Building a Computer: What I need to know?

Apple Inc.

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    Hey guys. I am really considering to build my own computer to replace my Dell and was wondering what you guys recommend for me.

    I do not game at all. I am mostly a video editor.

    I hope to recycle some parts from my current machine such as the Hard Drive and maybe the DVD Burner. But things like the Processor and RAM I don't plan on recycling for a new machine due to my want for more power.

    So what parts do you guys recommend for me?

    Oh by the way I want to stick with Intel for processors and for Graphics Card I want at most 512 MB Vram because I don't need anything more than that.
     
    Apple Inc. said:
    Hey guys. I am really considering to build my own computer to replace my Dell and was wondering what you guys recommend for me.

    I do not game at all. I am mostly a video editor.

    I hope to recycle some parts from my current machine such as the Hard Drive and maybe the DVD Burner. But things like the Processor and RAM I don't plan on recycling for a new machine due to my want for more power.

    So what parts do you guys recommend for me?

    Oh by the way I want to stick with Intel for processors and for Graphics Card I want at most 512 MB Vram because I don't need anything more than that.
    Click to expand...

    First off, we need to know what Dell you have (since you insist on keeping the hard drive, might as well make sure you have a motherboard that works with your hard drive (however, you'll need to back up everything on a separate hard drive, since the OS data won't keep since the systems will not be identical at all).

    EDIT: And since the OS data won't keep, the rest of your data will be inaccessible for the most part.
     
    Its a Dell Dimension 4550. I might have to end up backing it up to my external drive then load it on a new drive. Or just start clean. All I have on this machine is my iTunes library which is all loaded on my iPod and all on flash drives and CDs. The Dell I will end up finding a use for which is why I want to leave the Ram and Processor and I guess the Hard drive now.
     
    That's a pretty old machine.

    For motherboard manufacturers, I'd recommend AMD or ASUS (though these manufacturers tend to use AMD processors). I don't know any Intel friendly brands offhand, since I am around fewer Intel utilizing computers because most of my parts are second hand from my dad, who is more of an AMD fan.

    If your in the market for a hard drive, trustworthy manufacturers include Seagate and Western Digital. Everyone else is hit or miss in terms of durability.

    I have no idea on trustworthy RAM brands, however, I do know that DDR3 is currently the fastest commercially available (4GB is what you'll probably want).

    And for graphics cards, ATI, and nVidia come to mind for quality (if you're gonna go cheap end, ATI is pretty good).

    Oh, and for the processor, I can't think of anything from Intel offhand (and too tired to check Newegg).

    It may be worth considering getting a newer disc drive (or even a second one to accompany your older one).

    I have no specific recommendations because I don't have the energy to use Newegg.
     
    Protip: get a new hard drive and put the old one in a USB hard drive enclosure. That way you don't have to get an outdated motherboard.
     
    Since you're a video editor, the specifications you will want will be similar to gaming anyway (maybe not pro gaming, but gaming none the less)

    I'm going to recommend you buy a motherboard that uses DDR3 RAM and not DDR2 as DDR2 no longer have the fastest FSB. (but be careful, you want the high end DDR3 because the low end DDR3 has the same FSB as high end DDR2 and its just money ill-spent)

    You'll want 4 GB ram and a Core2Duo processor at approximately 2.4 GHz + for smooth running, with a 512 MB graphics card.

    I havent run video editing programs before, but I think those specifications are approximately correct.

    Sorry If my information is not completely accurate as I havent done any hardware stuff for desktop in a while
     
    There's a few things to consider for video production - while a gaming machine will be focused on CPU & GPU, a video production machine will be slightly different; you'll be looking for CPU and HDD Throughput. It's this latter element that makes me urge you to not keep your original HDD as your main working drive. Now; SSD doesn't give you the capacity you need for raw video - especially in HD resolutions - and neither do most consumer grade 15,000RPM drives. So where does that leave you? 2-4 HDD's in RAID0 for throughput sake; with another single storage drive for long term storage. Perhaps consider this for a spec list:

