Kindly advise on build for CS 5 + Vegas 9

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alexpdx

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May 6, 2010
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Greetings from a noob builder, hope you guys can look into my first one primarily aimed at Photoshop CS5 and Vegas 9. Any input or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!


APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: would like to order by Monday, May 10
BUDGET RANGE: US$ 1,100 (need only: case, CPU + cooler, MB, PSU, RAM, GPU)

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Photoshop CS5, Sony Vegas 9, FSX flight sim (no other gaming)

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: monitor, OS, HDDs, keyboard, mouse, spk

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg, microcenter
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: whatever works

PARTS PREFERENCES: Major, solid brands

OVERCLOCKING: probably, but nothing extreme (fwiw I've never OC'd before!)
SLI OR CROSSFIRE: not planned but would like the ability if needed

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1920x1200 on a Dell 24"


Currently pre-selected components:

CASE: Coolermaster HAF 932 ATX full tower
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119160
Newegg $139.99
* I prefer full ATX simply due to space. Prefer tool-free, will initially be mounting 4 HDD + 2 DVD

PSU: CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Cert. Active PFC Comp. I7
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006
Newegg $109.99
* 750W overkill for below?
* Is this unit ok to be mounted on bottom of selected case and will I have problems with cable lengths in full ATX?
* I take it the PSU would have to be mounted upside down? Any potential problems? (aside from being clumsy with screws)

CPU: I7-930 2.8GHz LGA 1366
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0331303
Microcenter $199.99
* Is microcenter reputable? First time I heard of them was through here and am surprised to see the
I7-930 priced $100 (!) less than newegg. Usually if prices are too good to be true, they are.

COOLING: Cooler Master Hyper 212+
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065
Newegg $29.99

MB: ASUS P6X58D Premium LGA 1366 Intel X58
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131614
Newegg $299.99
* Any problems I may encounter with above case?
* Will I need any extra cables if I plan on 4 HDD + 2 DVD (all SATA)

MEMORY: CORSAIR DOMINATOR 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel Kit
Desktop Memory Model TR3X6G1600C8D
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145224
Newegg: $229.99
* 6GB to begin with, may upgrade to 12GB somewhere down the road

GPU: PNY GeForce 9800 GT EE 1024MB GDDR3 PCIe 2.0 Graphics Card
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0320617
microcenter $99.99
* Main uses: photoshop CS5, vegas 9 (HD from Canon 5DmkII), and Microsoft FSX (the only game I play on the PC)
* From what I gather Photoshop is more CPU+RAM dependent, not GPU. However, Adobe seems to prefer Nvidia and
the above features CUDA. B+H seems to be using this card in their "turnkey" CS4 builds.
* I can't find any good info on GPU requirements for Vegas 9 from Sony
* Don't know how well the card would perform for a game like FSX.


Total cost: ~$1,100

Totally lost on finding suitable GPU and open to suggestions (on everything). I've done quite a bit of research and the only thing currently spinning at 7200 is my head. Hope to reduce costs perhaps by downsizing PSU or different RAM or MB provided any loss in performance is negligible.

I will be running Win7 Pro 64 (have seperate budget for OS + software upgrades) and would like to put something together which will serve me well for the next few years and with room to grow and keep up in terms of features, ie SATA III, USB 3.0, possible SLI or Xfire, CPU upgrade, etc.

To compare... my current PC:
Dell XPS, Core2 Quad 2.4Ghz running WinXP Home 32bit SP3, 4GB RAM, GeForce 8300 GS.


Thanks a bunch !!
 
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Ok... Everything looks good, although here are a few comments and recommendations:

Microcenter sells Core i7 860s and 930s cheap mainly to attract customer and get them to buy other components from them as well.

Corsair Dominator RAM is a bit overpriced I'd say but if you're planning to overclock later it might help.

You will need three extra SATA II or III cables as the motherboard only comes with three IIRC.

As for your graphic card question, the only application where CUDA might be useful would be Premiere Pro, where CUDA acceleration is supported for its Mercury Playback Engine. As for Vegas 9 requirements, AFAIK, I don't think any Vegas video editing suite supports video acceleration at all. FSX is very heavy on CPU and a bit on RAM, relatively light on the GPU, and the 9800GT should max it without any problems. In terms of performance, an HD 4850 is better, but if you do expand your designing horizons then I'd just stick with the 9800GT should you plan to use Premiere Pro.

 
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^ The selection of parts is good...some good alternative to bring down the overall cost...

