Does anyone own a USB 3.0 motherboard? Please help with a build here.

This is my first PC build and I want it to be a monster for post processing. I may do some gaming, and I need it to run whatever game I decide to throw at it, but mainly it'll be a "photo pc".

I don't understand all the models and versions of CPU's, mobos, PS's, Ram, etc. Please help me narrow this down.

CPU: I want an i7 (most bang for buck - please help me choose one.)


Motherboard: This is where I'm totally lost. I don't understand all that X58-UUU-blah-blah stuff - please help me choose one with USB 3.0 - only the $300 boards have good reviews on newegg, and I was hoping not to spent THAT much. Can't I get a i7 combo deal online?


GPU: Will 512mb cards run todays games or do I need 1gb? Brand/model?


Memory: I want 8GB - please tell me what brand/model to match the mobo you select.


Hard Drive: I want the Intel 40GB SSD for booting and a 1TB 7200 for storage. Please select a good 1TB HD.


Power Supply: No clue here either... is 500 enough? 640?


OS: Windows 7-64

Case: CoolerMaster HAF 922 (unless you guys scream NO!)


Display: 2 x Dell 2209WA


I/O Devices: Is there a really cool mouse or keyboard that helps Photoshop workflow? Like a "graphics" mouse or something?

Thanks to all who can offer some input.
-D.

Plenty of build threads that were just developed in the last few weeks.

Purhaps some other info, like budget?

See comments in red.

snyper77 wrote in post #9767891
This is my first PC build and I want it to be a monster for post processing. I may do some gaming, and I need it to run whatever game I decide to throw at it, but mainly it'll be a "photo pc".

I don't understand all the models and versions of CPU's, mobos, PS's, Ram, etc. Please help me narrow this down.

CPU: I want an i7 (most bang for buck - please help me choose one.)
If you want bang for the buck you'll want the i7 860 which allows you to use an 1156 mobo (that is the socket). The i7 920 uses the 1366 socket (mobos are more expensive here and there are not as many to choose from). The 1156 socket seems better for photographers because there are more motherboards with less goodies (usually the goodies aren't for photographers but for gamers).

http://www.newegg.com …60-_-19-115-214-_-Product

Motherboard: This is where I'm totally lost. I don't understand all that X58-UUU-blah-blah stuff - please help me choose one with USB 3.0 - only the $300 boards have good reviews on newegg, and I was hoping not to spent THAT much. Can't I get a i7 combo deal online? Asus, EVGA and Gigabyte make good stuff. For an i7 860 and USB 3.0 here are some of the boards available.

http://www.newegg.com …rtyCodeValue=81​10%3A50511



GPU: Will 512mb cards run todays games or do I need 1gb? Brand/model?
I'm not a gamer, but anything ATI 48xx and up or nVidia GT220 and up should be OK I would think.

Memory: I want 8GB - please tell me what brand/model to match the mobo you select.
I like GSkill. 2 sets of these would be fine. Make sure the mobo supports 4 sticks of RAM!

http://www.newegg.com …r3-_-20-231-190-_-Product

Hard Drive: I want the Intel 40GB SSD for booting and a 1TB 7200 for storage. Please select a good 1TB HD.

WD Caviar Green drives make good storage drives. Check out the OCZ Vertex SSD drives too though!

Power Supply: No clue here either... is 500 enough? 640?

Go with quality over quantity. Anything 500-650W is more than enough. I use Corsair. Modular ones are nice for a clean case!

http://www.newegg.com …ption=corsair+p​su&x=0&y=0

OS: Windows 7-64

Good! I have one for sale.

Case: CoolerMaster HAF 922 (unless you guys scream NO!)

Cases are personal. Go with what you like. I have two Cooler Master cases. Love them!

Display: 2 x Dell 2209WA

Good choice!


I/O Devices: Is there a really cool mouse or keyboard that helps Photoshop workflow? Like a "graphics" mouse or something?

Thanks to all who can offer some input.
-D.

YP5 Toronto wrote in post #9768524
Plenty of build threads that were just developed in the last few weeks.

Purhaps some other info, like budget?

Yikes! Sorry! ~$1100 budget for the complete tower and components.

And the primary reason I posted this request is because I need a good USB 3.0 mobo & i7 cpu combo. No other posts talk about 3.0 Thanks to all!

Who KNOWS motherboards?

I want USB 3.0 capabilities, but USB 3.0 motherboard choices are limited and have mediocre reviews.

Therefore, if I buy a motherboard with USB 2.0, will I get USB 3.0 speeds if I add this card?

http://www.frys.com …te=sr:SEARCH:MA​IN_RSLT_PG

this addon card goes into a PCI express type 1 slot on your motherboard (check and make sure you have one available) and you will then have 2 USB 3.0 slots for your PC.

If you want to save a few bucks, don't skip over the AMD processors. If you get a good one, aka their top of the line Phenom II x4 965 Black Edition, it will be fast enough for photos. Not as fast as an i7, but about 200 bucks cheaper and there's a decent chance you won't notice the difference.

I built my system last May with the 955 quad core BE, 8 gigs of GSkill RAM, nVidia 9800gtx, WD drive, etc. and spent about 800 bucks. Still rocks anything I throw at it...and the good thing about AMD chips is that when they release a new one which they will be doing at the end of april (6 core processor) they will fit in the same mobo as older processors. AMD doesn't change their socket when they release a new chip like Intel does, thus not making you upgrade your board if you want to change CPU's like you would have to with an Intel. Just food for thought...shop around.

I've had no problems (knock on wood) in over 6 years with homebuilt AMD systems.

The addon card has the same controller as the motherboard but is only $30 so I would go with that

http://www.newegg.com …aspx?Item=N82E1​6813995004