A Final Hardware Question, only if you have the time! (It's long)

GeoffCampbell wrote on 6/25/2003, 4:40 PM
As many of you will remember, last week I made a number of posts regarding the configuration of a Motherboard, CPU, and Memory, for putting together a system for VV4.

I am aware of the fact that this Forum should only be used to address questions about VV4 issues; and not hardware related issues. However, correct me if I'm wrong, but considering what I've seen on other related forums, the interface between hardware, and software, seems to be a very big issue, and in many cases, a very big problem. I do not want to misuse this Forum, make anyone angry, or ruffle any feathers. However, I have been checking out all the info that so many of you were kind enough to give me. I have visited over 50 websites. (For purchasing, and/or specs, and reviews)

I have come to one factual realization. So many people, have so many different opinions regarding hardware configurations for NLE, that it's is virtually impossible for someone, like myself, to make an intelligent decision. I have been told repeatedly: "Go with what you feel is the best system for you, and what you feel comfortable with." Well, after all my searching, asking, reading, and listening, I'm more confused than I was when I first asked. Which brings me to what I would like to have an opinion on?

Many of you (you know who you are) have replied to my posts in great detail. That shows me that you know what you are talking about, and have a high degree of expertise with NLE. So, if you choose to reply to this final question on the subject, please know that I will take your suggestions very seriously. With regard to the fact that I may, once again, receive many different opinions, since I'm asking for quite a specific answer, I'm sure that any one of them will be suitable. So here goes...

Could you please give me a definitive configuration (Brand Name, and Model number) of a Motherboard, CPU, and Memory that would be suitable for NLE, using VV4? I do not have deep pockets, so using the following parameters; just give me the best bang for the buck. A motherboard that has 800MHz FSB capabilities, at least a P4 C 2.4GHz CPU, and 1 to 2GB of either RDRAM, or DDRAM. Let me give you one example to go by, as a criterion, which you can apply to each component, or the system as a whole.

"I've been told that for the money, I should buy DDR memory with a low CAS LATENCY number, and that 2GB is overkill" (This is just one of so many confusing issues)

If lesser specs are suitable, feel free to offer those suggestions. (If you are basing your opinion on this, with money as the deciding factor; do so only if the dollar amount is
$500.00, or greater)

Now, let me make this perfectly clear. First, I know I'm asking a lot. Second, I wish I had another source from whom, or which, I could get this information. However, since I own VV4, am a novice compared to so many of you whom I regard as "EXPERTS,” I can't imagine a better sourse, or place, to give me the jump start I need, than this Forum.

Once again, I sincerely hope that this request does not offend anyone, and since I keep going around in circles, I hope no one will take this as an abuse of the Forum. I cannot
help but think that the suggestions, and opinions, given (assuming there will be any) will be of great help to many others, like me, who would need this kind of question answered.

Considering all the time I've spent doing the research I was advised to do, all to no avail; if there's another source, you feel I can contact, that can better help me, please let me know.

I do make this promise to any, and all, who take the time to answer this; I will never ask this question again, on this forum. I'm well prepared for those who will reply by chastising me to the fullest, and offer my sincere apology to you now. As I said in a previous post, I never set out to be rude, abusive, or discourteous.

I hope that this final request for help, regarding this issue, will not be perceived as ill mannered, impolite, insolent, or unmannerly.

Please accept my most sincere appreciation for any replies.

Sincerely,
I_Need_Help
Tony

Comments

moron wrote on 6/25/2003, 4:54 PM
Hey Tony. There are plenty of companies that specialize in selling video / audio editing oriented PC solutions. I would strongly suggest that you consider buying from one of these outfits in your case since this will make sure that you get a machine suitable for your needs and that you can get some support after the fact. It will be a bit more expensive than sourcing the parts yourself of course but the small extra cost will be offset by the extra service and advice which you seem to be looking for.

A quick search through Google should give you some immediate options on this front I would expect.

Cheers
GeoffCampbell wrote on 6/25/2003, 5:25 PM
Moron: Thank you for your reply. I have been in contact with many individuals, and companies that do so specialize. The cost difference is much higher. When I asked this same question of a person who builds NLE system, he wanted $500.00 just to answer the question. He then told me that he could custom build me a very good system for
$10,000.00. Since I already have everything else, I only need the motherboard, CPU, and memory, to upgrade. At the very higest, I can't imagine having to spend more than $750.00 to $1,000.00. Would you say that's about right?