1. Mobo - Get this one...Has nearly all important the features of that ASUS sans the Dual-Lan, which I think wont be a major issue...Saves good money...
GIGABYTE GA-X58A-UD3R
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128423

2. PSU - Yes you wont need a 750W PSU...
Get this one...It is a high quality 600W PSU...Even though you wont need a 600W, but if in the future, you would want to upgrade to more powerful Nvidia cards, then the 600W is a safe bet...
COOLER MASTER Silent Pro 600
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171036

3. RAM - IMO you wont need the Dominators unless you are planning for an extreme overclock...
Stick with standard RAMs...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231335
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226028
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231304

4. Graphics card - I doubt the 9800GT would perform well against the FSX...Change it to something better...
GTS 250 would be a good improvement...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125310
Or even better the GTX 260
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127464
Note: There are newer DirectX 11 cards available both from ATI and Nvidia
- Not selected the ATI parts as like you said Nvidia perform better with CUDA, but have read recently that ATI Stream(ATI's CUDA alternative) works well Premier but not sure if it helps Photoshop...
- Not selected the Nvidia cards are they are higher priced and IMO not worth for your usage...but maybe in few days time, they might launch low, mid end versions but still no word yet...
 
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Shadow is correct on the mobo ... the Gigabyte has an auto-switch for the X16 slots that can limit pro expansion options from companies like BlackMagic Design ...

VERY IMPORTANT !!! >>> DO NOT GET A GPU THAT DOES NOT SUPPORT OpenGL 3.x !

The GPU that gKay recommended DOES NOT support OpenGL3.x ...

Here are your only viable choices (and not only in my opinion) outside of Quadros.

I actually like the first one because it is lower power and true single slot (but SLI). ...

BUT the 2nd card (zotac 250) will provide best performance for the money :

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5274327&sku=P56-9824

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814500152&cm_re=opengl_3.2-_-14-500-152-_-Product

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5677179&sku=E145-2250

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130514&cm_re=opengl_3.0-_-14-130-514-_-Product

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130550&cm_re=470_gtx-_-14-130-550-_-Product

 
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the GPU that gKay recommended DOES NOT support OpenGL3.x ...

Here are your only viable choices (and not only in my opinion) outside of Quadros.
Click to expand...
Good point. Nice catch btw.

PS: CS5 (Photoshop at least) is really nice. I'v been playing with the trial since the day it came out. Pretty cool. It runs much smoother than CS3/CS4 on my i7 920@Ghz with a 8800GTX (softmodded to a Quaddro).
 
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Thanks to everyone for their excellent advice. I've changed a couple of components and am now considering:

same CASE: Coolermaster HAF 932 ATX full tower

PSU changed to: CoolerMaster Silent Pro 600
Would this unit still handle a potential future upgrade to dual GPU / SLI?
Compared to the Corsair 750W unit, which unit would allow for easier and cleaner install? No problems with cable lengths on either?
Incidentally, just took a look and it appears Dell put a whopping 375W unit in my XPS. Not that it ever gave me any problems, just seems so impotent now, heh.

same CPU with cooling: I7-930 2.8GHz LGA 1366 + Cooler Master Hyper 212+

same MB: ASUS P6X58D Premium
I took a look at the Gigabyte MB and the specs look great but I'm a little concerned with the very mixed reviews on newegg. Correct, don't need dual LAN though. Checked out the ASUS P6T SE and no doubt it's a great board too but I find it's lacking SLI support and no USB 3.0. Neither the Gigabyte nor the P6T SE support the DD3 1600 of my selected RAM natively, ie without OC, which the P6X58D does without the need to OC. It seems the P6X58D fits the bill nicely although it's a bit pricier. I'll plan for extra cables and am of course still open for suggestions.

RAM changed to: 6GB (3 x 2GB) - Gskill, either Ripjaw or PI series.
Is the PI series worth the extra $10? Timing is a little better but I don't know how noticeable this difference would be, if at all. Voltages are also different... I take it this doesn't matter and is configured in bios.

GPU changed to: EVGA 01G-P3-1158-TR GeForce GTS 250 1GB 256-bit DDR3
Alvin, I learned of OpenGL the hard way last year when I moved to CS4 and my brushes no longer worked correctly. Reverted back to CS3 and planned on upgrading my system back then but eventually decided to wait for Win7 and do a new build on 64bit platform.

Was initially going to go with the GeForce9800 but the extra $40 seem worth the GTS and savings elsewhere in build offset this. Just saw Frys has the GTS 250 for $119 after rebate, unfortunately not in stock.
http://www.frys.com/product/6104209

The GTX 470 looks rather appetizing but perhaps overkill and still need to purchase Win7, CS5 and Veg9 upgrades. Adds up quick. Wouldn't be an issue had I picked the correct powerball numbers but noooo.

