Photoshop/Premiere/3DS Max build: request for help

#1

Hi guys,

I am in the process of choosing components for a new machine I want to build. I am no hardware expert so I hope somebody can help.
The computer will be used for:

  • daily tasks (web browsing etc…)
  • Photoshop + Intuos Pro tablet
  • Premiere for video editing (possibly HD too)
  • HD movies playback (from Blu-Rays and Hard Disk)
  • possibly light 3D graphics (3DS Max + mental ray, Blender)

I don’t have a specific configuration in my mind yet but here there are a few notes:

  • CPU: to be chosen (Intel)
  • Motherboard: to be chosen (as form factor I would prefer ATX but I’m open to suggestions)
  • Storage: required only if a SSD is necessary (I have 2 HDDs already)
  • Video Card: to be chosen (very confused about it)
  • PSU: I think it depends on the other components (it has to be modular)
  • OS: Windows 7 Pro 64-bit
  • Budget: the lower the better

I have been fighting with high temperatures and noise for years so I am looking for a “cool” and noiseless machine (but I am not fond of water/liquid coolers).

I’d start with the CPU and MoBo, can you show me the right direction?
Any advice on components or whole builds will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for your time and help.

#2

From your description, theres nothing special to really advise unless you have a large budget and want to go all out. You dont need any special gfx cards for your use so I would advise a geforce 860 or 960, they will be a couple of hundred. You dont need anything special for the cpu either, so just go for a high speed 4 core chip like the 4790k, this means you can also use the much cheaper ddr3 memory.

Why the dislike of water coolers? These days you can buy complete all in one solutions where you never need to open them or add liquid, frankly they just look like a heatsink with a pair of pipes attached. They will be much cooler and quieter than anything else you can get.

#3

Hi imashination and thanks for replying.

The 4790k is the CPU I was thinking of for a future more powerful machine to be used for 3D/Motion Graphics.
Right now I would like to assemble a cheaper pc for 2D graphics (Photoshop) and possibly light 3D graphics.
Pentium G3420 seems to be a very interesting CPU but I don’t know if it can manage this kind of work.
Anyway, something in the league of Pentium/i3 (I’m on a tight budget).
Of course if you think there’s no way these CPUs will do the job I will have to reconsider the whole thing.

As for the water coolers, maybe it’s just me but I am terrified at the idea of any liquid inside the case :slight_smile: