***Wanted! Suggestions for a Build with NO $$$ Limit***

[minsonngo]

Hey everyone. I haven't been on here in a while due to school and work, but I need some suggestions for a build and the first place I thought of for enlisting help is this wonderful fourm. The details or requirements are as follows:

- This build is going to be primarily used for massive video and sound editing.

- The client wants at least a 120 GB primary HDD with high RPMs and fast data transfer rates. The secondary HDD will be for storage obviously, he told me he wanted ONE of the new soon to be released 1 TB HDDs. I initially suggested two 500 GB HDDs on a RAID 0 setup, but he wanted a single HDD, so that suggestion went to the trash compactor.

- The client also wanted at least 4 GBs of memory.

- He will also need a top of the line video card for video editing and top of the line sound card for sound editing.

- Firewire is also necessary.

- A couple of DVD burners are on the list too.


***** Keep in mind that price will not matter at all. So any help with picking out the components are greatly appreciated. Please list the part make and model with pricing and source if possible. I will welcome all suggestions and inputs. Thank you!

[Furius92]

Well if you have absolutely no price limit, go for a dual Woodcrest solution. Woodcrests are the new "Xeon" processors, based on Core 2 Duo technology. A Tyan or Asus motherboard.

You might want to look at some of the professional level cards - they aren't so great at 3D games, but they're excellent for workstation use. Those will be the high priced cards from ATI and nVidia that AREN'T Radeons or GeForce. I believe they are FireGLs and Quadros, respectively, but not sure if they've changed their names.

Western Digital Raptor drives are excellent products, high RPMs. As far as sound cards go... that could get interesting. What type of audio editing does he want to be doing? Find out what program he will be using, because I know a lot of people use Pro Tools, which will require a proprietary Pro Tools sound card. If this is the case, no other sound card will be required.

Plextor DVD burners are always nice, but they are definitely overpriced. Check out Lite-On or Asus. Perhaps consider a Blu-Ray or HD DVD ROM drive?

[minsonngo]

The primary software will be Adobe Premier Pro 2.0.

I was think of going with either the E-MU 404 or the M-Audio Delta 1010. Still doing some hardcore research.

I'm a AMD guy so Intels are not one of my strengths.

I will post a list of components I picked out so far for others to critique. Let me know what you think.

Thanks for your thoughts buddy!

[LeftyAce]

Unfortunately for the AMD guys, Intel's new "core" architecture knocks the socks off of anything from AMD, so while I'm running AMD right now, I'd suggest going the Intel route for a new build.

[newbuilder14]

True, an Intel Core 2 Duo would be much better performing than an AMD system for your customer's needs. This is just the facts, I'm not an Intel-only person. I'd build a setup around an E6600 processor, an Asus P5B Deluxe, 2gb Corsair ValueSelect, a Seagate 7200.10 hard drive, and a high-powered video card.

[minsonngo]

This is what I have so far. I did not include 1 TB secondary hard drive since it is not released yet. Please let me know what you all think and feel free to suggest a replacement for any component. Thanks. I didn't get a chance to include a case or dvd writer either.


*******************************
Crucial Ballistix 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model BL2KIT12864AA804 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16820146565
$299.99

Crucial Ballistix 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model BL2KIT12864AA804 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16820146565
$299.99

ASUS P5W DH DELUXE/WIFI-AP LGA 775 Intel 975X ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16813131025
$219.99

Western Digital Raptor WD1500ADFD 150GB 10,000 RPM Serial ATA150 Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16822136012
$219.99

Antec TRUEPOWERII TPII-550 ATX12V 550W Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16817103931
$89.99

M-AUDIO FireWire 410 7.1 Channels 4-In-10-Out Mobile Recording Interface - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16829121113
$299.99

ATI 100-435843 Radeon X1950XTX 512MB GDDR4 PCI Express x16 VIVO Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16814195024
$389.99

Intel Core 2 Duo E6700 Conroe 2.66GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80557E6700 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/product/Product.asp?item=N82E16819115002
$519.00

[newbuilder14]

I'd switch the memory out for Corsair XMS2 - it's good stuff.

The 975x board is a good choice if your customer may want Crossfire... I think I'd go with the Intel Bad Axe 2 thought as I believe it is Crossfire. The P965 chipset is also a good, stable platform for Core 2 Duo now. I recommend a P5B Deluxe.

That power supply is high quality, but outdated. How about one of the newer TruePower III or a Seasonic M12? Up to you.

[minsonngo]

Here is some more additions...


