Looking to build a workstation

[JakeParlay]

This winter I am looking to build a workstation. I do a lot of video, flash, and web work for my full-time day job and I'd like to start picking up some side work on nights and weekends. As an added bonus, I'd like to use it for gaming, too, of course!

I am hoping for a pretty powerful PC, but nothing too crazy, as I would still need to add a bunch of design and development software (an extra $1500 USD, ballpark).

Let's start... here's what I'm thinking:

• OS - Windows 7 Professional 64-bit
• CPU - Intel i7-920 Quad Core 2.66 GHz
• Mobo - Asus P6T Deluxe V2 - Intel x58
• Ram - G.SKILL Trident DDR3 2000 - 4 x 2Gb
• Video - Saphire Radeon HD 5770
• First HD - Corsair 128 Gb Solid State Drive
• Second HD - Samsung 1 Tb SATA II 7200RPM
• Drive - Blu-Ray & DVD writer
• Monitor - 24" widescreen LCD to accompany my existing 19" Samsung square LCD
• Case - Raidmax Smilodon w/ 500w PS
• New Keyboard and Wired Laser Mouse (finallllly!)

That's about it... It's looking to be around $2200 USD for the hardware and OS at current prices. Steep, but it could be worse. I am definitely not a "replace it often" type of person, so I'd like this system to be viable for quite some time. The current PC I've had for around 6 years, upgrading a few components along the way.

I would love to go with an AMD Phenom II setup and save a couple hundred bucks, but the main focus here will be video editing and design work. The i7 seemed to really outpace the AMD chip in there areas. I love PC gaming but am by no means "hardcore." Also, I know cases with the LED lighting are no longer in vogue, but I don't care, I really like them

I am very curious to know anyone's thoughts/opinions/suggestions. Fire away gentlemen!!

[cz_squishy]

Or for about $1,000 cheaper: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/HP+-+Pavili ... Id=9555778
Intel® Core™ i7-920 processor
Intel® Turbo Boost Technology
9GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM
Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer support
1TB SATA hard drive (7200 rpm)
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 260 graphics
With 1.8GB dedicated video memory and Microsoft DirectX 10.1 support. HDMI and 2 DVI interfaces for connecting HD components. High-definition audio configurable for up to 8 speakers.
Built-in high-speed wireless LAN (802.11a/b/g/n)
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Edition 64-bit operating system preinstalled

I have it and it runs nicely

[TicTac]

When the fuck did computer parts get so cheap?! And that's assembled ~ imagine the price if you built it yourself :O

[Unreal_Me]

I understand that a gtx 260 is somewhat cheap, and the PSU and mobo are probably generic, that's still pretty cheap considering it's assembled.

[MrTwoVideoCards]

I have it and it runs nicely

Nah, he's better off making it himself, and to that effect: Asus sucks bawls. Get an EVGA motherboard. Better customer Support, better community, and literally 24/7 telephone helpline.

Actually why in the heck would Best buy list: Intel® Turbo Boost Technology

[Zipfinator]

I have it and it runs nicely

Nah, he's better off making it himself, and to that effect: Asus sucks bawls. Get an EVGA motherboard. Better customer Support, better community, and literally 24/7 telephone helpline.

Actually why in the heck would Best buy list: Intel® Turbo Boost Technology

Because ignorant people think that it's a unique feature that only Best Buy's computers carry when they list it.

And your build looks pretty good Jake. I'd suggest getting a better power supply though. Maybe even a better case.

This case Is $60 with a mail in rebate and it's a great case. The 1200 Is great also, but it's a full tower so it'll be huge and it's $150.

This is a good power supply for $110 after rebates. You could spend a bit more though and get 750 or 850 watt one. Not sure if you'll need it though.

Your other hardware looks pretty good. Nice choice on the ATI 5000 series. I would go with Corsair on the RAM, but that's just personal preference. Corsair does offer lifetime warranties though. I'm not sure if GSkill does or not.

Do you really need Windows 7 Professional? I'm not exactly sure of the differences, but Home Premium seems to fit most peoples needs fine.

Not sure what else to comment on. Looks like a pretty good build, good luck with it! Try PMing Xotoqual (Not sure if that's the correct spelling) if you need any more help. He knows more than nearly everyone on this site about computer hardware.

[JakeParlay]

Thanks guys! Yes, I definitely want to assemble it myself. I am gunshy with HP, too. I have three HP XW9400 workstations for my day job, and they haven't been top-notch reliable despite top-dollar being paid. That being said, that link you posted looks like a pretty sweet deal.

MrTwo, I guess not everyone is an ASUS supporter. I've always heard they were pretty rock-solid. I did comparison shop for a few comparable EVGA boards, and they offer a few in the same class with the same chipset, so that is definitely a viable option, thank you.

Zip, thanks man. I really like that first case. The power supply on my current crapped machine out about six months ago, so I have a pretty solid replacement that I could transplant into the new rig. Might go nicely with that case you linked to. I'll have to check the wattage.

As far as Windows 7 Pro, I need the Pro because I use Remote Desktop from time to time. Corsair is a viable option, too, for ram. I've had some of their sticks in the past and had no complaints. I'm not picky!

[Terr]

Check that the PSU actually handles the kinds of loads a beefy video card will subject it to. The wattage amount is actually (depending on internal circuitry) spread between different "rails", and even a one-gazillion watt power supply won't work if it doesn't supply the watts you need on a given rail.

http://www.jonnyguru.com/

[xoqolatl]

I think ASUS P6T Deluxe V2 has most features in it's price bracket. Evga X58 3-Way SLI is weird (my subjective opinion) and more expensive (at least here in Poland) but has more connectivity options (+2 additional SATA ports with RAID).

[Unreal_Me]

Yeah, I'm pretty sure my 500W PSU wasn't enough for my system, and it probably consumes a similar amount of power as your build. I'm pretty sure I'm on 650W now.

MrTwoVideoCards: Unless EVGA makes something other than nvidia chipsets, ewww. I've heard nothing but balls about nvidia chipsets.

Anyways, the Antec /1200 is an amazing case. A helped build a computer for a friend of mine, and the case is spacious, great for cable management, and very well designed. especially compared to mine. Damn backwards door.

Though it's probably not a big deal for you, a 22" widescreen lines up near-perfectly with a 19" flatscreen.
Probably not worth losing 2", but still a thing to note.

[Zipfinator]

MrTwoVideoCards: Unless EVGA makes something other than nvidia chipsets, ewww. I've heard nothing but balls about nvidia chipsets.

EVGA makes X58 chipsets too, which is what I'm guessing he was suggesting him to get.

[JakeParlay]

good tips on the power supply and the 22" monitor. Yes, I'd love it if they lined up. Great idea

and yes X58 is looking like the hot chipset right now

thanks gentlemen