System Upgrade / Partial New Build..

[hboogz]

I have to admint, i've "fallen" off considerably on the hardware front.

This coming from someone whose first "rig" consisted of an Intel i815 chipset with 512mb of RAM, 40 GB 7200 RPM IDE drive 8x CD/RW Plextor burner, you get the drift.

I'm a networking junkie and haven't really had the time to keep up, but a friend is looking to upgrade and i know the good folks at anandtech can give us a hand: :heart:

• 
  
  Antec NeoPower 650 Blue 650W Power Supply <---stil being questioned
  Item #:N82E16817371010
  
  
  Western Digital Caviar SE16 640GB 3.5" SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
  Item #:N82E16822136218
  
  CORSAIR XMS3 DHX 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory
  Item #: N82E16820145200
  Return Policy: Memory (Modules, USB) Return Policy
  
  
  Intel BOXDX48BT2 DDR3 ATX Intel Motherboard
  Item #: N82E16813121338
  
  
  Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 2.83GHz LGA 775 95W Quad-Core Processo
  Item #: N82E16819115041
  Return Policy: Processors (CPUs) Return Policy
  

For starters, i probably see a problem with getting an Intel motherboard these days. Unless you're an IT shop standardizing on corporate workstations, i really don't think they provide the most bang for the buck, but i could, and probably, am wrong.

So here goes the post requirements:

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1) The computer will be used for editing videos, large and small videos using Adobe Premier, Flash. It will also be used for the myriad of Adobe imaging and video based tools.

2) The budget i have allocated is not to exceed USD $1000

3) USA

4) I don't have a real brand preference except when it comes to CPU -- must be an Intel. What trips me up is whether there are some dual cores that could outperfom any quad-cores. Common sense tells me no, but i am not certain.

5) I plan on keeping the case, which i really don't know what it is.

6) kinda perused some of the threads but nothing real detalied.

7) no overclocking here

8) hopefully within the next month.


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looking forward to hearing all your comments.

Cheers,

 

[disports]

For one, I would probably get the Corsair 650TX. Second, I would probably go with DDR2 ram and a motherboard that supports it such as Asus P5Q Pro or Gigabyte EP45-DS3L. I'm assuming you're going with onboard video? You could probably get a decent video card also.

 

[MichaelD]

I'll second the Corsair PS recommendation.

Since you're not overclocking, you cannot go wrong with an Intel board and that is a very nice board. Also, most newer video/photo editing software is SMP aware; the more cores the better. For this machine, stick with the quad-core CPU.

Though DDR3 memory and motherboards are much more expensive than their DDR2 counterparts, this system will be more future-proof than a DDR2 machine.

Being that the box will primarily be used for media work, you need a second hard drive. Not a bigger primary drive; a SECOND drive. The second drive will be used as the scratch disk/working disk for the editing programs. Just get two of the drive you've already picked out; it's a good drive.

Looks very nice. Go for it.

 

[hboogz]

Thanks for the looks and the suggestions.

Questions:

I'm sorry, but actually there is an existing video card. But i'd defintely entertain a new video card if i can stay in or around $1000 USD overall.

The second drive recommendation --- would i put that in a RAID 0 array ? or are you recommending 2 separate drives: 1 for the OS program installs, 2 for files to be accessed ?

 

[MichaelD]

The latter option. 2 physically separate drives, not raided or mirrored. Keep the OS and programs on the first disk like normal. Use the second disk as the "scratch" or "working disk." In programs like Adobe Premier and Sony Vegas, there are settings to specify source and destination disks/partitions. Rendering will be much faster that way.

I think you're far enough under $1K to budget for a new video card. No point in weighing down that very fast, new system with a 1-ton boat anchor of an old video card. Something in the $150 or less range work very well. 9800GT or Radeon 4850 would add quite a bit of capability to the machine.

 

[DSF]

A 4850 is way more than you need for a computer that's not playing games. A 4670 would do you just fine, and even that might be overspending.

 

[Denithor]

Q9550 $320
ASUS P5Q Pro $120AR
Mushkin 2x2GB DDR2-800 $50AR -and- Mushkin 2x2GB DDR2-800 $50AR
2x WD6400AAKS $150
ASUS 4670 $78AR (integrated HDMI port)
Antec Sonata III + EA500 ~$100 shipped
Liteon DVD burner $23
Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit OEM $99

Total: $990AR

Gives you a very fast processor, plenty of storage space (1.2TB - spread across two drives as recommended above), lots of RAM (8GB) and an OS that can use it. The case is quite nice and the Earthwatts 500W PSU included is top-notch, easily able to handle this setup. Your friend will be amazed with the fast & quiet performance.

 

[hboogz]

wow -

You're going to make me whip out my credit card!

The case alone is a pretty sweet deal..

What's the possibility of these items being reduced even further come black friday ?

I probably run the risk these items running out of stock.

 

[Denithor]

"'Scuse me, while I whip this out!"

Oops...that's probably copyright infringement or something. Couldn't resist though.

Chances are you could beat these prices slightly at BF but there are no guarantees, either that prices will be better and/or that there will be inventory of a particular item.

Note that you could cut the cost significantly if you utilize the Microsoft cashback deal + eBay for the higher cost items (cpu specifically). If you decide your friend doesn't need quite this much power you could trim back to an e8400 @ $165 and save $155 while still providing a really fast system.