A Build For Video

[Cooly]

I'm about ready to start on a new build. I'll be using it for a lot of
video editing since that's my new play toy. I'd appreciate any input on
what's important for video editing. Memory is obvious but how important
is the video card etc.
TIA
Cooly

 

[John Doe]

I'm about ready to start on a new build. I'll be using it for a
lot of video editing since that's my new play toy. I'd appreciate
any input on what's important for video editing. Memory is obvious
but how important is the video card etc.
TIA
Cooly

Consider dual monitors.

 

[Paul]

I'm about ready to start on a new build. I'll be using it for a lot of
video editing since that's my new play toy. I'd appreciate any input on
what's important for video editing. Memory is obvious but how important
is the video card etc.
TIA
Cooly

First, find the software you plan on using, and read the "system requirements".
Some software claims to get a benefit from certain graphics cards (GPU
acceleration of playback), but based on the cards listed, it doesn't appear
to be a significant effect (a low end 7300 is in the list of supported cards).
Other software only uses the GPU as a frame buffer, and with a PCI Express x16
slot with 4GB/sec bandwidth, the slot does all the work. Virtually any
video card at the $100 level would do.

For the most part, you want a CPU. There is a benchmark here. At the top of
the chart, are $1000 class processors. The Q6600 and E6850 are more
reasonably priced ($270-$280 neighborhood), and pretty far up the list
in terms of performance.

http://www23.tomshardware.com/cpu_2007.html?modelx=33&model1=871&model2=872&chart=432

For memory, I'd start with 2x1GB DDR2-800 CAS5. Right now, that will cost
you a grand total of $45. Since it is so cheap, if you think you really
need more (i.e. someone convinces you that 4x2GB sticks is the thing to do),
removing the $45 sticks is not going to bother you that much. Try with
the $45 solution first, and work from there. Don't be tempted by the
DDR3, because it is too expensive.

For a motherboard, pick something with four memory slots. Chances are,
that will mean a full sized ATX motherboard. Motherboards with X38 are
pretty capable (and if you get the Q6600, you may want to try overclocking
it by 25 percent). They might also make it easier to pop in a 45nm
processor (the Next Big Thing), when they start shipping at a reasonable
price.

GA-X38-DS4 $200
http://www.giga-byte.com.tw/Support/Motherboard/BIOS_Model.aspx?ProductID=2736
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductReview.aspx?Item=N82E16813128080

Unless you go overboard with the video card, you won't need a monster
power supply to run it all. 500W should be plenty, if the supply is a
quality one. When your purchase list is ready, someone can work out
the power for you. (There are web sites to work out power, but I only
accept results where they "show their work". For example, Asus offers
a web page to work out system power, but all their line items are rounded
to the nearest 50W for some reason. Needless to say, that doesn't
instill confidence.)

Paul

 

[Cooly]

First, find the software you plan on using, and read the "system
requirements".
Some software claims to get a benefit from certain graphics cards (GPU
acceleration of playback), but based on the cards listed, it doesn't appear
to be a significant effect (a low end 7300 is in the list of supported
cards).
Other software only uses the GPU as a frame buffer, and with a PCI
Express x16
slot with 4GB/sec bandwidth, the slot does all the work. Virtually any
video card at the $100 level would do.

I'll keep this in mind, I haven't looked at video cards yet since I
didn't know how
important they would be.

For the most part, you want a CPU. There is a benchmark here. At the top of
the chart, are $1000 class processors. The Q6600 and E6850 are more
reasonably priced ($270-$280 neighborhood), and pretty far up the list
in terms of performance.

http://www23.tomshardware.com/cpu_2007.html?modelx=33&model1=871&model2=872&chart=432

New Egg has the E6750 for $189 vs. $279 for the E6850 Benchmark with
Pinnacle 11 shows it 5 seconds slower than
the E6850. How does that sound.

For memory, I'd start with 2x1GB DDR2-800 CAS5. Right now, that will cost
you a grand total of $45. Since it is so cheap, if you think you really
need more (i.e. someone convinces you that 4x2GB sticks is the thing to
do),
removing the $45 sticks is not going to bother you that much. Try with
the $45 solution first, and work from there. Don't be tempted by the
DDR3, because it is too expensive.

