Build for Web and Graphic design

[Quiet_Wonderer]

Would anyone kindly assist me to build a machine that would be great for running bulky applications like Dreamweaver, Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash and the like? I want to dedicate myself to web and graphic design at beginners to intermediate level and work comfortably. Challenge is that my budget is $700-$800 not including monitor, mouse and keyboard. I guess my primary concern is best CPU-MOBO-VIDEO CARD-RAM combination for the task. I would greatly appreciate if someone actually altruistically pointed out exact parts on Newegg or other site I need to invest in as I am really not lazy, just don't seem to make sense in all those compatibility charts...

CPU - AMD or Intel, which AMD or Intel?
MOBO - best fit, hopefully one that fits a TV tuner
HDD - would like to start at 150-200G and be able to add 1 or 2 more HDD's later
RAM - at least 1Gb but 2Gb is better if total stays under $700 - $800
Optical - CD/DVD-/+ RW
Sound Card -- cheapest reliable
Video Card - one for the task
Case - no idea
PSU - no idea

I greatly appreciate your help!

[MikeyD]

I'm in with the same problem. A web design build!

[kram 2.0]

Welcome to PC Mech forums

AMD or Intel - either one would work fine.

Almost any motherboard out there right now can accomodate a TV Tuner. Of course, you'll need to purchase the TV Tuner seperately, but it will be compatible. Look at the Asus P5LD2 for builds using the Intel chips and the Asus A8N5X for builds using the AMD chips.

I personally like Seagate's hard drive a lot, but Western Digital or Maxtor hard drives are also excellent. At those capacities, try to find a drive with a 16MB cache/buffer.

On memory, you will be best served purchasing two gigs, but depending on how your budget pans out, a one gig system will do just fine - just add on more as you go.

The Lite-On DVD+RW drives are rock solid. On sound card, don't bother to purchase one - use the integrated sound from the motherboard.

Any inexpensive graphics card will get the job done. The Gigabyte X1300 PCI-E Card should fit the bill.

Case is up to you - self preference. I suggest grabbing the Antec case because you get a solid power supply unit that you can use with the case.

Don't forget the operating system.

kram

[fcoral]

i know it seems that you want to build but you can also look at dell dimension E510 series they start at around 750 after a 100 instant savings. Also check out www.xpbargains.com they have a coupon on E510 that's $350 off $1049 so you can configue an E510 up to $1049 and apply the coupon and still be around your price range. The only thing is that the coupon for this expires on 5/18 or 4000 users. I hope this helps you just look at it as an alternative way to go even if you are not ready now just check back that site when you are and you may even come out better.