My first post and first build

[nightwind]

Ok...so here is my revised build based on all your suggestions here. I am still a bit confused about my motherboard and ram choice. Would this Motherboard be good for Video editing? Do all good mobos have HDMI?

Also, I know nothing about ram manufacturers. Do any of you have a favorite mobo and/or ram to suggest?

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

ASUS P5Q-E LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131296)

SAPPHIRE 100258-1GL Radeon HD 4850 1GB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102802)

PFC Power Supply CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006)

Intel Core 2 Quad Q9650 3.0GHz LGA 775 95W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80569Q9650
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115130)
OCZ Platinum 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227298)

(1)Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST3750330AS 750GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148298)

(2)Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST3750330AS 750GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148298)

SAMSUNG 22X DVD Burner Black SATA Model SH-S223F - OEM
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151171)

$ Subtotal: unknown because of MIR's :)

You guys are great!

Tony

[Cirndle]

Not a bad build as long as your gpu is strong enough, and you ram is correct for your mobo, should do what you want it to quite nicely.

If you have the money I would go with a GX 260, or Gx280, or HD 4850, or 4870.

As far as I know the 9800GT is actually a 8800GT dressed with a new instruction set.

But overall should kick some butt.

[RickyTick]

Welcome Tony.

Building a computer is an ambitious task, but if you have any mechanical abilities at all, then you can do it. Like I've told people before, if you can change the spark plugs in your car, then you can build a pc. :)

You've got a KILLER system there. Your friends will be jealous. I know most of us will be. :D

You might consider faster ram, since the P45 motherboard can handle it easily. Look at DDR2 1000 (PC2 8000) or maybe even DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500).

Since you're only a 15% gamer, that 9800GT Dual Slot will be more than adequate. I got a feeling your gonna want to try out a few games once you get this baby humming along. It will play any game at its highest settings.

Best of luck.

[nightwind]

Welcome Tony.

You've got a KILLER system there. Your friends will be jealous. I know most of us will be. :D

My friends may be jealous but my wife, who is also my friend, is mostly dismayed. :)



You might consider faster ram, since the P45 motherboard can handle it easily. Look at DDR2 1000 (PC2 8000) or maybe even DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500).


Does the quad core cpu require DDR3?




Since you're only a 15% gamer, that 9800GT Dual Slot will be more than adequate. I got a feeling your gonna want to try out a few games once you get this baby humming along. It will play any game at its highest settings.

Best of luck.

I didn't realize the 9800GT required two slots. Would a single slot Video Card be better? Something like the Sapphire 4870 512MB Toxic Edition ? I'm guessing a two-slotter will require more power consumption.

You are right about the game thingy. I used to be an avid flight simmer before I started flying the real ones. Actually, the flight sims out nowadays are great for pilots to keep current. [/digression] :)

Thanks for the advice and warm welcome.

Tony

[nightwind]

Not a bad build as long as your gpu is strong enough, and you ram is correct for your mobo, should do what you want it to quite nicely.

If you have the money I would go with a GX 260, or Gx280, or HD 4850, or 4870.


But overall should kick some butt.

Are you saying that 750 watts might not be enough?

I have heard others recommend the 4850 and 4870 but don't know why.
Are those single-slot cards?

"Kick butt" is a good thing, right? :)

Thanks,

Tony

[The Wise Monkey]

GPU = Graphics Processing Unit i.e. your graphics card. :)

I have the 4850, and I can't recommend it highly enough, especially since it is $149.99 at newegg with a MIR at the moment. The ATI 4850 is a single slot card that offers comparable performance to nvidia's 9800GTX+ for a much lower price.

Your PSU (Power Supply Unit) is more than capable of handling everything you throw at it.

If you are doing a lot of video editing, you might want to consider setting up a RAID 0 array for your storage and have a separate hard drive for the OS. Rob gives some decent instructions for setting up a RAID array, and this would offer about a 25% performance increase using your two large hard drives.

[RickyTick]

Does the quad core cpu require DDR3?

I didn't realize the 9800GT required two slots. Would a single slot Video Card be better? Something like the Sapphire 4870 512MB Toxic Edition ? I'm guessing a two-slotter will require more power consumption.

You are right about the game thingy. I used to be an avid flight simmer before I started flying the real ones. Actually, the flight sims out nowadays are great for pilots to keep current. [/digression] :)

Thanks for the advice and warm welcome.

