Need Help with Build [Video/Music PC]

[mmh]

My current build is a little out dated and I'm trying to use a well known Video editing piece of software to compile full HD video clips into a music video. However, my computer won't even render the video within the program.

So I'm looking to spend around £700 maximum on a new PC. to help me out of the conundrum, but also to bring myself up to date.

I don't need an operating system as I have a legit copy of Windows 7 already.

So. I'm looking at ebuyer and found this:

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/395309

A Zoostorm with the following:

- Intel Core i7-3770 3.4GHz
- 16GB RAM + 2TB HDD
- DVD Writer
- Intel HD
- No Operating System

It's got a good mobo and plenty of RAM/HDD SPace for my needs.
I was also thinking of changing the PSU to a Corsair 600w

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/269259

-------------------
My needs also include a graphics card (or multiple) So I can continue to run my 2 monitors ASWELL as running my TV screen. (3 monitor total).

Monitors currently connected via DVI cables and the tv via VGA. I'd rather not have to buy extra cables.

So any suggestions before I try and put the order in for a new computer would be highly appreciated. Its been nearly a Decade since I built any kind of machine and I'd rather not mess anything up.

[dacads]

I would go with a better PSU such as the XFX 550w.

Graphics card wise I would recommend the Radeon 7850
http://www.ebuyer.com/362480-gigabyt...edium=products

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

You would get better quality bits if you build your own PC and also the CX600W is an average PSU too.

I assume you are not overclocking too??

Does your TV have HDMI??

I came up with a quick components list from Scan.



The CPU cannot be overclocked and neither is the graphics card suited for much gaming too BTW.

The Xeon E3 1230 V2 is basically a slightly lower clocked Core i7 3770. It lacks an IGP,so you can't use Quick Sync but that tends to lower video quality anyway.

The HD7750 has decent OpenCL support,which will important for future builds of software like HandBrake.

Moreover,it will be very useful for FLACCL:

http://forums.hexus.net/software/272...enchmarks.html

It is only the GDDR3 version,not the GDDR5 version,but the card has 2 DVI outputs,a VGA output and an HDMI output. The GDDR5 is faster for gaming though,although it should be fine for other purposes(I will check if a GDDR5 version of the card exists though). The equivalent Nvidia cards have poorer support for OpenCL ATM.

The optical drive also has support for the latest M-Disc archival DVD standard. The M-Disc DVDs are expensive but are meant to have a long lifespan.

OTH,I suppose a Blu-Ray writer might be useful too.

[mmh]

You would get better quality bits if you build your own PC and also the CX600W is an average PSU too.

I assume you are not overclocking too??

Does your TV have HDMI??

I came up with a quick components list from Scan.

<snip></snip>

The CPU cannot be overclocked and neither is the graphics card suited for much gaming too BTW.

The Xeon E3 1230 V2 is basically a slightly lower clocked Core i7 3770. It lacks an IGP,so you can't use Quick Sync but that tends to lower video quality anyway.

The HD7750 has decent OpenCL support,which will important for future builds of software like HandBrake.

Moreover,it will be very useful for FLACCL:

<snip></snip>

It is only the GDDR3 version,not the GDDR5 version,but the card has 2 DVI outputs,a VGA output and an HDMI output. The GDDR5 is faster for gaming though,although it should be fine for other purposes(I will check if a GDDR5 version of the card exists though). The equivalent Nvidia cards have poorer support for OpenCL ATM.

The optical drive also has support for the latest M-Disc archival DVD standard. The M-Disc DVDs are expensive but are meant to have a long lifespan.

OTH,I suppose a Blu-Ray writer might be useful too.

This is why I came here. Half of the technical reasons you gave me are way over my head, but what I do understand makes perfect sense.

Thanks for your time and input Moose-Man

I may very well have to order that build. Does the Retail Xeon E3 1230 V2 come with a CPU fan? I don't want to forget anything obvious that might hold me back when trying to complete the build!

[mmh]

Ahh, retail includes heatsink and fan.

[mmh]

Ordered! The only thing I changed was the DVD drive became a Blue Ray/DVD writer



Thanks again for your help CTF!

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

That was quick!! I was going to see if I could shave a few more quid off the build!!

Remember,the HD7750 GDDR3 is not much of a card for gaming,but it had the outputs you required,plus both versions are around the same for OpenCL it seems.

Edit!!

I also realised,I think you can actually use the Z77 motherboard to "boost" the Xeon E3-1230 V2 a bit too.

[mmh]

I'm not much of a gamer on PC, much prefer one of the many consoles I own for gaming.

That in mind the only game I actually play on PC is Half Life, and well if that graphics card can't run that then I'll be amazed!

I didn't really wanna hang about on the build. I recorded with my band this weekend and I've got about 5 hours of footage to trim into a 4 minute video so I can release it as quick as possible. I saw that I could order today and it should arrive tomorrow. No reason to hang about!

Although saving money sounds like a good idea... Doh! The only solace is that I put it on the Credit card with a view to paying it off next month, so I don't have to think about the huge wedge of money I just spent until then!

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

I don't think I could have save a huge amount of money,but I wanted to check again.

If you post a few pictures of your build,it would good though.

BTW,you might need a screwdriver for the case too.

[mmh]

Boost it a bit? please explain...

Will take photos if possible of the build

Screwdriver is no problem, got a few of those, haha

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

The non-K Core i5 and Core i7 CPUs have some unlocked multipliers for Turbo,so you can use the motherboard to enhance the boost somewhat to a higher average clockspeed.

[Azazl187]

Must get the better PSU first. People really do not understand how importent this is

[mmh]

The non-K Core i5 and Core i7 CPUs have some unlocked multipliers for Turbo,so you can use the motherboard to enhance the boost somewhat to a higher average clockspeed.

...I like purple...

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

...I like purple...

Basically,the current Intel and AMD CPUs,auto-overclock themselves to a maximum clockspeed from the rated clockspeed. How much this happens,depends on the conditions. They need to do this in steps(multipliers).

The overclocking orientated AMD and Intel CPUs,have unlocked multipliers,ie,you can get to much higher steps in the BIOS,and this is higher than the what the auto-overclock function uses.

However,the standard CPUs,only have some extra steps enabled,for the auto-overclock function. Hence using the motherboard,you can push the CPU artifically to hit the maximum multiplier allowed.

[mmh]

I think its probably safer and potentially cheaper if I avoid OC'ing... I've never really got into it... I used to have an 1800XP Thunderbird I overclocked Gingerly and I understand the multiplier aspect, but to start you said this CPU is no overclocking.... if it involves giggery pokery, I think I'm safer to set up a robust stable machine at standard clock speed

I'm going from a Core 2 Duo to this one after all, its going to be like lightening as it is!

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

I think its probably safer and potentially cheaper if I avoid OC'ing... I've never really got into it... I used to have an 1800XP Thunderbird I overclocked Gingerly and I understand the multiplier aspect, but to start you said this CPU is no overclocking.... if it involves giggery pokery, I think I'm safer to set up a robust stable machine at standard clock speed

I'm going from a Core 2 Duo to this one after all, its going to be like lightening as it is!

You will find the SSD an improvement alone!!

Also,BTW make sure you don't have the page file on the SSD.