New PC Spec

[Lunchbox]

I'm about to pull the trigger to buy this computer. I intend to use it for HD editing with the Matrox RTX2 card. So I need a kick ass spec... it's $2400. What do u think?

CPU: (Quad-Core)Intel® Core™ 2 Extreme QX6700 @ 2.66GHz 1066FSB 8MB L2 Cache EM64T [-194]
MOTHERBOARD: (Quad-Core Supports) Asus P5N32-E nForce 680i SLI Chipset LGA775 FSB1333 DDR2 Mainboard [+145]
MEMORY: (Req.DDR2 MainBoard)4GB (2x1GB) PC6400 DDR2/800 Dual Channel Memory (Corsair Value Select or Major Brand)
Case: CoolerMaster Stacker 830 Tower 420W Case W/ Side-panel Window
FLASHMEDIA: INTERNAL 12in1 Flash Media Reader/Writer (BLACK COLOR)
FAN: Vigor Gaming Monsoon II Lite CLT-M2LI LGA775 CPU Air Conditioner Cooling System (The Ultimate and Best CPU overclocking performance)
HDD: Single Hard Drive [-378] (500GB SATA-II 3.0Gb/s 16MB Cache 7200RPM HDD [+91])
NETWORK: ONBOARD 10/100 NETWORK CARD
POWERSUPPLY: 750 Watts Power Supplies [+120] (**Recommended** Thermaltake ToughPower 750W - Quad SLI Ready)
SOUND: HIGH DEFINITION ON-BOARD 7.1 AUDIO
SPEAKERS: NONE [-95]
USB: Built-in USB 2.0 Ports
VIDEO: ATI Radeon X1950XTX PCI-E x16 512MB VIDEO CARD [-298]

PRICE: (+2416)

[Dodgy Nick]

I'm about to pull the trigger to buy this computer. I intend to use it for HD editing with the Matrox RTX2 card. So I need a kick ass spec... it's $2400. What do u think?

CPU: (Quad-Core)Intel® Core™ 2 Extreme QX6700 @ 2.66GHz 1066FSB 8MB L2 Cache EM64T [-194]
MOTHERBOARD: (Quad-Core Supports) Asus P5N32-E nForce 680i SLI Chipset LGA775 FSB1333 DDR2 Mainboard [+145]
MEMORY: (Req.DDR2 MainBoard)4GB (2x1GB) PC6400 DDR2/800 Dual Channel Memory (Corsair Value Select or Major Brand)
Case: CoolerMaster Stacker 830 Tower 420W Case W/ Side-panel Window
FLASHMEDIA: INTERNAL 12in1 Flash Media Reader/Writer (BLACK COLOR)
FAN: Vigor Gaming Monsoon II Lite CLT-M2LI LGA775 CPU Air Conditioner Cooling System (The Ultimate and Best CPU overclocking performance)
HDD: Single Hard Drive [-378] (500GB SATA-II 3.0Gb/s 16MB Cache 7200RPM HDD [+91])
NETWORK: ONBOARD 10/100 NETWORK CARD
POWERSUPPLY: 750 Watts Power Supplies [+120] (**Recommended** Thermaltake ToughPower 750W - Quad SLI Ready)
SOUND: HIGH DEFINITION ON-BOARD 7.1 AUDIO
SPEAKERS: NONE [-95]
USB: Built-in USB 2.0 Ports
VIDEO: ATI Radeon X1950XTX PCI-E x16 512MB VIDEO CARD [-298]

PRICE: (+2416)

Kickass system Takster. I'd only change two things:

Get a proper soundcard. If you're editing, sound is as important as the video, and you need a high sampling card and a good pair of earphones.

HDD: Get two, one for your operating system and editing software, and one for your clips. Get 10000rpm for your main drive if possible.

Other than that, can't really fault it.

[Lunchbox]

Yeah I was thinking about the sound card too. It's $30 for Soundblaster Audigy SE.

