Self Build Virgin Take 2 - spec check and advice appreciated please

kenej2005

kenej2005

kenej2005

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Joined
4 Sep 2008
Posts
36
Hi folks,

Need to update my current machine as it struggles badly with HDV editing and some Photoshop work.

Current spec is Athlon FX-53 (2.4GHz) processor, 2GB RAM, and a Radeon X800XT GPU. Hope to see big improvement with the spec below:

Case: Antec 300
CPU: Core i7 920 OEM
Cooling:Titan TTC-NK85TZ Fenrir CPU Cooler & Arctic Silver Compound
Motherboard: Gigabyte EX58-UD5 Intel X58 Motherboard
RAM: OCZ Gold 6GB DDR3 PC3-12800C8 1600MHz DDR3
GPU: Asus ATI Radeon HD 4850 512MB GDDR3 TV-Out/Dual DVI/HDMI PCI-Express) - Retail
HDD 1: WD VelociRaptor 150GB 10,000RPM SATA-II 16MB Cache - OEM (for OS only)
HDD 2:1TB Samsung (already bought)
DVD DRive: Pioneer DVR-216DBK 20x DVD±RW SATA Dual Layer ReWriter (Black) - OEM
OS: Windows 7 release Candidate (see me through till release next year) - can I get away with this? :)
PSU: Antec TruePower New Modular 750W Power Supply. Selected only because it's the same manufacturer as the case so must be a guaranteed fit? Or are all PSU's the same shape / size? Forgive my noobiness

I'm looking for an easy build for a first timer. I'd appreciate advice on improvements, incompatibilities, etc.

My usage will be primarily video editing of HDV footage using Sony Vegas & also Photoshop work. Vegas is not GPU accelerated and I don't game so if I needed to save cash I could reduce the GPU to a cheaper model. (Budget is circa £800/£900 - no monitor etc. needed).

One thing that would be handy for me is front mounted Firewire and multi card reader (not a deal breaker but nice). How do I do that - the case only has two front mounted USB sockets. Go easy - I'm new to this :-)

Finally, is there any way to get a discount code for OC? I've been knocked back for the Amex 5% cashback card so any discount vouchers etc would be welcomed.

Thanks in advance for your assistance folks.

Jon.
 
As above change the CPU, but yeah all cases and PSU's use ATX form factor so fit together (bar one PSU which is CPX and is antec actually) and you dont need any where near 750W, as you dont game I take it you wont be going xfire any time soon, in which case a quality 450W will do, look at the BeQuiet range, theyre modular which will help with cable management and as name suggests theyre nice n quiet, that'd save you £30 which you could put towards a better case
card reader
Edit: and yeah you'll see a huge improvement
 
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Stanman - cheers. I selected the OEM as I was given to understand that overclocking invalidates the warranty so figured the extra quid or two would be wasted. Given that, would you still recommend the retail?

95thrifles & gougon945 -thanks for the card reader links. So I just buy one and slot it in one of the drive bays. Ideal.

95th - cheers. I am hoping that the current three minute log on will be shortened and that I don't have top render HDV overnight anymore :-)
 
Not sure which OEM you were referring to, theres the C0 and D0 and theres only a few quid in it between the OEM and retail so its worth getting the one he linked. As I say you dont need that powerful a PSU
 
95th & gougon - okay cheers. To be honest I have no idea how to work out what wattage I should select so I just went for a big 'un. You're right that it's doubtful I'll be going crossfire. But I will end up running a lot of hard drives over the coming years (may well use all six HDD bays depending on amount of video work). Will gougon's linked PSU cope with that, or a 450Was per your suggestion?

Re the CPU - thanks. Will update as per your recommendations to retail version.
 
A good 450w will do for now, no doubt. I linked to the Corsair 620 as it gives peace of mind for the future. As you upgrade GPU, HDD etc. later on it makes sense imo to get higher wattage PSU now. The Corsair has plenty of connections for the future, Corsair and Be Quiet seem to be the top makers of PSU's these days
 
kenej2005 said:
95th & gougon - okay cheers. To be honest I have no idea how to work out what wattage I should select so I just went for a big 'un. You're right that it's doubtful I'll be going crossfire. But I will end up running a lot of hard drives over the coming years (may well use all six HDD bays depending on amount of video work). Will gougon's linked PSU cope with that, or a 450Was per your suggestion?

Re the CPU - thanks. Will update as per your recommendations to retail version.
Click to expand...

can use this calculator to give you some idea
http://www.thermaltake.outervision.com/
 
A HDD only adds 5-10Watts so even 6 HDD's is only a max of 60W extra load, I still reckon you'll be fine with 450W, though if you really want get a 550W just to be sure, as before BeQuiet are great
 
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