Dear Friends,
Intro:
First thank you for taking time out of your day to read and donate you valuable time. It is whole heartedly appreciated. Many searches have led me to Tom's Hardware forum which has always provided valuable information.
Goal: Build a Video Workstation for Home Business High End Content Creation. My requirements after endless hours of research and back and forth self-debating is to build a system that is:
1) High End
2) Expandable
3) Reliable
4) Future Proof (as much as possible)
I hope this system with last 6-10 years (with care) vs having to do a technology refresh every 2-3 years. This will give my home business the time to get off the ground.
Kindly, when constructive criticism is offered, please attach the reasoning, experience, and or metrics if possible to support as it will help me in learning which in turn I can pay it forward.
List of System Specs (My reasons and questions will be below each spec. Please feel free to add any advice that you think may be beneficial. I was gonna have Micro Center Build it but after watching "How To's" and not getting the best vibe with Micro Center Tech, I decided to build it. Unless there is a place where I can go get it build and be part of the build process, that would be great since this is my first and a bit nervous )
Note: Total Cost I came up with: $4399.00. If you know of any cheaper sites for these components that would be very helpful and if there are discounts for buying in bulk.
Sites/Resources I used for coming up with these specs: Please add as I am sure my list is probably weak and could be improved.
1) ASUS Youtube (How to Build a PC Step by step)
2) Logical Increments site (for baseline)
3) CPU Boss, CPU Benchmark
4) GPU Boss
5) Newegg, Youtube, Web (Anandtech Reviews etc...)
6) Ark Intel Compare
7) SLR Lounge
8) Linus TechTips
9) Big thing was Adobe had a White Paper regarding Hardware Specs to Optimize Adobe CC which I thought was very very helpful as far as guiding me to get bang for my buck.
Video Workstation System Specs:
1.0) CPU: Xeon E5-2690 v3: $2030
Reasons for choosing:
- High Dual Performance Benchmarks (even when compared to Dual E5-2697 CPU's, that cost much much more. Time is money, so I need a render horse CPU to work with GPU.
- Single Core Benchmark Scores where close/slightly better to the i7 5960X (assume when not overclocked) so I assume when I get to install the second CPU, and utilize 24 cores, 48 threads, It will be a render monster while having no need to run hot. I believe the turbo mode for E5-2690 is 3.5GHz anyway.
- Withstand Heavy Rendering Use.
Questions:
a) Can I install one CPU now, and the other one when I am able to purchase it? (My budget only allows for one now. I know the sockets are marked, ie. CPU 0, CPU 1. I know I will only have access to certain PCIe slots, also marked i assume.)
b) What other limitations, concerns, risks, if any exist by doing this?
c) Do latency issues due to dual cpu have any affect on performance or is it negligible? (thought I read that somewhere)
2) MOBO: Z10 PE-D8 WS - $580
Reasons for choosing:
Expandability, Inputs, Quality Throughput Parts, True PCIe 3.0 x16 SLI
Questions:
a) I could only find reviews of the Z9 PE-D8 WS, Is anyone aware of reviews on the Z10-PE-D8 WS?
b) It says Quad Channels, for each CPU, so 16 DIMM Slots total. How is that going to work out to 768GB of max RAM? I have only seen 16GB Kits.
c) Does the MOBO come with all the cables I need?
3) DDR4: ECC-RDIMM 64MB 2133 (16x4) - $800 or 32MB (16x2) $400 just to get me up and running.
Reasons for choosing:
Error Checking RDIMM
Questions:
a) How does 768GB of RAM fit in 16 slots?
b) I assume the DIMM Slots are marked by priority so I would only fill ones associated with my inital CPU, until I can buy the second CPU.
4) SSD: Samsung 850 Pro 256GB 2.5-Inch SATA III Internal SSD (MZ-7KE1T0BW) - $160
Reasons for choosing:
Best Price for Performance Ratio.
Questions:
a) What is best configuration when it comes to video editing? (Lots of confusion here for me)
- Is it better to have small 256GB SSD for my operating system or can it be 512GB, 1TB.
- Do my applications (ie. Adobe CC Suite) get installed on same drive as Windows 7 64bit.
- Is it better/possible to do 2x 256 GB SSD in Raid 0 and the other drives as non-RAID standalone.
- Is it possible to have multiple RAIDS ( 2x 256GB SSD in RAID 0 and say 2x 1TB SSDs in RAID 1 on the same system) Do RAID setups really make a significant performance increase?
- Would it be better just to install my Operating System and Adobe CC on a M.2 Drive that I believe is 36GBs/s?