For Harddrives, I already have a 3x500GB RAID-0 that I will plug in by myself.

The Matrox card is full length (13 inches long). That's another $1600 :(

[pascalbrown]

WAIT until 22nd July!!! New quad core chips with a new stepping that will be cheaper, run cooler, and overclock better!

And as for sound, stick with creative X-Fi or get the new Xonar card. Very good stuff...

[Lunchbox]

Yeah I know about that too. I will wait for another month. The QX6700 CPU will be replaced. I am paying the same but getting a higher clock rate CPU. Thanks for the note.

I'm wondering why is it necessary to get a high end sound card? I have been using my onboard sound for a couple of years. I don't have any issue.

[sp8ce07]

make sure you have proper backup capabilities.

[Lunchbox]

That's my backup setup. It is already in place for a few years.

[pascalbrown]

You may not have any issues with your onboard sound but believe me, you will notice an upgrade to a decent x-fi card. I am a bit of a music obsessive so I need decent quality and when I first heard this x-fi card I was really shocked at the sound it produced. Mind you, I do have rather huge speakers and a bi-amped setup so I can hear the difference between good and excellent very easily.

[Lunchbox]

Well, too bad.. I have nerve damage to my inner ears. I can't hear a lot of the high frequency. Enjoy your high fidelity sound.

Now Im' grumpy!

[pascalbrown]

oops. Sorry about that, but we both know it's the low frequencies that really matter! You don't need to "hear" those....

[Lunchbox]

That's okay... That happened 2 years ago. I was just sitting in front of my computer working. All of a sudden, my left ear go deaf... left with loud ringing. Now I have 20% left all low range. So I automatically get myself some extra bass boost. :)

[Mal]

Wow, very neat system, Taky!!

By the way: 750W? That's amazing; and I mean that in a simply technical way. 3/4 of a kW to run a "home" computer! :hv20-smilie153:
That's some serious stuff....

[Lunchbox]

That's freaking sweet but also freaking expensive. I am currently using Dell Dimension 9200 with Core2Duo. It choked a bit when I edit HDV. The biggest issue will be the Matrox RTX2 card that I'm going to buy. It requires a min of 500W power supply. I'm also intent to run 4x500 harddrives. Had to get a higher rating powersupply.

The card is also a full length PCI-e card of a total of almost 14" long. Have to get a full size tower for that.

[pascalbrown]

If you want a case recommendation, then I am very happy with my Thermaltake Eureka. It is BIG since it's supposed to be a bit of a home server. You have room for atleast 6 hard drives and that matrox graphics card will be swallowed up rather easily.

[Rocha]

Nice system. I wish I had that kind of budget. Dream on...

I would pay particular attention to the case and cooling. With 500 GB drives and a 750W power supply, this box will not run cool at all. Graphics card should have more than oem cooling. And both Sound and graphics cards reduce airflow. So the bigger the case the better. But this ads the challenge of controlling dust (intake filters - thus more powerful fans - leading to noisier case) and static. A great way of controlling this is an air conditionned room with stable humidity.

Boards, cards, and CPU's are easy to cool down. And if you burn one all you have lost is your pride and dollars. Burn a hard drive and...

[Murrelet]

I put in a X-Fi several months ago on my P4 that's finally back up and running (burned a mobo), and it gave me a boost in editing performance. I still have to use "EndItAll" for the old thing to edit HDV in Vegas 7e, but it does manage it. So maybe you will get a boost in performance if you can lessen the load on the cpu, by passing sound through the card.

I get some nice sound out of that card, and in stereo from the 20's onboard mics, even if they aren't the greatest.

Otherwise....I'm drooling....very nice specs....

[Lunchbox]

Murrelet, thank for the advice. I think I will go with the Soundblaster Audigy SE. It's one of the available option from the vendor I'm buying the computer from. I was offered some discount so it's good to buy from him too.

If anybody in the market of a new PC, I can hook you up so you can get a discount on certain deals. If you are interested, you can PM me.