*********************************
LITE-ON 16X DVD±R DVD Burner With LightScribe and 5X DVD-RAM Write Black ATAPI/E-IDE Model SHM-165H6S - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827106019
$30.99

LITE-ON 16X DVD±R DVD Burner With LightScribe and 5X DVD-RAM Write Black ATAPI/E-IDE Model SHM-165H6S - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827106019
$30.99

Atech Flash XM-28U BLACK 28-in-1 USB 2.0 Internal Card Reader - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820176005&name=Item-%23%3A-N82E16820176005
$34.99

Antec Performance One P180B Black 0.8mm cold rolled steel for durability through the majority of chassis 1.0mm cold rolled steel around the 4 x HDD area ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811129017
$114.99

[minsonngo]

I'd switch the memory out for Corsair XMS2 - it's good stuff.

The 975x board is a good choice if your customer may want Crossfire... I think I'd go with the Intel Bad Axe 2 thought as I believe it is Crossfire. The P965 chipset is also a good, stable platform for Core 2 Duo now. I recommend a P5B Deluxe.

That power supply is high quality, but outdated. How about one of the newer TruePower III or a Seasonic M12? Up to you.


Awesome, thanks for the help. I need to get update with the newer stuff.

Is the ASUS P5W DH DELUXE fine? Or is the P5B Deluxe and Bad Axe 2 a better choice? Which one would you get?

I picked the Crucial Ballistix memory since it was on the ASUS P5W DH DELUXE QVL list. I had the Cosair XMS originally since that is what I normally put in builds but it was not on the QVL.

What about the video card? Is it outdated or one of the best available for video editing?

I will also get the newer TruePower III instead of the II.

[newbuilder14]

I would prefer the new P965 P5B Deluxe from Asus, the P5B series comes highly recommended here.

As a general rule of thumb, Corsair has meant compatibility with the later Intel chipsets, so I'd go for it.

Tough call, I'm not too sure about the video card situation - I think that would perform very well until the owner decides to upgrade to DX10.

Also, make sure the power supply has long cables, the P180 cases need that. I believe since it is one of Antec's higher quality units that the cables would be long enough, but as an alternative, the NeoHE is recommended from Antec. I also heard the Seasonic M12 cables are longer than they used to be.

[Mr.Ferrari]

If you want a nice big case check out the Coolermaster stacker. If you stick with the P180 go with one of antec's certified units or with something Silverstone.

Crucial ballistix is for some heavy overclocking, i'd rather stick to valueselect, or if absolutely neccesary, XMS2.

You said he'll be doing video editing? In which case I would suggest a highendish FireGL or Quadro workstation card. Normal video cards are for gaming.

Im personally a fan of the Intel's badaxe series if going for stability, but the P5WDH is also good.

[minsonngo]

If you want a nice big case check out the Coolermaster stacker. If you stick with the P180 go with one of antec's certified units or with something Silverstone.

Crucial ballistix is for some heavy overclocking, i'd rather stick to valueselect, or if absolutely neccesary, XMS2.

You said he'll be doing video editing? In which case I would suggest a highendish FireGL or Quadro workstation card. Normal video cards are for gaming.

Im personally a fan of the Intel's badaxe series if going for stability, but the P5WDH is also good.

Gotcha... I was looking at the FireGL cards a while ago.

Probably switch to the Intel Badaxe 2 too...

Thanks for the input guys, keep them coming.

I will post an updated list of parts soon.

[glc]

I'm going to disagree with you here, NB, you have to think out of the box - the P5W DH Deluxe and the Bad Axe 2 are the best boards for this use at this time. And I'd get whatever ram is on the respective QVL. Highly concur with a FireGL or Quadro. You WILL need a higher end Antec PSU or one with LONG cables for a P180.

By the time the 1 Tb drives are out, there should be a big price drop on the Core 2's - this may make a Q6600 very tempting - it will be less than $600 then - probably in April. The P5W DH Deluxe suports it with a bios update and the Bad Axe 2 supports it.

Expect Hitachi to beat Seagate out of the gate with the 1 Tb - and it will have 32mb cache.

[minsonngo]

I'm going to disagree with you here, NB, you have to think out of the box - the P5W DH Deluxe and the Bad Axe 2 are the best boards for this use at this time. And I'd get whatever ram is on the respective QVL. Highly concur with a FireGL or Quadro. You WILL need a higher end Antec PSU or one with LONG cables for a P180.

By the time the 1 Tb drives are out, there should be a big price drop on the Core 2's - this may make a Q6600 very tempting - it will be less than $600 then - probably in April. The P5W DH Deluxe suports it with a bios update and the Bad Axe 2 supports it.

