MOBO find a nice stable asus or something similar and stable that isn't SLI. Then add a PCI card maybe something like this for firewire http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16815123004

The RAM and vid card are fine as for a PSU get an Antec or Fortron something in the 400-450w range. See whats on sale.

 

[NeezyDeezy]

You may not WANT to overclock it, but that venice you've selected happens to be one the best processors to OC right now.

My only suggestion would be to not buy the raptor, in my opinion the slight increase in boot time, load speed isn't worth just how much more you have to pay. Anand has reviews on both these issues I've raised that can quantify the differences.

 

[ShadowBlade]

For photoshop work, you really need a strong processor and a lot of RAM.

That motherboard is fine, but you could probably save a few dollars by not getting the SLi version. But if the SLi version is the only one that has the features you need then go for it.

For the kind of work you're going to be doing, you should go with a dual core processor. Minimum AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ ($322 at newegg last time I checked)

That RAM is great.

Video card is fine.

Hard drive I would advise a Western Digital 400GB (or multiple) with a 16MB cache.

Power supply, look at the Fortron (newegg calls it FSP Group (Fortron Source)) AX500-A it 500W and has 29A across a dual 12V rail.

Other things to think about:
The case. I reccomend an Antec, Lian-Li or Chenming case. The best being the Antec P180, but its still kind of pricey (about $120 at newegg)
If you're doing video editing, you might want a little more than onboard sound. Look at M-Audio PCI sound cards.
Optical drives. I prefer Lite-On, but I think most people here will reccomend BenQ or Plextor.


Good Luck!

 

[ekatsumata]

I would say get rid of that MOBO find a nice stable asus or something similar and stable that isn't SLI.

Thanks for the prompt reply. Are Gigabyte boards problematic? The one I mention above seems to have decent user reviews on Newegg.

I've had two Asus boards in the past, and I've been pretty happy with them. Unfortunately, the FW PCI card you mention doesn't support FW800 (1394b). However, they do offer FW800 PCI cards for around the same price. Actually, I was hoping to avoid a PCI FW800 card, but don't mind getting one for a more stable system.

Anyone else have any thoughts?

 

[Finns14]

Originally posted by: ShadowBlade
For photoshop work, you really need a strong processor and a lot of RAM.

That motherboard is fine, but you could probably save a few dollars by not getting the SLi version. But if the SLi version is the only one that has the features you need then go for it.
For the kind of work you're going to be doing, you should go with a dual core processor. Minimum AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ ($322 at newegg last time I checked)

That RAM is great.

Video card is fine.

Hard drive I would advise a Western Digital 400GB (or multiple) with a 16MB cache.

Power supply, look at the Fortron (newegg calls it FSP Group (Fortron Source)) AX500-A it 500W and has 29A across a dual 12V rail.

Other things to think about:
The case. I reccomend an Antec, Lian-Li or Chenming case. The best being the Antec P180, but its still kind of pricey (about $120 at newegg)
If you're doing video editing, you might want a little more than onboard sound. Look at M-Audio PCI sound cards.
Optical drives. I prefer Lite-On, but I think most people here will reccomend BenQ or Plextor.


Good Luck!

Dont ya hate when people don't what other ppl write just wait in line for their turn to talk

 

[ekatsumata]

Wow, thanks for the fast replies, everyone!

You may not WANT to overclock it, but that venice you've selected happens to be one the best processors to OC right now.

Hmmm, some food for thought. I guess I'm not that opposed to overclocking, but I've always understood that it shortens the life of processors due to the additional heat produced by OC'ing. I'm not one to upgrade frequently -- my last computer before the Athlon XP 1600+ had a AMD K2 400MHz processor Also, if I overclock, do I need better RAM (i.e. without the "Value" label)?

That motherboard is fine, but you could probably save a few dollars by not getting the SLi version. But if the SLi version is the only one that has the features you need then go for it.

For the kind of work you're going to be doing, you should go with a dual core processor. Minimum AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ ($322 at newegg last time I checked)

That RAM is great.

Video card is fine.

Hard drive I would advise a Western Digital 400GB (or multiple) with a 16MB cache.

Power supply, look at the Fortron (newegg calls it FSP Group (Fortron Source)) AX500-A it 500W and has 29A across a dual 12V rail.

Other things to think about: ...

Alrighty. You've just helped me spend more of my money I'm now leaning towards the Athlon x2. I don't need SLI, but as you said, it comes with everything I need. There are only 2 other boards at newegg with FW800, both are non-SLI, and neither come with SATA II. And they're only $23 cheaper than the model I mention. I figure SATA II might better to have for the future (if I'm mistaken, please correct me!).

As for the HD, I already have my storage drives (which are currently ATA, but will be replaced with SATA as soon as they're full -- in about 3 months). I just need something in the 40-100GB range for my OS and apps, and I thought the Raptor was the fastest. If I could save money and get something peppy in the 120GB range, that would be great. I guess I need to look at some benchmarks when I get a chance (open to suggestions )

The power supply is more expensive than I thought. Would something like this suffice?
Thermaltake TR2 W0070 ATX 430W Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817153023
or am I being a cheap idiot for even considering it?

The case and optical drives are all taken care of. As for sound, the onboard will be fine. I don't do any serious video editing, so not a problem.

Thanks again!

 

[ShadowBlade]

For the power supply, any of these will do just fine.

For the hard drive, any Seagate, WD or Maxtor (in that order) 80GB will probably be good for you. WD is my preference for brand, but I hear Seagates are quieter. Also more exepnsive....

 

[Finns14]

Ehh that PSU isn't really all that great espeically if you plan to OC that X2 or opty

 

[ShadowBlade]

Originally posted by: Finns14

Originally posted by: ShadowBlade
For photoshop work, you really need a strong processor and a lot of RAM.

That motherboard is fine, but you could probably save a few dollars by not getting the SLi version. But if the SLi version is the only one that has the features you need then go for it.
For the kind of work you're going to be doing, you should go with a dual core processor. Minimum AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ ($322 at newegg last time I checked)

That RAM is great.

Video card is fine.

Hard drive I would advise a Western Digital 400GB (or multiple) with a 16MB cache.

Power supply, look at the Fortron (newegg calls it FSP Group (Fortron Source)) AX500-A it 500W and has 29A across a dual 12V rail.

Other things to think about:
The case. I reccomend an Antec, Lian-Li or Chenming case. The best being the Antec P180, but its still kind of pricey (about $120 at newegg)
If you're doing video editing, you might want a little more than onboard sound. Look at M-Audio PCI sound cards.
Optical drives. I prefer Lite-On, but I think most people here will reccomend BenQ or Plextor.


Good Luck!

Dont ya hate when people don't what other ppl write just wait in line for their turn to talk

I don't know what you're attempting to say, but when I started writing that post, no one else had posted yet.

 

[ekatsumata]

Thanks again for the advice. I still have one more question: If I do decide to overclock my CPU (big 'if'), then do I need better RAM? On reading the reviews on newegg, it seems that most gamers prefer more expensive RAM.

Also, does anyone else have any thoughts on my system?

Thanks.