     Intel Core i5 750
    Gigabyte P55-UD3 Motherboard
    4GB DDR3
    3 x 808GB Western Digital SataII - RAID0 Operating System, Scratch Disk, Temporary Space for Raw Video
    1 x 1.5TB Western Digital SataII Long-term Storage
    nVidia 9600GT 512MB/1GB This card is a little long in the tooth but still feature-rich, dual dual-link DVI and DX10 capability

    or for a little more coin, consider

     Intel Core i7 920
    Gigabyte EX58-UD3R Motherboard
    6GB DDR3
    4 x 750GB Western Digital SataII - RAID0 Operating System, Scratch Disk, Temporary Space for Raw Video
    2 x 1.5GB Western Digital SataII - RAID1 Long-term Storage
    nVidia 9600GT 512MB/1GB     This card is a little long in the tooth but still feature-rich, dual dual-link DVI and DX10 capability

    Now, both machines would be fine for your needs - the i7 build has more memory and also Hyperthreading on each of it's 4 cores; the i5 lacks this benefit. The i5 machine gives you ~2.4TB of RAID0 (which shouldn't ever be used as long term storage as RAID0 brings a higher rate of failure as a trade off for it's performance benefit) and 1.5TB of of single-drive; where the i7 build would better this with ~    3TB of temp RAID0storage combined with 1.5TB of redundant RAID1 storage for long term archiving and security. Either machine would be absolutely fine for your needs; the i5 is a really great sweet-spot but the i7 does bring with it some nice benefits if the app suites you're working with are optimized for heavy multi-threaded performance. In any case, mix and match specs and such; but the important ones are good CPU, and lots of HDD throughput.

    Good luck!
     
    apple.SHAMPOO said:
    There's a few things to consider for video production - while a gaming machine will be focused on CPU & GPU, a video production machine will be slightly different; you'll be looking for CPU and HDD Throughput. It's this latter element that makes me urge you to not keep your original HDD as your main working drive. Now; SSD doesn't give you the capacity you need for raw video - especially in HD resolutions - and neither do most consumer grade 15,000RPM drives. So where does that leave you? 2-4 HDD's in RAID0 for throughput sake; with another single storage drive for long term storage. Perhaps consider this for a spec list:

     Intel Core i5 750
    Gigabyte P55-UD3 Motherboard
    4GB DDR3
    3 x 808GB Western Digital SataII - RAID0 Operating System, Scratch Disk, Temporary Space for Raw Video
    1 x 1.5TB Western Digital SataII Long-term Storage
    nVidia 9600GT 512MB/1GB This card is a little long in the tooth but still feature-rich, dual dual-link DVI and DX10 capability

    or for a little more coin, consider

     Intel Core i7 920
    Gigabyte EX58-UD3R Motherboard
    6GB DDR3
    4 x 750GB Western Digital SataII - RAID0 Operating System, Scratch Disk, Temporary Space for Raw Video
    2 x 1.5GB Western Digital SataII - RAID1 Long-term Storage
    nVidia 9600GT 512MB/1GB     This card is a little long in the tooth but still feature-rich, dual dual-link DVI and DX10 capability

    Now, both machines would be fine for your needs - the i7 build has more memory and also Hyperthreading on each of it's 4 cores; the i5 lacks this benefit. The i5 machine gives you ~2.4TB of RAID0 (which shouldn't ever be used as long term storage as RAID0 brings a higher rate of failure as a trade off for it's performance benefit) and 1.5TB of of single-drive; where the i7 build would better this with ~    3TB of temp RAID0storage combined with 1.5TB of redundant RAID1 storage for long term archiving and security. Either machine would be absolutely fine for your needs; the i5 is a really great sweet-spot but the i7 does bring with it some nice benefits if the app suites you're working with are optimized for heavy multi-threaded performance. In any case, mix and match specs and such; but the important ones are good CPU, and lots of HDD throughput.

    Good luck!
    Click to expand...

    What type of Power Supply/Case do you guys recommend for the second setup?

    I am also not sure exactly if I want to do all that RAID Stuff. For me 7200 RPM will be fast enough.

    I can't find the i5 on New Egg for some reason.

    And one more thing. Is there any special type of DDR3 I need to use for this Mobo?
     
    Apple Inc. said:
    What type of Power Supply/Case do you guys recommend for the second setup?

    I am also not sure exactly if I want to do all that RAID Stuff. For me 7200 RPM will be fast enough.

    I can't find the i5 on New Egg for some reason.

    And one more thing. Is there any special type of DDR3 I need to use for this Mobo?
    Click to expand...

    You'll probably want a 1000 watt power supply (can't think of any reliable brands offhand, since the power supply I have is from a product manufacturer (Cooler Master) that's hit-or-miss with its power supplies and I got lucky with it). Don't hold me to this, though, since it's been a while since I built my last machine.

