Computer input

[Stealth1]

I'm looking to build a new computer for everyday use. I don't do any gaming, just Photoshop, watching hd content and browsing. Below are some options I put together, prices are just approximate and in Canadian. Speed is the most important thing for me right now.

Top End Setup
$548.95
Asus M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3
AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition
Mushkin Blackline 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 1600MHz CL8 DIMM Optimized for Core i5 & AM3
Intel X25-V 40GB 2.5'' SATA2
SAMSUNG Spinpoint F4 HD322GJ/U 320GB

Bottom End Setup
$342.95 + tax
BIOSTAR TA890GXB HD
AMD Phenom II X2 555
Mushkin Blackline 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 1333MHz CL7 DIMM
SAMSUNG Spinpoint F4 HD322GJ/U 320GB x 2

Value Setup
$378.95 + tax
Gigabyte GA-880GMA-UD2H Socket AM3
AMD Athlon II X4 640 (95W) Quad Core Socket AM3, 3.0GHz, 2Mb Cache, 2000MHz HT, 45nm
Mushkin Blackline 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 1333MHz CL7 DIMM
OCZ (OCZSSD2-1VTX30G) Vertex Series SATA II 2.5" 30GB
SAMSUNG Spinpoint F4 HD322GJ/U 320GB

 

[farinha]

First of all, what's your budget? If you work with large files in photoshop then a SSD is a good bet!

 

[Stealth1]

First of all, what's your budget? If you work with large files in photoshop then a SSD is a good bet!

Don't really have a budget, will spend where necessary but looking to keep this as inexpensive as possible. Not factoring in OS (Windows 7 64 Bit) or the case since that will be the same no matter what.

If I had to say a budget it would be between $300-600 but prefer on the low end. Do you see any issues with the proposed above setups? The Biostar seems like a good value but i'm not aware if they are decent quality.

 

[TheHumanComputer]

I belive your missing a Power supply?

 

[Stealth1]

Will be the same for all setups pretty much, just worried about the other parts.

 

[Trotter]

Biostar's are good. I doubt I would buy one of their graphics cards, but their mobos are solid.

 

[Stealth1]

Started buying today, already got the wrong motherboard though so I have to exchange that.

So I purchased the following:
-OCZ Vertex SATA II SSD 30GB - $54.99 After Mail-In rebate
-Mushkin Blackline 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 1333MHz CL7 DIMM - $59.99 After Mail-In rebate

I accidently picked up the Gigabyte 880GM-UD2H for $87.99, going to return for either the Gigabyte 880GMA-UD2H ($94.99) or if someone has another recommendation please let me know. I did a bunch of reading on the Biostar stuff and it seems for the AMD boards that ASUS and Gigabyte have the most solid offerings. If this info is wrong please correct me. For processor I am leaning towards the AMD Athlon II X4 640 ($109.99), would I benefit from putting another $50 in and getting a Phenom II X4 945/955?

Still need to look at cases, also not sure what accessories would be recommend (coolers, heatsinks, fans etc)?

Will be picking up a Samsung Spinpoint F4 for my secondary drive, possibly 2 and use them in RAID 0.

Anyone know of a case that has 2-3 3.5" slots and possibly a single or dual 2.5"/ssd slots? Don't want/need a cd drive bay and want something fairly compact or discrete.