PC Build

[AniP]

Hi,

I will be purchasing a PC next month for mainly video editing and after effects work. I have some experience in the matter but just want a senior confirmation on the matter of the build. I also do love playing a few AAA games once in a while.

Here is the build:

1 x Zotac GeForce GTX 780 Ti AMP! 1072MHZ 3GB 7.2GHZ GDDR5 2xDVI HDMI DisplayPort PCI-E Video Card
1 x Intel Core i7 4930K 6 Core 3.4GHZ (3.9GHZ Turbo) 12MB Hyperthreading LGA2011 Processor No HSF
1 x Corsair Cooling Hydro Series H100I CPU Cooler System LGA1150 1155 1156 1366 2011 AM2 AM3 FM1 & FM2
1 x Gigabyte GA-X79-UP4 ATX LGA2011 X79 DDR3 4PCI-E16 2PCI-E1 PCI SLI SATA3 USB3.0 Mother *IR-$10.00*
1 x Mushkin Redline DDR3 UDIMM 4X8GB 32GB PC3-14900 1.5V 9-10-9-27 Quad Memory Kit Frostbyte
1 x Thermaltake Level 10 GT Black E-ATX Modular Tower Case 4X5.25 1X3.5 5X3.5INT No PS Front USB3.0
1 x Corsair Professional Series HX750 750W ATX Modular 80PLUS Gold Power Supply PFC 140mm Fan
1 x Bitfenix BFA-ACL-30RK15-RP Alchemy LED Connect Lit Strip 30CM 15 LEDs - Red
1 x ASUS PA248Q 24.1IN Widescreen LED Backlit ips LCD Monitor 1920X1200 6MS 80M:1 HDMI DVI DisplayPort
1 x Microsoft Windows 8.1 64Bit English DVD OEM for NCIX PC
1 x Samsung 840 Evo Series MZ-7TE500BW 500GB 2.5in SATA III Internal SSD Single Unit Version
1 x Seagate Barracuda 2TB 7200RPM SATA3 64MB Cache 3.5in Internal Hard Drive
1 x ASUS BC-12B1ST Internal 12X Blu-Ray Reader & 16X DVD Writer Combo Drive SATA OEM
1 x Logitech Z313 2.1 25W Speaker System With Headphone Jack Control Pod & Compact Subwoofer



Overall cost (including 2 years on site warranty) is $4000 CAD
Being purchased in Canada.
Few essential are higher core cpu for video editing work, a gpu with high cuda core count again for video editing and colour grading and an SSD with options for many extra hd slots on the MB and chasis for future HD addons for scratch disks etc. Last but one of the most important is some sort of warranty service. As I have consistent work I am unable to wait days for parts to be sent out and received in case of faults/hardware failures. A good service or warranty system is very important here. I have a backup mid/high end laptop for those days but because that laptop is now unable to handle larger timelines from many of the pro camera footage therefore this new PC purchase.

The monitor chosen (ASUS PA248Q 24.1IN) is for professionals mainly as it supports full spetcrum sRGB and 98% Adobe RGB. Any other alternatives to a similar or better IPS panel within the budget would be helpful.

If there's anything I should change please let me know. Any info on the matter is appreciated.

 

[Termie]

Have you actually seen evidence of high cuda core counts significantly contributing to video/photo work? You're spending an incredible amount on that 780 Ti, so you should be sure of what you're doing here. As far as I've seen, there are significant diminishing returns for cards over $100.

Also, do not buy the H100i for professional work. You honestly shouldn't be overclocking with your work flow, and a high-quality air cooler will be much quieter. Noctua has several to choose from.

Other than that, the system looks very good.

 

[AniP]

Have you actually seen evidence of high cuda core counts significantly contributing to video/photo work? You're spending an incredible amount on that 780 Ti, so you should be sure of what you're doing here. As far as I've seen, there are significant diminishing returns for cards over $100.

Also, do not buy the H100i for professional work. You honestly shouldn't be overclocking with your work flow, and a high-quality air cooler will be much quieter. Noctua has several to choose from.

Other than that, the system looks very good.