Thanks very much for your time, and input.

Tony
MadMikey wrote on 6/25/2003, 5:26 PM
Tony,

I just bought a system from Alienware (www.alienware.com). P4 3Ghz, 800Mhz FrontSideBus, 2Gb ram, 2 SATA 160Gb hard drives. They are considered a high end PC builder and their prices are reasonable. I paid about $300 more than if I built the system myself but they know exactly how to set everything up. It can be a nightmare if you don't know alot about it. My sanity and time was worth way more than the $300. And WOW what a difference!!! My old system was a 1 Ghz Athlon.

Mike
BillyBoy wrote on 6/25/2003, 5:56 PM
Tony, I think your problem is information overload and now you're afraid to make a final decison and want someone to make it for you. Not surprising you're not getting any takers thay say go specifically buy A, B, C, because I suspect if you do, in a couple weeks you'll come back and say you did, and you now you've got problems X, Y, Z.

You've gotten a LOT of good advice. You job, decide. Your best choice would probably be to let some company build you one and hope that they do a decent job. I've read many of the replies to your questions and I don't recall anyone giving you bad advice. Different advice, for sure, that's the nature of forums.
GeoffCampbell wrote on 6/25/2003, 6:47 PM
BillyBoy, and MadMikey:

Thanks! I think you're absolutely right. Maybe I just need to back off for a few weeks, and re-think my options. However, a suggestion of these 3 basic components would make me feel that I at least had something to start with. Oh well, nothing's easy!

Thanks very much for your time, and expertise. You make me feel comfortable in that I know that someone's watching my back, so I don't make any mistakes, and waste my time, and even more so, money! ! !

Very Gentlemanly of you. You're very nice.

Really, thanks very, very much,
Tony
starixiom wrote on 6/25/2003, 7:21 PM
It is extremely overwhelming. $10,000 is probably if you want a hardware/ realtime based NLE from the likes of Adobe or Canopus. I would take a deep breathe and think everything out for at least another week (1 month preferrably.) It took me 6 months before i even laid down the cash for my system. Remember your not building the best system for Vegas your building a stable system that Vegas runs on.

A "turnkey" solution might be your best bet. Keep in mind though that most turnkey systems start at $2,500 (that does include software) and increase from there. There is always going to be a tradeoff between your time/ sanity versus your pocketbook. Im already insane so the choice was simple.

craftech wrote on 6/25/2003, 8:38 PM
I agree with the "turnkey" suggestion. Please read these recent posts of mine for a suggested system that would more than suit your needs:

http://www.sonicfoundry.com/Forums/ShowMessage.asp?MessageID=192476&Page=0

http://www.sonicfoundry.com/Forums/ShowMessage.asp?MessageID=192714&Page=0

http://www.sonicfoundry.com/Forums/ShowMessage.asp?MessageID=192962&Page=0

John
MyST wrote on 6/25/2003, 8:51 PM
http://www.boxxtech.com/asp/cf_step2.asp?ModelInstanceID=172

This is very customizable and "reasonable". Sonic Foundry used to offer a package with this company(don't know if they still do), so I think the compatibility is probably good. Actually, when you add software packages, you'll see they offer Sonic Foundry video/audio apps.

M
GeoffCampbell wrote on 6/26/2003, 12:41 AM
To BillyBoy, craftech, MadMikey, moron, MyST, and starixiom:

Thank you all so very, very much for your time, and expertise.

I think if I had communicated the following in any, of my previous posts, you would have had a better understanding of where I was coming form, in reference to where I wanted to go.

I built my current system from scratch. Not a hard thing to do, I just needed a computer for general computering. (There's a word an educated person would never be caught using)

Now that I'm into DV, and NLE, with VV4; I simply want to upgrade/reconfigure my system to best accommodate VV4. Although I know a little more than a novice, when it comes to fine tuning a system to be in perfect harmony; hardware to software, I have to be certain of the underlying nuances, and finer details, that the average person probably wouldn't look for. In other words, I have enough knowledge to know that I best "Ask those who are in the know," before proceeding. While being very cautious, I came across as very frazzled. I'm sorry for that.

