For SSD, if I had to prioritize I'd say OS, Cache/Previews, Data, All other files.

I know the OP is using a PC but my recent example will probably be of relative interest.

This past weekend I took my (mid-2009) 15" Macbook Pro and did some hardware upgrades.
I took out my aging HDD and replaced it with a 128gb SSD and slapped in a second hard drive (HDD) where the Superdrive (DVD/CD) used to be.
My SSD is my "boot" drive for my OS and Apps while my 500gb HDD is my storage for everything else.
Together with the 8Gb of RAM memory I already have in there and my Ps-CS5 with my Lr3 in the SSD my Photoshop performance is ultra fast now. Booting is instant and actions are quicker.

Same can be done in a PC... SSD + plenty of RAM = Awesomeness

My MBP is a new beast now and only cost me $120. for the kit vs. $1800+ for an equal new machine.

We are using



SSD is huge advantage .

OK, I'm almost ready to take the plunge on the new system.

I'd love feedback on the following 2 options (the first suggested by a computer customisation outlet, the second amended by a friend who works in IT). I am on a budget but I'd value any comments or suggested improvements:

OPTION 1

* Intel CORE i7 3820/3.60GHz/10MB CACHE/LGA2011/4CORES/NO FAN
* Intel BXRTS2011AC Air Cooling Fan/Heatsink Cooler
* Asus P9X79 MB, Socket 2011, X79
* Corsair 16G (4x4GB) Vengeance CMZ16GX3M4A1600C9 DDR3
* Intel 520S 240GB/SATA3/R 550MBs,W 520MBs/25nm/3.5"Kit (for OS and apps incl. Photoshop)
* Intel 520 series 60GB SSD OEM (for use as scratch disk)
* LG H24NS70/90/95 SATA 24X+- Super Multi DVDR Black
* Gigabyte GF GTX 650 OC EDITION PCI-E 3.0 1GB 128-bit DDR5, 1110/5000MHz, 2 x DVI, 1 x HDMI, 1 x
* Antec Three Hundred TWO - Black Mid-Tower Gaming Case, The Essent
* Thermaltake TR-700P TR2 RX 700W 80+
* Seagate SATA3 1TB 7200RPM 64mb Cache
* Microsoft Windows 7 Pro 64bit OEM

OPTION 2

Same as option 1:

* Intel CORE i7 3820/3.60GHz/10MB CACHE/LGA2011/4CORES/ (NO FAN)
* Asus P9X79 MB, Socket 2011, X79
* Corsair 16G (4x4GB) Vengeance CMZ16GX3M4A1600C9 DDR3
* LG H24NS70/90/95 SATA 24X+- Super Multi DVDR Black
* Gigabyte GF GTX 650 OC EDITION PCI-E 3.0 1GB 128-bit DDR5, 1110/5000MHz, 2 x DVI,1 x HDMI, 1 x
* Microsoft Windows 7 Pro 64bit OEM

Different to option 1:

* Noctua NH-D14 CPU Cooler
* OCZ 256G Vertex 4 Series SSD (for OS and apps incl. Photoshop)
* OCZ 128G Vertex 4 Series SSD (for use as scratch disk)
* Corsair Graphite 600TM Black NoPSU 2x 200mm WhiteLEDfans ATX/m ATX SteelStructure
* Corsair HX-750 ATX Power Supply, 140mm Fan
* Seagate SATA3 2TB 7200RPM Barracuda 64mb Cache

Thoughts?

Are people recommending the 3820 over the 3770k? With the Noctua cooler, you can OC the 3770k nicely and I imagine you'd get way better performance for the cost.
http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/551?vs=523

I recommend this site to list builds: http://pcpartpicker.com/

And this forum for getting more experienced feedback: http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/forum-31-322.html

I'd also use only 1 SSD for OS, apps and scratch if you're on a budget. With most files and 16GB RAM, you won't even be hitting the scratch after the file is opened.

That case is garish, try for something more subdued.

16gigs of 1600MHz ram and win7 will cost you $200 or less.

Do that.

Def. is a ram issue. I have 16 gb of ram on a 64 Bit Windows 7. I can run all of of the Adobe programs at the same time with no issues at all. Also, look and see what type of processor that you have. That also plays a role in how fast your computer can process things. I have a quad processor.