Feedback on sys purchase

ReneH wrote on 1/4/2004, 12:46 PM
Hello! All


I was hoping to get some feedback on a system I'm going to build:

What specs would be ideal for an optimum Vegas experience:

1. MB
2. Intel or AMD CPU
3. Ram
4.Video card

I had an ausus mb Biostar nForce2 400MHz FSB Socket A/ agp 8x; planning to use pc3200 512 mb DDR 400 ram, barton AMD 3o00, in mind. Would an Intel systems be ideal for Vegas? Just waiting for some inside opinions....

Comments

TheHappyFriar wrote on 1/4/2004, 1:29 PM
Ok, i've gotta warn ya: you've just opened the floodgates. :) Now tons of people will say "this is better" "no this is better" ladedadeda.... :)

So... with that in mind, i'll tell you what I recomend. :)

What you've got looks good. But, go for the AMD 64 3200 or AMD 64 3000. About the same price as the XP 3200, 3000. I'd also recomend an Asus MB. That's what I have and am happy with it. Also, i'd recomend the ATI 9600 card. I know i know, it's a "gaming" card and you don't want to play games, but it does Open GL and it's relatively cheap. I think that OpenGL is worth the $. Most 3d programs and FX programs use OpenGL now (some for rendering too) so it's worth it.
ReneH wrote on 1/4/2004, 4:10 PM
which is the more educated buy: an AMD 64 chip or the AMD XP64 chip? i'm still trying to decide!
TheHappyFriar wrote on 1/4/2004, 6:19 PM
There is no XP 64. There's an FX 64, but it's MUCH more expensive then the plain 64.

If it were me, i'd get the AMD 64 3200. It's about the same price as the regular AMD XP 3200, 64-bit, and about 1/4th the price of the AMD FX 64.

The FX 64 IS a better chip though. Just out of my price range. :)
ReneH wrote on 1/4/2004, 7:18 PM
Thanks for your help, Happy Friar!
PH125 wrote on 1/4/2004, 7:21 PM
I just ordered a pc with the Athlon 64 3200+, I'll let everyone know how Vegas fairs with it.
bakerbud9 wrote on 1/4/2004, 7:23 PM
Friar,

Do you know what *is* the real difference between the AMD 64 and the AMD 64FX? I have been confused about this from the get-go. I've looked at the AMD website but can't see much tangible examples other than the usual market hype about "it's just better." I mean, both flavors of the chip have the same instruction set and run at about the same clock speeds. So why is the 64FX so much "better"? Any clue?

Sincerley,

Nate
JohnnyRoy wrote on 1/4/2004, 7:30 PM
Well. I can’t let AMD rule this thread ‘cuz I just built an Intel machine. ;-) Here are the parts I used:

Case: Antec PlusView1000AMG
PSU: Antec TrueBlue480 (480W)
Mobo: Gigabyte GA-8KNXP
Proc: Intel P4 3.0Ghz 800Mhz FSB
Mem: 1GB Kingston HyperX PC3200 DDR400 CAS 2
Disks: Maxtor 160GB IDE, WD 160GB SATA
Video: ATI Radeon 9800 Pro 128MB
DVD-RW: Pioneer DVR 106D

The Asus P4C800-E Deluxe was my second choice in motherboards (it’s really a toss up between the two). I’m starting to get into 3D modeling so I wanted a good 3D graphics card with OpenGL capabilities but you can probably get away with a much cheaper graphics card if you don’t need 3D rendering. (I’m also starting to build my own game levels so I needed it for gaming too)

I would have selected Western Digital for both hard drives but the Maxtor was on sale for $79 after rebate so I couldn’t resist. (and they are both good brands) I have it partitioned with a 10GB C: for the OS, a 75GB D: for applications and a 75GB E: for permanent media (like MP3 files or video loops that I use often). The WD 160 SATA is dedicated to video capture. I figured if I need more space later I could always get another one and make them a 320GB striped RAID but my throughput is more than adequate without RAID now.

I tested this out with the rendertest from the Sundance site and got 1:35 for a time. I’d say this is my optimum Vegas experience.

~jr
ReneH wrote on 1/4/2004, 8:03 PM
Nice sys JohnnyRoy. I am considering an xp amd machine because almost all the vendors that sell barebones sys's aren't seelling the other amd chips. i see mostly amdxp chips and a few durons. I wonder what setbacks I''l have in getting a board with an adm xp chip?
TheHappyFriar wrote on 1/5/2004, 5:42 AM
you won't have any setback with an AMP XP mb (except for not being able to run the AMD 64 chips obiviously).

With an AMD XP MB, you can run all (well, most, depending on when the MB is made) Duron, Athlon, T-Bird, and XP chips made. So you could buy a 2600 chip, for about $100, and then when the 3200 drops to $100 you could get it then.

Where are you looking for your PC? on the net or local people? If on the net check out www.pricewatch.com. But, you might already know about that.

For the AMD 64, where is everyone getting their copy of Windows XP 64? I can't find one for sell (except with pre-built comps).

Also, I recomend the Asus A7V8X MB. I use it and love it. :) Worth the $$$!