[Rikki]

I'd recommend an M-Audio soundcard for super low latency ASIO drivers and a very low noise floor.

Got a cheap and cheerful Audiophile 24/96 here which is completely awesome to the point that I sometimes forget my amp is on when its connected up since there is no hiss at all.

R

[pascalbrown]

I'd say the Audigy SE is a waste of money over the onboard sound. The X-fi really revolutionised the soundcard market and if you're not going to purchase a card since the release of an x-fi then I would suggest saving your money.

[Numbox]

Yeah I was thinking about the sound card too. It's $30 for Soundblaster Audigy SE.

Why SE? Why not go for the full Audigy? It doesn't have to be PR, but SE always makes me doubt.

Also, get yourself a sweet SeaSonic (modular) power supply.

And, you might save some bucks buying a Gigabyte motherboard, don't know the correct model, DSP something, they're almost 50% cheaper and great overclockers. And they support DDR3.

And take a look at Antec P182, a great cool and quiet case. if you have money to burn, get a Lian Li case.

[Numbox]

I'd say the Audigy SE is a waste of money over the onboard sound. The X-fi really revolutionised the soundcard market and if you're not going to purchase a card since the release of an x-fi then I would suggest saving your money.

But, can you really hear the difference? I hate Crystalizer and all that fake BS.

[Lunchbox]

I only want to buy a sound card if it helps during the video editing process.

I'm looking at the M-Audio sound card Rikki recommended.

Thanks guys

[Murrelet]

Hi Taky,

I went for a Live Platinum sound card years ago as the really old P4 was locking up on some games when done through the on-board sound. Same was happening last winter on my just plain old P4 when I was editing in Pinnacle, so I put off any upgrading.

The X-Fi was making a name for itself, so when I was trying to edit HDV and it was burping and fluffing along I decided I would try an X-Fi as I could always pass it on to the next upgrade. It was the difference that made my P4 viable for a bit longer....I hope.... I didn't get it with the front panel, wish I had now, but I can add it as the pocketbook allows.

Great sound, and seems to help the CPU out, so I'm happy and would heartily recommend it. If I remember correctly, it wasn't too expensive, think it was cheaper than the Live card was all those years ago.

The Audigy was the card marketed in between these two. If you're going to have a new system why not put the latest sound card in? If it's a money issue I would go with the on-board and add the X-Fi, or whatever comes along, later.

I'm still drooling......

[Lunchbox]

Murrelet, your post is sensable. I think I can add the XiFi card. Here's the list of Xifi card the vendor offers

- Creative Labs SB X-Fi Xtreme Audio 24-BIT PCI Sound Card [+$64]
- Creative X-Fi XMOD USB External Sound Control [+73]
- Creative Labs X-Fi 24-BIT PCI Sound Card [+79]
- Creative Labs X-FI XtremeGamer 24-BIT PCI Sound Card [+89]
- Creative Labs X-FI XtremeGamer Fatal1ty Pro 24-BIT PCI Sound Card [+135]

I don't do game at all, and I have hearing loss of high frequency. I just want to buy a card helping the HDV editing process. Which one should I get?

Thanks

Taky

[Numbox]

Try M-Audioor Auzentech. Games are Creative's strongest selling points (EAX). The problem with creative is, and always has been, thei crapy drivers.

[Murrelet]

Hmmm....I've heard about their "crappy" drivers but I've never had a problem.

I use Creative as they are readily available everywhere at a reasonable price, and the X-Fi got great reviews, but numbox's suggestions are good ones, as hearing good sound is important to the process.

I worry more about the Catalyst drivers for my ATI card, really worry, the last batch had to be deleted, what a mess!!

Your issue with your hearing loss shouldn't affect your decision whether to have so-so sound vs. as good as you can afford. For if what you CAN hear is clear and precise, or surround, whatever, you will be happier with your finished product. And if like me, you let others watch what you've produced, on your computer system, then they can get the full benefit.

