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I beg you...please..

SoftenButterCream
By SoftenButterCream
in New Builds and Planning
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My friend came to me and asked me to order stuff for his new PC. He wants to play steam games, but that is not his main focus. He is a freshman university student, so he likes the small form factor, he likes the Corsair Air 240 series, but you guys know a better small case that supports mATX motherboards please list in the comments. 

 

What he plans to do is hook up his electronic digital keyboard and record A LOT of his piano work. He has some AAA titles, but he doesn't really game a lot as he doesn't have the time, except for weekends. He will be using his computer to do some school work, he is taking some editing course where he will work with a lot of photo editing, and rendering. His budget is 1,000 for the OS, and monitor. He usually has Adobe audition, chrome, photo shop, light room, after effects, and etc open in the background. 

 

It would be nice for you to help him as i'm only good with basic builds lol. Thank you LTT!!! 

 

Edit: he lives in the states

Remember a wise man once said, "You'll most likely hear/see more bad reviews from products than good, because if they get a good product, they won't bother to write a review, and if they got a bad product, they'll complain about the product" ~ SoftenButterCream

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Can someone actual help us?

Remember a wise man once said, "You'll most likely hear/see more bad reviews from products than good, because if they get a good product, they won't bother to write a review, and if they got a bad product, they'll complain about the product" ~ SoftenButterCream

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Can someone actual help us?

 

workin on it. gimme a min.

How does the keyboard connect to the computer? (what interface)

LanSyndicate Build | i5-6600k | ASRock OC Formula | G.Skill 3600MHz | Samsung 850 Evo | MSI R9-290X 8GB Alphacool Block | Enthoo Pro M | XTR Pro 750w | Custom Loop |

Daily | 5960X | X99 Sabertooth | G.Skill 3000MHz | 750 NVMe | 850 Evo | x2 WD Se 2TB | x2 Seagate 3TB | Sapphire R9-290X 8GB | Enthoo Primo | EVGA 1000G2 | Custom Loop |

Game Box | 4690K | Z97i-Plus | G.Skill 2400MHz | x2 840 Evo | GTX 970 shorty | Corsair 250D modded with H105 | EVGA 650w B2 |

 

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workin on it. gimme a min.

How does the keyboard connect to the computer? (what interface)

I'm sure, lemme ask him, then i'll tag you. Its one of those 61 keys keyboards, but i'm not sure about the plug since he is in class right now

Remember a wise man once said, "You'll most likely hear/see more bad reviews from products than good, because if they get a good product, they won't bother to write a review, and if they got a bad product, they'll complain about the product" ~ SoftenButterCream

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CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1230 V3 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($249.98 @ SuperBiiz) 

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-B85M-DS3H Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($45.99 @ Newegg) 




Video Card: PowerColor Radeon R9 290 4GB PCS+ Video Card  ($249.00 @ Newegg) 

Case: Corsair Air 240 MicroATX Mid Tower Case  ($74.99 @ NCIX US) 


Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($88.98 @ OutletPC) 

Total: $972.91

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-14 22:46 EST-0500

Desktop: Intel Core i5 2380P (2400 w/o iGPU), MSI H61, 8GB RAM, 256GB SP610, 500GB WD Blue, HIS R9 280, Antec TruePower Classic 550W, Inwin MANA 134, QNIX QX2710, CM QuickFire Rapid, Logitech G402

 

Laptop: Toshiba Satellite L40D, AMD A6-6310, 6GB RAM, 500GB HDD, Radeon R4 Graphics, 14" 1366x768

 

 

Phone: iPhone 6 Space Gray 64GB, T-Mobile $60/mo 3GB plan

 

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Posted
 

Can someone actual help us?

e80075a67131821a55d929e9a4c8a5b8.png

 

Can you be a bit more descriptive about what kind of course your friend is taking and the type of projects being worked on?

 

This belongs in the New Builds and Planning section. I'm moving the thread.
Please post in the correct sub-forum in the future.

If you ever need help with a build, read the following before posting: http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/3061-build-plan-thread-recommendations-please-read-before-posting/
Also, make sure to quote a post or tag a member when replying or else they won't get a notification that you replied to them.

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Can you be a bit more descriptive about what kind of course your friend is taking and the type of projects being worked on?

 

This belongs in the New Builds and Planning section. I'm moving the thread.
Please post in the correct sub-forum in the future.

 

He is majoring in digital art. I'm not sure about what projects he does. See a lot of people view the thread, but don't give input, i don't really need a full build from each and everyone, but at least some input would be nice

Remember a wise man once said, "You'll most likely hear/see more bad reviews from products than good, because if they get a good product, they won't bother to write a review, and if they got a bad product, they'll complain about the product" ~ SoftenButterCream

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Here's a solid build $65 over budget.

 

 
CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1231 V3 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($248.98 @ SuperBiiz) 
Motherboard: ASRock H81M-ITX/WIFI Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($72.99 @ Newegg) 
Memory: Team Vulcan 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($129.99 @ Newegg) 
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon R9 280 3GB TurboDuo Video Card  ($141.00 @ Newegg) 
Case: BitFenix Prodigy (Black) Mini ITX Tower Case  ($59.98 @ OutletPC) 
Power Supply: EVGA 600B 600W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply  ($34.99 @ NCIX US) 
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($89.98 @ OutletPC) 
Monitor: Acer H226HQLbid 60Hz 21.5" Monitor  ($117.00 @ Newegg) 
Monitor: Acer H226HQLbid 60Hz 21.5" Monitor  ($117.00 @ Newegg) 
Total: $1065.58
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-14 23:23 EST-0500
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Here's what I've come up with:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1231 V3 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($248.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Asus B85M-E/CSM Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($84.68 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory  ($82.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($54.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon R9 290 4GB TurboDuo Video Card  ($240.00 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair Air 240 MicroATX Mid Tower Case  ($74.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 500W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 - 64-bit (OEM) (64-bit)  ($90.26 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: Asus VX228H 60Hz 21.5" Monitor  ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1171.85
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-14 22:51 EST-0500

 

The OS price kills the build really. If he's at a University most offer steeply discounted (sometimes free) Windows OS's, which is the route he should probably take. The Air 240 has no 5.25" bay so he'll need to use either an external CD drive or a bootable USB for the OS install.

 

Rationale for the SSD: He's going to want all of his Adobe products installed on an SSD (and with the 64 bit versions). Load time is nearly instantaneous and if he's constantly switching between different productivity suites it's a necessity (IMO). He can store all the files on the 1TB backup drive, but the programs themselves will be much snappier living on the SSD. OS on the SSD also makes a world of difference.

 

The monitor was the cheapest 1920x1080 I could find over 20" and from a reputable manufacturer. I have 3 of the IPS models (one up) from that one.

 

Little bit over budget but chop the OS price off and it's a pretty damn good productivity/general use computer, with a side of gaming. I also threw the 500w in there in case he needs to run a sound card or PCIe interface to whatever instruments/devices he has, should give him plenty of overhead for expanding a bit.

 

*EDIT* almost forgot, he can sign up for Amazon Student Prime (I think it's ~$30-70/year) to save a metric ton on shipping if Amazon has comparable prices, if they don't just go with Newegg or another vendor, but you really can't beat 2 day shipping free w/Prime.

LanSyndicate Build | i5-6600k | ASRock OC Formula | G.Skill 3600MHz | Samsung 850 Evo | MSI R9-290X 8GB Alphacool Block | Enthoo Pro M | XTR Pro 750w | Custom Loop |

Daily | 5960X | X99 Sabertooth | G.Skill 3000MHz | 750 NVMe | 850 Evo | x2 WD Se 2TB | x2 Seagate 3TB | Sapphire R9-290X 8GB | Enthoo Primo | EVGA 1000G2 | Custom Loop |

Game Box | 4690K | Z97i-Plus | G.Skill 2400MHz | x2 840 Evo | GTX 970 shorty | Corsair 250D modded with H105 | EVGA 650w B2 |

 

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Here's what I've come up with:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1231 V3 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($248.98 @ SuperBiiz)

Motherboard: Asus B85M-E/CSM Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($84.68 @ OutletPC)

Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory  ($82.99 @ Newegg)

Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($119.99 @ Amazon)

Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($54.98 @ OutletPC)

Video Card: PowerColor Radeon R9 290 4GB TurboDuo Video Card  ($240.00 @ Newegg)

Case: Corsair Air 240 MicroATX Mid Tower Case  ($74.99 @ NCIX US)

Power Supply: Corsair CX 500W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($54.99 @ Newegg)

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 - 64-bit (OEM) (64-bit)  ($90.26 @ OutletPC)

Monitor: Asus VX228H 60Hz 21.5" Monitor  ($119.99 @ Newegg)

Total: $1171.85

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-14 22:51 EST-0500

 

The OS price kills the build really. If he's at a University most offer steeply discounted (sometimes free) Windows OS's, which is the route he should probably take. The Air 240 has no 5.25" bay so he'll need to use either an external CD drive or a bootable USB for the OS install.

 

Rationale for the SSD: He's going to want all of his Adobe products installed on an SSD (and with the 64 bit versions). Load time is nearly instantaneous and if he's constantly switching between different productivity suites it's a necessity (IMO). He can store all the files on the 1TB backup drive, but the programs themselves will be much snappier living on the SSD. OS on the SSD also makes a world of difference.

 

The monitor was the cheapest 1920x1080 I could find over 20" and from a reputable manufacturer. I have 3 of the IPS models (one up) from that one.

 

Little bit over budget but chop the OS price off and it's a pretty damn good productivity/general use computer, with a side of gaming.

Can't he install the OS through the USB?

Remember a wise man once said, "You'll most likely hear/see more bad reviews from products than good, because if they get a good product, they won't bother to write a review, and if they got a bad product, they'll complain about the product" ~ SoftenButterCream

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He is majoring in digital art. I'm not sure about what projects he does

That bit of information helps quite a bit. 

