Help me with New Build.

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Steve Rimar

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Aug 28, 2010
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I built my computer about 8 years ago and it is getting tired. (Windows XP) I think most of my current components are out dated and would not be used. I need help selecting the latest and best components for my use.

1. What YOUR PC will be used for. That means what types of tasks you'll be performing.
My main use will be using the internet , email, word processing(MS Office), personal address lists, video editing and writing to a DVD. Is there some way that I could input HD video using an HD cable? I also do a lot of photo slide shows and put them to a DVD. I would also like to watch HDTV on the monitor. If possible I would like to create Blu Ray DVDs that would work with a Blu Ray player.
2. What YOUR budget is. A price range is acceptable as long as it's not more than a 20% spread.
About $1000 would be nice if possible.
3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from.
USA based system.
4. IF YOU have a brand preference. That means, are you an Intel-Fanboy, AMD-Fanboy, ATI-Fanboy, nVidia-Fanboy, Seagate-Fanboy, WD-Fanboy, etc.
My processor choice would Intel, Motherboard Asus (because that is what I have now and like it), Memory is whatever is now the best for my use. Other components like DVD/ Blu Ray writer, video card etc is up in the air.
5. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are.
I think most of my current components are out dated and would not be used.My current monitor is a Viewsonic VA902b but think that is even out dated for HD.
6. IF YOU have searched and/or read similar threads.
I am just now starting to check other boards also.
7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds. At this time I would use the defaults.
8. What resolution YOU plan on gaming with.
At this time I do not plan on gaming but would like to try and get 1920x1080p.
9. WHEN do you plan to build it?
I will start at soon as possible.
10. Don't ask for a build configuration critique or rating if you are thin skinned.
:whiste:
 
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Athadeus

Senior member
Feb 29, 2004
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I don't think there is any PC hardware for capturing HD video from inputs other than coaxial (cable) and maybe component. What specific sources and connections are you looking to capture from?

While I do encourage custom building for many reasons, if value is your main concern, then your answers above make you a strong candidate for buying pre-built.
 
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mfenn

Elite Member
Jan 17, 2010
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I agree with Adatheus that we need some more info on what you plan to record. The BD-RW will be $$$ though. You can get a Dell Studio XPS 7100 with a Blu-ray burner for $730.
 
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Steve Rimar

Member
Aug 28, 2010
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I would like to record HD from a video camera to a DVD. The video camera has an HD cable out and the video is either 720 p or 1080 p. Blu Ray may not be a necessity.
 
Last edited:
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mfenn

Elite Member
Jan 17, 2010
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www.mfenn.com
Steve Rimar said:
I would like to record HD from a video camera to a DVD. The video camera has an HD cable out and the video is either 720 p or 1080 p. Blu Ray may not be a necessity.
Click to expand...

I would imagine that the camera has some other (more efficient) way of transferring data to a computer besides HDMI out. Can you post the make and model of the camera?
 
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Steve Rimar

Member
Aug 28, 2010
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One is a Kodak ZX3 or Playsport. It has aMicro B/5-pin to USB to computer. It records and plays back on TV as 1080p or 720p.
 
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mfenn

Elite Member
Jan 17, 2010
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Steve Rimar said:
One is a Kodak ZX3 or Playsport. It has aMicro B/5-pin to USB to computer. It records and plays back on TV as 1080p or 720p.
Click to expand...

In that case, the best way to get the video off the camera is via USB. You'll get the raw video file and not have to worry about any kind of scaling or other such nonsense.

As for the computer, it sounds like a Dell like the Studio XPS 7100 will meet your needs just fine.
 
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Steve Rimar

Member
Aug 28, 2010
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I guess you don't think that I should build my own? I am not an AMD fan and that is what the Dell has.

Thanks
 
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darkewaffle

Diamond Member
Oct 7, 2005
8,152
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i5-750 $195
ASUS Mobo $130
4GB GSkill Eco RAM $95
1TB Spinpoint F3 $60 (w/ Coupon until 9/6)
Earthwatts 380w PSU + Antec 300 Case $85
ASUS CD/DVD burner $23
ASUS VH242H Display $180 AR

This Acer display also caught my eye as one worth considering. $200


Holy wtf, Asus has a ton of LGA1156 mobos, haha. Anyway, at just around $750-$800 that should be quite a capable system for your needs. Truthfully I don't know just how much of an impact a GPU would have on video editing, but there's budget for it if needed. Though throw in Windows7 and you're getting close to the $1000 mark, admittedly with a complete rig sans KB/mouse.

Also you may want more than 1TB of HDD space depending on just how much HD work you plan on doing. Perhaps more than 4GB of RAM also, but again it depends on how much/how often. Hobbyist, 4GB is fine. What kind of projects do you work on and how often?
 
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Steve Rimar

Member
Aug 28, 2010
61
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darkewaffle said:
Also you may want more than 1TB of HDD space depending on just how much HD work you plan on doing. Perhaps more than 4GB of RAM also, but again it depends on how much/how often. Hobbyist, 4GB is fine. What kind of projects do you work on and how often?
Click to expand...

I do a lot of video edition and rendering. I put slide shows together using still photos. I have several video and photo edit programs. I also scan and put to DVD old 35mm slides. (New scanner needed mine is old) I also use some GPS software to keep track of fishing spots in the Gulf.

I like your build as an excellent place to start. I have done a lot of my own replacement of harddrives and I don't like wires all over the place. Thats why I like the modular PSU's.
 
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darkewaffle

Diamond Member
Oct 7, 2005
8,152
1
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Unfortunately there's a real lack of quality low-mid power modular PSUs that aren't overpriced.

Actually, Newegg is currently running a promo deal on this Antec Neopower which makes it pretty reasonable. Another alternative are the low-power OCZ modxstream units; they're not amazing and some people will advise against it, but I've had two OCZ psus over the years and haven't had any trouble. Actually -I- managed to really damage the first one, haha, and OCZ's customer support was excellent to me.

And 6GB or 8GB of RAM would probably make your editing experience better, but I honestly can't say for sure. I've edited SD video once in my life. Probably best to get some more input.
 
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Steve Rimar

Member
Aug 28, 2010
61
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Thanks for the info.

I see COSTCO has a HP 350t on sale for $999.99 It looks good but not sure about the power supply or case.
 
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mfenn

Elite Member
Jan 17, 2010
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OEM cases and PSU's are generally functional if you don't plan to significantly overhaul the machine. As long as the specs are good for the price, it is fine.
 
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Steve Rimar

Member
Aug 28, 2010
61
0
0
Possible build from Newegg except for Ultra power supply.
Comments please....

Processor Intel Core i5-750 $194.99
Motherboard ASUS P7P55D-E LX LGA 1156 $134.99
Memory G.SKILL ECO Series 4GB $98.00
Hard drive Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS $87.99
Ultra X4 500-Watt Modular Power Supply (CompUSA) $89.99
Monitor ASUS VH222H Black 21.5" 5ms HDMI $149.99
DVD ASUS DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS $19.99
Case Cooler Master Haf RC-922M-KKN1-GP $89.99
Video Card SAPPHIRE 100296HDMI $89.98
Windows 7 Home Premium 64 OEM $99.99
Microsoft Office 2010 Home & Student 3-User $121.99
 
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mfenn

Elite Member
Jan 17, 2010
22,400
5
71
www.mfenn.com
Looks fine except for the PSU. This Antec 400W is only $30, has more than enough power for that system, and is higher quality.

You can also get an equivalent HDD for $60 and that GPU is showing as $58 AR for me.
 
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