Thanks J-V, but I've read what the requirements for Vegas Pro. What I'm looking for are specifics from those who bought/build a system with similar needs. Not the bare minimums. Also, I am not familiar, nor plan to learn what all those specs are (i.e. AVC/AAC, AVCHD, AVI, AAC, AIFF, FLAC, LPEC, etc.). I encode using Magix AVC/AAC MP4 pre-set for uploading to YouTube and such.

So curious if I can get actual brands and models of what would be good, for the Intel side. I'm not going AMD.

😀

I have the i7700/4200 with AMD480 8 gig, 32 gig ram and SSD + fast spinners. works good for me. I'd go for more cores now. My machine cost about $1700 2 years ago.

Intel for compatibility sake

Not sure what you mean by that. Many users here use AMD systems with great results.

A 2K budget should make for a good computer but many users have different opinion on what is necessary vs what is the minimum. I for one wouldn’t buy a midstream CPU but rather go for a high end desktop CPU with more PCIe lanes, SSD all the way, 32GB minimum and certainly an AMD GPU like a Vega Frontier Edition at even a FirePro. Even if you don’t do 4K, you will still have a faster experience with a higher specs system and it will last you longer.

Well, I guess I should be more specific with my question.

With a 2K budget, what models should I get in order to get decent rendering times for simple slice and dice editing, while using Magix AVC/AAC MP4 pre-set for uploading to YouTube and such?

• Which motherboard brand/model (if that matters)?
• Which Intel CPU?
• Which Nvidia chipset/card?
• Which memory brand/type?

Hi AVK,

From what you listed as what you plan/intend to do with this machine, your budget is a bit on the "low" side, all things being equal. With "Black Friday and Cyber Monday" deals appearing, you could probably find some great "bundles". But do consider what you also told this forum about your intended projects (1080 and/or 4K).

1. At least go with 32GB of DDR4 RAM. Check motherboard site for compatibility and supported speed. Whether Asus, MSI, Gigabyte, EVGA, etc., they all have a "Support Section" that you can check.

2. Storage. Not just for the immediate, but also long term. If you plan on doing 4K, then at least an SSD or PCI-e M.2 NVMe drive for the OS and applications, an SSD or again PCI-e M.2 (SSD or NVMe), plus where will you store original/edited footage?

3. Are you planning to "Overclock" either the memory, processor, and/or video card? That would help in determining the planned motherboard and components.

4. Case. Do you want to go with the "Bling Factor", as seems to be the Fad these days? Or do you want something that will hold the components you eventually get, and keep them cool, including if you plan any type of overclock?

Depending on what you decide, will also help others "assist" you in making an informed decision. If you want to use "A Lot" of fast PCI-e 3.0x4 NVMe, you will need to really go for either the AMD X399 or Intel X299 platforms. You can do it on the lower Z370/Z390 boards, but if you don't pay attention to where things get connected to on the motherboard, you could end up having non-working ports, since the "Mainstream" platforms (Intel or AMD) have more limited "bandwidth".

Remember, you can ask about components that you may pick, but it will be up to you to do the research on the items. For me, I currently use a high powered AMD system (in signature), similar to the one BruceUSA has (he has an awesome graphics card though! :( ). Previously, I used Intel. My systems are built for editing/rendering, and are not cheap, nor used for excessive gaming. I have another system running Windows Home Server 2011 with close to 60TB of redundant storage for backup, as well as putting original files from camera or documents on separate Blu-Ray discs - just straight as data.

Let us know with some more thoughts.

The hardware (both) from my signature does what you want.
Render AVC( and HEVC) with the NVENC options with the same presets of only AVC (= old Mainconcept AVC)of Magix AVC or HEVC (only NVENC) till 6 times faster as the only Mainconcept in VPro 16. With the QSV option of that codec goes a lttle faster but there are in the lower bitrates sometimes little faults ( blurry).
The velocity depends a lot on made edits. With a lot of accelerated OFX Fx's it goes always 3 times faster, but without those FX's exporting the plain footage is always till 6 times faster.

Edit.
My desktop is upgraded in october 2017 from my old (then 6 years) desktop computer with the new MB, processor, Ram modules, small SSD and new Nvidia GTX 1050 for less than 1000 Euros by my local shop, following my instructions.

From what you listed as what you plan/intend to do with this machine, your budget is a bit on the "low" side, all things being equal. With "Black Friday and Cyber Monday" deals appearing, you could probably find some great "bundles". But do consider what you also told this forum about your intended projects (1080 and/or 4K).

I would be okay spending a few hundred dollars more in order to get future-proof gea

2. Storage. Not just for the immediate, but also long term. If you plan on doing 4K, then at least an SSD or PCI-e M.2 NVMe drive for the OS and applications, an SSD or again PCI-e M.2 (SSD or NVMe), plus where will you store original/edited footage?

Once I process my videos, I move it all to a 60TB Synology NAS, where all original and edited content lives, so I'm thinking one 1TB or 2TB SSD. But might opt for 2 SSD so keep OS and data separability.