Yes higher cuda core for softwares like Premiere Pro CS6, Da Vinci Resolve are now the norm. Resolve even allows a second card just for the UI of the software but I wont spend for that. Resolve wont even run without a cuda card. I could have picked a Quadro but the higher cuda ones are ridiculously overpriced and they are more for CAD. Higher cuda is useful when using ever increasing layers of masks and effects on Resolve. Is Zotac Amp edition good? I'm concerned as most of the time I hear MSI, ASUS, EVGA etc

Regarding cooling you are right. I wont be overclocking as it may cause issues and I cant risk a feature project. My reason for H100i was just to keep it cool as editing, compression softwares are very cpu dependent and as I'm always scrubbing through clips they have an erratic effect on cpus. Sometimes jumping to high , mid low etc. Higher core is good but I just want to keep it cool. Especially as I use it for long hours. Many a times rendering out cpu only, luckily premiere uses gpu rendering too.

Is water cooling the cpu overkill here? I am concerned about this especially when using Red footage and some compressed formats.


Another thing I want to ask. Is multi booting to a mac os possible on this? I know many who have built this so called 'Hackintosh.' I have an old mac I used for FCP but now I am unable to do much with that. Using mainly Avid and Premiere on windows. FCP option would be amazing for certain clients.

Looking at the 2 links on your sig.

 

[Termie]

Thanks for the clarification - I wasn't familiar with the Resolve application. So, in that case, the 780 Ti is probably a good choice.

Given that you'd be using the 780 Ti for professional work and want a good warranty, I'd recommend EVGA. Their customer service is second to none, and they'll replace a GPU with almost no questions asked. I know at least a few e-tailers in Canada carry EVGA, and EVGA's customer service should be as good in Canada as it is in the US.

The H100i will have no trouble cooling your CPU, but it is loud. If you work right beside your computer all day long, you may not appreciate the noise. Noctua's new NH-D15 achieves similar performance with almost no noise, but it is large and heavy, so hopefully you don't ship your computer around much.

Others will have to help you with the multi-boot option - I don't have any experience with that.

 

[aigomorla]

Can i ask why ur getting a Zotac Brand GPU?
Not that there is anything wrong with them, however, they would not be the first pick on my vendor list.
Id recommend u looking at EVGA, ASUS, or Gigabyte before you look at a Zotac GPU.

Again, not that there is anything bad with Zotac, however should something happen, EVGA and ASUS have faster RMA turn over times, and even offer Advance RMA replacement should something happen.


Also the Thermaltake lvl10 is package of "sigh"...
I know it looks cool and all, but its horrible case honestly, where they aimed at bling before function.
It looks like the designer is a Star Trek fan and wanted to BORG out a case, where he failed horribly.

There are a lot of better cases for cheaper, or a bit more which offer a much better construction and functionality.
Ie... Sound dampening Materials, better fan placement, built in fan controllers...

Seeing how you like the LED effect, the NZXT H440 might fit your build better and is also cheaper.
http://www.nzxt.com/product/detail/143-h440-performance-mid-tower.html
However this unit does not offer any 5 1/4 inch bays, and you would probably need to get a USB3.0 Blue-ray Writter.

Another Case would be the Fractal Design XL or R4.

Another thing I want to ask. Is multi booting to a mac os possible on this? I know many who have built this so called 'Hackintosh.' I have an old mac I used for FCP but now I am unable to do much with that. Using mainly Avid and Premiere on windows. FCP option would be amazing for certain clients.

Looking at the 2 links on your sig.

This is easy.. you basically install windows on 1 SSD, and OSX on another SSD.
So you would need 2 SSD's.
Then go into bios and set HDD Priority on whatever OS you need.

So if you need to go on Windows... you set the SSD which has windows on higher Priority, and vice versa.
Or you can buy the same SSD, and just move the SATA cable from 1 SSD to the other manually.
This would effectively disconnect whatever OS was on that sata cable and change it the OS you wanted.
Of course you need to shut down your PC in order to do this.

 

[AniP]

Cool both of you mention EVGA. I'm sold there. Evga it is then

I chose Zotac because it was overclocked both base clock/boost and memory clock to 7.2 and had three fans. Reviews showed it performed better than most of the other brands and also ran cooler. The few other that were also overclocked like Evga superclocked were anywhere from $50 to $100 expensive. I dont know too much about the brand differences honestly but I take your both words for it. Also EVGA comes up in topics most of the time.

@aigomorla Thank you for discussing the Thermaltake case. I had a bit of doubt on that. I was interested on the easy hard drive removal modules it provided and the overall fancy look but again I prefer function over flash more. Just thought something cool looking with all this budget would be a nice finishing touch.

Can you please recommend/link me to any cases that are well thought out and pretty decent on the eyes?