Builderbob, thanks for the cooler @ microcenter. I'll look to compare the other components too before dumping stuff into the cart at newegg.

Thanks again to everyone for their great help. I feel a lot more comfortable going forward with my first build.
 
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I wouldn't be put off by the HX if it's a better alternative but a 950W TX? That's a beast.

I don't have experience with new builds but the modular designs of the CoolerMaster and Corsair HX are more appealing too.
 
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Then I come to your house and steal your PSU, lol.

I do see your point. Would even just two GTS 250s call for a 950W PSU?

edit to add: plan is for a single GTS 250 which should keep me happy for a while. Should I upgrade at some point, it would probably be along the lines of dual 250s or something like a single GTX 470. Nothing extreme and no OC of GPU.
 
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I hear you. I've never done a build before so I can't really judge for myself how beneficial (or not) modularity would be. At the end of the day, I'm not too worried about making it look clean as I used to wire industrial control panels. On the other hand I wouldn't mind modularity if it helps me out on my first build and speeds up the process. As the case allows for behind-mobo wiring maybe the modularity is even more useless, no idea... but will definitely look into it again and I sure appreciate your input!

I'll be ordering on Monday so given UPS 3-day I should be frying my first mobo Thursday.
 
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*****************************************************************
ATTENTION!! ... ATTENTION!! ... You are about to read the most important post on this thread !!
*****************************************************************
first ... i7-930/X58 is really the only way to go ... I finally had to accept that.
*****************************************************************
Second: An SLI mobo is highly advisable and only a very FEW GPUs are appropriate
*****************************************************************

I currently am carrying two of these (and a Corsair 750W PSU) in my own cart/"CS5 capable" render engine.

ONE OR TWO OF THESE (IN SLI (or not SLI ... either way)).

ZOTAC ZT-20109-10P GeForce GTS 250 1GB 256-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card
$10 off w/ promo code VGA5152, limited time offer

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814500152

http://www.zotacusa.com/eco-geforce-gts-250-1gb-256-bit-gddr3-675mhz-2000mhz-zt-20109-10p.html

= Alvin =


Model
Brand ZOTAC
Model ZT-20109-10P
Interface
Interface PCI Express 2.0 x16
Chipset
Chipset Manufacturer NVIDIA
GPU GeForce GTS 250
Core Clock 675MHz
Shader Clock 1620MHz
Stream Processors 128
Memory
Effective Memory Clock 2000MHz
Memory Size 1GB
Memory Interface 256-bit
Memory Type DDR3
3D API
DirectX DirectX 10
OpenGL OpenGL 3.2
Ports
HDMI 1 x HDMI
D-SUB 1 x D-SUB
DVI 1 x DVI
General
Max Resolution VGA (Up to 2048x1536)
Dual-link DVI (Up to 2560x1600)
SLI Support SLI Ready
Cooler With Fan
System Requirements Power requirements:
450-watt power supply recommended
122-watt max power consumption
Dual-Link DVI Supported Yes
HDCP Ready Yes
Dimensions Height: 4.376in - 111.15mm
Width: 7.48in - 189.992mm
Features
Features ECO Edition
Manufacturer Warranty
Parts Lifetime limited
Labor Lifetime limited

****************************************************************
If true single slot or lower power is required ... go with the PNY 9800GT-EE (THE MODEL WITH OpenGL 3.x !!)

****************************************************************
ATTENTION!! ... You have just read the most important post on this thread !
****************************************************************
 
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PS : The 250GTS card you spec'd in your latest build/post is ONLY OpenGL3.0 !

... AND it is $155 BEFORE *MAIL-IN* Rebate ! ? ?

The ZOTAC (good company) has OpenGL 3.2 and costs only $120 (after you enter this "$10 OFF" product code) : ...

$10 off w/ promo code VGA5152, limited time offer

= Al =
 
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Well ... Since you are *HERE*, instead of gaming, I can only guess that *THIS* is more fun !!!

(The price certainly is right) ...

ME? ... Almost pulled the trigger, last night (after 4 months of extremely arduous analysis and debate) ... (thank YOU ALL !! )

I'll be back for a "spoon-fed" build and OC, tho. ... After that, you will see me on the VEGAS-PRO and CS5 forums, prolly. ... till I build my Audio rig ... in some months.

= Go crank up your jaccuzzi pump and do some fps ! .... PLEASE !!!? =
 
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