Comments wanted on NCIX PC Configuration

[MetalGuru]

Hi,

Last year I posted a thread here about getting a new video editing PC (under an old login I can't seem to log into currently), but my budget was apparently too low because when I got my new computer it was not what I wanted. I decided for my new computer I would bump it up to $2500.

However, after long time of painstakingly researching all my parts and using NCIX's PC Configurator, I found myself only at $1,573.32. And I seem to already picked all the best parts. Sure, I can upgrade to the E6700, but I hear that the small power gained is not worth the money spent (even though the difference is little).
A Quad-Core would be nice, but I hear that few apps can take advantage of it, and even thought it would improve speed in After Effects which I really need, maybe I should hold off a bit?

I also intend to go to 3GB of RAM, but the config only allows me to choose between 2 and 4, so I will buy another stick later. 4GB isn't worth it I hear.

Here is the config link, hope it works:
http://pc.ncix.com/ncixpc/ncixpc.cfm?uu...6CF-D338-8D75-D90712223B1E4544-1391548


-mg

 

[WobbleWobble]

That RAM seems to be overpriced. Name brand value lines have dropped to less than $35 CAD per 1GB stick and comparable premium brands also are significantly cheaper.

With NCIX, do not use their PC builders. They do not take into account their weekly special prices. If you take the parts that they have on special (most of the parts you're looking at are on special), you'll save quite a bit more money.

This week's specials

Here's a brief summary of what you're saving by buying items on special (not counting rebates):
CPU - $21
RAM - $65
GPU - $39
Mobo - $30
PSU - $31
HDD - $40 ($20 each piece)
DVD - $13
Vista - $28

That's a total of $267!

Even better, buy or price match from Direct Canada. They're sorta NCIX's sister company and are usually cheaper.

 

[MetalGuru]

Thanks for the reply,

Yes, the savings are something to consider, but I was attracted to the PC Configurator because then my system would be assembled for me. I have never assembled one myself so I'm a bit uneasy about it. But I guess I'll reconsider it instead of throwing away near $300.

 

[Elias824]

If you are talking about that high of a system you may want to go for a quad core, They can help alot in video editing programs. It just depends though if the program you are using is multi-threaded or not. It would also help make your computer a little more future proof. 2gb or ram is still quite a bit and you can always upgrade. It will always be better to build it yourself though, if you can manage or maybe have a friend do it for you. It will be cheaper and faster, and probably look cooler as well

 

[TheNewGuy]

If you take your time, it's really quite easy.....

Dave

 

[MetalGuru]

Thanks,

Ok, I've decided I'll build it myself. I just hope all the parts will be compatible.

But I'm still not sure the quad-core warrants the price. I think I will put the money into a second 22" monitor and a Seagate 15k rpm drive.

 

[WobbleWobble]

While I've never had NCIX build a computer for me, I believe you can buy the assembly option without using the PC Builder. You can get it for $25 without OS installation here.

 

[Nathelion]

you could skimp a bit on the CPU for now and go quad core next spring when Penryn and Barcelona are out...

 

[MetalGuru]

Ok, what the hell, I'll get me a quad-core. I'm looking @ a q6600 (or should I get a Xeon?). It still keeps me within the $2500 budget.