[SMFletcher91]

OK, I am building my first computer. The main purpose is for designing websites. My most-used programs are Photoshop and Aptana. There will be the occasional (but not often) gaming involved. Please read over my new build:


Motherboard Gigabyte GA-Z77-D3H Intel 7 Series
CPU Intel Core i7 2600k
Graphics Card Gigabyte GV-N450D3-1GI GeForce GTS 450
Power Supply Apevia 500W Dual 80mm fan (offered with my case)
Case Apevia X-DREAMER3-BK ATX Mid Tower
Memory Crucial Ballistix BLS4G3D1609DS1S00 Desktop Memory Module - 4GB, DDR3-1600MHz, PC3-12800, 240-pin DIMM, 1.5V, CL9, Non-ECC, Unbuffered

I will be re-using my hard drive and CD-ROM (if possible).

Am I missing anything? Should I consider buying my HD and CDROM new since everything else will be? Do these all fit together well? It's my first build and I want to get it right.

[iammykyl]

Hi SMFletcher91,

What version of Photo Shop do you use?
Is this a hobby, or are you hoping to generate some income?
Make and model of your monitor/s?
Make and model of your HDD?
Do you have an existing OS. OEM/Retail?
What is your Budget?

[SMFletcher91]

Hello,

I'm currently running Photoshop Elements 6, but I really want the option to expand to CS5 (at least)

Yes, I do plan to generate some income with my computer.

Monitor: Gateway TFT19w80ps

HDD: NO clue. It's in a computer running Vista (first OS installed on it) if that makes any difference

OS: I will be buying Win7 64-bit retail

I'd love to stay as far under 1,000 as possible.

[rshaffer61]

I for one would suggest a better PSU. Maybe a 650 like one of these HERE. Having a reliable and tested PSU is mandatory with the use of the system. Skimping on it will no doubt spell trouble in the future.

[iammykyl]

Thanks for the info.
For under $1000 I suggest you start with the best core components with a good upgrade path and then add parts as you can afford/need them. links are just to give you some idea of what is required depending on how ambitious your work may be.

Basic workstation, > http://www.hardware-...-december-2011/
Mainstream, > http://www.hardware-...powerful-quiet/
info, > http://forums.adobe....662972?tstart=0

Quote

I for one would suggest a better PSU. Maybe a 650 like one of these HERE. Having a reliable and tested PSU is mandatory with the use of the system. Skimping on it will no doubt spell trouble in the future.

Agreed, and we should select the PSU after everything else has been decided on.

Tell us what you think and we will put a rig together for you to pick the bones out of.

[rshaffer61]

Good thought on waiting. Make sure the PSU has enough current and future capability once all the components are chosen. I don't think you can go wrong with a 650 watt version but for future you might think about a 750.

[SMFletcher91]

Thanks for all the input, everyone. Now I have just one question. Why do I NEED the extra wattage in my power supply. My board, which was made to handle everything I'm putting on it, and it's rated at 400W, so logically, aren't I still staying within the factory suggested watts?

[phillpower2]

Some further info regarding cheap or underpowered PSUs http://www.tomshardw...upply,2862.html
Like has already been advised confirm all other hardware before choosing a PSU and then use a PSU calculator such as http://www2.corsair.com/psufinder/ or http://images10.newe...tage-Calculator
Just a FYI, your MB does not determine what output capacity of PSU you will need it is the hardware you will be adding and one item that can be power hungry are add on video cards, also note that when checking system requirements for such devices that it is normally the Minimum output PSU that is stated.
One element of power consumption that the MB does dictate is the TDP (thermal design power) and that is why you must ensure that the MB and CPU are compatible, see http://en.wikipedia....al_design_power

[iammykyl]

If your building a rig and select a poor quality or under powered PSU, it will have to work at full capacity all the time, stressing it. with age and use, parts get less efficient delivering unstable power causing crashes, restarts disjointed video output. If you upgrade the GPU or add other components the PSU may not start the system and if it does, could burn out and take one or all of the other parts, like the Mobo, RAM, video card. So that is why we recommend a PSU with a higher rating than you actually need.
Here is a review for for ten GeForce GTS 560 cards. This page is about power requirements. You will see at the bottom of the page, "GeForce GTS 450

• On your average system the card requires you to have a 500 Watt power supply unit." http://www.guru3d.co...view-roundup/15 Read the full article to get the cards performance.