Remember it's your speaker system that is putting the sound out, the card is just the delivery van. So it won't do to invest in a great card if all you have is a cheap sound system. I have yet to purchase a good mic but the stereo sound I have gotten from the cam mic has given me several of those "Oh wow!" moments, so I'm looking forward to that addition. I'm just a newbie to Vegas, but the sound editing ability was a blast to play with.

As to which card to get, I would go and research it more and tailor that choice to your needs. I think you dismissed this aspect of the process because of your loss, but for precisely that reason I think you should invest in getting the best quality sound you can.

Have I said I'm still drooling......

[Numbox]

Here's a suggestion for a soundcard if you want great sound for very little money:

CHAINTECH AV-710 7.1 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16829120103)


For 22.99$ it seems like it should be worse than the onboard solution, but this card has been getting rave reviews everywhere.

There are a lot of threads about it over at hydrogenaudio. (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php)

User review (http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=75454)

[Numbox]

Hmmm....I've heard about their "crappy" drivers but I've never had a problem.


Lucky you. Don't get me wrong, hardware wise their products are great, but software wise they suck big time. I've always had problems with mine.

[Murrelet]

I've always built my machines since my old Kaypro 4 (CP/M OS) became extinct. Sound was always high on my list of wants and the Creative solution never let me down. Your right, I was lucky.

Graphics cards however are another story, my misery department 10 fold.... I was going through boxes of old components the other day looking for a 9 pin adapter. I came across my old Diamond Stealth graphics board, that made me laugh, traveled all the way down to a little shop in Seattle years and years ago, as it was the only place close enough to get the 'gotta have it now' wonder board. My contemporaries were amazed, and that was the last board I haven't had any trouble with.....

[SGI]

I am currently using Dell Dimension 9200 with Core2Duo. It choked a bit when I edit HDV.

Do you mind telling me which Core2Duo your system has? and how much memory. Because I just bought myself a Dimension 9200 for HDV editing and is a little worry now

-=SGI=-

[Lunchbox]

I ended up tweaked my new PC spec and get the following

CASE: CoolerMaster Stacker 830 Tower 420W Case W/ Side-panel Window
CPU: (Quad-Core)Intel® Core™ 2 Extreme QX6850 @ 3.00GHz 1333FSB 8MB L2 Cache 64-bit
MOTHERBOARD: (Quad-Core FSB1333) Asus P5N32-E nForce 680i SLI Chipset LGA775 FSB1333 DDR2 Mainboard
MEMORY: (Req.DDR2 MainBoard)4GB (4x1GB) PC6400 DDR2/800 Dual Channel Memory (Corsair Value Select or Major Brand)
VIDEO CARD: PowerColor X1950Pro PCI-E x16 512MB Video Card
HARD DRIVE 1: 250GB Dual boot XP and Vista Ultimate
HARD DRIVE 2: 30)GB for personal data
RAID-0: 3x500GB SATA-300 for video editing
SOUND: Creative Labs SB X-Fi Xtreme Audio 24-BIT PCI Sound Card

After installing XP Pro, the system reports only 3.25GB RAM on board. A 32-bit OS can access only 4GB ram including video ram and other stuff. But the, the problem is the system becomes very unstable. Asus web site also mentioned the motherboard may get unstable using 4GB ram. I removed 1GB and now the system rocks.

When Vista becomes my main OS, I will install that extra 1GB ram back to the system.

[Numbox]

I still haven't heard of one thing that would even make me consider switching to Vista. XP Rocks :hv20-smilie31:

[Grungir]

OK, I just ordered an HV20 :)
Here is my current gaming computer:

Mobo: Asus Crosshair nForce 590 SLI
Proc: AMD Athlon 64 X2 4600+ (Windsor 2.4GHz)
RAM: 4GB Crucial Ballistix DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)
VCard: GeForce FX 7900 (256MB)
Audio: Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeMusic
HDD: 2x250GB SATA (JBOD)
I have well over a Terrabyte of storage on my 'server' computer so storage isnt an issue.

