Technical Computer Help Needed Please

[Toby]

your computer will behave depending on the configuration you had on it. and even an amd athlon processor can handle all these applications that I've mentioned before.

video editing has different priorities than your applications. they need okay cpu speeds, some ram, not much space. video editing needs the computer to provide huge bandwith, both memory and hdd, and anslo needs high end cpu & gpu. you definitely wouldn't want a pentium 4 or athlon.

And yeah AMD is the best. That's what I have.

Yeah, obviously this generalisation is absolutely true and hugely useful. moving on

I was reading up on the manufacturer's website and its highly recommended to purchase a qualified computer rather than a custom built unless you really know what you're doing. I need to look into it more but the chance of a custom PC isn't looking so good right now.

No, on the contrary, the pc you were building should work fine. okay, so maybe you want a Quadro instead of a Geforce, but other than that, your configuration will provide adequate speed and bandwidth.

they only say this to make you buy a custom pc from them or their partners. if you know someone who can help you out with the quatro and building it, why shouldn't it work?

 

[Spawn Camp3r]

The application I will be running is Avid Media Composer. It's a professional editing software that is used in Hollywood movies. I already know about the external hard drives, I have a 500 gb and will continue getting more for all of my media.

I was reading up on the manufacturer's website and its highly recommended to purchase a qualified computer rather than a custom built unless you really know what you're doing. I need to look into it more but the chance of a custom PC isn't looking so good right now.

DON'T WORRY, building a PC is almost always better, If you have friend or someone you know to help you that would be great if not there are a few really good you tubes from intel and amd. the hard part will be the OS I needed help on that one. But it is very strait forward, all a brand name computer can do is give you a labor fee. however if you MUST get a brand name go for alien ware, they have the most powerful/customizable PC available. you also might look into cyber pc and other custom shops. trust me a custom can handle avid.

 

[Thundertotum]

ok for a pc case you can't beat an Raimax

RAIDMAX AZTEC ATX-619WB530P Black / Silver 1.0mm SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Foldout MB Computer Case With 530W Modular LED Power Supply - here

little more then the case you have but it has great air flow, toolless access, biult in power supply, cool look

or the same case with out the PSU
RAIDMAX AZTEC ATX-619WU Black/ Silver 1.0mm SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Foldout MB Computer Case - here

 

[Spawn Camp3r]

ok for a pc case you can't beat an Raimax

RAIDMAX AZTEC ATX-619WB530P Black / Silver 1.0mm SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Foldout MB Computer Case With 530W Modular LED Power Supply - here

little more then the case you have but it has great air flow, toolless access, biult in power supply, cool look

or the same case with out the PSU
RAIDMAX AZTEC ATX-619WU Black/ Silver 1.0mm SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Foldout MB Computer Case - here

that's the case I wanted to use on mine but I got the sagitta II http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16811156091

 

[Enrisan]

Avid runs on both Windows and Mac.
My editing school only uses them on Macs.

Thanks for the help everyone. I'm still unsure what to do, the thing about this computer is that it will make me money after school. If I get a custom built, I don't really have the tech support from the company who made it, neither do I really get from Avid if they don't know what I'm running. If I at least get a qualified machine, they will be able to better assist me and I'll have a good warranty if something goes wrong with it.

Still deciding....I can build an awesome PC for everyday use, but one that I have to depend on if I'm working with a client and its making me money. Tough decision...

 

[ian400lex]

Back in 2002 I went to a awesome school in Hollywood for computer animation. Gnomon Inc. Every graphics software was run on their computers. Maya 4, Adobe Aftereffects ect. Every machine was custom built in order to handle the processing time to render images. Specifically better CPU'S, lots of RAM, 2 Video cards. I'm not familiar with the software you are using but you will need a powerful machine if you are rendering and for realtime updates on the screen. If a softwares website is saying to use a Dell or HP, maybe they recieve money for doing so. Like someone said there is no difference from Dell and a build off of Newegg. If you buy a computer from Best Buy you will pay for things you don't need and not get what you do!

I built a $2000 machine yesterday for a friend using newegg (best prices). Building a computer is alot easier than you think. It took 30 mins in put in the parts. Then you load the Operating System. Will take more time but is easy.

Suggestions
(Go with Windows XP) stay away from Vista.
I would use 2 high end video cards and crossfire (ATI)
550-600 watt power supply

Go with this case save a bit of money, better cooling, used this yesterday. very quiet
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16811129021

Get the best for your buget

I am A+ certified and if you ask me, do not buy store bought for what u need the computer for

 

[Toby]

Thanks for the help everyone. I'm still unsure what to do, the thing about this computer is that it will make me money after school. If I get a custom built, I don't really have the tech support from the company who made it, neither do I really get from Avid if they don't know what I'm running. If I at least get a qualified machine, they will be able to better assist me and I'll have a good warranty if something goes wrong with it.

