First Build-Need some advice

[imagemaker5150]

I am about to build my first computer. I began thinking about this project about 5 years ago and just kept waiting.Components have really changed since then. My old workhorse Dell computer (circa 2002) just doesn't do the job anymore. I know, don't laugh! I have Rob's book from 5 years ago. I just looked at his Super PC website for components and I also checked here for the recommendations for high end vs. budget. I use my computer in my business primarily. I am a photographer/digital retouch artist and I work with Adobe Photoshop and Corel Painter for most of my work. This software uses a tremendous amount of RAM. I plan to use Windows 7 Home Premium OS.I want to build a computer that will be FAST!! I don't use it for gaming and the sound card doesn't have to be the most expensive.I would like a good video card. Rob's recommendations are different than on this forum. I'm a little confused by the processor, ram and motherboard differences. I want a quality machine without overspending on the "Cadillac" extras that I don't really need. Hope this all makes sense. I don't want to be cheap, but I'm not sure if I need everything that's listed on the "High End" build. Any input and advice will be appreciated. Also, computer case recommendation. I'm not into flashing lights, etc. Just something simple and functional. THANKS.

[RickyTick]

Welcome to the forums.

It's really hard to stay up to date on build recommendations. The ones that Rob has on his build list is at least 2 generations old, and the list I have here on the forums is 1 generation old. I'll put together some recommendations here in a few minutes and post back. In the meantime, tell me if you like this case.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042&cm_sp=Cat_Computer_Cases-_-Spotlight-_-11-129-042

[imagemaker5150]

Ricky-Thanks for your help on my build. The Antec case looks like its just what I need.
Nothing flashy and a great price. I mainly want to avoid over spending on things that I really won't need or use in my work. I forgot to mention that I don't plan on overclocking either. Again, just want something that responds hopefully "instantly" when I am working on digital files. Can't decide on Intel i5 or i7 processor. From what I've read, the i5 is probably fine for my application. Also forgot to ask "How much RAM do you recommend for Windows 7 64 bit OS"? Thanks again for your input.

[RickyTick]

The i5-2500K is currently on sale at Newegg for $205 with free shipping. Use promo code EMCKAJG23. Only good until midnight Wednesday.
For a motherboard, maybe something like this for $160
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131729
This power supply has a rebate, 10% off promo code, and free shipping. What's not to like?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139012
I say go big with ram, 16gb of DDR3 1600.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231315
You don't need a powerful video card. Something like this should work fine.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127541
You can't beat this hard drive for $60.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185
Same goes for this sound card. Just can't beat the price.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829132020

You'll need a DVD burner too. They run about $30.

You're looking at around $700. Do you already have a mouse and keyboard, or a monitor?

What do you think?

[imagemaker5150]

Ricky-Thanks for all the recommendations. The link for RAM is actually for the motherboard. I have used Corsair in the past with good results. Also, Crucial. I notice that a lot of builders seem to like the G. Skill memory. I am not familiar with that company. The sound card is out of stock at Newegg. This gives me a starting point. Is there any particular reason you recommend an Asus board over MSI or Gigabyte? Just trying to learn what to look for. I watched the video tutorials at Newegg on "How to build your own computer". They were very good. Not sure if it makes any difference but they chose to use a "Seaview power supply". Also used a Corsair case which looked very nice and easy to work with. I liked the features. A little more expensive than most though. Still not sure about the Intel i5 vs. i7. If you have any comments on that please share with me. Again, I appreciate your hard work on the components list. I do have a keyboard, mouse, monitor I can use for a while. I look forward to your comments. Thanks so much.

[RickyTick]

Oops... I fixed the link to the ram. Yep, I recommended G.Skill. It's rock solid. Stay with name brands like G.Skill, Corsair, Crucial, Mushkin, Patriot, A-Data, and Kingston. You can't go wrong.

The sound card is one of the most popular, so I'm sure it will back in stock very soon. You could also check amazon or tigerdirect.

The Asus motherboards are getting the highest praise these days on all the tech websites, but so is Gigabyte and MSI and even ASrock. I'm just a computer enthusiast thats built a few computers and like offering advice. I don't have access to all these motherboards to offer a hands on assessment of them, so I depend almost entirely on professional reviews from tech sites like TechReport or AnandTech or others. I put very little (if any) trust in the user reviews at places like Newegg.

I'm not familiar with Seaview power supplies, I guess I could google it. If you meant Seasonic, then they are absolute top notch.

Cases are very subjective. It reflects your taste, not mine. I've seen a lot of recommendations for the Corsair 800D and 600T. They're really nice cases, but a little pricey. I think Corsair just released a 400 series that I heard was nice. I like Cooler Master and Antec cases. I especially like cases with a painted black interior, I just think it's a nice touch. I would strongly suggest you look at some video reviews, as opposed to written reviews of cases. They just give a better feel for what the case is really like. I like Rodney Reynolds reviews at http://www.3dgameman.com/reviews Just click on the category dropdown, choose cases, then click Apply. It's not complete, but it's a good place to start.

If I were building this system for myself, I would go with the i7-2600k just for the raw power. It's about $100 more than the i5 2500, and I don't know your budget, so I went with the one you were already leaning towards. My wife was a photographer, and there was nothing more frustrating to her than trying to edit pictures in Photoshop with a system that wasn't up to the task. Photoshop is very demanding, so you need all the pc horsepower you can get.

[imagemaker5150]

Thanks again Ricky for all the information you've provided. I did mean Seasonic on the power supply. I've looked at so many components lately that my eyeballs are crossed!! Your wife's situation is EXACTLY the problem I'm trying to cure right now. I did read a very bad review at Newegg about the Asus board. Seems this fellow had a very hard time with their customer support. That's very important to me. I think I've got a good handle on my preferences now. Again, MANY THANKS. I really appreciate your help. God Bless my friend.

[RickyTick]

Glad I could help. If you need anything else, just ask. Hope you'll come back and tell us all about your build experience and maybe share a picture or two.