3. Are you planning to "Overclock" either the memory, processor, and/or video card? That would help in determining the planned motherboard and components.

Not going to overclock - as I don't know why I would need that for simple stuff I do.

4. Case. Do you want to go with the "Bling Factor", as seems to be the Fad these days? Or do you want something that will hold the components you eventually get, and keep them cool, including if you plan any type of overclock?

The plainer the better - no need for a Pink Floyd light show. And as quiet as possible, as cool as possible.

If you want to use "A Lot" of fast PCI-e 3.0x4 NVMe, you will need to really go for either the AMD X399 or Intel X299 platforms. You can do it on the lower Z370/Z390 boards, but if you don't pay attention to where things get connected to on the motherboard, you could end up having non-working ports, since the "Mainstream" platforms (Intel or AMD) have more limited "bandwidth".

No idea what you just said there. LOL I will have to Google all that I guess.

Thanks for your input!

"If you want to use "A Lot" of fast PCI-e 3.0x4 NVMe, you will need to really go for either the AMD X399 or Intel X299 platforms. You can do it on the lower Z370/Z390 boards, but if you don't pay attention to where things get connected to on the motherboard, you could end up having non-working ports, since the "Mainstream" platforms (Intel or AMD) have more limited "bandwidth".

No idea what you just said there. LOL I will have to Google all that I guess."

I'll help the Chief:

While you're Goooooooogling, search for "PCIe lanes", NVMe  cards use PCIe lanes to communicate. Consumer platform motherboards are not designed with the expectation that people will add many (any) adapters to the PCIe slots. Server/workstation motherboards are designed with the expectation that users will install Host Buss Adapters for disk arrays, fiber channel cards or 10GBe adapters, etc. Server / workstations boards accommodate the extra PCIe bandwidth required by all those adapters.

Adequate is ample. AMD or Intel, toss a coin. My two month old build, coin came down AMD. OK, I thought maybe there's some advantage to 8 cores. Ryzen 7 2700, RX580, B450M MB.16GB RAM. Monitor your RAM usage - how many times does it go anywhere near 16GB? Mine, never. Typically barely over 8GB, but easily upgradeable if YMV. 750W power supply, figure go over your needs it will run cooler. Case, go for silent. Nothing overclocked, everything runs sweetly, renders typical 4k (some transitions, CC, titles) in better than real time. Really couldn't be happier. AU$1700, I think around US$1000.

(edit: includes 256GB M SSD, ITB HD - enough, move projects to other storage when complete, DVD burner, wireless).

Okay, so after looking at all the fine replies, here is what I'm thinking, as far as components go:

• Intel Core i9-9900K (5.0 GHz Turbo) (16-Thread) (8-Core) 3.6 GHz
• ASUS Prime Z390-P (Intel Z390 Chipset) (Up to 2x PCI-E Devices)
• 32GB DDR4 3000MHz
• 1x SSD M.2
• 1x HDD 1TB
• 750W Corsair RM750x
• GeForce GTX 1070 Ti 8GB
• Corsair Carbide Quiet 600Q (case)

Is this overkill? If yes, which component is the overkill and what would you get instead? Also, do I need liquid cooling? Also planning on a 32-inch monitor.

Well, since you said you were not planning to overclock, you really do not need to go with an All-in-One Cooler (AIC). I would think that with the Corsair case you are looking at, which is "quiet" oriented, how about this Noctua:

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIAADY44C5851&ignorebbr=1

Besides that, with already aforementioned external storage, looks pretty good. If you do decide on the Asus Prime Z390-P, check their site to ensure the memory you are thinking of getting is compatible with the motherboard.

For the RAM, I would definitely go with a 2x16GB kit (provided you want to go with 32GB - at least 2x8GB), which would then leave two additional slots for an increase if your work load ever requires it (only you will know!)

If you can, you should look at your "Source" drive - that 1TB HDD and go for an SSD, though you know the budget you are working with. The M.2 for OS and applications is fine (256-500GB range). Here's one to check:

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820156174&ignorebbr=1

Nothing wrong with overkill if it doesn't stop you eating. I prefer dual 27 inch screens, if you're thinking curved monitor remember your audience mostly will be looking at a flat screen, but up to you, liquid cooling often comes with pump noise, I don't think you'll need it if you don't o/c.

It will not harm to have such powerful PC, however I think it is overkill for the purposes you mentioned :)

I'd go for:

- Cheaper CPU

- 16 GB RAM (2x8, would add another 2x8 later IF required)

- 2 x SSD: one for system (Samsung 970 EVO, M.2 NVMe) + one for data you work with (could be not M.2, you do not need super super fast drive if you are not working with uncompressed/lossless video)

- 2 x 2TB HDDs (for storage, RAID1). They are cheap comparing to everything else...

Nothing wrong with overkill if it doesn't stop you eating. I prefer dual 27 inch screens, if you're thinking curved monitor remember your audience mostly will be looking at a flat screen, but up to you, liquid cooling often comes with pump noise, I don't think you'll need it if you don't o/c.

