[MickJJ]

Hi, I am UK based and about to build a new computer.
I would like advice on the hard ware components I have chosen.

I will be using the computer for video / film editing and converting it into 3D, HD, and saving on a Blu Ray disk. I know I will have to get the appropriate software to do this but at this point in time I am only looking at the hard ware I will need - as well as desktop publishing, editing photos, word processing, spread sheets, e-mails, music, watching films / TV etc.


Motherboard Asus M5A99X EVO Socket AM3+
CPU AMD Bulldozer FX6 six core 6200 Black Edition, If I can afford it I will go for the FX8 eight core 8150 Black Edition
Graphics Card ASUS ENGTX 560TI DCII TOP / 2DI / 1GDS GeForce 560TI 1024MB
Hard Drive Western Digital Caviar Green 2TB SATA 6 Gb/s 64MB 3.5 inch
Blu Ray writer Sony Optiarc BD 5300S Blu Ray writer
RAM 16GB Ram
OS Windows 7 64bit will upgrade to 8 when it becomes available.

1) Are they compatible?
2) Will the completed computer do what I am hoping it will?
3) Are there better combinations?
4) Is there an item that I should consider changing? for example: whilst an individual item will work with the others because of its specification it will slow everything down to such an extent the other components will not function at their full potential.

Thank you to anyone who is kind enough to advise / help me.

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MickJJ

Please provide us with your maximum budget and a link to any sites that you have used to look at components.
Couple of points for you to consider 1: Go for a smaller HDD but add an SSD for your OS for faster boot times 2: 8GB of Ram is the sweet spot for W7 64-bit and I have yet to encounter anyone I have assisted needing any more than this 3: Go for a video card that has at least 2GB of VRam.

What screen will you be using please.

[phillpower2]

MickJJ

Please provide us with your maximum budget and a link to any sites that you have used to look at components.
Couple of points for you to consider 1: Go for a smaller HDD but add an SSD for your OS for faster boot times 2: 8GB of Ram is the sweet spot for W7 64-bit and I have yet to encounter anyone I have assisted needing any more than this 3: Go for a video card that has at least 2GB of VRam.

What screen will you be using please.

[MickJJ]

Hi Phillpower2
Thank you for getting back to me.

For years I have used CCL Computers http://www.cclonline.com
First I decide what I want to do with the computer then
I look at what they have and check the different specs, following it up by looking up my initial choices with the manufacturers web site and review web sites, to try and make sure that the specs and reviews given include the specs I want. I must admit I am an AMD fan not at all keen on Intel (personal preference) as for other components I am not too fussy but nearly always drift towards ASUS.

I also have used CCL the last few years as they were able to build the computer from my specs for little more than the cost of the components and I then got a good warranty covering both the parts and system which you do not get from a self build.

I am happy to go up to £1000 but no more - the components including case, PSU, Fan, and build come to £929

I am linked to a Panasonic 3D TV as well as a normal computer monitor

[phillpower2]

Thanks for the additional info

It will take me a while to put a specific list together based on UK sites so for something to look at see the attached list that I recently put together for a member in the US who wanted a gaming rig - he is very pleased with its performance, for your build a more suitable video card, blu ray burner and storage devices will be added.

Some other UK sites are Dabs http://www.dabs.com/...n=brand bidding Novatech http://www.novatech....cts/components/ and Scan http://www.scan.co.uk/ cconline look reasonable cost wise so I hope they have a good range of stock.

Case http://www.newegg.co...N82E16811129066 Removable/washable dust filters - a must for top cooling.
MB http://www.newegg.co...N82E16813157271 PCI-E 3.0 and Ivy Bridge ready - future upgrade options.
CPU http://www.newegg.co...N82E16819115072 Best bang for buck CPU for a while - cores are unlocked.
Ram http://www.newegg.co...N82E16820231308 What can I say 8GB of CL-7 Ram for less than $40
GPU http://www.newegg.co...N82E16814130625 I would have liked a bit more cash but this will do for gaming.
PSU http://www.newegg.co...N82E16817139028 More than enough clean and stable power and 80% efficiency.

