Rig build for video editing, need advice

[nedilespaul]

Hi all, first visit ever to the forum and it seems full of helpful information so I thought I would ask for some advice, to start...

My intention is to use this rig only for video editing nothing else.

I have been a pc user for years and I upgraded a few years back as my computer for everything and it’s been good but, starting to feel dated,

My current rig consists of –

• CPU- Amd x6 1055t 2.8ghz not overclocked
• MOBO- ASUS M4A88TD-V-EVO/USB3
• 12gb ram pc3-1066 'mixed brands'
• GT440 1gb GDDR5
• 250gb 7200rpm system drive
• 1tb + 500gb 7200rpm
• 2tb External back-up drive
• Displays - 22" WSXGA+ & 17” WXGA+ both standard TN
• 550w Corasir PSU

I have started up a video production company and have taken a keen interest in video editing using Adobe premier pro CS5.5 hoping to move onto CS6, we shoot only on HDSLR’s “for now” so was considering getting something that would maybe be future proofed up to 2k “for the black magic cinema camera” and MAYBE 4k why the heck not!.
I have done a few jobs on my current rig and it seems “ok” but I think its a little slow, I was considering getting an iMac as I wanted the option editing using apple native software and able to use pro-res codec and being able to export to all formats etc... but I held off to see the 2012 iMac and well they are... great?

SO I have given myself 3 options and would like your helpful advice! That’s if you made it to this point =P.

1. Keep current Rig and upgrade it – Cheapest option
• maxing out the ram to 16gb,
• install SSD for the boot drive
• Raid-0 2tb drives for my footage
• 2tb drive for backup
• Use existing 1tb drive for export footage & 500gb drive for page file & media cache


2. Build a new rig with i7 Ivy bridge – will using existing case, PSU, GFX card, old 22” screen, old hard drives.

3. Buy an iMac... 27” 2011 used or 2012 new..


so there you have it, what are your thoughts?

Enjoy!

 

[nedilespaul]

Hey all thanks very much for all the replies! Cant believe how quick you got back to me! Your all awesome!! I've had a look at that videoguys post and found it helpful gave me a good base line to work from.

I thought about a workstation but they are just to expensive, and considering my workflow is currently with HDSLRs i think the best value in terms of performance is a self build using SB OR IB with plenty of ram/storage and my little GPU that supports the MPE in premiere pro via small hack. Since I'm looking for the most cost effective option is there anything left in the x6 or would it be best to "scrap" it? As how fast can the i7's really be =p 'semi joke'.

Like many people I probably don't really need a mac it's more of a want, but I have recently realised that a custom PC is just a better choice considering the amount of storage and that I'm still well under the budget of the base 27" iMac... Tho it does have a nice screen! =\

Out of interest has anyone came across a similar question on the forum regarding a rig for video editing as it would be interesting to see the hardware actually in motion.

Cheers