Build for entry level video rendering

Associate
Joined
23 Apr 2021
Posts
1
Hello all,


I would like some help to select parts for my girlfriend's pc. On top of the usual activities, she also does sound editing and entry level video editing. The initial budget is on the order of 1000 euro. We are located in Belgium.


I am not experienced in video editing requirements, but I figured out that for entry level what you need is a reasonable processor, enough ram and some good drive on which you can write stuff fast enough.
A beefy GPU is not required, it just accelerates the rendering of some effects. If this is right, I want to aim for a processor with integrated graphic card. Given the budget, probably at the moment intel is the better choice, even with those new AMD processors with integrated GPU.


As an initial guess, this is what I selected. If you see something terribly wrong or adjustments you think might be good, just suggest, the post is for that.


Component
CPU
Intel i5 11400 180 euro
Motherboard Asus Prime B560 Plus 130 euro
RAM Corsair LPX 16 Gb 3200 Mhz 90 euro
Storage 1 (OS,Programs, Writing) Samsung 970 evo plus 500GB 85 euro
Storage 2 (Actual Storing) Seagate Barracuda 2TB 60 euro
CPU cooler Cooler Master Hyper 212 35 euro
PSU Corsair RMx 550W 80 euro
Case Fractal design Meshify C 80 euro
WIFI-Bluetooth Adapter Tp-Link Archer TX3000E 45 euro
Windows Windows 145 euro
Screen + Mouse + God Knows What TBD Estimated 150 euro
TOTAL 1080 euro

Some notes or questions:

  • the 550W PSU is a bit overkill, but at one point we might add a thunderbolt card. Also, I can't find a good quality modular PSUs below 550W.
  • Is the CPU reasonable? Should I try to squeeze 2 additional cores ? We don't have to render Avengers End Game 2 in 16K. It's a side activity required in her musician career.
  • Does anybody have an estimate of the RAM usage per core when rendering? For example, in CFD Simulations it's 2-4 Gb per core, but rendering is not CFD. I think 16 Gb is enough, but I want to make sure
  • Cooler Choice? Seems budget but I saw good reviews. Will it keep cool enough even when boosting with 6 cores? That 65 watt TDP is a lie.
  • Where would you cut price? Where would you spend more?
If you have additional suggestions, they are welcome
smile.gif



Lorenzo
 
I've chosen these parts, it includes Windows Pro, 32GB of RAM, 8 Core Processor, an "OK" GPU, room for upgrades.

My basket at Overclockers UK:
Total: £932.51 (includes shipping: £12.60)


  • the 550W PSU is a bit overkill, but at one point we might add a thunderbolt card. Also, I can't find a good quality modular PSUs below 550W

Found you one.
  • Is the CPU reasonable? Should I try to squeeze 2 additional cores ? We don't have to render Avengers End Game 2 in 16K. It's a side activity required in her musician career.

The 11400 is a great processor, although if you want the cores I've got you covered.

  • Does anybody have an estimate of the RAM usage per core when rendering? For example, in CFD Simulations it's 2-4 Gb per core, but rendering is not CFD. I think 16 Gb is enough, but I want to make sure

16 GB is usually enough for most people, but rendering tends to be a little heavier. I'd say 16GB is fine, but have included 32 in the above.

  • Cooler Choice? Seems budget but I saw good reviews. Will it keep cool enough even when boosting with 6 cores? That 65 watt TDP is a lie.

The Hyper 212 is fine, although the box cooler that comes with the 2700x and 3700x is almost as good.

  • Where would you cut price? Where would you spend more?

You currently haven't budgeted for a GPU. I know it can be tempting to skip it, but would not suggest doing so.
 
Last edited:
Look for the Asus TUF Gaming B560M-PLUS WIFI. You could then change case to Meshify C Mini (Micro-ATX) or cheaper Define C Mini (Micro-ATX).

If going with integrated graphics you should get the Intel 11500 which has better graphics than 11400 and below.

Look for Crucial Ballistix 3600 C16 DDR4 which seems to be about 20 euros more. Since you are using integrated graphics, which uses system memory, the faster speed will benefit (along with the slightly faster speed of the 11500's graphics v 11400).

Look for Gelid Solutions Phantom cooler with 7 heatpipes and cheaper than the Hyper 212.

I found these parts using the part picking website set to Belgium.
 
Installing Windows yourself then picking up a cheap key for 10 euro would be the biggest saving.

Maybe look for a board with build in wifi aswell.

I usually don't recommend grey market keys over just not activating windows personally. I don't think Microsoft do anything about inactivated Windows 10 instances anymore.
 
...snip...
16 GB is usually enough for most people, but rendering tends to be a little heavier. I'd say 16GB is fine, but have included 32 in the above.

I'll second this and I'm glad I went with 32GB instead of 16GB.

I've not checked whilst using Davinci Resolve 17 as I don't do video all that often but I do a lot of photography and last night I had the latest versions of Adobe Lightroom and also Photoshop open whilst editing a large stitched pano and I had eaten into about 19GB of RAM.
 
Back
Top Bottom