For a motherboard, pick something with four memory slots. Chances are,
that will mean a full sized ATX motherboard. Motherboards with X38 are
pretty capable (and if you get the Q6600, you may want to try overclocking
it by 25 percent). They might also make it easier to pop in a 45nm
processor (the Next Big Thing), when they start shipping at a reasonable
price.

GA-X38-DS4 $200
http://www.giga-byte.com.tw/Support/Motherboard/BIOS_Model.aspx?ProductID=2736

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductReview.aspx?Item=N82E16813128080

Here's the MB on my wish list at New Egg.
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16813131188
It's lower priced than the Giga-byte and supports DDR3 if I want an
upgrade later. I agree with your memory suggestions.

Unless you go overboard with the video card, you won't need a monster
power supply to run it all. 500W should be plenty, if the supply is a
quality one. When your purchase list is ready, someone can work out
the power for you. (There are web sites to work out power, but I only
accept results where they "show their work". For example, Asus offers
a web page to work out system power, but all their line items are rounded
to the nearest 50W for some reason. Needless to say, that doesn't
instill confidence.)

Paul

Thanks for the very informative reply. I will be doing my shopping at
NewEgg, I've had good luck there in the past.

 

[Paul]

New Egg has the E6750 for $189 vs. $279 for the E6850 Benchmark with
Pinnacle 11 shows it 5 seconds slower than
the E6850. How does that sound.

Fair enough. Check the CPUSupport charts, to make sure it is supported.
The chart will tell you what version of BIOS is required. And whether
it is supported or not. The E6750 and E6850 are FSB1333 processors,
and if you want to overclock, the FSB would have to go higher than
that. With the E6850, overclocking really isn't necessary (should be
fine at stock). With the E6750, it is your choice if you want to
try pushing it a bit. Both processors have a 65W rating, so should
remain relatively cool compared to an overclocked Q6600.

Here's the MB on my wish list at New Egg.
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16813131188
It's lower priced than the Giga-byte and supports DDR3 if I want an
upgrade later. I agree with your memory suggestions.

Read the reviews on that one first. The reviewer point evaluations
are skewed towards the lower end of the chart, which is not a good
sign. Generally speaking, motherboards that support more than one
RAM type, are a bad idea.

If you want a really cheap board, you could try this one I noticed
yesterday. I haven't really looked at the CPUSupport page yet, or
downloaded the manual, so there is more research to do. Only two
RAM slots.

GIGABYTE GA-G31M-S2L LGA 775 Intel G31 Micro ATX $67
Northbridge doesn't have a fan, so a downward blowing
CPU cooler would be a nice addition.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128078
http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/Support/Motherboard/CPUSupport_Model.aspx?ProductID=2693
http://www.intel.com/products/chipsets/G31/index.htm

G31 is officially FSB1066, so FSB1333 is an overclock to start with.
As long as the reviews are OK with it, it should be OK to use.

It is your call, whether DDR3 makes sense (ever). DDR3 can rely on
using a high CAS value, in order to work at a high clock speed.
At some point, it may indeed make sense to use it, if the CAS
comes down. Right now, to me, it is nothing but a money grab.
Memory companies are taking a beating on DDR2, which is where
we want them To make up for all the times there was price
fixing, and for all the expensive memory I've bought in the
past. Now is payback time... I can remember spending $600 to
get 128MB. Now you can get 2GB for $45.

Paul

 

[RobV]

Paul wrote:

[snip]

It is your call, whether DDR3 makes sense (ever). DDR3 can rely on
using a high CAS value, in order to work at a high clock speed.
At some point, it may indeed make sense to use it, if the CAS
comes down. Right now, to me, it is nothing but a money grab.
Memory companies are taking a beating on DDR2, which is where
we want them To make up for all the times there was price
fixing, and for all the expensive memory I've bought in the
past. Now is payback time... I can remember spending $600 to
get 128MB. Now you can get 2GB for $45.