If you think you might need tech support, you probably shouldn't be building a pc. Gah, it's not easy getting stuff to work when it doesn't and you're under pressure to get a project done.

personal decision, and not an easy one. one thing though, Dell does make very good machines. most firms I work with have some sort of Dell PCs in the company, and it's not hard to see why.

@US MC: Nice summary, although probably not everyone has your knowledge, so it probably takes longer ^^
now: if you get a 32bit OS, get XP, if you get a 64bit OS, get Vista 64. PSU may be a bit underpowered for two GPUs. I don't know how good 2 graphic cards work (they don't work well with games, but that's a different issue), however, I'm guessing you do

 

[rvb4life]

www.cyberpowerpc.com i was gonna get a computer here, its cheaper and you can always just copy the parts list and get the stuff off of newegg, but this comes complete and you can get whatever you want with it.

 

[Spawn Camp3r]

Also look at Digital storm http://www.digitalstormonline.com/ customized systems, but don't go with dell, I have seen too many crashes, might be good start but sad to finish (unless you have several, or you live really close to repairs and they have to give you a better one because they can't repair yours). And I'm still going to say that Alienware does the best brand PC just a little pricey http://www.alienware.com/

 

[Enrisan]

Thanks for the help everyone. I think I'll just build a custom PC now since I won't need it for work for at least another year...by then things will be better and cheaper.

Now, which power supply should I get?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16817371011
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16817371012

the 1000w is cheap with a combo deal and rebate, but isn't 1000w overkill?

Which case is better? An Antec would be nice because I can do the Antec PSU combo and save some money.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16811156189
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16811129021
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...25&Tpk=p182

but the Raidmax does have bundle savings (whatever that means) with a Microsoft keyboard and mouse, which I need too.

 

[Thundertotum]

custom built machines are my specialty. even though offically i can't build them for profit Dang (BestBuy), but i can do a quote build and give you a price.

 

[Enrisan]

Well my build is on the 1st page, I think it's pretty good what do you think?
People have suggested better power supply and case, so that's what I'm looking at right now.

*Edit: I think I'm switching out the hard drive for a smaller one.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16822136161

 

[Toby]

the 1000w is cheap with a combo deal and rebate, but isn't 1000w overkill?

well, in short, yes, BUT it all depends on your components, the quad core draws ~ 100W, probably more if you push it, but the PNY graphic card says that "A minimum 400W or greater system power supply (with 12V current rating of 26A)" is recommended. I'm not sure what CPU this is based on, and couldn't find any wattage, but 12V * 26A = 312W max. So I think it's safe to say, you need a 600W PSU or higher.

1000W will give you more headroom. It doesn't mean it will draw 1000W at all time, it just means it could provide a 1000W. If it's not more expensive, I'd go for it, as you don't want to max your PSU out.

Well my build is on the 1st page, I think it's pretty good what do you think?
People have suggested better power supply and case, so that's what I'm looking at right now.

PSU and casing is really a matter of personal preference, as it doesn't really impact performance. Get a cse you like with halfway decent air flow, and a not-to-shabby PSU, then you'll be okay Don't worry about "getting the right/best case" or PSU, there is no such thing.

 

[Spawn Camp3r]

yes, the case is personal preference, but in my experiences don't use psu's that come with the case (combo deals are ok), also if you haven't already check the reviews, you can find out what the most common problems are as well as other important good-to-knows. and yes get 1000W its just better.

PS: my vote is for the aztec, because it has the fold down mobo tray (makes things A WHOLE LOT easier)

 

[Thundertotum]

ok switching to a smaller hhd is not a good idea. the PSU issu, don't go lower then a 650 and unless your sli'ing or Crossfiring any PSU will do. I do suggest a HHD cooling fan. and a CD/DVD Rom cooling fan.

 

[Enrisan]

Thanks. I switched the HDD back, turns out it was only $5 more for another 250 GB..can't go wrong with that.

Now which of these two cards should I get?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16814133240
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16814130330

The PNY card comes with a free game, but it's more expensive.


*EDIT:
Unless there is something seriously wrong with the compatibility of these parts, this looks like it will be my final build(still needs a graphics card ^^^).

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16832116488

Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 2.33GHz 4MB L2 Cache LGA 775 95W Quad-Core Processor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16819115055


G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16820231122


ASUS P5QL PRO LGA 775 Intel P43 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16813131329


SAMSUNG Black 2MB Cache DVD Burner with LightScribe
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16827151173

BYTECC Firewire 1394A 3+1 Ports Low Profile PCI Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16815283024

Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD5000AAKS 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16822136073

Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16811129021

Antec TruePower Quattro TPQ-1000 1000W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16817371012

I also get Far Cry 2 and a Microsoft T-shirt for free! haha

 

[Bethanxx]

*EDIT:
Unless there is something seriously wrong with the compatibility of these parts, this looks like it will be my final build(still needs a graphics card ^^^).