@Termie

Glad you understand my silence requirements. I have definitely misunderstood water cooling noise. I have never bought a watercooled cpu kit before and merely assumed they would be quiet. Weight is not a big concern as long as its not too expensive. Looking into it.

Thx for all the replies. Awesome. I'm considering all you have said

Looking at aigomorla water cooling link on sig


One of my replies didnt show up unfortunately. Re writing.

Just a query on the OS X situation. If I do install another ssd, can both OS's access the single 2 TB Drive? ExFat format will allow general access but can Mac do something to it that might affect windows access or vice versa?

Regarding cases I forgot to mention that I have some essentials in the port requirements.

Atleast one of each need to be accessible: e-sata, 1394a/b, hdmi, dvi, display port, usb 3.0, mic/headphone and the usuals. The NZXT H440 is a superb cae but I couldnt find the ports that I need mentioned. Actually I had a tough time finding cases a few days ago and the ports were the main issue.

When they mention ports on the cases page is it just for the front or is that all that particular case can give access to ?

 

[AniP]

@aigmorla

Nice. Simple enough.

In my setup I have 1 500gb ssd and 1 2tb seagate

Lets say I do install another ssd for OS X, can that OS X access the 2tb seagate and then again switch to the windows SSD and access the same 2 TB Seagate?

I know that ExFat format works on both mac and windows, my only concern is compatibilty. Or will I need another Hard disk for Mac. I dont mind adding another as I normally using quite a few Gtech externals (each for a single dedicated project), its just nice being able to access clips and projects from 1 organized disk for smaller projects and general commonly used data, music sample, clips etc.


The NZXT H440 Case does seem very neat. Will it house an extra graphics card for the future? At some point in the future I may add a quadro (for 10 bit displays) depending on project demands.

 

[Termie]

...

Regarding cases I forgot to mention that I have some essentials in the port requirements.

Atleast one of each need to be accessible: e-sata, 1394a/b, hdmi, dvi, display port, usb 3.0, mic/headphone and the usuals. The NZXT H440 is a superb cae but I couldnt find the ports that I need mentioned. Actually I had a tough time finding cases a few days ago and the ports were the main issue.

When they mention ports on the cases page is it just for the front or is that all that particular case can give access to ?

Most of those ports will be on the motherboard I/O panel. The only one that won't, because it's essentially obsolete, is 1394. You'll probably need to get an add-in PCIe card to provide that port option. There are some cases with 1394, including the Corsair 500R that I have, but motherboards don't even provide a header for 1394 anymore, so the port goes entirely unused.

And don't worry too much about the other ports on the front of the case - most will only provide USB 2.0 and/or 3.0 along with mic/headphone. You'd never have video out on the case, and it's very unlikely you'll find a case with eSATA.

 

[AniP]

Most of those ports will be on the motherboard I/O panel. The only one that won't, because it's essentially obsolete, is 1394. You'll probably need to get an add-in PCIe card to provide that port option. There are some cases with 1394, including the Corsair 500R that I have, but motherboards don't even provide a header for 1394 anymore, so the port goes entirely unused.

And don't worry too much about the other ports on the front of the case - most will only provide USB 2.0 and/or 3.0 along with mic/headphone. You'd never have video out on the case, and it's very unlikely you'll find a case with eSATA.

Awesome.


The H440 NZXT it is.

The Noctua NH-D15 seems just right

What do you think of the Gigabyte motherboard?

Any issues?

 

[mfenn]

As I have consistent work I am unable to wait days for parts to be sent out and received in case of faults/hardware failures. A good service or warranty system is very important here.

Given this requirement, no self-built machine is going to meet your needs unless you buy your own spares. Even the best warranty service is going to be 3+ days to get an RMA and send you a new part. If you need same/next day parts and don't want to keep your own spare pool (totally understandable), then you need to look at a workstation from one of the big OEMs. I am partial to Dell Precisions myself.

 

[DominionSeraph]

Given this requirement, no self-built machine is going to meet your needs unless you buy your own spares. Even the best warranty service is going to be 3+ days to get an RMA and send you a new part. If you need same/next day parts and don't want to keep your own spare pool (totally understandable), then you need to look at a workstation from one of the big OEMs. I am partial to Dell Precisions myself.

Mhmm, but I'm seeing things here that are going to be $$$ going OEM which may very well make it worthwhile for him to go the spare part route. Dell wants $1.50/GB for SSDs, and I don't even see that they offer the K6000. The K5000 is a GK104 and a $1500 option. I'm looking at a Precision T3610 specced out like his at $4933, when this is $2800. (With Windows)

If his software license allows it, an option could be to build a cheap backup rig. Something like a FX 8320 with 16GB and a 750Ti can be put together for $800 CDN.