    For the case, you'll want an ATX form factor case, since that's the form factor of the motherboard (BTX is a better form factor that should have been put into widespread use long ago). You'll want a medium tower or large tower (medium is probably best for space, if you want it to sit on your desk and don't have much room for a large tower), since this is your first time building a computer from scratch.

    Oh, and if you aren't sure about RAID, I do recommend using it (makes it a lot faster for loading stuff to and from the hard drive). If you don't want to screw up the RAID setup, find someone you know who'll do it for cheap/free and has set up a RAID recently. If you want to set it up yourself, your motherboard should come with a driver disc that has the RAID utility on it that can help set up the RAID (been ages since I've set up a RAID, so I've got no protips). That RAID utility may be low quality, though (I don't really know much about Gigabyte as a manufacturer).

    TigerDirect might have it (might be a little pricier at TigerDirect, though).

    I don't think there's a special type of DDR3 that you need to buy, but higher end DDR3 offers a performance bonus, if the other posters here are to be believed.

    Protip: Get a static mat or something like that, since many components can fry with static charges at levels that we barely notice or don't notice at all. If you don't, then make sure to wipe your hands on the case exterior (if it's metal and not plastic) before touching the RAM or any of the expansion cards (particularly before touching the RAM, since it's far more sensitive to static electricity).
     
    Antec 900 or Antec 1200 are great case choices, as are the entire Thermaltake Armor line. You'll be after an Antec, Thermaltake or Silverstone PSU with at least 54A across the 12v rails (usually 3 rails @ 18A each). Wattage is far less important; 550w-650w would cover you as long as the 12v rails are strong. Modular cables are also nice; to improve your airflow and also ensure that no matter what case you chase up that you've got *active* cooling on your HDD bays (the Antec 900 and 1200 both offer this as standard)

    With what you've proposed to us as your requirements; I really do recommend the RAID option. Whether you Soft-RAID with Windows Dynamic Disks or Fake-RAID with the onboard controller ~ the performance difference is palpable and especially important when dealing with large masses of data like raw unencoded video. A 3 or 4 drive RAID0 array will increase your thruput by around 60% per additional drive in best case scenarios; and you WILL notice this. The higher failure raid (one drive dies; it means all data on all drives in the RAID0 array is lost) is a trade off for performance; but that's why we have an additional storage drive.

    Finally, with regards to memory ~ you're not going to be overclocking but you will be using a good amount of memory with your software packages. So I think quantity is most important here; as long as your DDR3 memory can run synchronous to your CPU's expectations you'll be fine.
     
    donavannj said:
    You'll probably want a 1000 watt power supply (can't think of any reliable brands offhand, since the power supply I have is from a product manufacturer (Cooler Master) that's hit-or-miss with its power supplies and I got lucky with it). Don't hold me to this, though, since it's been a while since I built my last machine.

    For the case, you'll want an ATX form factor case, since that's the form factor of the motherboard (BTX is a better form factor that should have been put into widespread use long ago). You'll want a medium tower or large tower (medium is probably best for space, if you want it to sit on your desk and don't have much room for a large tower), since this is your first time building a computer from scratch.

    Oh, and if you aren't sure about RAID, I do recommend using it (makes it a lot faster for loading stuff to and from the hard drive). If you don't want to screw up the RAID setup, find someone you know who'll do it for cheap/free and has set up a RAID recently. If you want to set it up yourself, your motherboard should come with a driver disc that has the RAID utility on it that can help set up the RAID (been ages since I've set up a RAID, so I've got no protips). That RAID utility may be low quality, though (I don't really know much about Gigabyte as a manufacturer).

    TigerDirect might have it (might be a little pricier at TigerDirect, though).

    I don't think there's a special type of DDR3 that you need to buy, but higher end DDR3 offers a performance bonus, if the other posters here are to be believed.

    Protip: Get a static mat or something like that, since many components can fry with static charges at levels that we barely notice or don't notice at all. If you don't, then make sure to wipe your hands on the case exterior (if it's metal and not plastic) before touching the RAM or any of the expansion cards (particularly before touching the RAM, since it's far more sensitive to static electricity).
    Click to expand...

    Thanks for the tip!

    I also am aware about using proper ESD procedures. I am being trained in this field at my school.
     
    Apple Inc. said:
    Thanks for the tip!

    I also am aware about using proper ESD procedures. I am being trained in this field at my school.
    Click to expand...

    Just making sure. Don't want you to have fried a really expensive part.

