[Formido]

Preparing to do custom-build. PC will be used for graphics (Photoshop CS3, GIMP), and video editing...have foreign movies in PAL & SECAM I need to convert to NTSC, videocassettes to convert to DVD, etc. No computer games. So do I need 2 SLI graphics cards?

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Hi Formido,

So do I need 2 SLI graphics cards?

No, but you will need a card like this,
http://amzn.to/uqDU18

Have a look at this site, will give you an idea of what is required for your build.
http://www.hardware-...-december-2011/

You need to give us a budget.


where do you live? so we can link to suitable stores.

[iammykyl]

Hi Formido,

So do I need 2 SLI graphics cards?

No, but you will need a card like this,
http://amzn.to/uqDU18

Have a look at this site, will give you an idea of what is required for your build.
http://www.hardware-...-december-2011/

You need to give us a budget.


where do you live? so we can link to suitable stores.

[Formido]

Hi Formido,

So do I need 2 SLI graphics cards?

No, but you will need a card like this,
http://amzn.to/uqDU18

Have a look at this site, will give you an idea of what is required for your build.
http://www.hardware-...-december-2011/

You need to give us a budget.


where do you live? so we can link to suitable stores.

Thanks for taking the time to reply to my post. The card at Amazon you mentioned looks to be for DirectX version I cannot use. I'll be using XP Pro SP3 (DirectX 9.0c), and probably Linux Mint on the other HDD. As I'm buying components one at a time (for custom-build shop to assemble when ready), I don't really have any budget...other than I'm trying to avoid paying more than $350 for any one item. I'll be using Phenom II x6 CPU(still studying them). Probably Gigabyte or Asus motherboard. Xonar sound card.

I live in Albany, California. Anything else you would like to know, just ask!

[iammykyl]

The card at Amazon you mentioned looks to be for DirectX version I cannot use. I'll be using XP Pro SP3 (DirectX 9.0c),

DirectX is back wards compatible, so you would be able to use such a card.

I'll be using Phenom II x6 CPU(still studying them).

More info, comparison for CPU. AMD is way behind Intel for performance, even there latest Bulldozer is regarded by reviewers as a disappointment.
http://www.kitguru.n...2700k-review/4/
http://www.cpu-wars....label/Benchmark

Have a play around on this site, http://ppbm5.com/index.html http://ppbm5.com/index.html

What kind of OS licence do you have, OEM or Retail?

[Formido]

The card at Amazon you mentioned looks to be for DirectX version I cannot use. I'll be using XP Pro SP3 (DirectX 9.0c),

DirectX is back wards compatible, so you would be able to use such a card.

I'll be using Phenom II x6 CPU(still studying them).

More info, comparison for CPU. AMD is way behind Intel for performance, even there latest Bulldozer is regarded by reviewers as a disappointment.
http://www.kitguru.n...2700k-review/4/
http://www.cpu-wars....label/Benchmark

Have a play around on this site, http://ppbm5.com/index.html http://ppbm5.com/index.html

What kind of OS licence do you have, OEM or Retail?

Never knew that DirectX is backwards compatible...been discarding any card specs not specifically DirectX 9.0c. Thanks for telling me!

I know Intel is ahead of AMD...unfortunately research indicates Intel is as obsessive about secreting DRM, HDCP, Intel vPRo, etc., into my build...as I am about not allowing such crapola into my home! I've decided to go AMD, as its easier to avoid their DRM'ed products. I think their Phenom II X6 CPUs are enough for my needs. If you mean OS license for XP Pro, I don't have it yet...will probably go for used one on Amazon/Ebay. Been told I only have short time from when I buy it to when it must be activated or Microsoft throws a hissy fit, so holding off til I get PC done up!

Edited by Formido, 19 February 2012 - 05:20 PM.

[Balicasiopia]

What is the graphic card that you are using? If you are using some good one, you dont need to SLI at all.

[iammykyl]

Intel is as obsessive about secreting DRM, HDCP, Intel vPRo, etc., into my build...as I am about not allowing such crapola into my home!

Intel did develop DRM but there is nothing secret about it's use, the only option you have of not having it in your house is to get rid of most of your entertainment devises, even your HDCP compliant TV,

http://en.wikipedia....tent_Protection

http://www.tech-faq.com/hdcp.html

[Formido]

Intel is as obsessive about secreting DRM, HDCP, Intel vPRo, etc., into my build...as I am about not allowing such crapola into my home!

Intel did develop DRM but there is nothing secret about it's use, the only option you have of not having it in your house is to get rid of most of your entertainment devises, even your HDCP compliant TV,

http://en.wikipedia....tent_Protection

http://www.tech-faq.com/hdcp.html

Nothing secret about its use? Maybe not. But as to finding out exactly which of their particular products (CPUs, motherboards/chipsets, etc.) has it, or doesn't have it, or exactly what it has (Intel TXT, Intel vPRO, TPM chip, etc.), that requires alot more research than I've time to undertake, as such info is well camouflaged to make it hard to avoid.

Actually I don't have an HDCP TV...got mine before all the non-compliant LCD TVs were taken off the market! So far, absolutely nothing in my home has this crapola, and I intend to make sure that don't change. One of many reasons I'm doing custom-build.

[Formido]

What is the graphic card that you are using? If you are using some good one, you dont need to SLI at all.

This will be my first home PC. Currently stuck using gawd-awful public computers. No idea what graphic card these library computers use.