Paul

Or, you can get a matched pair of Corsair DDR2 for $49, with a $24 MIR,
end cost for 2 GB RAM: $25. Quality is excellent; overclocks well, have
4 sticks, all run great on my Asus P5B-Plus. I received my rebates
within reasonable time.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145590

 

[John Doe]

I received my rebates within reasonable time.

That's nice, but rebates are hit and miss. We get complaints here
about not receiving rebates. Rebate offers explicitly state that
they are not responsible for mishandling anywhere along the process.
What sort of deal is that? The main reason they offer rebates might
be to prevent product return after you remove the UPC code. That and
the fact there is no real agreement the rebate will be sent is very
good reason to immediately move onto the next item whenever I see a
mail-in rebate offer. If you know of better motives for mail-in
rebate offers, please explain.

 

[DonC]

That's nice, but rebates are hit and miss. We get complaints here
about not receiving rebates. Rebate offers explicitly state that
they are not responsible for mishandling anywhere along the process.
What sort of deal is that? The main reason they offer rebates might
be to prevent product return after you remove the UPC code. That and
the fact there is no real agreement the rebate will be sent is very
good reason to immediately move onto the next item whenever I see a
mail-in rebate offer. If you know of better motives for mail-in
rebate offers, please explain.

I can't remember the last time I didn't get my rebate. I have to be getting
over 95% of them. I'd surely pick a non-rebate item if the price was
comparable but to totally avoid them is foolish IMHO.

 

[RobV]

That's nice, but rebates are hit and miss. We get complaints here
about not receiving rebates. Rebate offers explicitly state that
they are not responsible for mishandling anywhere along the process.
What sort of deal is that? The main reason they offer rebates might
be to prevent product return after you remove the UPC code. That and
the fact there is no real agreement the rebate will be sent is very
good reason to immediately move onto the next item whenever I see a
mail-in rebate offer. If you know of better motives for mail-in
rebate offers, please explain.

All I can do is relate my experiences with rebates, especially with
regards to the Corsair memory. I've not had any problems. You say
others have. I know nothing of these other problems, and I have nothing
to explain.

You've explained your theory for not using them. Fine, but don't give
me a hard time because I've not had any problems getting them, nor have
I had any problems with the merchandise.

Now that the OP has "heard" both sides regarding the use of rebates, I'm
sure s/he is intelligent enough to make up his/her own mind about using
this one.

 

[John Doe]

All I can do is relate my experiences with rebates, especially
with regards to the Corsair memory. I've not had any problems.
You say others have. I know nothing of these other problems, and
I have nothing to explain.

You've explained your theory for not using them. Fine, but don't
give me a hard time

If I wanted to give you a hard time, RobV, I would have said
something like "You have a grand total of 159 post under your
current alias and 14 of them are selling Corsair memory. Who knows
whether you actually received any rebates, RobV, you could just as
easily be a shill for Corsair."

Here on the worldwide public USENET, the word "you" shouldn't be
taken personally, it's almost always understood (and frequently
acted on) as an invitation to any reader.

Lots of people say they do not receive rebates, some people say they
always receive rebates. Whether that's true or not is impossible for
a reader to tell. That's why I ask for something tangible, what is
the motive for a company to offer a mail-in rebate other than a scam
to prevent returns since the UPC code is removed from the package?

 

[RobV]

If I wanted to give you a hard time, RobV, I would have said
something like "You have a grand total of 159 post under your
current alias and 14 of them are selling Corsair memory. Who knows
whether you actually received any rebates, RobV, you could just as
easily be a shill for Corsair."

Of course, I could respond with something like "Thanks for keeping
track for me. With your current alias, there are 6,820 posts and I don't
want to know what any of them are about.

Who knows, you could just as easily be a three toed sloth, but I
wouldn't accuse you of being one without the slightest shred of
evidence...then again..."

It's easy to make baseless accusations anonymously. You're a real class
act, JD. Anyone else's opinion is okay, as long as it's the same as
yours.

Here on the worldwide public USENET, the word "you" shouldn't be
taken personally, it's almost always understood (and frequently
acted on) as an invitation to any reader.

Yeah...right...BTW, TINH.

Lots of people say they do not receive rebates, some people say they
always receive rebates. Whether that's true or not is impossible for
a reader to tell. That's why I ask for something tangible, what is
the motive for a company to offer a mail-in rebate other than a scam
to prevent returns since the UPC code is removed from the package?

