Recommendation for new Rig

[Erikku]

Hi Guys,

My 7 year old system have just die out. So hope the veteran here can help me out to build one rig. Thanks in advance.

Budget: max @ 1.5k [No monitor or other accessories required]
Main Usage: Mainly for photo processing using software like Photoshop and lightroom and light gaming like guild war

Processor: Preferably I5 with high cache
Motherboard: Anything that is compatible
RAM: 8GB [Should be enough for my case, as most of time i'm editing one photo at a time.]
GPU: Good value graphic card will do
Harddisk: 1TB HDD [Have a Intel 330 SSD 120GB + 750GB HDD]
PSU: Anything that is compatible
CD-ROM: No Preference
Casing: Preferably big enough for future upgrade.

Thanks.

 

[Alternative X]

CPU+ Mobo: MSI B85-G41 PC MATE + i5 4690 (408)
RAM: G.SKILL PC 12800/1600MHZ DDR3 CL11 VALUE RAM (8GB) (98)
GPU: ZOTAC GTX 970 4GB TWIN FAN (509)
HDD: TOSHIBA 1TB 7200RPM (69)
DVD-RW: LG 24X DVD-RW SATA OEM (25)
PSU: SEASONIC S12G-Non MODULAR 550W (105)
Case: CORSAIR 200R (85)
OS: WINDOWS 7 HOME PREM (125)

Total cost: $1424

Buy at PC Themes, #04-15, and ask for discounts. DIY yourself. If you can't into DIY, get PC Themes to assemble for you for a fee.

Notes:

1) Desktop i5 CPUs usually have similar levels of L3 caches, hence the highest clocked i5, the i5 4690, is used instead.

2) The Zotac GTX 970 is chosen as a powerful GPU can be used to help reduce rendering times in Photoshop and Lightroom by having the GPU do the rendering instead of the CPU. A nice side benefit is that you will also be able to play most games at maximum settings in 1080p.

3) The Corsair 200R, being an ATX casing, should be reasonably large enough for most future upgrades unless you wish to Crossfire/SLI high end GPUs in the future, then it might be a good idea to get a bigger case.