New multi-tasking rig build...appreciate input

EC99SS1

Junior Member
Dec 30, 2009
2
0
0
Hi all-
About 6 years ago I was a member here and learned to build my first rig with members' help. Since then I shamefully (lol) admit buying pre-built computers.

Now I'm back to wanting to build another computer and appreciate input on the hardware below. I'm looking to build a multi-tasking computer with gaming capabilities (more for operating my side companies). I will once again consider myself a newbie :) Here are my requirements:

Cost: Around $650ish (not including 2 monitors - haven't decided which ones)

Purpose:
Able to multitask using Photoshop and Illustrator on one screen while running some applications on another screen (for web, SEO, marketing, online surfing, etc for small business). I used to be a big PC gamer(not as much today) however now mostly use my PS3 and Xbox 360. However I'd like the hardware to be able to handle today's games and not obsolete in 6 months.

Applications:
1) Photoshop and Illustrator (simultaneously) - Screen 1
2) Other applications (Office, Online surfing, SEO apps, etc)- Screen 2
3) Gaming (not as big a gamer as before but still would like to run today's games). I'll maybe spend a few hours(3-5) gaming a week


Now onto my initial hardware list (I'm perfectly fine with you making significant changes. I'm trying to keep it around $650-700 range(preferably $600). Any areas for cost savings would be ideal

Case: Antec Nine Hundred +EA650 power supply (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...E16811129064)- $165 or should I go with case and a cheaper PSU?


Mobo and CPU (combo thru newegg):http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.303840 - $~200 with rebates

Hard Drive: Newegg.com - Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST3500418AS 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - Internal Hard Drives - $55

Graphics card: (really unsure about what card to get): Sapphire 4860?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102866 - $130

Power Supply: Is the one with the tower combo OK? Or better ones for cheaper?

RAM: OCZ Gold 4GB DDR3 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820227316) - $100


Heatsink: Newegg.com - Sunbeam CR-CCTF 120 mm Core-Contact Freezer CPU Cooler W/TX-2 - CPU Fans & Heatsinks - $40

Thanks much for your time and help!
 
Last edited:

MisterDonut

Senior member
Dec 8, 2009
920
0
0
Not sure how that aftermarket cooler performs, but you should check out the Zalman CNPS10X Quiet/Flex/Extreme. Supposedly that performs extremely well.

Antec Earthwatts is a pretty solid PSU, and 650 is plenty for your use. If you want any other PSU, I would suggest the Corsair TX650/750, but I haven't done the math.'

You should shoot for the 5770. Much better and future DX11 Support/Eyefinity.

For your HDD, Go with the Caviar Black, 32mb cache, and you'll be much happier. (Or a Samsung)
 

MalVeauX

Senior member
Dec 19, 2008
653
176
116
Heya,

I would suggest you get a Quad instead. If you want to budget, get the Propus 620 for $99 with an appropriate board (gigabyte, asus, msi, etc). Or if budget permits, go for a 940 or 955 Quad. 4Gb of memory. Grab a modular PSU if you can, in the 500ish to 600ish range (ocz, antec, seasonic, corsair, enermax, etc). After market cooler, get a Scythe Mugen 2 ($35), nothing comes close in this price range (it keeps up with the $50+ coolers). For the GPU, what you chose is fine, but I'd get something DX11 capable, like the HD5770 if you can manage (but it's not super cheap). Otherwise, if you're not too worried about it, an HD4770 would be appropriate for a cheaper solution since gaming isn't your focus.

Very best,
 

EC99SS1

Junior Member
Dec 30, 2009
2
0
0
All
Thank you for your inputs. They're much appreciated. I will take a look at your suggestions and read up on them.

Best Regards!