FWIW I have been using both AMD and Intel CPUs in my present systems for years and both have performed admirably but for me at present the i5 2500k is the best CPU when you compare the cost to performance ratio.

List for MickJJ

Case http://www.dabs.com/...efs=50882&src=3 £44.98
MB: http://www.dabs.com/...294943314&src=3 £109.99
CPU: http://www.novatech....623i52500k.html £162.98
Ram 8GB http://www.dabs.com/...=G.Skill&src=16 £39.99
GPU http://www.scan.co.u...336-cores-plusf £186.67
SSD 120GB http://www.dabs.com/...7HT6.html?src=2 £99.99
HDD http://www.dabs.com/...000-50473&src=3 £107.98
B/Ray burner http://www.novatech....d-5750h-01.html £64.98
PSU http://www.scan.co.u...12v-quiet-fan-a £66.53
OS http://www.dabs.com/...7J00.html?src=2 £69.99
Thermal paste http://www.ebay.co.u...=item41648b1b6f £11.90 inc P&P

Total = £965.98

Edited by phillpower2, 15 April 2012 - 05:07 AM.
Links added

[iammykyl]

Just to add my bit.

There is nothing wrong with AMD CPUs, but they are out performed by the Intel 2600 and even more so by the later models. In the last six months or so, I have not seen one recommended workstation build. and for what you propose doing on the rig, I think you should look more towards a workstion build. You have not yet selected your software, This should be looked at as some software, like much of Adobe, would run very poorly on your selected parts.

Info, and both sites have DIY builds. http://www.hardware-...powerful-quiet/
https://www.videoguy...4ce243a6c6.aspx


Software,http://www.videoguys...0a8754c3ae.aspx

[MickJJ]

Thank you and I am looking forward to your recommendations

[MickJJ]

Hi iammykyl

Thank you very much for your contribution. I will certainly look at a workstation build, but will wait until I hear back from phillpower2 and his recommendations.

As for software I am currently using pinnacle studio plus 11 but will be upgrading to pinnacle 15. I have looked at the link you gave and I will give some serious thought to Avid Studio before I make a final decision, pinnacle 15 or Avid studio. Pinnacle is part of the Avid group.
As I only edit etc. as a hobby - mainly with home movies I will not be going down the Adobe route as they tend to be more for the professional and a lot more expensive.

I use Serif for my photo editing.
I have not yet decided on BluRay burning software. I still have to go into what is available etc.

I must say that I am delighted with the responses I have had and will take seriously all the comments you and phillpower2 have made.

[phillpower2]

Please see my post #4 where I have added a list via the edit button (it was easier that way) for consideration, let me know your thoughts and any questions ask away.

iammyky may have a suggestion or two also and perhaps regarding the video card.

[MickJJ]

Hi phillpower2.
Thank you very much for your recommendations - it looks a very good set up.
I think I will have to ditch my Intel prejudice and use the i5.
I was considering using the i7, after reading the links supplied by iammykyl on their set ups and the specifications of the Avid Studio web site, but I would have to have gone for a higher spec graphics card to the one you recommend or the one I had initially thought of. Upping the specs of the two is way beyond my budget. As I am only doing this as a hobby and Avid is geared more to the professional I will be sticking to pinnacle studio

I will stick to your recommendation with the exception of the case and OS. I am going to stick with my original case.
I noted from one of the review web sites https://www.videoguy...4ce243a6c6.aspx that they do not recommend Widows 7 Home Edition but to go for the Professional or Ultra as they are better at using Memory at a higher level. I will go for the Professional.

I like your idea of using two HD - whilst my current system only has one I have gone down this rout before. I particularly like your choice of HD's.

In your recommendation you have included a heat sink - I take it that I would have to include a fan as well - any views / advice please.