- Any Workflow advice is greatly appreciated that will allow for greatest efficiency. (Where to keep source files, output files, scratch disk? (no sure what that is, that like cache?)
b) Cost aside, what other high performance SSDs are faster than Samsung I chose so I can expand my knowledge base?
5) PSU: CORSAIR AXi series AX1200i 1200W Digital ATX12V v2.31 and EPS 2.92 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS PLATINUM Certified Full Modular Active PFC Power Supply New 4th Gen CPU Certified Haswell Ready - $279
Reasons:
Quality
Link Monitoring Software
Questions:
- Is 1200 watts enough? I tried those website too estimate but not sure if I over estimated. To me this is the most important choice to protect my PC.
- Should Power Supply Fan be placed downwards so it helps exhaust the radiator fan intake from the top? Basically, is two fan intake at top (from radiator), two fan exhaust from bottom (one being the power supply fan, two fans in front as intake and one one back of case a correct airflow configuration? (confused on this part too) What do 120mm/140mm on fan spec represent?
6) Case: IN WIN GR one Black SECC Full Tower Computer Case - $130
Reasons:
Design, Space, Air Flow, Top has a External SATA, Quiet Hopefully
Questions:
Should I replace the stock fans?
7) Cooling: 2x Corsair Hydro Series H100i Liquid Cooling - $200
Reasons:
Quality
Link Monitoring Software
Questions:
- How long to these AIO Systems generally last?
- Do I have to maintain water level?
8) Graphics Card: ASUS GTX980-4GD5 GeForce GTX 980 4GB 256-Bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 HDCP Ready SLI Support G-SYNC Support Video Card - $560
Reasons:
Quality, best bang for buck until I can afford a Quadro for 10bit color support (I have seen where the performance of GTX is same or better than Quadro but just without the Certifications and Quality Compliance from what I read.
Link Monitoring Software
Questions:
- How long to these AIO Systems generally last?
- Do I have to maintain water level?
9) Monitors 2x ASUS PA279 2560x1440 (guess that is what they refer to as 2K) Pro Art
This looks like a good discussion starting point. Again thank you for donating your time and input to assist a fellow human being. Any contributors have my utmost gratitude.
Please let me know if I forgot a component, any additional wires I may need (not sure on that)
Lastly if anyone could suggest some good photography/videography communities that have great tutorials/learning options
Intro:
First thank you for taking time out of your day to read and donate you valuable time. It is whole heartedly appreciated. Many searches have led me to Tom's Hardware forum which has always provided valuable information.
Goal: Build a Video Workstation for Home Business High End Content Creation. My requirements after endless hours of research and back and forth self-debating is to build a system that is:
1) High End
2) Expandable
3) Reliable
4) Future Proof (as much as possible)
I hope this system with last 6-10 years (with care) vs having to do a technology refresh every 2-3 years. This will give my home business the time to get off the ground.
Kindly, when constructive criticism is offered, please attach the reasoning, experience, and or metrics if possible to support as it will help me in learning which in turn I can pay it forward.
List of System Specs (My reasons and questions will be below each spec. Please feel free to add any advice that you think may be beneficial. I was gonna have Micro Center Build it but after watching "How To's" and not getting the best vibe with Micro Center Tech, I decided to build it. Unless there is a place where I can go get it build and be part of the build process, that would be great since this is my first and a bit nervous )
Note: Total Cost I came up with: $4399.00. If you know of any cheaper sites for these components that would be very helpful and if there are discounts for buying in bulk.
Sites/Resources I used for coming up with these specs: Please add as I am sure my list is probably weak and could be improved.
1) ASUS Youtube (How to Build a PC Step by step)
2) Logical Increments site (for baseline)
3) CPU Boss, CPU Benchmark
4) GPU Boss
5) Newegg, Youtube, Web (Anandtech Reviews etc...)
6) Ark Intel Compare
7) SLR Lounge
8) Linus TechTips
9) Big thing was Adobe had a White Paper regarding Hardware Specs to Optimize Adobe CC which I thought was very very helpful as far as guiding me to get bang for my buck.
Video Workstation System Specs:
1.0) CPU: Xeon E5-2690 v3: $2030
Reasons for choosing:
- High Dual Performance Benchmarks (even when compared to Dual E5-2697 CPU's, that cost much much more. Time is money, so I need a render horse CPU to work with GPU.
- Single Core Benchmark Scores where close/slightly better to the i7 5960X (assume when not overclocked) so I assume when I get to install the second CPU, and utilize 24 cores, 48 threads, It will be a render monster while having no need to run hot. I believe the turbo mode for E5-2690 is 3.5GHz anyway.
