Graphic Design Kit

[FuManKirk]

I'm building a new box for graphics ie: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, 3DsMax, and Half-Life 2 when I'm taking a break. All of these programs are running at the same time while I'm working. Please take a look at my proposed setup and let me know if I'm making any wrong turns or forgetting anything. My budget is around 2k.

1. Thermaltake Armor Series VA8000BWS Black Aluminum/Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case
2. ECS KA3 MVP (V1.0A) Socket AM2 ATI CrossFire Radeon XPRESS 3200 ATX AMD Motherboard
3. ATI 100-435843 Radeon X1950XTX 512MB GDDR4 PCI Express x16 CrossFire Video Card
4. FSP Group (Fortron Source) FX600-GLN ATX12V/ EPS12V 600W Quad. SLi Power Supply
5. AMD Athlon 64 X2 4800+ Toledo 2.4GHz Socket 939 Dual Core Processor Model ADA4800CDBOX
6. CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 675 (PC2 5400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X2048-5400c4
7. Western Digital Raptor WD740ADFD 74GB 10,000 RPM Serial ATA150 Hard Drive - OEM
8. Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3750640AS 750GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
9. Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer Fatal1ty Professional Series 70SB046A00000 7.1 Channels PCI Interface Sound Blaster X-Fi PCI Sound Card Quick Start Leaflet Driver Disk

My goal is to be able to work between all of the programs I mentioned at the top of the post without having to wait for HD access time, write time, screen redraw time and save time.

Have I selected appropriate components for my goal?

Thank you to anyone that looks at this post.

[Brian_6905]

Originally Posted by FuManKirk I'm building a new box for graphics ie: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, 3DsMax, and Half-Life 2 when I'm taking a break. All of these programs are running at the same time while I'm working. Please take a look at my proposed setup and let me know if I'm making any wrong turns or forgetting anything. My budget is around 2k. 1. Thermaltake Armor Series VA8000BWS Black Aluminum/Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case 2. ECS KA3 MVP (V1.0A) Socket AM2 ATI CrossFire Radeon XPRESS 3200 ATX AMD Motherboard 3. ATI 100-435843 Radeon X1950XTX 512MB GDDR4 PCI Express x16 CrossFire Video Card 4. FSP Group (Fortron Source) FX600-GLN ATX12V/ EPS12V 600W Quad. SLi Power Supply 5. AMD Athlon 64 X2 4800+ Toledo 2.4GHz Socket 939 Dual Core Processor Model ADA4800CDBOX 6. CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 675 (PC2 5400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X2048-5400c4 7. Western Digital Raptor WD740ADFD 74GB 10,000 RPM Serial ATA150 Hard Drive - OEM 8. Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3750640AS 750GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM 9. Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer Fatal1ty Professional Series 70SB046A00000 7.1 Channels PCI Interface Sound Blaster X-Fi PCI Sound Card Quick Start Leaflet Driver Disk My goal is to be able to work between all of the programs I mentioned at the top of the post without having to wait for HD access time, write time, screen redraw time and save time. Have I selected appropriate components for my goal? Thank you to anyone that looks at this post.

im thinking with that procesor yes

[Mr.Ferrari]

1. I assume you plan on going crossfire in the future, is this correct?
2. If so go intel, not only is crossfire better on intel, but core 2 duo will obliterate that x2. If you still wish to stick with AMD, go sli.
3. With that said, get a reliable board, such as something from asus, or abit.

[newbuilder14]

If all your doing is graphics design there is no need for that video card. You can downgrade to an x1300.

[glc]

Newbuilder:

and Half-Life 2 when I'm taking a break.

PROBLEM: You have chosen a socket 939 processor and an AM2 socket motherboard.

Excellent choice on the video card for both design and gaming. However, for system stability, I'd go with a single slot NForce board from a quality manufacturer for AMD - such as one of the Asus M2N series (AM2) or Asus A8N series (939). I doubt you will ever need Crossfire, and that would do absolutely nothing for you in your design apps. That single card is strong enough to run any game known to man.

Hold off on the sound card - try the onboard video first. You can always add the sound card later if you decide you need it.