[snip]

For the sake of space, I'll just snip mine and list yours:

Path:
roadrunner.com!dartmaster!s02-b07.iad01!nx01.iad01.newshosting.com!newshosting.com!newshub.sdsu.edu!newscon04.news.prodigy.net!prodigy.net!newsdst01.news.prodigy.net!prodigy.com!postmaster.news.prodigy.com!nlpi061.nbdc.sbc.com.POSTED!8f0138c1!not-for-mail
Newsgroups: alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt
Subject: Re: A Build For Video
From: John Doe <[email protected]>
References: <[email protected]> <[email protected]>
<[email protected]> <[email protected]>
<[email protected]>
<[email protected]>
<[email protected]>
User-Agent: Xnews/06.01.10
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Message-ID: <[email protected]>
NNTP-Posting-Host: 75.50.247.224
X-Complaints-To: (e-mail address removed)
X-Trace: nlpi061.nbdc.sbc.com 1200606795 ST000 75.50.247.224 (Thu, 17
Jan 2008 16:53:15 EST)
NNTP-Posting-Date: Thu, 17 Jan 2008 16:53:15 EST
Organization: AT&T http://yahoo.sbc.com
X-UserInfo1:
FKPO@SVDZZWARWT^]BIFO^PA[R]FBL@MAHU^_BAMEH]TCDYG^WH[AKK[J\]^HVKHG^EWZHBLO^[\NH_AZFWGN^\DHNVMX_DHHX[FSQKBOTS@@BP^]C@RHS_AGDDC[AJM_T[GZNRNZAY]GNCPBDYKOLK^_CZFWPGHZIXW@C[AFKBBQS@E@DAZ]VDFUNTQQ]FN
Date: Thu, 17 Jan 2008 21:53:15 GMT
Xref: roadrunner.com alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt:226461

Are we having fun yet?

Some things just go better in a bit bucket.

 

[Cooly]

Cooly wrote:

Thanks for the help Paul, I just got home after two days away, I'll
check all that info out after I get some sleep.
Cooly

 

[John Doe]

Yeah...right...BTW, TINH.

When I do a USENET archive search for "BTW TINH invalid" without the
quotes, all of the relevant results (9/12) are from
(24hoursupport.helpdesk).

Lots of people say they do not receive rebates, some people say
they always receive rebates. Whether that's true or not is
impossible for a reader to tell. That's why I ask for something
tangible, what is the motive for a company to offer a mail-in
rebate other than a scam to prevent returns [and to help
retailers get rid of crap that won't sell] since the UPC code is
removed from the package?

[snip]

You failed to answer the question.

Path:
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Newsgroups: alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt
Subject: Re: A Build For Video
From: John Doe <[email protected]>
References: <[email protected]> <[email protected]>
<[email protected]> <[email protected]>
<[email protected]>
<[email protected]>
<[email protected]>
User-Agent: Xnews/06.01.10
Lines: 86
Message-ID: <[email protected]>
NNTP-Posting-Host: 75.50.247.224
X-Complaints-To: (e-mail address removed)
X-Trace: nlpi061.nbdc.sbc.com 1200606795 ST000 75.50.247.224 (Thu, 17
Jan 2008 16:53:15 EST)
NNTP-Posting-Date: Thu, 17 Jan 2008 16:53:15 EST
Organization: AT&T http://yahoo.sbc.com
X-UserInfo1:
FKPO@SVDZZWARWT^]BIFO^PA[R]FBL@MAHU^_BAMEH]TCDYG^WH[AKK[J\]^HVKHG^EWZHBLO^[\NH_AZFWGN^\DHNVMX_DHHX[FSQKBOTS@@BP^]C@RHS_AGDDC[AJM_T[GZNRNZAY]GNCPBDYKOLK^_CZFWPGHZIXW@C[AFKBBQS@E@DAZ]VDFUNTQQ]FN
Date: Thu, 17 Jan 2008 21:53:15 GMT
Xref: roadrunner.com alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt:226461

Are we having fun yet?

Some things just go better in a bit bucket.