I do multi-cam editing (sports), so thinking large monitor instead of 2, so that I can enlarge "little" video previews while editing.

It will not harm to have such powerful PC, however I think it is overkill for the purposes you mentioned :)

I'd go for:

- Cheaper CPU

- 16 GB RAM (2x8, would add another 2x8 later IF required)

- 2 x SSD: one for system (Samsung 970 EVO, M.2 NVMe) + one for data you work with (could be not M.2, you do not need super super fast drive if you are not working with uncompressed/lossless video)

- 2 x 2TB HDDs (for storage, RAID1). They are cheap comparing to everything else...

What CPU would you suggest?

I'd go for i7-8700 (without K as I'm not overclocking anything these days)

Nothing wrong with overkill if it doesn't stop you eating. I prefer dual 27 inch screens, if you're thinking curved monitor remember your audience mostly will be looking at a flat screen, but up to you, liquid cooling often comes with pump noise, I don't think you'll need it if you don't o/c.

I do multi-cam editing (sports), so thinking large monitor instead of 2, so that I can enlarge "little" video previews while editing.

That is wrong thinking. I have 2x 27” monitor and you can send the multicam view to the second monitor which makes for great editing.

Also, multicam editing is resource heavy even at 1080 60p. You most certainly want a fast CPU for that and oc will give you a much better experience at lower cost. Pump noise is depending on the system you use. I have custom build system and pump is so silent that you literally can’t hear it because the two fans for the radiator generate more noise.

Reading the OP original post I can't help wondering about a different approach. The only complaint is of render time and he wants something to cut render time, so admittedly big assumption, if his computer is performing adequately for the basic editing he states he does, would a second refurb computer (e.g. from Newegg) just for rendering work? I am assuming the problem with the long render time is it ties up his PC, so once project is edited transfer media (USB HD?) and veg file to the second PC, let it render and continue working or doing other stuff on your current PC. Alternatively buy a refurb PC similar to your current PC's spec, (if from Newegg or similar you may need to replace HD with a larger one and avoid small form factor cases as limited space to add graphics card). Install Vegas on both PCs, edit on one PC render on same PC, and while it is doing that start working on the other PC, when time comes to render that project switch back to first PC and so on. Even a new Dell i5 PC for $450-500 may be better than his current PC. Latest gear is always expensive and something better is always around the corner. Buying older may save $1500.

Of course if part of this is a want rather than need for a new PC then my suggestion is not relevant,

Okay, so after looking at all the fine replies, here is what I'm thinking, as far as components go:

• Intel Core i9-9900K (5.0 GHz Turbo) (16-Thread) (8-Core) 3.6 GHz
• ASUS Prime Z390-P (Intel Z390 Chipset) (Up to 2x PCI-E Devices)

Z390-p is not compatible with 9900k for jobs such as rendering due to high prolonged power it draws. In benchmarks of board under load it overheats & cannot maintain the all clock turbo frequency. You see boards that don't overheat too.

The numbers are the VRM temperature

Okay, so after looking at all the fine replies, here is what I'm thinking, as far as components go:

• Intel Core i9-9900K (5.0 GHz Turbo) (16-Thread) (8-Core) 3.6 GHz
• ASUS Prime Z390-P (Intel Z390 Chipset) (Up to 2x PCI-E Devices)

Z390-p is not compatible with 9900k for jobs such as rendering due to high prolonged power it draws. In benchmarks of board under load it overheats & cannot maintain the all clock turbo frequency. You see boards that don't overheat too.

The numbers are the VRM temperature

So looks like MSI is what I should get. Thanks for letting me know.

Reading the OP original post I can't help wondering about a different approach. The only complaint is of render time and he wants something to cut render time, so admittedly big assumption, if his computer is performing adequately for the basic editing he states he does, would a second refurb computer (e.g. from Newegg) just for rendering work? I am assuming the problem with the long render time is it ties up his PC, so once project is edited transfer media (USB HD?) and veg file to the second PC, let it render and continue working or doing other stuff on your current PC. Alternatively buy a refurb PC similar to your current PC's spec, (if from Newegg or similar you may need to replace HD with a larger one and avoid small form factor cases as limited space to add graphics card). Install Vegas on both PCs, edit on one PC render on same PC, and while it is doing that start working on the other PC, when time comes to render that project switch back to first PC and so on. Even a new Dell i5 PC for $450-500 may be better than his current PC. Latest gear is always expensive and something better is always around the corner. Buying older may save $1500.

Of course if part of this is a want rather than need for a new PC then my suggestion is not relevant,

 

Definitely an option. But I prefer to have one machine that will last a while and do a lot. :)

Okay, so after much more research I decided that AMD might be a better choice for my build. I was told that AMD TR 1950X will be just fine with my Vegas needs, and that TR 2950X, which will cost me twice as much, might be overkill. And according to this review/benchmark it sounds like that's correct. Any thoughts from the gurus? Keep in mind, my Vegas Pro needs are simple - slice and dice, 1080p and 4K, encoding, and occasional multi-cam editing.