When I asked for a recommendation of the best Motherboard, CPU, and Memory, to start with; I did so with the intention of checking out those I felt were the most accurate, and appropriate. These three components are the cornerstone for any good system, even more so for a designated system with a specific purpose.

I posted a similar request on another Forum, and gave a specific example of what I was looking for. I intentionally referenced a motherboard that does not support an 800MHz FSB P4. Here's the way I ended that post:

Basically, what would really help me the most, is an answer using the following as an example:

Intel D845PEBT2 motherboard
Intel 2.4GHz 800 CPU
Two Samsung 512MB DDRAM PC3200, or
One Crucial 1GHz RDRAM

Thanks for any advice,
Tony

This was the reply:

Tony,

The D845PEBT2 does not support an 800 MHz FSB P4. (I know it was just an example but just in case) Only 865 and 875 chipsets support 800 fsb.Go with the D875PBZLK. It's a good stable board. Good rule of thumb to buy memory in pairs. Two sticks of 512 mb ram running in dual channel mode are better than one stick of 1 GB running in single mode. (Dual channel is putting ram in banks 1 and 3)

Here is my recommendation:
CPU- P4 2.4 GHz 800 fsb $172
Mobo- Intel D875PBZLK - $162.50
Ram- CORSAIR MEMORY XMS Extreme Memory Speed Series, Low Latency (Twin Pack) 1GB (2 x 512MB) PC-3200LL - $291.50

That's $625. If you want to spend a little more get a better chip.

Hope this helps
XXXXXX

I have since received three other recommendations. If you have your own take on the above, I would really appreciate your sharing it with me.

For the record, if you recommended a certain configuration of these three components for me to start with, and I used your suggestion; if it didn't work, crashed, or blew up,
I most certainly wouldn't blame you. It would be my responsibility to get other conformation that this was in fact a good move. Furthermore, how can you go wrong
giving a recommendation on such basic components. In a month, or two, something better will definitely be on the market.

None the less, thank you all so very, very much for being so kind, patient, and taking the time to care, and share! ! ! You're all top shelf! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

I think I have what I need to go on, but you can never have to many options. Especially when they come from people, you hold in high regard.

Have a very happy, and above all, a very safe Fourth of July holiday.

Fondest Regards,
Tony


craftech wrote on 6/26/2003, 6:50 AM
I have two computers both of which I built from scratch. I have one which is dedicated to Video Editing only so that if I do have a problem (which is rare) there are very few "other factors" such as other software, codecs, configurations, etc. In your case, that would make it a lot easier to get help from your peers and from tech support for software and for your computer. In terms of software tech support there is a tendency (SF being an exception) to "blame the other software" for the problem.
I use a switch box which cost around $15 which enables me to use the same monitor, keyboard, and mouse for both computers.

John
GeoffCampbell wrote on 6/26/2003, 1:09 PM
To craftech:

And I thought I knew at least a little something... I never thought of doing this. All I would have to do is build the tower, and use everything else as you do.

What a "GREAT" suggestion.

Have a happy, and safe 4th!

Thanks,
Tony
AZEdit wrote on 6/26/2003, 1:53 PM
I agree with MyST--- go to www.boxxtech.com Look under products... worksations (3dboxx) and choose the series you want. I reccoment the E Series Single P4 system and configure your boxx. Choose your processor (suggest the 3.0) amount of ram (suggest at least 1.5 gig) Choose your video card (suggest the NVIDIA GeForce FX5600- not much more and a good card) Choose your hard drives ( suggest at least 2- system and storage) and go for it! With the suggestions you will be around $2300!
GeoffCampbell wrote on 6/26/2003, 2:04 PM
To AZEdit:

Thanks for the suggestion. Very detailed, informative, and very much appreciated. I'll
check it out for sure.

Have a happy, and a safe 4th.

Tony
FuTz wrote on 6/28/2003, 6:58 AM

Craftech:
I'm totally with you here: the next system I build, I exactly plan to do that. Leave internet/all the "possible crap" on this system I have now and build a completely new and "isolated" system. I'll possibly link those with a network router to export files without having to burn but that's it. All the programs that don't exactly have to do with NLE will remain on this old Athlon 1000. :)