[phillpower2]

Hi MickJJ

I am pleased that I have provided a list that you consider not far off what you require.
The better performance of the i7 CPUs comes at too higher cost and for your intended use the 2500k is ideal.
I did not think you required a case as it was not mentioned in your OP, I included one as a precaution thinking if it was surplus to requirements it would bring your budget down and allow the funds to be used elsewhere, a better OS for example so good call on that

As the film editing is a hobby and not a profession I feel that spending a large amount of cash on a card such as http://www.it2you.co...video-card.html would have been a waste and the card I have suggested is fast and has plenty of video memory to work with.

The SSD will allow for faster boot times and the 120GB allows for years of updates to come, there were cheaper but less storage capacity option HDDs available than the Caviar Black which again allowed room for adjustments on your budget however it would also have meant a drop in performance.

The CPU I have suggested comes supplied with a heatsink and fan so no worries there, I added the Arctic Silver 5 to ensure you get the best thermal protection, see the tutorial courtesy of Digerati @ http://www.geekstogo...rface-material/

[iammykyl]

Some alternative parts, not gone with a SSD, it will load the syste faster but for your build I think capacity is more important. Also gone for the i7 2600K.

Parts list, http://pcpartpicker.com/uk/p/6Xae £852.95
GPU. http://www.m4store.c...phics-card.html

£139.96

Case. http://www.pixmania....-pc-tower.html £ 59.90
SATA cable, locking, http://www.scan.co.u...g-latches-black

£3.77

Inc VAT

TIM. http://www.amazon.co...e/dp/B0045JCFLY £4.59
TOTAL £1,062.00

Motherboard web site, http://www.asrock.co...?Model=Z77 Pro4

For removing and cleaning the pre applied CPU TIM, use Isopropyl Alcohol, available at the Chemist.
I advise getting an internal system speaker, recycled or new, http://cwc-group.com/8ohm.html
When you have decided on your final build, you can also research prices here, http://www.staticice.co.uk/

[MickJJ]

Hi phillpower2 and iammykyl,
Thank you both for your advice, support, links and recommendations.
It is very helpful and I have learned a lot by your, comments and following your links.
I have a lot to think about.
Whilst I still remain a AMD fan on this occasion I will be definitely going for Intel

I have booked marked all your links and set up a spreadsheet with your recommendations costs etc. I will now spend time thinking about all you have said and look at some configurations most definitely based on your recommendations.

Once again many thanks

[phillpower2]

You are welcome MickJJ


NB: A good list suggested by iammykyl ( I knew you would suggest a workstation card )

[iammykyl]

Hope our different configuration have not caused too much confusion. All the parts are interchangeable, you just need to confirm the RAM from the QVL for the selected Motherboard.
I selected the 2600K for Hyper Threading which is not present on the 2500K and the HDDs as they are "Enterprise" drives with 5 years warranty.

I was unable to find a link for the case you were thinking about.

Please do keep in touch, post your final selection. We are interested in how the rig performs.

*****************
Hi Phillpower2, , Thinking, horses for courses and the level of official support.

[MickJJ]

Hi phillpower2 and iammykyl
I had not forgotten the help you have given me, but unfortunately unforeseen house expenditure has put my purchase on hold and I am now having to save up for what I want.

On the positive side I can now look just at what I want without immediate budget restraint and the family said they would contribute.

I have decided on
Case Fractal Design R3 ATX
Power Unit Cosair HX850
Motherboard Asus P8Z77 V Pro Ivy Bridge
CPU Intel i7 3770K 3.5GH Ivy Bridge
GPU Quadro 2000
Memory Corsair Vengeance Blue 16gb or Kingston Hyper X. I wanted to go for the ripjaw you mentioned, but I was unable to confirm if it was compatible with my choice of motherboard.
Hard Drive Cosair 120GT and a WD Caviar Black 1.5gb
Blue Ray Pioneer BDR-207DBK I am still torn between the 206 and 207
Alaska Apache 120 fans - extra to those supplied with the case
Monitor Asus PA238Q 23"
Windows 7 Professional

I hope you feel this set up is in line with the help and advice you have given me and it reflects the choice I have made using that advice and help.

If you do wish to comment please feel free to do so, as until I have the finances inplace I am able to modify any of my choices.