First ever build for AVCHD video editing/encoding, not gaming. Parts listed.

[maddog808]

Hey all,

I am brand new to the forum. You guys came highly recommended by someone on another forum (can't remember which). I was hoping to get some advice with my first ever build. I spent a lot of time yesterday reading about Intel & AMD quad core and 6 core CPUs. I do absolutely zero gaming, so that doesn't factor into the build at all. I'm leaning toward AMD, because I don't have a ton of cash lying around. Anyway, here is my current situation.

My desktop office PC, which is a Dell Vostro 220 with a E8400 CPU & 4GB DDR2 ram, is having trouble editing my AVCHD home movies using Corel VideoStudio Pro X3. I want to convert the Dell to be used as a Unraid Server, and build something new that will crunch through the AVCHD stuff, and also be somewhat future proof. Here is what I came up with. I am open to any comments, questions, suggestions, flames, whatever. I have thick skin, so if this totally sucks, or if I've completely forgotten something, please feel free to let me know.

My budget is $600 max. I have a spare key for W7 Home Premium that will be used for this rig, so no OS is spec'd. Also, I will be pulling an old GPU from the Dell, and use it in the new rig (unless someone here has a good reason not to). All prices are after mail in rebate & shipping.

Antec Nine Hundred Case: $59.99

Asus Motherboard: $64.99

AMD Phenom II X6 1090T + $15.00 promotional gift card: $229.00

G.SKILL 8GB (2 X 4GB) DDR3 1333: $89.99

Corsair 650W PSU & Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB combo: $114.98

MSI Radeon HD 4670 1GB GPU: free (currently installed in my Dell)

So, if you take into account the $15 gift card from Newegg, this will cost me $543.95.

Thanks for looking,
Matt

Edit: After reading the sticky (I know, I should have read it first, but it was late after a long day of Thanksgiving), I realize I need to answer a few questions. 1, 2, & 3 were answered in my original post.

4. I am a fanboy of value & bang for my buck. I have no allegiance to Intel, AMD, ATI, nVidia, Seagate, or WD.

5. I halfway answered this question about the GPU. I forgot to mention that my Dell has 2 DVD Burners in it. I will pull one of those and put it in the new rig.

6. I have read some similar threads, but most people are doing more intense editing than me, with a budget twice what I have to work with.

7. I don't necessarily plan on OCing, but am not against it, either. I have zero experience in this realm, but am willing to learn & try it, if the benefits outweigh the risk.

8. N/A. No gaming

9. ASAP. I want to take advantage of the current dealsbecause of my tight budget. I also need to convert the Dell to an Unraid server for XBMC ASAP. I have 2 of the Seagate 2TB drives that are on sale at Newegg for $69.99 on the way now.

10. Critique away!!! I can take it; in fact, I need it. That's why I'm on this forum!

Thanks again.

Another edit: After reading some more, 1.5V is the sweet spot for DDR3? So I switched the RAM to a 1333 G.SKILL for $10 cheaper.

 

[maddog808]

The original RAM I had in my proposed build sold out, but I found some 1333 cheaper, and I read on another thread onthis forum that 1333 is better because of the 1.5V. Anyway, I need somebody's blessing on this, so I can make necessary changes and pull the trigger.

Thanks,
Matt

 

[maddog808]

Also thinking about adding something like this G.SKILL 120GB SSD for the OS and Apps. It puts the build a bit out of my budget. I'm thinking it shouldn't hurt much to wait until I save up more $$, as hopefully SSDs come down in price over the next year? What are your thoughts? I'm asking anyone who feels like answering.

Thanks,
Matt

 

[mfenn]

Looks good to me! I don't normally recommend the 1090T due to the price, but for (effectively) $205 it's definitely a good CPU.

One other thing, the 650TX is ridiculous overkill for this machine. Again, it's not a bad price, but something like this Antec Earthwatts 380 would be better matched to the system.

 

[maddog808]

One other thing, the 650TX is ridiculous overkill for this machine. Again, it's not a bad price, but something like this Antec Earthwatts 380 would be better matched to the system.

I don't know much about power supplies. I was just thinking, down the road, I could see adding a SSD for OS & apps, and a couple more HDDs for the video editing projects. Would the Antec still do the job?

So, overall, should this build be able to handle the HD video editing/encoding pretty smoothly?

 

[Davidh373]

I don't know much about power supplies. I was just thinking, down the road, I could see adding a SSD for OS & apps, and a couple more HDDs for the video editing projects. Would the Antec still do the job?

Yes, HDDs and SSDs burn between 1-4 watts.

So, overall, should this build be able to handle the HD video editing/encoding pretty smoothly?

