PC Upgrade

[Bavs108]

Howsit guys. So I think it's that time again where I think my Desktop PC could do with an upgrade. I'm finding Photoshop CS6 can't handle a lot of the large RAW files that I work with from my D7100. I can maybe batch process around 10-15 files at a time until it crashes. My desktop is primarily used for photo storage and editing as well as media streaming and browsing. I'm not that into gaming. I'm thinking of maybe building it up bit by bit. I've lost track with what's what in terms of new tech.

That said, what are your thoughts on these components to get me started? Please do recommend alternative components. One thing that is a must though, is PCI slots for my sound card. Will definitely add an SSD and bigger HDD for storage.

http://www.wootware.co.za/asus-z97-a-intel-z97-chipset-socket-1150-atx-desktop-motherboard.html

http://www.wootware.co.za/intel-i5-...evil-s-canyon-socket-lga1150-desktop-cpu.html

http://www.wootware.co.za/kingston-...-dual-channel-hyperx-fury-desktop-memory.html

Or would a bundled kit like this be better?

http://www.evetech.co.za/PC-Hardware/intel-core-i5-gaming-upgrade-kit-107.aspx

http://www.evetech.co.za/PC-Hardware/core-i7-budget-gaming-upgrade-kit-435.aspx

And this case for a fresher look.

http://www.evetech.co.za/PC-Hardware/corsair-graphite-series-600t-silver-gaming-case-193.aspx

Would these setups be overkill for my needs? I figure that if the setup can handle gaming then it should be more than capable for my needs and also future proofing.

 

[HIRRS-ZN]

Howzit Bavs108,

firstly the question you have to ask is how much are you willing to spend. that determines the kind of spec.

i work for IT company, i will send you some good high end and medium specs.

also it will be cheaper to buy a complete PC rather than building a new one.

Regards
Clemy

 

[Bavs108]

Thanks. I haven't really set a budget. But looking at current pricing, I think 8-10k should get me something decent. I would prefer building it up to the spec I want rather than buying a complete system outright. Also from a financial point of view, I'd rather spread it over a few months than blow 10k all at once. I'd like something decently speced that'll last me at least another 5 years. My current system has lasted me 5 years now and there is absolutely nothing wrong with it. I may convert it into a media server.

 

[n_s]

A decent Photoshop PC requires a fast processor, good graphics card, lots of memory and fast disk speed. This is essentially a gaming PC.

 

[Gilbert]

The new notebooks and desktops comes (Eg: Intel 4000) with decent onboard graphics. Processors are no longer the bottle necks. I would recommend an i5 processor, 8gb ram and WD Black 2 HDD (120GB SSD with 1TB HDD).

 

[n_s]

The new notebooks and desktops comes (Eg: Intel 4000) with decent onboard graphics. Processors are no longer the bottle necks. I would recommend an i5 processor, 8gb ram and WD Black 2 HDD (120GB SSD with 1TB HDD).

Photoshop and large files require upgraded graphics card, you start having issues with zoom and redraw with the average graphics controllers.

 

[DuckKnuckle]

If you want something for Photoshop you're going to want a fast processor (overclocking would be beneficial) and fast RAM (1866MHz+).

Don't buy a pre-built machine as it'll cost you a lot more than buying the components seperately and putting it together yourself.

I'm currently working but I'll put together a R10k build in between work today and link it here for you.

-edit-

Where are you based? Are you happy with having your items delivered?

 

[Philip Foglar]

I would also say it makes more financial sense to build a custom PC than go out and buy a pre-built performance PC. Research the various components, this is also key to getting the right results!

 

[Bavs108]

Thanks guys. Apart from my laptop I have never purchased a pre built PC since my first one 15-20 odd years ago:flyfun: and don't plan to buy one anytime soon.

I'm thinking of getting the case and psu first and the rest of the components as budget allows.

So far I've been looking at the following:

- Either an Asus Z97-a or MSI Z97 gaming 3. Both are entry level gaming boards with PCI ports that'll accommodate my Asus Xonar Essence ST sound card. If the pros of a slightly better board out way the pros of having PCI slots for my sound card then I'll sell the sound card and get the PCI-e version or external usb DAC.