Tony

The Quad core does not require DDR3. Whether or not DDR2 or DDR3 is needed is determined by the motherboard, not the processor. That P45 mobo requires DDR2. I was just suggesting something faster than DDR2 800, ie DDR2 1000 or 1066.

For clarification, not all 9800GT cards are dual slot, but the one you linked to is. The 9800GT is a renamed 8800GT and has a tendency to run loud and hot. However, the dual slot version is much quieter and much cooler. Overall, it's an excellent video card. The dual slot does not necessarily require more power, and if it does it will be an insignificant amount. Along that same line, the power supply you listed is more than sufficient. No worries there. :)

[nightwind]

GPU = Graphics Processing Unit i.e. your graphics card. :)

Ha! I think I'm in trouble here.




I have the 4850, and I can't recommend it highly enough, especially since it is $149.99 at newegg with a MIR at the moment.

errrr.....MIR? Master intelligence rating? Motherboard in reserve? Monster in repose? Major investment return?......Oh! Oh! A mail in rebate!! (man am I in trouble!)[/quote]



If you are doing a lot of video editing, you might want to consider setting up a RAID 0 array ...(snip)

Yes! I was reading about that and it sounded like a great idea. Do I need special hard drives to do that or can any hard drives be set to that configuration?

Thanks for your help!

Tony

[nightwind]

Ok...so here is my revised build thusfar based on all your suggestions here. I am still a bit confused about my motherboard and ram choice. Would this Motherboard be good for Video editing? Do all good mobos have HDMI and firewire?

Also, I know nothing about ram manufacturers. Do any of you have a favorite mobo and/or ram to suggest?

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

ASUS P5Q-E LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131296)

SAPPHIRE 100258-1GL Radeon HD 4850 1GB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102802)

PFC Power Supply CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006)

Intel Core 2 Quad Q9650 3.0GHz LGA 775 95W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80569Q9650
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115130)
OCZ Platinum 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227298)

(1)Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST3750330AS 750GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148298)

(2)Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST3750330AS 750GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148298)

SAMSUNG 22X DVD Burner Black SATA Model SH-S223F - OEM
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151171)

$ Subtotal: unknown because of MIR's :)

You guys are great!

Tony

[RickyTick]

That's an excellent build Tony. I really don't know anything HDMI, but it seems to be available on the G35 and G45 motherboards.

Maybe something like this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131237

IDK

[The Wise Monkey]

You'd want your graphics card to be dealing with the HDMI - what are you going to be using it for?

As for RAID, you don't need any special hard drives, just two of the same capacity for the best RAID 0 performance.

[nightwind]

You'd want your graphics card to be dealing with the HDMI - what are you going to be using it for?

As for RAID, you don't need any special hard drives, just two of the same capacity for the best RAID 0 performance.

I'm using the computer mostly for video editing which will require that I drive two monitors in hi-def. That's the main reason for the video card. I'm new to both video editing and computer building.

This card (http://www.blackmagic-design.com/products/intensity/) seemed to be something that might be useful. However, it's not the traditional gaming cards that I've seen recommended here.

Thanks for your input!

Tony

[The Wise Monkey]

Which monitors are you going to be using?

[nightwind]

Which monitors are you going to be using?

I haven't picked them out yet. However, they will not be very large and probably not of studio quality. Why? Do you have a suggestion along those lines?

Thanks,
Tony

[nightwind]

That's an excellent build Tony. I really don't know anything HDMI, but it seems to be available on the G35 and G45 motherboards.

Maybe something like this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131237

IDK

It seems there are a few motherboards out there that gamers use that have HDMI. I am wondering something though...

If gamers don't worry about HDMI output, do you know how they drive those large monitors in hi-def? I mean, what do they connect to their monitors with?

One more thing if I might impose...
You suggested faster ram for my system and I went looking for it and just randomly picked some faster, 240 pin ram. Does the ram have to fit the motherboard specifically? I tried using the "configurator" and my board didn't appear there. How do I know the ram I picked will work?

Thanks again!

Tony

[RickyTick]

Here's some really good ram that will work on that motherboard.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231166

[The Wise Monkey]

DVI supports HD signals, so you connect using that. For example, I am using a 22" Samsung monitor to run my PS3 using an HDMI-DVI cable, with the sound going to a stereo via the composite cable, and it works fine. The only issue is that 1080p requires a default resolution of 1920x1080, otherwise the image will be stretched slightly. As such, you are looking at a 24" or 26" at the least. You will still get an image on a lower resolution monitor (mine works fine, and there isn't a noticeable difference), as long as it supports HDCP.