But anyway, considering the price he quoted and said it came with 2 year on-site, I don't think he gave us a self-built.

(E: that hex core build has gone up by $100 since yesterday)

 

[aigomorla]

Just a query on the OS X situation. If I do install another ssd, can both OS's access the single 2 TB Drive? ExFat format will allow general access but can Mac do something to it that might affect windows access or vice versa?

this is something u would probably have to ask on the mac section as i am not familiar with OSx.

UEFI typically boots up the drive which has a boot sector on it.

just make sure when u install windows 7/8 disconnect the 2TB drive and then reattch it after windows is setup, or you may end up getting the OS installed on the C drive, and the bootup partition on the 2TB.

 

[AniP]

Mhmm, but I'm seeing things here that are going to be $$$ going OEM which may very well make it worthwhile for him to go the spare part route. Dell wants $1.50/GB for SSDs, and I don't even see that they offer the K6000. The K5000 is a GK104 and a $1500 option. I'm looking at a Precision T3610 specced out like his at $4933, when this is $2800. (With Windows)

If his software license allows it, an option could be to build a cheap backup rig. Something like a FX 8320 with 16GB and a 750Ti can be put together for $800 CDN.

But anyway, considering the price he quoted and said it came with 2 year on-site, I don't think he gave us a self-built.

Yup its not a self built. Non eof this will I handle myself physically. I chose the parts on NCIX. They provide on site warranty which works for me. I have a backup Alienware laptop which I purchased quite a few years ago but just about gets by on larger edits. Fortunately the laptop still has 1 year warranty remaining in the 5 yrs.

Yes it is extremely expensive going the workstation way via big name brands. This will not happen If I dont go custom. Also the workstation setups favour CAD a lot. The Quadro K6000 has same cuda core as Gtx 780ti just with added double precision and driver optimisations for CAD but costs a whopping $4737 CAD as compared to $800 for gtx 780 ti. Most applications on the video production front use cuda cores, faster cpus with more cores and large amounts of ram (30 seconds sequence can fill up 8 gb ram before you can batter an eyelid, 64 gigs seem sane here)

I like how you found a slightly cheaper version of this build DominionSeraph minus the monitor and few extras. Will 650 W PSU be enough? I plan on adding a low/mid end Quadro in the future. I will be running tests on a professional post house here with 10 bit displays n such. If work demands require then some day I may have to add that card in and get a 10 bit pro display.

 

[AniP]

Given this requirement, no self-built machine is going to meet your needs unless you buy your own spares. Even the best warranty service is going to be 3+ days to get an RMA and send you a new part. If you need same/next day parts and don't want to keep your own spare pool (totally understandable), then you need to look at a workstation from one of the big OEMs. I am partial to Dell Precisions myself.

Some producers are understanding. Last year I had fans fail on me and waited upto 3 days for Dell to come home and fix it. Sometimes turn arounds need to be quick and this becomes an issue.

Luckily I do have some sort of backup at the moment but yes you understand my situation perfectly. If only I had that extra for spares but hoping it oesnt come to it.

Currently I am looking to build a powerful build that is as less glitchy and reliable as can be. Thus was concerned about motherboard as many a times I have heard they need to be flashed etc.

Fortunate that most editing work is based on project data which can be saved on a another drive and the cloud and can then easily be accessed on another setup which I have here. Also the footage is again on a completely different backup which also now can easily link to another setup.

If you feel any of the part selections feel like they have a bad rep/bad review plz point them out.

I have switched out the hydro cooler for NH-D15, the case is NZXT H440 atm but may switch out for one that supports optical drives.

 

[AniP]

Have 3 case options.

http://www.nzxt.com/product/detail/95-phantom-410-mid-tower-case BLACK AND ORANGE


http://www.corsair.com/en/carbide-series-air-540-silver-edition-high-airflow-atx-cube-case WHITE

http://www.inwin-style.com/en/goods.php?act=view&id=904


First preference is Corsair Carbide 540, among the three.

 

[aigomorla]

Have 3 case options.

http://www.nzxt.com/product/detail/95-phantom-410-mid-tower-case BLACK AND ORANGE


http://www.corsair.com/en/carbide-series-air-540-silver-edition-high-airflow-atx-cube-case WHITE

http://www.inwin-style.com/en/goods.php?act=view&id=904


First preference is Corsair Carbide 540, among the three.

the carbide is a nice case, however its very wide... its not very transportation friendly.