    (Of course, I've yet to see an ESD device in person. I use the case discharge method... if I remember to. XD Been lucky so far to not have fried anything.)
     
    Power Supply
    How is that for a power supply?
    Case
    And how is this for a case?

    I am really trying to keep this under $1500.

    And I might give RAID a shot. Exactly how do you set it up?
     
    protip: drop the nvidia for a pair of current ATI's.. 4870's or the new 58 series you'll have much less trouble and driver failure issues as well as a great amount of video power at your disposal.

    also think about getting a quad core processor, you'll want it when it come time to render your videos. (especially if you plan on using Adobe CS4 products)
     
    Well isn't the Core i7 Quad core? And is there any particular 4870 you recommend? I dont want to spend more than 200 for it. Newegg has too many options for that.
     
    You really don't need to spend over $1000 for a good computer if you don't replace the keyboard and monitor and what not. Me, I built my computer from scratch for a little less then $400, and it plays all the games I have on the highest settings just fine. I admit that it's no super computer, but it's easilly better then what your Dell and meets what you want for your computer. 512MBs video RAM, 4gigs of RAM, dual core system 2.7GHz, 500gigs HDD. I had to provide my own OS, but it really wasn't all that hard for me to get a legal copy of Windows 7 (had been using my friends copy of XP Pro up until I got 7).

    Really, what I'm trying to say is that you wouldn't have to spend $1500 on a computer, gaming rig, video editing, whatever you want.
     
    Last edited:
    oh yeah. I forgot i planned n buying a second monitor.

    And BenRK. You are right. but. I want a machine that will be able to handle multiple things at once such as iTunes, Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe Flash Encoder, Outlook, Firefox, and maybe another thing or 2. I see somebody else with a similar configuration but they have 12 GB Ram instead and I dont believe he uses RAID. ANd something that wont be too obsolete in a couple years.
     
    EXCELLENT case choice. I've got the Cooler Master CM690 Nvidia Edition, provides A+ cooling. The RC690 you picked looks to be the same design, but $20 less than the one on TigerDirect: https://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4177133&CatId=1842

    I would recommend that one from personal experience, but the RC690 should be more than capable of getting the job done. As for a PSU, go with either Antec or ThermalTake. I've got a ThermalTake ToughPower 750 Cable Management PSU which feeds plenty of juice to my mobo and GTX 295.

    As stated by someone else earlier, go with AMD/Asus. The current board I have right now is the M3N78 PRO, and it's been a great board so far. I would highly recommend an AMD Phenom II X4, though.

    As for video, you probably wouldn't need a GTX 295. I would suggest Nvidia, though. I have no beef with ATI, it's more of a personal choice. Though, again, as someone stated earlier, if you're looking for a decent, cheap video card, go with ATI. Something like this: https://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3529980&Sku=V261-3852

    As for a HDD, I would suggest the Western Digital Caviar Black line. I've got two 750GB of these beauties, and they're great. They each have a 32MB cache and a transfer rate of about 115MB/s. I haven't played around with them in RAID, but will be soon. I can only imagine how much better the throughput will get.

    My build cost me around $1700 (not including the monitor), BUT it's also meant for high-end gaming. the video card alone was $600, and I've got 8GB of OCZ Gold in it. You wouldn't need anything quite this powerful, but I would highly recommend a quad-core processor as it will help things move along a little bit faster. Hope this helps! :D

    ADD: also, if you'd like a good heatsink, I'd go with this: https://www.frozencpu.com/products/9539/cpu-cma-29/Cooler_Master_Hyper_Z600_6-Heatpipe_Universal_Active_Passive_CPU_Cooler_Intel_LGA_775_1366_and_AMD_939_940_AM2_AM2_AM3_RR-600-LBU1-GP.html?id=ctdusQ2w&mv_pc=12821&gclid=CPeL_I_g5ZwCFU1M5Qodrw30Hw

    It tends to keep my Phenom II x4 940 at about 30 degrees Celsius. That, and the Arctic Silver 5 thermal compound. lol

    AND, before I forget, you do want to keep an eye on the minimum PSU requirements are for the video card. This will be the wattage, along with what's on the 12v rail. If it says 12v1, 12v2, 12v3, etc..., just add them up. There are some PSU's that split the rails in order to help prevent the PSU from sparking and catching fire.
     
    Last edited:
    I can easily run all of that and then some on my computer. I think you underestimate computers of today.

    A fellow computer enthusiast I chat with.. to put what he said politely, he believes you don't know what you're doing.
     
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