- Intel i5 4690/k. From what I read the only difference between the 2 is that the K allows for over clocking which I'll probably never do.

- 8/16gb ram. Budget dependent. Can always upgrade later.

- Corsair graphite series 600t case. Really like the look of this case and it's dust filters. My current case accumulates a lot of dust.

- Haven't decided on a psu yet. Looking at a corsair (brand matching)

- Graphics card. Haven't really looked into these, but can always add this later. Would be nice to be able to accommodate 2 screens.

I don't mind buying online or in store or buying from different places. So whoever offers the best deal/service per component gets my business:rollsmile: So far takealot looks quite competitive for the CPU and MB. Evetech has the best price on the case, although I've never dealt with them before. They also have upgrade kits consisting of MB's, CPU's and ram that look decently priced.

 

[Acheron]

You main priorities for a Photoshop PC build would be RAM, storage speed, CPU/GFX (tied)...in that order.

Assuming you don't want to game (at all), wasting money on a gaming focused GFX card is pointless. All Photoshop needs is a dedicated, modern, standalone card to alleviate some processing power/memory overhead from the CPU/RAM.

RAM I would go for 16gb and allow Photoshop (via settings) to reserve as large a chunk of that as possible. You'll want a decent SSD to store the Photoshop app, operating system, system AND Photoshop cache/swap files.

As for the CPU don't go ballistic if it means compromising heavily on RAM amount (if below 16gig), RAM speed or your choice to go with an SSD.

 

[VeNoM_Ct]

Hey Bud,

I have actually looked into this very recently as I need to upgrade my pc 7-8 years later finally my dual core is starting to not cope with top end games.

I opted to do a bundle type upgrade only...
I have looked at both evetech and wootware...
wootware works out cheaper for the same bundle that evetech offers and wootware is in somerset.

I have bought a mobo, memory, cpu and tower case...
I have GPU, PSU and HDDs[/align]

all depends what you need.

 

[Bavs108]

Thanks again for all the advise:ty: I think I'm pretty much decided on most of the components. It's just deciding on motherboards that's got me a bit confused. Which of these would you guys choose?

http://www.wootware.co.za/asus-z97-a-intel-z97-chipset-socket-1150-atx-desktop-motherboard.html

http://www.wootware.co.za/msi-z97-g...pset-socket-1150-atx-desktop-motherboard.html

Any reason why a slightly more expensive board would be better apart from maybe extra features that I may never use? My reason for choosing the above 2 is because they have PCI slots.

Definitely gonna go with an SSD and at least a 2tb drive (24mp RAW files are massive).

Then I also need to get an OS. Windows 7 vs 8.1? I have absolutely no experience with 8.1

 

[Bayn46]

Building a custom PC is definitely the way to go - the prebuilt ones are never 100% what you want.

Motherboard: ASUS and Gigabyte are so overpriced, you'll be spending an extra R500 for gimmicks. Consider AsRock, a lot of friends along with myself have these boards for a variety of uses. http://www.wootware.co.za/asrock-z97-pro4-intel-z97-chipset-socket-1150-atx-desktop-motherboard.html

CPU: You are correct in saying that K refers to the unlocked multiplier and allows for overclocking - if you don't plan on overclocking, save some cash and get the locked version.

SSD: Not sure what capacity you're looking for, but the Samsung drives are excellent. http://www.wootware.co.za/samsung-mz-7te120-evo-series-120gb-2-5-tlc-sata-iii-ssd.html

Windows: 8 is fairly easy to get your mind around, rather get it over 7 as 8 will get more support in the long run in terms of updates.

 

[Bavs108]

I actually haven't given AsRock boards much thought as I never heard of them before. Will definitely read up on them. I was thinking of going with a 120 or 256gb SSD dependent on price. Takealot often have them on their daily deals specials like today.

http://www.takealot.com/crucial-m550-2-5-inch-ssd-128gb/PLID32564451

I see a lot of mixed views regarding Windows 8. Is it not another Windows ME or Vista?