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form_6
09-20-2011, 12:33 PM
Hello all, I am embarking on my first Micro ATX build and am worried about space and everything fitting in correctly. My goal is to build a powerful, efficient small system for under $800. I am a freelance graphic designer so speed / ability to run multiple programs and video quality are important to me, but I am not running games on this system.

Here is my planned set up so far, like I said I am a bit worried about space and everything fitting into the case properly, and this is my first Micro ATX build so any help is greatly appreciated!

Case: Rosewill R379-M (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147098&Tpk=Rosewill%20R379-M)
PSU: (Included)
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-H55M-UD2H Micro ATX Motherboard (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128421&Tpk=GIGABYTE%20GA-H55M-UD2H%20LGA)
CPU: Intel Core i3-540 Clarkdale 3.06GHz (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115221&Tpk=Intel%20Core%20i3-540%20Clarkdale%203.06GHz) (very open to different CPU)
RAM: CORSAIR CMV4GX3M1A1333C9 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145322&Tpk=CMV4GX3M1A1333C9) x 4
Graphics card: SAPPHIRE 100293L (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102874&Tpk=SAPPHIRE%20100293L%20Radeon%20HD%205570) (open to different/better card)
Sound card: Creative SB X-Fi Xtreme Audio 70SB104000000 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102017)
Hard Drive: WD Caviar Black WD1001FALS (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136284)
Optical Drive: LITE-ON Model iHDS118-04 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106276&Tpk=LITE-ON%20Black%2018X%20iHDS118-04)

Monitor: LG Flatron Ultra Slim L1780Q
Speakers: Logitech Z506

Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium

I need the system to be capable of running multiple image editing / design programs at once and rendering graphics well. Thanks for reading!

RickyTick
09-20-2011, 02:45 PM
You may be better served by basing your build around this motherboard and cpu.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131711
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115074

form_6
09-20-2011, 03:00 PM
Thanks for your recommendation, do you know if the other parts I have chosen will be compatible with those, and with the case?

RickyTick
09-20-2011, 04:03 PM
I'm not a big fan of slim line cases, and Rosewill is not famous for using great power supplies.
How do you like this. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811121004

You don't need a graphics card nor a sound card.

Here's 8gb of ram for only $47. Can't beat that.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231311

For the money, this is a better hard drive.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185

form_6
09-20-2011, 05:09 PM
I really appreciate your suggestions and have been just today reading some poor reviews on the PSU with this case so was thinking of swapping it out if I did go ahead with it. I'm curious though why you would suggest I skip the video card? I create a lot of custom animations in Flash and deal primarily with graphics, do you think there would be no benefit to me upgrading the video card?

RickyTick
09-20-2011, 06:05 PM
The motherboard has onboard video that's adequate for basic flash. There's no reason why you can't use a discreet video card. I was just trying to save money on the build. Maybe something basic like a GT430. That should be fine.