New build specs?

[pwgphoto]

Thanks for taking the time to look at the specs for my upcoming computer build. I am a professional photographer looking to build a new photo/video editing system. This will be my fourth build in the last 15 years. I managed to get 7+ years out of my last Pentium 4 build. So it is time start again. I have always been an Intel man and used ATI graphics cards. The budget for the build is around $1100, or less if possible, the extra going towards upgrading my software. As far as monitors, I am looking at the Dell UltraSharp U2410 Monitor, which is separate from the $1100 budget. So please tell me what you think of my list from Newegg.

1 ASUS P7P55D-E LGA 1156 Intel P55 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
Model #:P7P55D-E

1 Antec Three Hundred Illusion Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

1 HIS H577FK1GD Radeon HD 5770 (Juniper XT) 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card w/ Eyefinity

1 CORSAIR CMPSU-550VX 550W ATX12V V2.2 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply

1 Intel Core i7-870 Lynnfield 2.93GHz LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Processor BX80605I7870

1 CORSAIR XMS3 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 Desktop Memory Model CMX8GX3M2A1333C9

1 Western Digital Caviar Black WD1002FAEX 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

1 LITE-ON 24X DVD Writer Black SATA Model iHAS424-98 LightScribe Support
Model #:iHAS424-98

1 Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - OEM

1 OKGEAR 18" Straight To Straight W/ Metal Latch SATA 3.0 Cable Model OK18A3RK11

UPDATE -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After taking the advice of David M and GLC I nailed down my final parts list and made the order from Newegg. The total came to $1,090 with promos off and shipping. I am getting 55.00 in rebates so $1,035 for my system and I am getting the dell monitor for around $550. I am hoping this system will do all my photo/video editing need for some years to come. My last build is still working and it is 7-8 years old. Just too slow for todays needs. Thanks for the site and the advice.

Thanks
Paul

[David M]

It looks like a good build for your usage. I think it was smart to list a multi-threaded processor and 8 gigs of RAM to run your photo editing software. For that graphics card you could scale back to a 550 watt PSU. I would get a Corsair 550VX PSU which has a 5 year warranty. Newegg.com - CORSAIR CMPSU-550VX 550W ATX12V V2.2 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply

Dell makes a few really nice monitors for photo processing once they are corrected properly.

Is one TB going to be enough to store all your photos? You can always buy a second drive in the future if necessary.

[glc]

2 minor issues, Paul. XFX is not a recommended brand due to poor customer service and a high initial failure rate. We recommend Asus, Diamond, and HIS for ATI-based cards. We also do not recommend G.skill ram, they have been having quality and reliability issues. We recommend Corsair, Crucial, Kingston, or A-Data.

Other comments - a 5770 is a lot more than you need for your type of work, unless you will also be gaming. 750 watts is also a lot more than you need.

[pwgphoto]

David and GLC thanks for the posts. I was going with a 750 watt PS because I was worried about future upgrades and wanted make sure I had enough power, but if you guys think 550 will be enough I will look for one in that range. Would a smaller PSU also be more energy efficient? I will look for different video card maker. I am not that big a gamer and play most of the on my PS3. What would a good graphics card be for a dual monitor setup for photo/video work? I will also look for some different RAM, the price was right with the GSkill, but I did not look that hard.

Thanks again.

[pwgphoto]

How is this video card and manufacturer
HIS H577FK1GD Radeon HD 5770 (Juniper XT) 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card w/ Eyefinity
Newegg.com - HIS H577FK1GD Radeon HD 5770 (Juniper XT) 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card w/ Eyefinity

[pwgphoto]

This memory?
CORSAIR XMS3 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 Desktop Memory Model CMX8GX3M2A1333C9
Newegg.com - CORSAIR XMS3 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 Desktop Memory Model CMX8GX3M2A1333C9

[pwgphoto]

Probably going with this PSU as suggested
CORSAIR CMPSU-550VX 550W ATX12V V2.2 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply

Newegg.com - CORSAIR CMPSU-550VX 550W ATX12V V2.2 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply

[glc]

Good card, and it's the least expensive ATI card with dual DVI that I'd recommend. Good ram and PSU.

Admin note - please use the edit button instead of making repeated reposts to add info. Thanks!

[pwgphoto]

A new question I have is should I use the 1TB HD for storage and buy a smaller HD for my OS and apps? I said this system is for photo editing and video work. What would be the best HD setup for these purposes as far as scratch disks and other needs. What would be a good HD for OS and apps. Basically should I add a couple more HD's and how should I set them up?

Thanks

[glc]

OS/apps drive:

Newegg.com - Western Digital Caviar Black WD6402AAEX 640GB 7200 RPM 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

Storage drive:

Newegg.com - Western Digital Caviar Green WD20EARS 2TB 64MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

Dedicated Photoshop scratch drive:

Newegg.com - Western Digital Caviar Blue WD5000AAKS 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive