Flexible PC Build Help

[violetspectrum]

Hello everyone! Technically this is my first full desktop build instead of modifying one (or modifying a laptop, haha!) but that won't hinder me from trying anything new, so custom setups are A-OKAY with me! If you are familiar with PCPartPicker, I'd love a link to the build using their site. Thanks!

 

1. Budget & Location
I live in the midwest US so I use US$. I'm looking to build something for less than $2500. The good thing is that I believe I can carry my Cosair HX750 over, so that knocks one thing off the list.

2. Aim
  --Flexibility—I am a digital artist utilizing heavy use of the Adobe Suite for video editing, animation, intense digital painting, you know the drill, and in the future, I'll be getting into more and more 3D texturing and rendering. I also like to stream live on the internet while I work. I also like to game, but I only care to be able to play with reasonably smooth performance not the best graphics on the market. Not that it DOESN'T matter, but it's lower priority than being able to work with it.

  --Future Proof—self-explanatory. I'm looking for a build that is easy to upgrade GPU and RAM.

  --Cooling—My current build is not only inneficient, but also very very LOUD!! I want the best cooling I can get.

  --Energy Efficient

3. Monitors
I plan on running two monitors one of which being a Cintiq 22HD (I already own this—always used as a secondary monitor.) I would like to upgrade my primary monitor to something that can achieve more color depth (wide gamut monitor.) So long as the resolution is standard HD 1920 x 1080 or above, I'll be plenty satisfied.  Good viewing angle is prefered as well. I will not be adding a third monitor.

4. Peripherals
A note about cases... Form strictly follows function. Flashy LED lights or exotic case structures are a little too distracting to me.

I'd like to purchase a great sound speaker system, too. That's about it.

5. Why are you upgrading?

My current build isn't holding up to what I use it for nor is it very upgradable anymore. The build is over 3 years old and running on a M4A88T-M MoBo. I feel like I'll be needing an upgrade real soon.

 

 

The current build I'm thinking of is this:

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

 

CPU: AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz 8-Core Processor  | $169.95 @ SuperBiiz

Motherboard: Asus Crosshair V Formula-Z ATX AM3+ Motherboard | $218.99 @ SuperBiiz

Memory: G.Skill Trident X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-2400 Memory | $160.98 @ Newegg

Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  | $119.99 @ B&H

Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive | $77.75 @ OutletPC

 

Total: Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available | $737.67

 

Is this setup good so far? What would you recommend adding to this? Anything you'd change?

 

I've never setup a system using SSD drives alongside HDD drives using RAID setups, however I'm sure I can learn... And I'm willing to learn how to do a custom cooling system as well if it means it'll be QUIET.

[WoodenMarker]

There's no need to setup raid or anything like that. 

Is a copy of Windows or any peripherals other than a monitor and speakers needed?

[violetspectrum]

Oh, okay that's good to know.

 

Do you think waiting a year after Windows 10 comes out would be wise? I'm still running Windows 7 Professional and have hesitated running Windows 8.1 on any of my computers and if it's true that Windows 10 is expected to be out late 2015 to early-mid 2016, might it be worth the wait?

[violetspectrum]

There's no need to setup raid or anything like that. 

 

Why would you say there's no need to set it up? Are you saying I wouldn't need it in the first place or that setup is straight forward?

[violetspectrum]

One more thing regarding the budget I have in place--what is a build I can get excluding pricing in peripherals and what build can I get if I include them?

[WoodenMarker]

Why would you say there's no need to set it up? Are you saying I wouldn't need it in the first place or that setup is straight forward?

Raid isn't necessary. 

I'd recommend something like this: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/PFDN99

Remove the stock case fans. 140mm's in front for intake, 120/140mm for rear/top exhaust.

[violetspectrum]

Raid isn't necessary. 

I'd recommend something like this: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/PFDN99

Remove the stock case fans. 140mm's in front for intake, 120/140mm for rear/top exhaust.

 

I did a bit more research just to be sure about this build, and wow. It's pretty solid. The only thing I'm hesitant about is the motherboard. I'm an advent review reader and it seems that on many occassions, this motherboard in particular has had some issues. It's probably not that great of a deal and would still run great, but just in case, are there any other motherboards you would recommend?

[WoodenMarker]

I did a bit more research just to be sure about this build, and wow. It's pretty solid. The only thing I'm hesitant about is the motherboard. I'm an advent review reader and it seems that on many occassions, this motherboard in particular has had some issues. It's probably not that great of a deal and would still run great, but just in case, are there any other motherboards you would recommend?

What issues?

Z97X-SLI: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gigabyte-motherboard-gaz97xsli

[violetspectrum]

Power cycling issues and Dead On Arrivals are appearing a lot for this board in particular. Is that a common issue with MOST motherboards and is just a risk you'll have ot put up with?