New Build - Where did I go wrong

[jimfoto]

This pc will be used exclusively for photography (just a very small bit of hd video editing). Large image file (400-600mb) rendering/processing and writing and NO gaming. Based on advice in other threads and what my needs are here is my list:

Thermaltake V3 Black Edition Mid Tower Case -$35
Cooler Master HAF 912 - $60 instead?

Ultra LS600 Lifetime Series 600W Power Supply - $50

Gigabyte 6 Series GA-H67A-UD3H-B3 Intel H67 - $140
external firewire, esata and raid 1

Intel Core i5-2500 BX80623I52500 Processor - $210
will not be overclocking

2x - Patriot Viper II PGV34G1600ELK 4096MB - $84
1600mhz with h67 board?

Samsung 1tb F3 - $64

Ultra U12-40529 Aluminus 3.5" Internal Card Reader - $40
eSATA, USB3 and 3 USB 2 on the front of case

LG BH10LS30 Optical Media 10x Internal Blu-ray Disc Rewriter -$100

Sabrent PCI-G802 PCI Wireless Card - $15

$706 total.

I plan on reusing my dvd burner and an almost new WD caviar green 2tb. I've got 3-4 external drives that connect via eSATA or firewire so I need multiple ports on the case, either on MOBO or other. I'll also probably add a low end video card in the future for faster HD video rendering and may start with 4gb of RAM.

The MOBO has been most confusing, what with the recalls and my need for firewire, eSATA and Raid.

CPU cooler and graphics card?

 

[Dean]

I am not a fan of Ultra Power supplies. If you shop around you will find a Seasonic or Antec supply for around the same price.

H67 boards are limited to 1333mhz memory. That memory you chose is also 1.65 volt memory, not recommended for sandy bridge boards. Search for 1.5 volt g.skill/mushkin etc at 1333. You can also get 1600mhz at 1.5 volts, run it at 1333 and make the timings tighter.

 

[zi0n.]

Get this memory instead and for the PSU you got plenty of choices like this. (10% off w/ promo code An10psu, ends 3/27) You could probably get something cheaper if you look around. You don't need an aftermarket cooler since you aren't even OCing. For the GFX card you could get a http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130625 and maybe even go cheaper since you aren't gaming.

 

[jimfoto]

Can I get 2 sticks of 4 gb memory:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231310
or:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231423

and have room to upgrade in the future to 16gb?

Antec seems to be pretty popular. This one is 50 watts more and has a 120mm fan vs. 80 (quieter?) but isn't green.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371016

 

[jimfoto]

Open box Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB for $40?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...2E16822152185R

 

[Athadeus]

Use stock cooler and integrated graphics, if you can spend anymore, 2600 is probably where to put it for your use.

 

[sandorski]

If you're using a lot of e-SATA/Firewire devices, you might want to find a Case with either/both of those connections on the front.

 

[Blitzvogel]

I don't know how well Intels SB IGPs support photo editing software, so I would recommend a cheap Nvidia card like a GT 430 to help accelerate that task.

 

[mfenn]

Can I get 2 sticks of 4 gb memory:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231310
or:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231423

and have room to upgrade in the future to 16gb?

Antec seems to be pretty popular. This one is 50 watts more and has a 120mm fan vs. 80 (quieter?) but isn't green.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371016

Yes, you can use two 4GB sticks. The PSU would be fine as well, but you really don't need 550W. Since you'll be using an IGP (or a low-power GPU at most), your system will draw something like 175W maxed out. This Eartwatts 380W for $36 is more than enough.

Open box Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB for $40?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...2E16822152185R

HDDs are very susceptible to shipping damage, so I wouldn't go for one that's been shipped back and forth unnecessarily.

 

[rockyjohn]

For PSU, I would spend a few dollars more than on the EA 360 to get a little bit larger PSU that would handle a "standard" or mainstream video card should someone wish to add one later. It costs litle to do this. I recommend the Corsair Builder Series 500w PSU at $40 AR and with free shipping:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139018

Regarding graphics, start with the integrated graphics - which have gotten quite good for non- gaming purposes - and see how well it fares. If you seem to be lagging on some applications of functions, then consider upgrading to a non-gaming video card as reviewed and recommended on this site:

[removed]

Add a card reader to help with data transfer chores - unfortunately Ihave not see one with USB 3.0 yet - you might have to port a cable out from the back for that

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007766%20600031470&IsNodeId=1&name=Internal

 

[jimfoto]

My final answer (I hope)

Antec 300 case $45 AR
Corsair cx500 PSU $40 AR
Intel DH67 CLB3 $109
i5 2500 3.3 $210
Spinpoint f3 1tb $65
Saphire 100293 rad 5570 1gb $55 AR
Mushkin Eng Sil 2x4 $82.
Startech 2 port eSATA card $29.
Ultra card reader w/
Windows license $100

$769+- total

Will be using existing dvd burner and 2tb caviar green for now. Adding blue ray burner, ssd and 8bg ram in future.

No overclocking, no gaming, lots of photoshop and some hd video, RAID 1.

I'm so ready to order this! Can't thank you guys enough for all of your input. It is greatly appreciated.

 

[jimfoto]

Any final advice before I order?

 

[mfenn]

Any final advice before I order?

GPU and PSU seem rather pointless to me. Switch back to the IGP and PSU that I originally recommended and you'll enjoy a quieter, less power hungry system.

 

[rockyjohn]

I would stick with a brand name mobo - like the Gigabyte you listed at start or an Asus. While Intel makes CPUs and north and south bridge chips for mobos, they do not have a strong reputation for mobos. The Gigabyte UD (Ultra Durable) series would be my first choice.

I assume you have verified that the memory you selected is compatible with the Intel mobo you selected.

 

[lxskllr]

I would stick with a brand name mobo - like the Gigabyte you listed at start or an Asus. While Intel makes CPUs and north and south bridge chips for mobos, they do not have a strong reputation for mobos. The Gigabyte UD (Ultra Durable) series would be my first choice.

I assume you have verified that the memory you selected is compatible with the Intel mobo you selected.

I think Intel has a very good reputation for MBs. Not for enthusiast options, but solid, and stable workstation boards.