Building a desktop for CAD and photoshop

[Precision]

I will be heading back to commie indoctrination land (college) to complete my 4 year in Mech Engineering come summer.
The wife currently does a ton of photoshop work as well as some video editing for TV commercials as part of her job.

We need a desktop that will be able to run 2D/3D modeling programs (AutoCAD and the like) as well as Photoshop and video editing software without beating the shit out of the system / making us WAIT days to crunch the data.

Maybe 20 years ago, I was up on all the jingles and dingles of what was a good thing. Not so much anymore. I just want a computer that works properly and does what we need and will continue to do so for a few years.

The idea is to build, not to order a computer from Dell or one of the other shops and to stay below $600 -- not including monitor.

A big help would be giving a brother a clue as to what processor, core, minimum RAM, minimum HD space, video drivers...
Once I have a clue, I can go on New Egg (or equivalent) and cobble together a system. Actually, the son will likely do that. He enjoys it.

He will also likely do the assembly.

[blackeagle603]

thanks a lot. now you have me looking at NewEgg and realizing how out of touch I am with current costs/availability...


If the S&H continues on the ME track this is a build project he'll need to start considering in the next term or two.

[Weetabix]

I think for the CAD you want

Processor: i7 or equivalent
Ram: 6GB min
Hard drive: 500GB min

Video I'm a little fuzzy on.

I actually need to build the same thing (excl photoshop). I haven't been able to spec what I want for less than $600.

Here's a site that will let you "build" a set of components and give you some ideas where the best part prices are: http://pcpartpicker.com/.

Keep this updated so I can be a remora on your research.

[Weetabix]

Also, look here for the specific requirements for whichever CAD you're running: http://usa.autodesk.com/support/system-requirements/

[Weetabix]

I kind of like this build, but I'm way open to advice, criticism, contumely, or just plain contrarian nitpicking.

[Precision]

prepares to show ignorance

why would you have the solid state 120GB drive plus the 1 TB drive?

Also (not that it matters at $20) but why two optical drives?

[Weetabix]

This is me doing a wish list with not too much research. Notice I didn't pick a case because I have a spare one lying around.

I understand (and I'm open to correction) that if you install your OS on a solid state drive, you get much better performance. The 1TB would be for file storage. Windows 7 needs 16GB on the disk.

Two optical drives? Just because. I also wonder if you can duplicate DVD's or CD's drive to drive with the right software.

ETA: I'm also not sure I have all the necessary cables included.

[Precision]

This is me doing a wish list with not too much research. Notice I didn't pick a case because I have a spare one lying around.

I understand (and I'm open to correction) that if you install your OS on a solid state drive, you get much better performance. The 1TB would be for file storage. Windows 7 needs 16GB on the disk.

Two optical drives? Just because. I also wonder if you can duplicate DVD's or CD's drive to drive with the right software.

ETA: I'm also not sure I have all the necessary cables included.

fair enough.
Would installing Photoshop or AutoCAD on the solid state help as well?

[blackeagle603]

Make sure you can support 2 (side by side) displays -- and think big for displays. If you start doing a lot of CAD you'll want it.

[Precision]

Make sure you can support 2 (side by side) displays -- and think big for displays. If you start doing a lot of CAD you'll want it.

my plan was to buy at the value point. seems like 27" is right before prices go exponential. Most likely start with a single and a few months later add a second one.