So HDMI is only really necessary if you are going to be using, say, a 32" LCD television as your monitor; for all other monitors, the standard DVI connection is fine.

[nightwind]

(snip)..... The only issue is that 1080p requires a default resolution of 1920x1080, otherwise the image will be stretched slightly. ....(snip)


Very useful information! I'm guessing you have done some video editing, eh?
If so, what do you think of Sony Vegas as an NLE?

Did you mean to say 1080i instead of 1080p ? As I understand it, my camera
(Cannon HV30) records and outputs 1080i/60i , so that's what I guess I'll be editing in.

Thanks again!

Tony

[The Wise Monkey]

I haven't done any video editing, I just know about HD stuff. :D

There are 3 main types of HD - 720p, 1080i and 1080p. 720p is a native resolution of 1280x720 and supports progressive scan, which gives a smoother picture during motion. 1080i has a native resolution of 1920x1080 but doesn't support progressive scan. Finally, 1080p is a combination of the two, offering the higher resolution and support of progressive scan.

To be honest, unless you have a massive, top of the range TV, you won't notice any real difference between the resolutions, especially 1080i and 1080p. In fact, the only things that really uses 1080p at the moment are PS3s and Blu-Ray players.

[nightwind]

I haven't done any video editing, I just know about HD stuff. :D

There are 3 main types of HD - 720p, 1080i and 1080p. 720p is a native resolution of 1280x720 and supports progressive scan, which gives a smoother picture during motion. 1080i has a native resolution of 1920x1080 but doesn't support progressive scan. Finally, 1080p is a combination of the two, offering the higher resolution and support of progressive scan.

To be honest, unless you have a massive, top of the range TV, you won't notice any real difference between the resolutions, especially 1080i and 1080p. In fact, the only things that really uses 1080p at the moment are PS3s and Blu-Ray players.

All the video jargon, codecs, frame rates, scan rates, etc. has given me quite the headache the last few months I've been researching the subject.
It's quite confusing. I don't even know what PS3 is---I thought that was the acronym for "Photoshop version 3" !

I thought it was the frame rate and not the progressive mode that made the picture 'smooth'. And I also thought that 720p and 1080i were the almost the same to view because they give the approximate same number of frames/sec to the eye under NTSC standards. Do they have consumer monitors that can do 1080p?

And then there's the codec battles....wow! Editing in the newer Avchd vs DV seems to be a real challenge to computer resources. Avchd keeps having newer iterations that get better, but I suspect some kind of marketing manipulation to get the consumer to buy the latest and greatest. Avchd seems not ready for prime time just yet, but it's a grand idea!

Some codecs are so bad that an hour of SD video to a DVD is done by hitting the render button and going to bed! It literally takes all night even with a quad core and lots of ram. Then you have to make sure your NLE supports your operating system and camera. As I understand it, many NLE's don't support 64 bit processing.

I proposed this thread with the assumption that I should make a super powerful computer and seek the operating system, NLE software, camera and drivers that support 64 bit video editing and play nice together. I hope I'm not just wasting my money!

Mmmm....you don't have to answer everything here. I think I may have been venting a bit. :)

Thanks again!

Tony

[The Wise Monkey]

Sorry, I'll try and explain a few things.

First of all, PS3 stands for PlayStation 3, which is the latest games console from Sony. It supports output in all current formats, including all HD resolutions.

There are quite a few monitors that support up to 1080p - check out these from newegg:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010190020+1109917843&Configurator=&Subcategory=20&description=&Ntk=&SpeTabStoreType=&srchInDesc=

There isn't really much of a noticeable difference between 1080 and 720, especially on smaller screens.

You might want to consider setting up a PC with two CPUs if the sole purpose is for video editing, as this will really help to improve encoding times.

I don't really know enough about video editing to offer much more advice, but check out this forum as this seems pretty helpful, especially the "Perfect Video Editing PC" section - http://www.videoforums.co.uk/

[nightwind]

I want to thank you all for taking the time to answer my numerous questions.
Sometimes I feel like I don't even know what questions to ask, but I need to ask something! You have all been very tolerant of that.

If I can ever help any of you with aviation or alternative health questions ( I have expertise in both areas) please feel free to PM me.

May the kindnesses you have extended me here be reflected in the fabric of the universe and return as good fortune to you and your loved ones.

All my best,

Tony

[The Wise Monkey]

Hah, it's ok - that is what we are here for. :D