[SOLVED] Need to Update Build for 4K Video Editing

[Nodnarb247]

My computer is about 6 years old now (originally built for gaming), and I need to update it for 4K video editing. I originally was going to start from scratch, but after seeing some budget builds, I'm wondering if I only need to update a few components.

Current Specs
CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K @ 3.50GHz
Motherboard: ASUS Maximus VI Formula (Haswell; Z87)
Memory: G.Skill RipjawsX 16GB DDR3
GPU: EVGA GeForce GTX 1070 FTW
HDD: Samsung SSD 840 EVO 1TB and a Seagate Barracuda 3TB

I know I definitely need more RAM -- and extra HDD space is a given -- but how much will I need to upgrade otherwise? When I try to edit now, 4K video chugs quite a bit. I use both Adobe Premiere Pro 2020 and DaVinci Resolve 16 for editing. I guess I should also mention that I use Cubase LE Elements 10 and my Spitfire Audio library for scoring, but I figure -- and I could be wrong -- that any build that works for 4K will work for composing/scoring/sound design.

Thanks for the help, everyone.

 

[jeremyj_83]

My computer is about 6 years old now (originally built for gaming), and I need to update it for 4K video editing. I originally was going to start from scratch, but after seeing some budget builds, I'm wondering if I only need to update a few components.

Current Specs
CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K @ 3.50GHz
Motherboard: ASUS Maximus VI Formula (Haswell; Z87)
Memory: G.Skill RipjawsX 16GB DDR3
GPU: EVGA GeForce GTX 1070 FTW
HDD: Samsung SSD 840 EVO 1TB and a Seagate Barracuda 3TB

I know I definitely need more RAM -- and extra HDD space is a given -- but how much will I need to upgrade otherwise? When I try to edit now, 4K video chugs quite a bit. I use both Adobe Premiere Pro 2020 and DaVinci Resolve 16 for editing. I guess I should also mention that I use Cubase LE Elements 10 and my Spitfire Audio library for scoring, but I figure -- and I could be wrong -- that any build that works for 4K will work for composing/scoring/sound design.

Thanks for the help, everyone.

You are going to have to do a bit more than minimum upgrade.
https://helpx.adobe.com/premiere-pro/system-requirements.html
You CPU is getting a bit long in the tooth for 4K Video so adding CPU cores is recommended. You can keep your GPU for now. Need at least double the RAM. I personally would run 4 drives. 1 SSD for the OS/Applications, 1 SSDfor working on project (ie scratch drive), and then 2 large mirrored HDD for storing projects.

 

[jeremyj_83]

Here is a quick build that would be good for your uses.
PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 3700X 3.6 GHz 8-Core Processor ($294.63 @ Walmart)
Motherboard: ASRock X570 PHANTOM GAMING 4 WIFI ax ATX AM4 Motherboard ($153.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3600 Memory ($159.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Blue SN550 500 GB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive ($64.98 @ Amazon)
Storage: Sabrent Rocket 4.0 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive ($199.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Hitachi 6 TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($146.88 @ Amazon)
Storage: Hitachi 6 TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($146.88 @ Amazon)
Case: Fractal Design Meshify C ATX Mid Tower Case ($92.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic FOCUS 650 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($104.99 @ B&H)
Total: $1365.31
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-03-05 14:32 EST-0500

The 480GB SSD is for OS/Applications, the 1TB SSD is for working on projects, and the you mirror the 2x6TB drives to store projects after they are done. While there are cheaper 1TB SSDs, that one has 1800TB endurance compared to 650TB for a lot of other SSDs. It also works with PCIe 4.0 so in theory sequential data will move faster.