- Withstand Heavy Rendering Use.
Questions:
a) Can I install one CPU now, and the other one when I am able to purchase it? (My budget only allows for one now. I know the sockets are marked, ie. CPU 0, CPU 1. I know I will only have access to certain PCIe slots, also marked i assume.)
b) What other limitations, concerns, risks, if any exist by doing this?
c) Do latency issues due to dual cpu have any affect on performance or is it negligible? (thought I read that somewhere)
2) MOBO: Z10 PE-D8 WS - $580
Reasons for choosing:
Expandability, Inputs, Quality Throughput Parts, True PCIe 3.0 x16 SLI
Questions:
a) I could only find reviews of the Z9 PE-D8 WS, Is anyone aware of reviews on the Z10-PE-D8 WS?
b) It says Quad Channels, for each CPU, so 16 DIMM Slots total. How is that going to work out to 768GB of max RAM? I have only seen 16GB Kits.
c) Does the MOBO come with all the cables I need?
3) DDR4: ECC-RDIMM 64MB 2133 (16x4) - $800 or 32MB (16x2) $400 just to get me up and running.
Reasons for choosing:
Error Checking RDIMM
Questions:
a) How does 768GB of RAM fit in 16 slots?
b) I assume the DIMM Slots are marked by priority so I would only fill ones associated with my inital CPU, until I can buy the second CPU.
4) SSD: Samsung 850 Pro 256GB 2.5-Inch SATA III Internal SSD (MZ-7KE1T0BW) - $160
Reasons for choosing:
Best Price for Performance Ratio.
Questions:
a) What is best configuration when it comes to video editing? (Lots of confusion here for me)
- Is it better to have small 256GB SSD for my operating system or can it be 512GB, 1TB.
- Do my applications (ie. Adobe CC Suite) get installed on same drive as Windows 7 64bit.
- Is it better/possible to do 2x 256 GB SSD in Raid 0 and the other drives as non-RAID standalone.
- Is it possible to have multiple RAIDS ( 2x 256GB SSD in RAID 0 and say 2x 1TB SSDs in RAID 1 on the same system) Do RAID setups really make a significant performance increase?
- Would it be better just to install my Operating System and Adobe CC on a M.2 Drive that I believe is 36GBs/s?
- Any Workflow advice is greatly appreciated that will allow for greatest efficiency. (Where to keep source files, output files, scratch disk? (no sure what that is, that like cache?)
b) Cost aside, what other high performance SSDs are faster than Samsung I chose so I can expand my knowledge base?
5) PSU: CORSAIR AXi series AX1200i 1200W Digital ATX12V v2.31 and EPS 2.92 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS PLATINUM Certified Full Modular Active PFC Power Supply New 4th Gen CPU Certified Haswell Ready - $279
Reasons:
Quality
Link Monitoring Software
Questions:
- Is 1200 watts enough? I tried those website too estimate but not sure if I over estimated. To me this is the most important choice to protect my PC.
- Should Power Supply Fan be placed downwards so it helps exhaust the radiator fan intake from the top? Basically, is two fan intake at top (from radiator), two fan exhaust from bottom (one being the power supply fan, two fans in front as intake and one one back of case a correct airflow configuration? (confused on this part too) What do 120mm/140mm on fan spec represent?
6) Case: IN WIN GR one Black SECC Full Tower Computer Case - $130
Reasons:
Design, Space, Air Flow, Top has a External SATA, Quiet Hopefully
Questions:
Should I replace the stock fans?
7) Cooling: 2x Corsair Hydro Series H100i Liquid Cooling - $200
Reasons:
Quality
Link Monitoring Software
Questions:
- How long to these AIO Systems generally last?
- Do I have to maintain water level?
8) Graphics Card: ASUS GTX980-4GD5 GeForce GTX 980 4GB 256-Bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 HDCP Ready SLI Support G-SYNC Support Video Card - $560
Reasons:
Quality, best bang for buck until I can afford a Quadro for 10bit color support (I have seen where the performance of GTX is same or better than Quadro but just without the Certifications and Quality Compliance from what I read.
Link Monitoring Software
Questions:
- How long to these AIO Systems generally last?
- Do I have to maintain water level?
9) Monitors 2x ASUS PA279 2560x1440 (guess that is what they refer to as 2K) Pro Art
This looks like a good discussion starting point. Again thank you for donating your time and input to assist a fellow human being. Any contributors have my utmost gratitude.
Please let me know if I forgot a component, any additional wires I may need (not sure on that)
Lastly if anyone could suggest some good photography/videography communities that have great tutorials/learning options