New build for photo editing

[Bushmaster]

Hey guys,

I've been out of the computer building scene for about 4 years, so I don't really know what to look for, and need some help!!

When I built my last computer (hah, in 6th grade! ), I didn't really know what I wanted, so I just built a general purpose computer. Now I know exactly what I want to do with it: I want to edit pictures. I take a LOT of pictures (each can be up to 8MB) and want to be able to upload and edit them FAST. At the same time, I like to surf the internet and run some other light programs, so I think I'll need a dual core CPU. I prefer AMD. I already have a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and speakers, and sound card, so those will not need to be purchased. I also use Linux, so no need waste money on crappy operating systems.

So i need help starting a build. I'll say I have about $700 to spend, not including a case (which I'll pick out myself). I do need help selecting:

-An AMD CPU (maybe dual core?).
-Motherboard (I have an Asus now, and really like it). One with a firewire port would be nice.
-Hard drive(s). (I like either Maxtor (or what's left of them) and Seagate). What is the size with the best $ per GB right now?
-Graphics card (no idea what I need for just editing pictures. I don't play games).
-RAM(I like Corsair. I have the XMS now. Would the higher speed benefit me?).
-Fast CD/DVD reader
-CD/DVD burner
-Power supply (I have a Raidmax that came with my case. It's lasted this long, even though based on what I've read about the company it's a timebomb. I want a quality one this time around).


Anything else I could have missed?


Thanks!!

edit: also, I need everything to be fairly quiet. My computer sits about 6 feet from my bed, and runs 24/7.

[HarshWinter]

burner
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106043

HD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148242
Cpus
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115015
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115016
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115003

Ram (667 will be good 4 you, but u might not need 2gbs)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145098

Gpu (i really dont know your price range):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102035 (this one should be more than fine, edit: o dam u use linux, u might need a nividia)

Currently Intel has alot more bang vs buck.
http://www23.tomshardware.com/cpu.html

[LeftyAce]

I agree with HarshWinter, get an Intel processor....right now they're much better bang/buck.

The ASUS P5B motherboards are a very stable partner to a Core2Duo processor.

For picture editing, 2GB ram would probably be nice.

You don't want to get an IDE harddrive or optical drive; IDE's old technology, and the IDE controller on the P5B is questionable at best. Take a look at this harddrive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148140

Or get something bigger if you think you'll need it. The seagate 7200.10 series is a good bet though.

Also, SATA optical drive for use with that motherboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106070
Since you're running linux, definitely get an nVidia card. Also, since you're in linux, I assume you're not doing extreme gaming :-) so a lower end 7600GT would suit you fine (And still run beryl/compiz just fine).
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130075

[Bushmaster]

Thanks for the replies. I think I'll get the Intel and the 2gb of RAM, and a 500gb hard drive.

Actually, I think I might benefit from a dual-monitor setup. Are there any decent Geforce cards that I can plug two monitors into?

What about a power supply? What are some high quality brands? What wattage might I need?


Thanks again.

[LeftyAce]

The 7600 I linked to will take two monitors. It's fine, so long as you aren't planning on doing heavy gaming.

I'm not sure on wattage, so keep an eye out for someone else's knowledgable recommendation. I believe 500W would be overkill though. Here's a list of quality PSU manufacturers: http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=131195

[XenaWP]

Originally Posted by LeftyAce ... You don't want to get an IDE harddrive or optical drive; IDE's old technology, and the IDE controller on the P5B is questionable at best. Take a look at this harddrive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148140 Or get something bigger if you think you'll need it. The seagate 7200.10 series is a good bet though. ...

There's also a coupon for that drive: PPALBCUDA gets you $5 more off.

[HarshWinter]

lol i thought they were sats

[Bushmaster]

CPU- $232- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115003

Mobo- $120- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131030

RAM- $100- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145015

HD- $135- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148136

GPU- $65- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814121005

PSU- $50- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817171018

Burner- $28- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106042

=$730 total


Thanks for all the help guys. How does this look? I realize 500w may be overkill, but I don't want to chance anything. Plus I might have a bunch of lights, fans, et cetera mounted on the tower.

Can anyone recommend me a decent server-sized case for around $100? Something that looks pretty cool, and has 120mm and maybe 80mm fan slots. For some reason I like them more than desktop cases.

I also still need help picking out some 120mm fans (that are quiet), and a quiet CPU fan.

[flanzig1]

If your talking about a Full tower type case, look at Newegg. Good quailty full tower cases are going to be over a $100. Stuff under a $100 will be the cheap stuff probably with a cheap PSU.

[Mr.Ferrari]

I would choose something like a FSP 450W instead if you must have higher wattage. A decent 350-400w should be more then enough.

Or this: http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=PS-E5140GH

[Bushmaster]

Thanks.

What CPU fan and 120mm case fan would you guys recommend to be very quiet? I don't want to be able to hear it when it is on.

Edit-- What about the Xeon CPUs?

[DarkPacMan77]

I believe the xeon processors are only for servers.

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by DarkPacMan77 I believe the xeon processors are only for servers.

They're used in workstations too.

Cricket

[Mr.Ferrari]

And the only Xeon's you can use with your current motherboard choice are the 30XX (i.e 3040) series.

They are just tested for server environments and operate and a little lower voltage. Otherwise exact same performance. Its up to you.

Your cpu also comes boxed with a fan/heatsink assembly. I would first try that out before going out to buy a new one. You will void your warranty if you replace it.