 

[Nodnarb247]

Here is a quick build that would be good for your uses.
PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 3700X 3.6 GHz 8-Core Processor ($294.63 @ Walmart)
Motherboard: ASRock X570 PHANTOM GAMING 4 WIFI ax ATX AM4 Motherboard ($153.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3600 Memory ($159.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Blue SN550 500 GB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive ($64.98 @ Amazon)
Storage: Sabrent Rocket 4.0 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive ($199.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Hitachi 6 TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($146.88 @ Amazon)
Storage: Hitachi 6 TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($146.88 @ Amazon)
Case: Fractal Design Meshify C ATX Mid Tower Case ($92.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic FOCUS 650 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($104.99 @ B&H)
Total: $1365.31
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-03-05 14:32 EST-0500

The 480GB SSD is for OS/Applications, the 1TB SSD is for working on projects, and the you mirror the 2x6TB drives to store projects after they are done. While there are cheaper 1TB SSDs, that one has 1800TB endurance compared to 650TB for a lot of other SSDs. It also works with PCIe 4.0 so in theory sequential data will move faster.

Forgot to mention that my PSU is an EVGA Supernova 1000 P2. I figured I would need more than a minimal upgrade, but I was hoping (every so slightly) that it would only be minor... This is great, thank you. Any reason why you went with AMD over Intel? I'm guessing price, but perhaps there's a performance difference for video work?

 

[jeremyj_83]

Forgot to mention that my PSU is an EVGA Supernova 1000 P2. I figured I would need more than a minimal upgrade, but I was hoping (every so slightly) that it would only be minor... This is great, thank you. Any reason why you went with AMD over Intel? I'm guessing price, but perhaps there's a performance difference for video work?

That PSU is plenty for this build and an excellent PSU as well. I went AMD for price/performance. The 3700X and 9900k have similar performance across the board. However, when you have programs that can use the cores, like video editing, AMD has a product that Intel doesn't unless you want HEDT. The 3900X & 3950X are perfect for someone who does video editing and gaming, without breaking the bank on HEDT chips.

 

[Nodnarb247]

That PSU is plenty for this build and an excellent PSU as well. I went AMD for price/performance. The 3700X and 9900k have similar performance across the board. However, when you have programs that can use the cores, like video editing, AMD has a product that Intel doesn't unless you want HEDT. The 3900X & 3950X are perfect for someone who does video editing and gaming, without breaking the bank on HEDT chips.

This is very helpful, thank you. I've done some of my own research, but I'm always tempted to go the more expensive route for fear of "missing out" or not getting the best bang for my buck. This is an excellent build.

 

[jeremyj_83]

This is very helpful, thank you. I've done some of my own research, but I'm always tempted to go the more expensive route for fear of "missing out" or not getting the best bang for my buck. This is an excellent build.

You could move up to the 3950X for 16c/32t but then you would need to buy an aftermarket CPU cooler. The included CPU cooler is good enough for up to the 3900X. Otherwise there is always the Threadripper 3960X with 24c/48t and quad channel RAM. It is an impressive CPU, but would add a lot onto the build cost.

 

[Nodnarb247]

You could move up to the 3950X for 16c/32t but then you would need to buy an aftermarket CPU cooler. The included CPU cooler is good enough for up to the 3900X. Otherwise there is always the Threadripper 3960X with 24c/48t and quad channel RAM. It is an impressive CPU, but would add a lot onto the build cost.

I have a Corsair H100i currently, so that shouldn't be too much of an issue. I've been looking into cutting cost on the MOBO by going with the MSI B450 Tomahawk Max, which wouldn't need a BIOS update. Is there any reason why I should skip B450 and X470 boards and go straight for the X570?

 

[jeremyj_83]

I have a Corsair H100i currently, so that shouldn't be too much of an issue. I've been looking into cutting cost on the MOBO by going with the MSI B450 Tomahawk Max, which wouldn't need a BIOS update. Is there any reason why I should skip B450 and X470 boards and go straight for the X570?

If you stick with the Sabrent Rocket 4.0 SSD, you wouldn't get everything out of it on a B450/X570 motherboard. Reason is that SSD has PCIe 4.0 controller, it will work in a 3.0 slot just at 3.0 bandwidth. Otherwise the X570 has better USB controllers and more RAM capacity. The B450/X470 boards top out at 64GB (4x16GB) whereas X570 tops out at 128GB (4x32GB).

The X570 I recommend also comes with wireless AX compared to AC on the 400 series boards.