Expect Hitachi to beat Seagate out of the gate with the 1 Tb - and it will have 32mb cache.

Thanks GLC... is the Antec TP3 line of PSUs acceptable?

Yeah I hear Hitachi 1 TB drives should be out in retail stores some time in the 1st quarter of 2007. So I guess that will be pretty soon.

[glc]

The TP3's should be fine - might want to confirm with Antec that the cables are long enough. From their site:

To optimize performance of your P180 the choice of your power supply is crucial. Antec strongly recommends choosing from our Phantom, NeoHE or TruePower series.

[minsonngo]

Here is the final list of components. Let me know if I need to add or change anything else. Thanks for all the help guys!

*****************************************
SAMSUNG 18X DVD±R DVD Burner With 12X DVD-RAM Write, LightScribe Technology Black IDE Model SH-S182M/BEBN - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16827151136
$29.99

SAMSUNG 18X DVD±R DVD Burner With 12X DVD-RAM Write, LightScribe Technology Black IDE Model SH-S182M/BEBN - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16827151136
$29.99

Antec Performance One P180B Black 0.8mm cold rolled steel for durability through the majority of chassis 1.0mm cold rolled steel around the 4 x HDD area ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16811129017
$114.99

Western Digital Raptor WD1500ADFD 150GB 10,000 RPM Serial ATA150 Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16822136012
$219.99

Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3750640AS 750GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16822148134
$339.99

ATI 100-505144 FireGL V7300 512MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16814195004
$1,049.99

M-AUDIO FireWire 410 7.1 Channels 4-In-10-Out Mobile Recording Interface - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16829121113
$299.99

Antec True Power Trio TP3-650 ATX12V 650W Power Supply with Three 12V Rails - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16817371001
$129.99

Atech Flash Xm-4U 11-in-1 USB 2.0 Black Internal card reader - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16820176825
$16.99

CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X2048-6400 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16820145590
$233.00

CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X2048-6400 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16820145590
$233.00

Intel BOXD975XBX2KR LGA 775 Intel 975X ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16813121059
$246.99

Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 Conroe 2.4GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80557E6600 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/product/Product.asp?item=N82E16819115003
$316.00

[mojo]

You might want to get an nVidia quadro card instead. Personally I'm an ATI fan, but in the pro cards the nvidia ones tend to perform a little better. And if money really is no object, get either the X6800 CPU or the quad core one. Professional applications like those from adobe are multi-threaded and can actually take advantage of all the cores you throw at it, so the QX6700 might actually be a good choice. If cost is a consideration though, the 6600 you've picked will be just fine.

[glc]

A little false economy there - don't get Samsung opticals, and get retail drives. I'd do Lite-On or LG.

You don't need THAT strong a FireGL unless you are doing heavy 3D rendering on a huge screen. Standard video editing can be done fine on one 1/3 the price.

As long as you are buying a card reader, get the Mitsumi combo floppy drive/card reader.

Look at the Q6600.

[hitchface]

I agree with what glc said about the FireGL. When money isn't an issue, you can get quite a powerful system, but it will pay more to make a smart decision. Unless you plan on getting them a monstrous monitor (I didn't see one on there), you may as well go with a bit of a cheaper solution.

On that note, consider getting a monitor combo. I've done a lot of workstation-related stuff on computers, and especially when it comes to multitasking, I have found 2 monitors to be very helpful. Especially if they are doing some video/hi-res photo editing, they would benefit from a monitor that has a high contrast ratio. This one is the 19 inch version of mine, and I am incredibly satisfied with it. It came highly recommended after I informed the clerk that I was doing some image editing...and the price is pretty decent too.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824005075

Oh, and most certainly consider the Qxx00, as glc and mojo suggested.

Have you picked out any speakers yet?

[Furius92]

Is there a reason you are going with a single processor as opposed to a dual processor, dual core solution? It may complicate things a bit, and you'll have use a new case for an Ext. ATX motherboard, but the processing power benefits will be good, especially if he wants to upgrade to quad cores eventually. Any true "workstation" will be dual processor. As for a case, I think Antec makes something like the Titan 550, made especially for Ext. ATX boards. If you need to upgrade the PSU, make sure you get an EPS12V rated PSU.

Just a thought, but any good audio editing will require huge amounts of processing power, and you won't want to sacrifice audio quality.

[minsonngo]

Here the most updated list with all of your suggestions included. I just need some help on the video card now. You all seem to think that I can go cheaper on the card so what should I go with? Which make and model would be helpful. And which is better Quadro or Quadro4? I'm not a video card guy so I don't know the complete details if each.


