Okay so currently I have a Intel Core i5 2500K CPU in a Sabertooth P67 RevB Motherboard with a Single Asus ENGTX560 Ti 1GB GPU and im using a Single 2TB HDD with 8GB of Corsair Vengence RAM running at 1600MHz
Sorry if the order of the items above offends you, but I'm sure you'll get over it.
Im thinking of upgrading as Im starting to push some of the limitations of the PC (mainly within the adobe suite)
Part 1.
Motherboard & CPU
I've looked into the AMD FX-8120 Black Edition but this would mean getting a new mother board of which I've looked at the Asus AM3+ Sabertooth 990FX.
Part 2.
GPU & RAM
Although i know there are other graphics cards that out perform my own i was wondering if i would be better of getting a new GPU to replace my 560ti or if I would be best to get a second 560ti and run them in SLI.
Whilst doing an IT Apprenticeship I heard that RAM is best in pairs i currently have 2x4GB sticks and I want to get some more and i like the look of the Kingston HyperX Beast (i think thats what its called) and id get another 8GB of that, would there be any issue using 8GB corsair and 8GB Kingston, and would i need to get kingston at 1600Mhz or could i get them at 2400Mhz?
and finally ...
Part 3.
SSD + HDD combo & Windows 8
Okay so I like the speed of SSD drives but for the Quantity of storage i need its not financially viable but i can afford up to 500GB of SSD storage. How would I go Installing the OS onto the SSD but then having everything Such as my docs etc on a much larger HDD.
Also while on the Topic of Operating Systems what is your guys&girls opinions on Windows 8 because if im going to upgrade to it now would be the time.
Thanks in advance if you can help!
to review
Q1, Opinions on Motherboard & CPU combo
Q2, Ideas on Graphics Cards
Q3, HELP! with RAM
Q4, SSD + HDD Combo
Q5, Windows 8? Yes or No
For the CPU I would get the 8320/8350, I have the 8120 and from what I've heard/seen the 8320 gets better marks and reviews.
Go for a 660Ti you can get an EVGA 660Ti for $289: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130809
The board you're looking at does not support 2400 but I would got with G.Skill sniper 2x4gb over the HyperX because the sniper has a lower CAS: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231460
In my opinion no on windows 8 just becaus I don't like it. I have a harddrive with 8 on it that I use very now and then and I just don't like it.
Update your motherboard bios and get a i7 3770k and over clock it. Then get 8 more gb of the same ram you have now. A 660 ti like others said. Go for a ssd Samsung makes good ones. And I would say windows 7pro I have it and I love it.
I would say for the sake of money, just go find a 2600k or 2700k (depending price). You will see a performance boost in adobe. And it currently works with your setup really well.
For graphics with your saved current money, you could look into a GTX670.
Ram you want low cas latency, so... http://pcpartpicker.com/ca/part/gskill-memory-f312800cl7q16gbzm
16GB kit with cas of 7 is pretty beast.
With all that other saved money, I would look at getting two: http://pcpartpicker.com/ca/part/mushkin-internal-hard-drive-mknssdcr240gb Run in Raid 0. Get whatever you want for additional hd space.
Q1) Here are some bechmarks of Adobe Creative Suite 6 with many different CPUs: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/cpu-performance-comparison,3370-13.html
Compare your 2500k to the 8120. It looks to me like its not worth buying a whole new motherboard and cpu since you're getting about the same performance. For the same price as that mobo and cpu you were considering, you can upgrade to an i7 3770k. You can look at the same benchmarks to see how the i7 3770k performs. Is that worth $320 to you?
Q2) Last I checked, SLI doesn't do anything for Adobe.
Q3) 16GB of RAM will help you out. Don't know if faster RAM speeds will make a difference though.
Q4) Install your operating system and all your programs onto your SSD. Then plug your HDD in and read this: http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/255609-32-setting-sata-hard-drive
From there just make sure you save your files, pics, videos, etc. on the HDD. You can also move the default Windows folders to your HDD: http://www.techsupportalert.com/content/how-move-windows-7-personal-folders-my-documents-another-drive.htm
Q5) All I'm saying is that you need Professional version. I think the max amount of RAM Windows 7 home allowed you to use was 8 GB. If you wanted to use more RAM than that you need to buy a pro or ultimate version. It's probably the same with Windows 8.
Also, maybe this might help you out: http://blogs.adobe.com/crawlspace/2012/10/how-to-tune-photoshop-cs6-for-peak-performance.html#memory
Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit supports 16GB of ram. For the price difference, the 2600k is 6-7 seconds slower accourding to that diagram. After a decent OC it will go down to like 2-3 seconds probably even after the 3770k is OC'd. Save the money.
According to this it will use the ram. Slightly confused on exactly what there trying to say but it seems it will only use whats available and leave a bit left over.
http://blogs.adobe.com/aftereffects/2010/10/please-try-recommended-memory-settings-for-after-effects-cs5-and-give-feedback.html
He is correct, Adobe does not benefit from SLI.
Thanks guys! ill have a look into the parts you've all mention