I am assuming this will have enough HP to edit HD video... any concerns?


first post BTW! :D
Great forum

[Grungir]

After re-reading my post I guess I didnt make it clear what information I wanted. I have never done any sort of video editing, let alone HD. Would the PC I posted above be clunky or slow when editing? Is the majority of the work processor dependent? I built it last year and I could probably throw a different chip in there if it would help. Any suggestions on changes I could make or experience using a similarly equipped PC would be greatly appreciated. :D
It is running WinXP Pro MCE.

[dr jones]

that's killer dude.


i have a similar setup but not quite as good as yours. i can edit MT2 HD footage in vegas without any hiccups, it's as smooth as butter. i don't even need to compress the MT2 files to edit. it's great.



2gb DDR2 ram
asus p5n-e SLI motherboard
C2D 6600 2.4 ghz
7900gs
creative x-fi platinum
300gb hd

[Ian-T]

that's killer dude.


i have a similar setup but not quite as good as yours. i can edit MT2 HD footage in vegas without any hiccups, it's as smooth as butter. i don't even need to compress the MT2 files to edit. it's great.



2gb DDR2 ram
asus p5n-e SLI motherboard
C2D 6600 2.4 ghz
7900gs
creative x-fi platinum
300gb hdHey Dr...when you say it;s smooth as butter is that withmultiple M2t files on the timeline? I get slower and slower performance with multiple M2T files especially when I start adding color correctors and other filters. It drives me nuts. By the way...my setup is basically the same as yours but I also have over a Terabyte of hard drive space.

[Grungir]

that's killer dude.


i have a similar setup but not quite as good as yours. i can edit MT2 HD footage in vegas without any hiccups, it's as smooth as butter. i don't even need to compress the MT2 files to edit. it's great.



2gb DDR2 ram
asus p5n-e SLI motherboard
C2D 6600 2.4 ghz
7900gs
creative x-fi platinum
300gb hd

Awesome. Thanks for the info. I hope that 2nd 2GB of memory comes in handy. Buy.com is running a special (2GB for $49 after the rebate) so I figured now is as good a time as any to double up. I think the newegg price on that ram was $240 when I bought the first 2 sticks last year (it also had a good rebate of $100)

[lwm99]

that's killer dude.


i have a similar setup but not quite as good as yours. i can edit MT2 HD footage in vegas without any hiccups, it's as smooth as butter. i don't even need to compress the MT2 files to edit. it's great.



2gb DDR2 ram
asus p5n-e SLI motherboard
C2D 6600 2.4 ghz
7900gs
creative x-fi platinum
300gb hd
Main reason could be you have a fast CPU, which is most important to Vegas.

[maz1989]

i would personally just get the q6600, cheaper and u can overclock it to around 3-3.2ghz easily with air cooling.

if u get 4gb of ram, u will need either xp or vista 64bit version otherwise it wont take full advantage of the 4gbs...

[Grungir]

Awesome! I just put the 2nd 2GB of RAM in my system and I find out that WinXP wont recognize any more than 3GB :(
Looks like i have to go to the 64bit version or Vista... double :(

maz,
I ordered it before your post. I wish I would have researched it first.

[Numbox]

Here's my new setup:

Antec P182B
Gigabyte P35-DS4 Rev1.1
Intel Q6600 G0
3GB Kingmax DDR2 6400 (will add 1GB more just for fun :hv20-smilie84: )
SEASONIC 430W, S12II-430(430HB), 80 PLUS Series, Super Silent
2X320.0 GB HITACHI Deskstar GST, Serial ATA II 3.0, 16 MB cache, 7200RPM
Sapphire Radeon HD2600XT 256MB DDR3


I'm a happy camper now :hv20-smilie81: :hv20-smilie79: :hv20-smilie64: :hv20-smilie31: :hv20-smilie84: