[swimmingbeagle]

Hi all. I am assisting a friend and need help to pick out parts for a work PC capable of handling a lot of open programs at the same time, including Photoshop and some occasional architectural software with 3D models (although he says he doesn't work with 3D that often).
It's been a while since I made my own PC, so I could definitely use your insights. I specifically need help on deciding on a graphics card and also trimming off any unnecessary features that will save money. Here's what I had in mind for him. I hope you can help! Thanks.
Monitor, keyboard, mouse are not needed.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3470 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($149.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: MSI H77MA-G43 Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($81.55 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Corsair XMS3 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($39.98 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.98 @ Outlet PC)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($97.99 @ Adorama)
Case: Cooler Master Elite 430 ATX Mid Tower Case ($40.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 430W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-222BB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($37.77 @ Mac Connection)
Total: $553.23
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-01-25 09:11 EST-0500)

 

[Tyree]

Asus or Gigabyte Mobo for quality, reliability, support.
SSD's are not a good value at this time considering their high cost vs. the little advantage and 120GB is very little storage for the posted use.
SeeSonic or XFX for a PSU and I would not use less than a 450W unit.
Use our suggested build list as a guide: http://www.techsupportforum.com/for...ams-recommended-new-builds-2012-a-668661.html

 

[Wuwica]

if you have it in your budget, you should consider looking at some of nividia's quadro series cards. Its hard to give a recommended card because the pricing is all over the place. If not quadro maybe a low end GTX ?

Also since your friend is going to be doing 3d rendering and photoshop (i assume other adobe programs) you should increase the amount of ram you have.

edit: take a look at the quadro 600, its a good entry level workstation card