************************************************

LITE-ON Black 20X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 20X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 8X DVD-R DL 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM IDE Burner with LightScribe Technology - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827106045&name=Item-%23%3A-N82E16827106045
$37.99

LITE-ON Black 20X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 20X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 8X DVD-R DL 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM IDE Burner with LightScribe Technology - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827106045&name=Item-%23%3A-N82E16827106045
$37.99

Antec Performance One P180B Black 0.8mm cold rolled steel for durability through the majority of chassis 1.0mm cold rolled steel around the 4 x HDD area ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16811129017
$114.99

Western Digital Raptor WD1500ADFD 150GB 10,000 RPM Serial ATA150 Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16822136012
$219.99

Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3750640AS 750GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16822148134
$339.99

ATI 100-505144 FireGL V7300 512MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16814195004
$1,049.99

M-AUDIO FireWire 410 7.1 Channels 4-In-10-Out Mobile Recording Interface - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16829121113
$299.99

Antec True Power Trio TP3-650 ATX12V 650W Power Supply with Three 12V Rails - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16817371001
$129.99

MITSUMI Black 1.44MB 3.5" Internal USB 2.0 digital card reader with Floppy Drive Model FA404M BLK - OEM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16821104104
$18.99

CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X2048-6400 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16820145590
$233.00

CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X2048-6400 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16820145590
$233.00

Intel BOXD975XBX2KR LGA 775 Intel 975X ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16813121059
$246.99

Intel Core 2 Extreme X6800 Conroe 2.93GHz 4M shared L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819115001
$970.00

[minsonngo]

I agree with what glc said about the FireGL. When money isn't an issue, you can get quite a powerful system, but it will pay more to make a smart decision. Unless you plan on getting them a monstrous monitor (I didn't see one on there), you may as well go with a bit of a cheaper solution.

On that note, consider getting a monitor combo. I've done a lot of workstation-related stuff on computers, and especially when it comes to multitasking, I have found 2 monitors to be very helpful. Especially if they are doing some video/hi-res photo editing, they would benefit from a monitor that has a high contrast ratio. This one is the 19 inch version of mine, and I am incredibly satisfied with it. It came highly recommended after I informed the clerk that I was doing some image editing...and the price is pretty decent too.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824005075

Oh, and most certainly consider the Qxx00, as glc and mojo suggested.

Have you picked out any speakers yet?

Yeah the client already has TWO very large monitors in use. He just needs the computer system... he already has all of the other equipment.

That LG monitor is pretty sweet though... thanks for the suggestion!

[glc]

I'd buy a quad core before I'd buy the dual core Extreme.

Furius: Why the extra complication of 2 processors now that you can get a single socket quad core? There's a lot of high end software that's licensed per socket, not per core. With quad core, you can get workstation performance out of a single socket desktop board - as long as the software is written to take advantage of that many cores. To use 2 dual cores on a dual socket board uses the same considerations. I wouldn't bother with a dual socket board except in servers or in workstations that can take advantage of the PCI-X bus for high end controllers.

Load up the ATI site, there's a chart in there somewhere comparing the features of all the FireGL cards - that should help you with the decision.

[minsonngo]

I'd buy a quad core before I'd buy the dual core Extreme.

Furius: Why the extra complication of 2 processors now that you can get a single socket quad core? There's a lot of high end software that's licensed per socket, not per core. With quad core, you can get workstation performance out of a single socket desktop board - as long as the software is written to take advantage of that many cores. To use 2 dual cores on a dual socket board uses the same considerations. I wouldn't bother with a dual socket board except in servers or in workstations that can take advantage of the PCI-X bus for high end controllers.

Load up the ATI site, there's a chart in there somewhere comparing the features of all the FireGL cards - that should help you with the decision.

Will do... thanks again GLC! :D

[minsonngo]

Another question... does the Intel Bad Axe 2 motherboard already come with the necessary BIOS revisions for the Quad Core processors? It needs the 2395 revison before it can run the Q6600 according to the Intel website.

If it does not have the correct bios revision, will the computer still run with the Quad Core processor installed so I can do the flash? Or do I have to install a temporary supported processor and then run the bios update? I just don't want any complications with such expensive parts.

[whubbard]

That might actually be a question for newegg. Ask them when they got there boards. should answer your question on if it will come with the 2395 revison.

[newbuilder14]

I heard the Bad Axe 2 was designed specifically for quad core support, I think you should be just fine - Newegg does a good job sending out boards that have the most recent BIOS revisions.

[glc]

Worst case, you can buy a Celeron-D for 45 bucks.