Given you're using Corel, and not Adobe for your projects, you won't need a beefy NVidia 4xx, but if you were, know that a 4xx series card would do wonders for you in Premiere Pro and After Effects CS5. Corel does not use graphics acceleration and therefore you don't need one. Otherwise your build looks great.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Looks good to me

 

[WaitingForNehalem]

I would definitely not use a 380W PSU on this PC which has a six core processor along with a dedicated graphics card. I would stick with the 650TX.

 

[mfenn]

I would definitely not use a 380W PSU on this PC which has a six core processor along with a dedicated graphics card. I would stick with the 650TX.

Core count doesn't matter, only TDP. And while yes a 4670 is a dedicated card, it only draws 60W max.

 

[maddog808]

Given you're using Corel, and not Adobe for your projects, you won't need a beefy NVidia 4xx, but if you were, know that a 4xx series card would do wonders for you in Premiere Pro and After Effects CS5. Corel does not use graphics acceleration and therefore you don't need one. Otherwise your build looks great.

So you bring up a good point. If I decide to use software that utilizes GPU acceleration someday down the road, I will end up switching out to a beefier graphics card. Will the Antec 380 still suffice at that point? I rebuilt my shopping cart on newegg, replacing the Corsair 650 with the Antec 380, and the bottom line is identical: still $543.95 after shipping, mail in rebates, and the gift card. This is because of the combo deal with the Samsung F3 hard drive. So, for the exact same cost, is there any reason not to have the Corsair? If so, I will order the Antec instead.

Also, I just noticed the Seagate Barracuda 1TB is on sale for 49.99. So, maybe I get the Antec 380 and Seagate HDD, and save $20 on my bottom line. Does anyone have any reason I should get the Samsung F3 over the Seagate? If not, I'm gonna pull the trigger.

Thanks again for all of your input. This site is awesome!!

Matt

 

[WaitingForNehalem]

So a 125W 1090T consumes the same amount of power as a 125W 945?

 

[Van G]

Going through a similar pupose build.

The 2 TB has some sketchy reviews on newegg feedback if that means anything.

I went nVidia card to take advantage of mercury engine hack for CS5 as someone mentioned.

Also went with 1075 X6 since I got advice that it can clock to the same speed as 1090 which makes it the same CPU for 25 less.

Going with MC 212 cpu heatsink.

Good luck.

 

[maddog808]

The 2 TB has some sketchy reviews on newegg feedback if that means anything.

Are you talking about the WD Green in your build? I have one of the WD10EADS in my Dell storing data & serving media to my HTPC right now. Haven't had any problems yet. Not sure about the EARS.

I went nVidia card to take advantage of mercury engine hack for CS5 as someone mentioned.

I might do something like that eventually. For now, the one in my Dell will have to do.

Also went with 1075 X6 since I got advice that it can clock to the same speed as 1090 which makes it the same CPU for 25 less.

This sounds very enticing. It also comes with a $20 gift card, so really it's about $34 cheaper than the 1090. I've never OCed before. Is it fairly straightforward? Will the rest of my parts in the list allow for this (assuming I stick with the Corsair 650W PSU)?

Going with MC 212 cpu heatsink.

Is this something I need to get regardless of which CPU I go with? Or is it more for people who Overclock? Will the heatsink that comes with the CPU suffice if it is running stock?

 

[mfenn]

So a 125W 1090T consumes the same amount of power as a 125W 945?

Yes, their peak power draws are the same. Thuban has some power-saving tricks that Deneb doesn't.

 

[mfenn]

Is this something I need to get regardless of which CPU I go with? Or is it more for people who Overclock? Will the heatsink that comes with the CPU suffice if it is running stock?

Yes, the stock heatsink will be sufficient if you don't overclock.

 

[WaitingForNehalem]

Yes, their peak power draws are the same. Thuban has some power-saving tricks that Deneb doesn't.

First, I was not talking about peak power consumption. Second, TDP does not represent the maximum power a CPU can generate, it is the average maximum power.

 

[Davidh373]

First, I was not talking about peak power consumption. Second, TDP does not represent the maximum power a CPU can generate, it is the average maximum power.

It is the maximum amount of power it could draw, but the maximum real world power draw when running applications.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_design_power
http://www.cpu-world.com/Glossary/T/Thermal_Design_Power_(TDP).html
http://www.geeks3d.com/20090611/tutorial-what-is-the-thermal-design-power-tdp/

looks like Nehalem is right on this one, but given the average is the same for both the X4 and X6, it seems mfenn's suggestion remains valid. Since full load is 20%-30% higher than TDP, it shouldn't draw any more (or much more) power than an X4. 12W-30W is still rather insignificant.

 

[mfenn]

First, I was not talking about peak power consumption. Second, TDP does not represent the maximum power a CPU can generate, it is the average maximum power.

Sorry, I should have said "peak real-world power". And I don't even know what "average maximum power" means. Is it the average or is the maximum?

EDIT: Maybe you're confusing TDP with AMD's ACP metric? TDP is used to size cooling systems and power supplies, ACP is used to estimate TCO. It's a simple as that.