How's this look? http://pcpartpicker.com/p/GRdcNG

If you ever need help with a build, read the following before posting: http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/3061-build-plan-thread-recommendations-please-read-before-posting/
Also, make sure to quote a post or tag a member when replying or else they won't get a notification that you replied to them.

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Can't he install the OS through the USB?

Yes, but he'll need another computer to obtain it/build the USB on.

LanSyndicate Build | i5-6600k | ASRock OC Formula | G.Skill 3600MHz | Samsung 850 Evo | MSI R9-290X 8GB Alphacool Block | Enthoo Pro M | XTR Pro 750w | Custom Loop |

Daily | 5960X | X99 Sabertooth | G.Skill 3000MHz | 750 NVMe | 850 Evo | x2 WD Se 2TB | x2 Seagate 3TB | Sapphire R9-290X 8GB | Enthoo Primo | EVGA 1000G2 | Custom Loop |

Game Box | 4690K | Z97i-Plus | G.Skill 2400MHz | x2 840 Evo | GTX 970 shorty | Corsair 250D modded with H105 | EVGA 650w B2 |

 

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That bit of information helps quite a bit. 

How's this look? http://pcpartpicker.com/p/GRdcNG

He uses a lot photo shop, light room, premiere pro, and that one adobe software for 3d work. Would a FX processor work for him?

Remember a wise man once said, "You'll most likely hear/see more bad reviews from products than good, because if they get a good product, they won't bother to write a review, and if they got a bad product, they'll complain about the product" ~ SoftenButterCream

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Yes, but he'll need another computer to obtain it/build the USB on.

He could use mine

Remember a wise man once said, "You'll most likely hear/see more bad reviews from products than good, because if they get a good product, they won't bother to write a review, and if they got a bad product, they'll complain about the product" ~ SoftenButterCream

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PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/kMh8zy

Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/kMh8zy/by_merchant/
 
CPU: Intel Core i7-4790 3.6GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($289.98 @ OutletPC) 
Motherboard: ASRock H97M PRO4 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($67.98 @ Newegg) 
Memory: G.Skill Sniper Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory  ($81.98 @ OutletPC) 
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($84.98 @ OutletPC) 
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($53.67 @ OutletPC) 
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 280 3GB WINDFORCE Video Card  ($199.99 @ NCIX US) 
Case: Corsair Air 240 MicroATX Mid Tower Case  ($74.99 @ NCIX US) 
Power Supply: Corsair CX 500W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($54.99 @ Newegg) 
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($89.98 @ OutletPC) 
Monitor: Acer H226HQLbid 60Hz 21.5" Monitor  ($117.00 @ Newegg) 
Total: $1115.54
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-14 23:08 EST-0500
 
Tried to balance CPU power with gaming.
And as mentioned a lot of colleges give huge discounts for windows for students try to check it out.

System: Thinkpad T460

 

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He uses a lot photo shop, light room, premiere pro, and that one adobe software for 3d work. Would a FX processor work for him?

It would but the matx motherboard selection for AM3+ isn't great. 

If you ever need help with a build, read the following before posting: http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/3061-build-plan-thread-recommendations-please-read-before-posting/
Also, make sure to quote a post or tag a member when replying or else they won't get a notification that you replied to them.

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Does adobe audition and audicity use a lot of processing power?

Remember a wise man once said, "You'll most likely hear/see more bad reviews from products than good, because if they get a good product, they won't bother to write a review, and if they got a bad product, they'll complain about the product" ~ SoftenButterCream

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Does adobe audition and audicity use a lot of processing power?

Audio productivity suites are usually fairly light weight, I doubt they'll be pushing the CPU that hard depending on how large his working file sizes are (effects, # of simultaneously loaded tracks, etc.). Generally, Adobe products will use as much as you throw at them.

 

Audacity looks a lot more light weight and could probably run on anything.

LanSyndicate Build | i5-6600k | ASRock OC Formula | G.Skill 3600MHz | Samsung 850 Evo | MSI R9-290X 8GB Alphacool Block | Enthoo Pro M | XTR Pro 750w | Custom Loop |

Daily | 5960X | X99 Sabertooth | G.Skill 3000MHz | 750 NVMe | 850 Evo | x2 WD Se 2TB | x2 Seagate 3TB | Sapphire R9-290X 8GB | Enthoo Primo | EVGA 1000G2 | Custom Loop |

Game Box | 4690K | Z97i-Plus | G.Skill 2400MHz | x2 840 Evo | GTX 970 shorty | Corsair 250D modded with H105 | EVGA 650w B2 |

 

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Does adobe audition and audicity use a lot of processing power?

Unless the projects are absurdly thick with layers, no. 

Might as well jump up to the E3 1231 v3 for that extra 100 MHz as it's cheaper.

Good point (Unless the OP isn't using SuperBiiz since Amazon is probably preferred)--didn't notice. 

If you ever need help with a build, read the following before posting: http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/3061-build-plan-thread-recommendations-please-read-before-posting/
Also, make sure to quote a post or tag a member when replying or else they won't get a notification that you replied to them.

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