Building a kick a$$ editing computer - need recommendations!

[aligator8]

So here's the deal... I'm working with the HVX200, just got my hands on Premiere Pro CS4, and thinking it's time I built myself a new computer (PC) to handle these goodies. I want this computer to be an Editing Rockstar and was hoping someone could lend me their expertise.

Top to bottom, what hardware components would you recommend I install in the tower? Keep in mind, I'd like to keep the cost under $1,500 (aside from monitors, keyboard, audio, etc).

If you need more info, let me know. Thanks in advance for your help :-)

[DogDay]

Could we phrase your question so it stretched over 3 tiers ?

1. 1500-2000 USD
2. 2000-5000 USD
3. 5000-15.000" "

If not let me know and I will delete entry.


Cheers,


Dogday.

[aligator8]

Sure - be my guest :-)

[moonlitnite]

This is a bit dated but is worth reviewing:

http://www.videoguys.com/DIY6.html

Regards, Michael

[Carmen Neely]

You can check out www.pugetsystems.com (http://www.pugetsystems.com) if you want a warranty with your system. Just ordered mine...can't wait to get it.

[Mike Harvey]

Look at newegg.com (http://www.newegg.com). Every computer part you could want, fairly cheap prices, and there is a user rating system for every part. I built my tower for just under $1k a year ago, and it's still a beast of a machine (Vista64, quad-core Q6600, then 4 gig but now 8).

[Mike Harvey]

One thing also is that some of the quad-core chips are coming down now that apparently Intel is releasing a new generation of them, so unless you have to have the absolute newest, bestest, flashiest machine, you can build a pretty beefy animal for under your budget.

[aligator8]

This is a bit dated but is worth reviewing:

http://www.videoguys.com/DIY6.html

Regards, Michael

Michael - thanks for the link. This article is exactly what I was looking for and the fact that it's a year or two old is okay with me. I don't need the latest and greatest, I'm just looking to build a solid machine that can handle my gear!



Look at newegg.com (http://www.newegg.com). Every computer part you could want, fairly cheap prices, and there is a user rating system for every part. I built my tower for just under $1k a year ago, and it's still a beast of a machine (Vista64, quad-core Q6600, then 4 gig but now 8).


One thing also is that some of the quad-core chips are coming down now that apparently Intel is releasing a new generation of them, so unless you have to have the absolute newest, bestest, flashiest machine, you can build a pretty beefy animal for under your budget.

Mike - thanks for the input. As I said above I'm okay with last year's "latest and greatest" haha. I'll check out newegg.com and see how their prices compare to others.

[aligator8]

Is there anything to keep in mind when purchasing a tower or is it just a matter of preference? Obviously it needs to big enough to hold all of your hardware, but some have cooling systems, clear sides, etc... ?

[David Jimerson]

Is there anything to keep in mind when purchasing a tower or is it just a matter of preference? Obviously it needs to big enough to hold all of your hardware, but some have cooling systems, clear sides, etc... ?

Lots of fans. Quiet ones.

Aluminum.

Don't. Go. Cheap. The money you "save" is NOT worth the headaches.

A removable mobo tray is a little slice of heaven.

Also, make sure the power supply is 1) big enough (don't go below 500w) and 2) has all the connections you need (most new ones probably will).

If you're building this for Premiere and AE, then you'll benefit from a monster graphics card. Some of the most monster cards are BIG. You need room in your case, both because they're just BIG, and because you need the ventilation space, and you need the proper power supply.

[Mike Harvey]

Concur with David. Here is the case I bought. (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021)Lot's o' fans, and plenty of space. And USB/Firewire in front and on top.