 

[WaitingForNehalem]

Sorry, I should have said "peak real-world power". And I don't even know what "average maximum power" means. Is it the average or is the maximum?

It means exactly what it says, an average of the maximum power values.

 

[mfenn]

It means exactly what it says, an average of the maximum power values.

Average over what sampling period though? That's why "average maximum power draw" is a useless statement without additional info. If the maximum is taken over a microsecond, that is a very different metric from the maximum taken over a day.

EDIT: When you're talking microseconds, that's pretty much only relevant to be motherboard's power delivery circuitry. Thus, while it is perhaps possible for a Thuban to peak (for a microsecond) higher than a Deneb (note that you have not even proven this point), any such peak is irrelevant when sizing the PSU and cooling solution.

EDIT2: It should be noted that over long periods of time (hours, days), yes the 945 will draw less than the 1090T. I agree with that point 100%. My points were with regard to choosing an appropriate PSU and HSF.

 

[maddog808]

Wow!! I love this forum! Never expected these detailed responses so quickly. You guys are the best. So I changed my setup a little. I've got it under $500 now, after mail in rebates, shipping, and newegg gift card. I think I'll stick with the Corsair 650W PSU, just in case I ever decide to overclock, or get a beefy GPU for use with software that utilizes graphics acceleration. I switched from the 1090T to the 1075 CPU, per VanG's advice. I'm sure I'll be lurking around the Overclock subforum soon. :biggrin: I switched to a Seagate 7200.12, so let me know if this is worth the savings, or if I should stick with the Samsung F3?

Antec Nine Hundred Case: $59.99

Corsair 650TX PSU: 54.99

ASUS M4A77TD AM3 AMD Mobo: $64.99

AMD Phenom II X6 1075T CPU: $179.99 ($20 gift card)

G.SKILL Ripjaws 2 X 4GB DDR3 1333 RAM: $89.99

Seagate 7200.12 1TB HD $49.99

My main concern at this point is, will all of the above parts allow for a stable overclocking environment (assuming I will get a better heatsink/fan for the CPU later). I am ready to pull the trigger. Just say the word!!!:awe:

Thanks again for all of your input,
Matt

 

[mfenn]

I would definitely not buy the Seagate, their quality has been suspect as of late. Otherwise, it looks good!

 

[DominionSeraph]

$510 with a spinpoint f3 after gift card.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119227
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231311
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.556746
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.544317

One other thing, the 650TX is ridiculous overkill for this machine. Again, it's not a bad price, but something like this Antec Earthwatts 380 would be better matched to the system.

Corsair is $80 with $10 combo and $25 rebate, so that only saves him $5.
$5 more for a Corsair 650W...

 

[maddog808]

$510 with a spinpoint f3 after gift card.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119227
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231311
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.556746
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.544317



Corsair is $80 with $10 combo and $25 rebate, so that only saves him $5.
$5 more for a Corsair 650W...

Dominion,

I originally had the Spinpoint F3/Corsair combo in my cart. I will definitely be going this route. And the mobo in your combo seems a little better than the one I had picked out. Is this correct?

I'm not sure if I like the Cooler Master case as much as the Antec, although I've never seen either in person. The Antec seems more solid, and better stock cooling for the HDDs. I'm not opposed to saving $35, though. I just need to be talked into the CM case. Sell me!!

The setup you linked to is only $475 after MIR. I've never pieced a system together, but it seems like a steal for the stuff I'm getting. Is it just because of Black Friday, or is it always this much cheaper to build it yourself??

Matt

 

[mfenn]

Corsair is $80 with $10 combo and $25 rebate, so that only saves him $5.
$5 more for a Corsair 650W...

Like I said, it's not a bad price for the Corsair. The Antec is higher efficiency though (especially since the Corsair will be running so far down on its efficiency curve).

Dominion,

I originally had the Spinpoint F3/Corsair combo in my cart. I will definitely be going this route. And the mobo in your combo seems a little better than the one I had picked out. Is this correct?

Not necessarily better, just different. It's got integrated graphics but is MicroATX. It may be better for you though if the IGP would be sufficient for your needs. That way you wouldn't have to take the 4670 out of your old machine.

I'm not sure if I like the Cooler Master case as much as the Antec, although I've never seen either in person. The Antec seems more solid, and better stock cooling for the HDDs. I'm not opposed to saving $35, though. I just need to be talked into the CM case. Sell me!!

The Cooler Master is cheaper (price-wise and quality-wise) than the Antec. It's also smaller which means it's more space-efficient, but also more of a pain to work in.

The setup you linked to is only $475 after MIR. I've never pieced a system together, but it seems like a steal for the stuff I'm getting. Is it just because of Black Friday, or is it always this much cheaper to build it yourself??

Matt

There are definitely some good deals going on right now, but building is usually cheaper for specialty machines.