You should totally grab yourself an nVIDIA graphics card, http://www.nvidia.com/page/home.html

They can be pretty expensive, but in my opinion they're the best you're gonna get.

Rest of the PC sounds like its gonna be one badass machine, wish it was me getting it *sniffle* 4Gig sounds like heaven compared to my measly 1Gig, and my dad's 512Mb is even worse! You lucky thing you

 

[Toby]

Now which of these two cards should I get?

A no-brainer, the EVGA has a core clock speed of 740MHz vs. 650MHz and a memory core speed 1950MHz vs. 1800MHz, which theoretically makes it faster (other specs the same). Unless you know you need need OpenGL 2.1 (PNY), go for the EVGA.

 

[kensai111]

Well I think I have my parts settled on.

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16832116488

Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 2.33GHz 4MB L2 Cache LGA 775 95W Quad-Core Processor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16819115055

Western Digital Caviar SE 500GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16822136178

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16820231122

Antec earthwatts EA500 500W ATX12V Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16817371007

PNY VCG96512GXEB GeForce 9600 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16814133239

ASUS P5QL PRO LGA 775 Intel P43 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16813131329

Antec P182 Gun Metal Black 0.8mm cold rolled steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...25&Tpk=p182

SAMSUNG Black 2MB Cache DVD Burner with LightScribe
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16827151173
and maybe this SYBA PCI-Express 1394 FireWire Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16815124050
it has Firewire 800 and 400.

Any other recommendations?

Well, I guess I better chime in because this IS my day-job. Lets start from the top, Vista is a no-no... and before people jump me for not being on the Vista wagon... here's why. Windows XP = Stable & Secure but it only supports 3GB of RAM, Vista on the other hand .. Not Stable, ALTHOUGH it does support 4GB of Ram .. downfall is the OS needs about 1GB to run in the green. So you're losing the benefit of the RAM by doing the upgrade. Alot of add-ons and whatnot for some of the video editing, photoshop plugins, etc are also not supported in Vista.

AMD is always a good processor to have, slightly cheaper than Intel and AMD Phenom kicks ass

Did it say what Direct X version you had to have?

AMD is always a nice choice, they are a really stable core. Don't get me wrong, Intel does it's job as well.. but I gotta agree here.. high power processing.. well you need a powerful processor. AMD Phenom is an excellent chip.

NEVER,EVER, EVER, ... EVER buy a Western Digital Hard Drive... it's like clock work.. IT WILL get errors. At our job we scan all the hard drives of physical errors when we go to replace Vista to see if we need to just do a fresh OS install on a new HD, 99% of the time WD = Epic Fail. Seagate for the win!

RAM = Go Corsair - It's worth every dime to save yourself from crappy RAM right from the get go

Powersupply = Thermaltake makes AMAZING power supplys, don't cheap out on this part.

Video card= I'm an ATI man myself but Nvidia has some winners too. Not sure if you're a gamer but Radeon X1950 PRO is what I'm running. Never a problem in my high profile program usage. If you want a cheaper version I suggest one made by Sapphire, instead of having ATI make it.. good company.

Motherboard looks fine, just double check that the socket on the motherboard fits your processor XD

Case is fine

Never used a Samsung drive .. but I have used many of the LITE-ON DVD Burner drives... they work beautifully. Not one has died yet.

If you love me... you'll listen to my advice. Trust me. I'm saving you a whole lot of cursing later in life.

Cheers,
Kensai

 

[Enrisan]

Thanks for the tips Kensai.
I'm already pretty much over my intended budget, I still need to buy a monitor, speakers, keyboard, and mouse... so I think I'll have to keep everything the way it is. I did consider what you said but I don't have the money to upgrade everything and make it the best. I think it's a pretty decent build, wouldn't you agree?

Now the only thing I have money on to consider is switching out this processor for this one, same price.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16819115017
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16819115055

Which one is better? one is 2.33Ghz, the other is 2.4Ghz obviously, but besides that I don't know how to judge them. I'm a noob. The 2.33Ghz comes with Far Cry 2, which I could sell anyways.


And as for the XP/Vista thing, everyone has their opinions on which is better but support for Vista will come...afterall, it's the future. If it doesn't work with something now, it will eventually. I just want to know what the difference is between 32 bit and 64 bit systems and which is better to use? They are the same exact price from what I'm looking at. 64 bit has more ratings.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16832116485

Also, what's the difference between "for system builders" and the "retail" versions of the operating system?

Thanks everyone.