The NZXT isnt the H440, so i wouldnt have any idea.
The H440 is currently known as the Fractal Define's R4 killer.

The other case i recommended is this guy:
http://www.fractal-design.com/home/product/cases/define-series/define-r4-black-pearl

fractal makes excellent cases, and this year alone, i know of a lot of people who gotten them, and love them for there functionality.

 

[AniP]

the carbide is a nice case, however its very wide... its not very transportation friendly.

The NZXT isnt the H440, so i wouldnt have any idea.
The H440 is currently known as the Fractal Define's R4 killer.

The other case i recommended is this guy:
http://www.fractal-design.com/home/product/cases/define-series/define-r4-black-pearl

fractal makes excellent cases, and this year alone, i know of a lot of people who gotten them, and love them for there functionality.

Love the look of the H440 but it doesnt have an space for optical drive. Also have concerns about the front fan. Do we need to keep the front door open to have the front to back airflow to work?

I had almost settled on it but atm im still shuffling. If I get something even close to the looks and performance of the H440 I will pick it up. Fractal Deisgn R4 looks a bit bland and the cooling seems a bit sacrificed for sound.
Not sure here.

I think what I'm going for are:

1. Good cooling
2. Fairly quiet
3. Anywhere between good to premium look and feel. (very subjective but I guess there must be a bad looking limit)
4. Definitely window with led lights.


Hard to find cases



Also can you recommend me any UPS in case of power outages/spikes etc. I'm not sure of the right kind of UPS for this build.

 

[aigomorla]

the h440 doesnt require you to have the front open to pull in air.
it pulls it though the side grills.
Not having 5 1/4 bays is a design flaw on this case if you require them.
However this is why i said a USB3.0 optical drive would be a solution.

The cooling on a R4 isnt sacrificed either, those 2 cases have great cooling potential only second to a Coolermaster HAF type case.
However Coolermaster HAFs offer no sound insulation.

I like Cyberpower UPS. They are great for the price / value point.
With your system spec you will probably need a 1300VA or a 1500VA unit.

 

[mfenn]

But anyway, considering the price he quoted and said it came with 2 year on-site, I don't think he gave us a self-built.

Good call, I missed that part since it was separated from the parts list.

 

[AniP]

the h440 doesnt require you to have the front open to pull in air.
it pulls it though the side grills.
Not having 5 1/4 bays is a design flaw on this case if you require them.
However this is why i said a USB3.0 optical drive would be a solution.

The cooling on a R4 isnt sacrificed either, those 2 cases have great cooling potential only second to a Coolermaster HAF type case.
However Coolermaster HAFs offer no sound insulation.

I like Cyberpower UPS. They are great for the price / value point.
With your system spec you will probably need a 1300VA or a 1500VA unit.

Yep I do own an external blu ray writer thats why I had considered the NZXT H440. Looks pretty sweet too. Now I'm juggling between the Carbide 540 and H440.

Cyberpower do seem to be relatively cheap and have good reviews. Thx.

 

[AniP]

Change of plans for the graphics card.

Gtx 880/870 out this Oct/Nov. Rumours claim it to have a very high cuda count and higher vram.

I may go for a cheap Gtx 760 meantime.


Hopefully the Gtx 880 will support the current motherboards. Waiting on more info in the coming days

 

[bradly1101]

I'm using a 4930K in that board with a Nuctua NH-U12 S. She stays cool and quiet in a Corsair 550D.

 

[mfenn]

Change of plans for the graphics card.

Gtx 880/870 out this Oct/Nov. Rumours claim it to have a very high cuda count and higher vram.

I may go for a cheap Gtx 760 meantime.


Hopefully the Gtx 880 will support the current motherboards. Waiting on more info in the coming days

The GTX 880 will definitely work in a current generation motherboard. There's no new PCIe spec on the horizon.

Honestly though, I always question the soundness of making decisions based on rumored specs of unreleased, unannounced hardware. You're going to be disappointed more often than not. At the very best, you're going to inflate the price of that unreleased high-end card by another $250, which can negatively impact the value proposition.

 

[aigomorla]

i take back my recommendation on the H440.

after building with one... its not something for a build this massive.

 

[AniP]

i take back my recommendation on the H440.

after building with one... its not something for a build this massive.

Was a bit doubtful after seeing a video review where the Noctua d15 was almost touching the side window. Decent case but that looked cramped.