General Computer / Video Capture / Transcoding

[MLabJr]

Hello,

I'm looking to build my first computer and would appreciate any help you could give. As my title says I want a general all around computer (no gaming - use Web, MS Office, Quicken, etc.) that can handle Video/TV well (Hava, Nero, VHS -> Digital, etc.). I would like to understand how to build a fast system with value in mind. Would like to keep under $1000, but can adjust if need be. Have no preference between brands (i.e., Intel vs. AMD), just what gives me the biggest bang for the buck and best quality.

Have been reading and trying to see what the impact of the hard drive situation is in regards to speed given the shortages. I did just get a good buy on a Seagate Barracuda Green 2TB 64MB 5900 RPM and wonder if I should build my system around this, wait, pay the going price or come up with a strategy that allows me to update down the road (maybe faster drive when they are cheaper or SSD - now or again down the road)?

I would like to buy parts through Amazon if possible because the research I've done show the prices are similar, but I have an account and get free shipping using Prime. I'll convert recommendations over, but may need help if part not available (most have been). Let me know if there is a reason to use Newegg. I haven't used them in a long time, but will setup an account if necessary.

Appreciate any suggestions or let me know if you need any additional info.

[glc]

I would use a SSD for your OS and programs, and use your Seagate for data. This is just under $1000:

Newegg.com - COOLER MASTER Elite 430 RC-430-KWN1 Black Steel / Plastic Computer Case

Newegg.com - Antec High Current Gamer Series HCG-620 620W ATX12V v2.3 / EPS12V v2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply

Newegg.com - ASUS P8Z68-V LE LGA 1155 Intel Z68 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard with UEFI BIOS

Newegg.com - Intel Core i7-2600K Sandy Bridge 3.4GHz (3.8GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 3000 BX80623I72600K

Newegg.com - CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Low Profile Desktop Memory Model CML8GX3M2A1600C9

Newegg.com - Intel 510 Series (Elm Crest) SSDSC2MH120A2K5 2.5" 120GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)

Newegg.com - LITE-ON DVD Burner - Bulk 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM Black SATA Model iHAS124-04 - CD / DVD Burners

Newegg.com - Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit - Operating Systems

620 watts is overkill, but for the price you can't beat the deal. If you don't buy before the sale is over, we can find another suitable unit. You can save about $100 when the i5-2500K comes back in stock, Amazon has it but it's a bit overpriced there in my opinion.

[MLabJr]

Hello,

Can you tell me how much difference in speed there is between an i7 and i5? Will it be noticeable? What about the K version, I thought that was more for gamers? I could see myself playing with clocking (but, not getting into gaming), but never really thought about it before so not sure I should spend the $.

Based on other builds I read about I assumed I would be getting an i5 (non K) and just want to understand the differences. If it gives me much greater speed then I guess I'm getting what I'm looking for.

Thanks a lot for the help!

[MLabJr]

Hello,

Does anyone have an opinion how an AMD CPU would stack up against the Intel build?

[Nuclear Krusader]

You don't really want to be overclocking if you care about the integrity of your data.

Check this page for a comparison. Essentially the difference 'twixt the K and the non-K version is that the former doesn't have the Trusted Execution Technology (good thing it doesn't).

[glc]

For video transcoding, I think a fast i5 or i7 will be better than an AMD.

The "K" series processors have a considerably better onboard video than the non-"K". Notice I didn't list a video card.

[Nuclear Krusader]

Is the difference in performace 'twixt the i5 and the i7 noticeable?

[jdeb]

The build glc lists will give him the best bang for the buck.

For video encoding the Intel® Core™ i7-2600K with the Intel Quick Sync would provide the greater advantage. Now that would only be with the applications that can take advantage of the Intel Quick Sync.

Adding a discrete GPU in the future, provides additional advantage and upgrade value.

AnandTech - The Sandy Bridge Review: Intel Core i7-2600K, i5-2500K and Core i3-2100 Tested

[MLabJr]

I ordered everything as GLC outlined. Not familiar with SSD setup. I read up and understand I will load Operating System on SSD. Is there any directions on the site on the proper way to install (i.e., page file, data, etc.)?

[glc]

Install everything on the SSD just like you would on a hard drive. Then install the storage drive and direct all your data storage to it. Move the pagefile to the hard drive.

[MLabJr]

Hi,

I put together the computer and everything seems to be up and running fine. Haven't done much, but what I have done is very fast. Thanks everyone!

I have a couple of questions. How do you know you have the most current drivers? I've never been sure if windows handles it all with updates (took hour+ for all the updates) or I need to check them all and update manually. Currently everything seems to be working, but assume I want the newest driver.

I don't seem to be able to connect to the ASUS FTP site for the BIOS. I manually downloaded, but wondered if anyone else has problem connecting through the ASUS Al Suite II update program? I tried all 3 sites (last night and this AM) and they all just sat there trying to connect. I'm having no problem connecting to anything else.

Thanks!

[glc]

My opinion on bios and driver updates is generally if it ain't broke, don't fix it. I am also VERY wary about updating a bios over the Internet.

[wrecks135]

I had the same problem with the ASUS AI Suite when trying to update Bios. Perhaps I'll just take GLC's advice and leave it alone. My BIOS that came on the motherboard is dated July, 2011 so not that old.

[glc]

I don't know how the new UEFI bios handles updates, but the only way I'll update an Asus bios on boards from the past few years is with a flash drive and EZ-Flash. I don't like online flashers, and I also don't like Windows-based flashers.

The way EZ-Flash works is this - you manually download the bios file and put it on a flash drive - connect the flash drive and turn the computer on. Enter the bios setup and go to EZ-Flash.

For drivers, if you really do want to be up to date, you go to the motherboard support site and download the latest drivers - and for any addon cards (such as a video card) you download the driver from the applicable site. I prefer using the generic Nvidia or AMD driver for the video card instead of the card manufacturer's driver - but there can be exceptions.

If there are any flagged devices in device manager, then you do need to go look for drivers.