If you go 939, the ram needs to be changed to standard DDR. DDR400 is plenty strong, in fact, you can even use value ram instead of XMS, the 939 architecture is not very responsive to tight ram timings.

[Cricket]

I'd also look at better motherboard brands. ECS is a budget brand with questionable reliability and quality. For what you're trying to put together I'd stick with one of the top tier motherboard brands like ASUS or ABIT.

Cricket

[FuManKirk]

With your suggestions and some more research I've made a few changes to the lineup.

1. Intel BOXD975XBXLKR Socket T (LGA 775) Intel 975X ATX Intel Motherboard
2. Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 Conroe 1.86GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80557E6300
3. CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 675 (PC2 5400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X2048-5400c4
4. Thermaltake Armor Series VA8000BWS Black Aluminum/Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case
5. ECS KA3 MVP (V1.0A) Socket AM2 ATI CrossFire Radeon XPRESS 3200 ATX AMD Motherboard
6. FSP Group (Fortron Source) FX600-GLN ATX12V/ EPS12V 600W Quad. SLi Power Supply
7. Western Digital Raptor WD740ADFD 74GB 10,000 RPM Serial ATA150 Hard Drive - OEM
8. Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3750640AS 750GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM

According to my research, this setup should be a lot more stable and closer to my goal.

Thanks again for taking your time to read/reply.

[flanzig1]

Probably an oversight but you still have the ECS mobo listed.

Probably could down size the PSU to a 500w unless you are thinking of going Crossfire in the future.

[FuManKirk]

Yepper, oversight on my part. Here is a proper listing:

1. Intel BOXD975XBXLKR Socket T (LGA 775) Intel 975X ATX Intel Motherboard
2. Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 Conroe 1.86GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80557E6300
3. CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 675 (PC2 5400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X2048-5400c4
4. Thermaltake Armor Series VA8000BWS Black Aluminum/Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case
5. ATI 100-435843 Radeon X1950XTX 512MB GDDR4 PCI Express x16 CrossFire Video Card
6. FSP Group (Fortron Source) FX600-GLN ATX12V/ EPS12V 600W Quad. SLi Power Supply
7. Western Digital Raptor WD740ADFD 74GB 10,000 RPM Serial ATA150 Hard Drive - OEM
8. Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3750640AS 750GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM

I'd like to keep the option of crossfire open. With that in mind have I found a possible solution for minimum lag time between file save, app switching and screen redraw? I'm not concerned about the DVD/+- or the NIC, hardware etc.

Running all of my apps without enough horses under the hood is a real pain in the arse. I certainly don't want to overspend, but I want to purchase the right components to eliminate as many bottlenecks as possible.

Thanks again!

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by FuManKirk I'd like to keep the option of crossfire open. With that in mind have I found a possible solution for minimum lag time between file save, app switching and screen redraw?

You'll only see any benefits from CrossFire in games, not in everyday uses. I wouldn't even bother with it.

Cricket

[FuManKirk]

I have dropped the crossfire option based on peoples advice that know a lot more about this hardward stuff than I do.

Here is the updated component list:

1. Intel BOXD975XBXLKR Socket T (LGA 775) Intel 975X ATX Intel Motherboard
2. Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 Conroe 1.86GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80557E6300
3. CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 675 (PC2 5400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X2048-5400c4
4. Thermaltake Armor Series VA8000BWS Black Aluminum/Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case

5. XFX PVT42EUDE3 Geforce 6800XT 256MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card

6. FSP Group (Fortron Source) FX600-GLN ATX12V/ EPS12V 600W Quad. SLi Power Supply
7. Western Digital Raptor WD740ADFD 74GB 10,000 RPM Serial ATA150 Hard Drive - OEM
8. Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3750640AS 750GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM

Without sounding redundant.,... thank you again for taking interest in this post.

[flanzig1]

Since you did drop down in video card power, maybe up the CPU to the E6600.

[newbuilder14]

I wouldn't get the 6800xt, even though you don't plan on Crossfire right now, you may want to get an ATI card so you have that option in the future. Look at an X1650PRO, X1950PRO, or X1900XT. If you are absolutely sure you will never use Crossfire, I guess you could get the 6800xt and get good performance in games.