New Multimedia Computer Suggestions

[teambalut]

I have been searching for a fast, reliable computer that will be used in my church for tasks such as playing and recording audio/video, editing videos, and displaying lyrics – basically an all-in-one media machine. Our current (5+ year old) desktop is out of order and it looks like a great time to upgrade to something new.
After searching online, it seems like a gaming computer would be the way to go because of their performance, so that’s what I’ve been looking for. I found systems like the Alienware X51, HP ENVY Phoenix 810st, and DELL XPS 8700 that seem like a good idea because of the option for a high-end dedicated graphics card. I also configured a nice system on ibuypower.com, but after reading so many bad reviews of that company, I crossed that off my list. I also have been reading a lot of threads on this forum and it looks like most of you would rather build your own. I would love to do that but unfortunately, that isn’t an option because of time restraints (we need it ASAP) and my lack of computer building experience.
My Church approved a budget of $1800 minus any software. We already have a keyboard, mouse, and displays. Only the tower is needed.
Can anyone give any suggestions on systems to buy or opinions on the system listed above? Your help is greatly appreciated! Also keep in mind that I am from Hawaii and shipping is going to be at least $200+ from the mainland.
Our requirements are listed below. Click on the links for hardware requirements.
Software
• Media Shout 5
• Pro Presenter 5
• Adobe: Premiere Pro, After Effects, Encore, Audition, Photoshop, & Illustrator
• Microsoft Office: Word & Power Point

Operating System: Windows 8.1

Displays: At least 3 screen outputs.

 

[bccorrupt]

If you don't want to build one, the easiest/cheapest way would probably be to buy one from a large vendor like HP or Dell and add a video card. That way you would get a better card than they typically offer, but with the nice warranty, price, and quality of a large vendor. This HP seems like a pretty solid price for an i7 and the rest of the specs and they claim free shipping on the main page, so I assume that would apply to Hawaii also. You'd be looking at about $800 for an i7, 8GB ddr3 ram, 1TB hard drive, and an Nvidia 750ti video card.

http://www.shopping.hp.com/en_US/home-office/-/products/Desktops/HP-ENVY/F9A62AV?HP-ENVY-700-215xt-Desktop-PC-with-Windows-7

The best video card that's going to work with the power supply in it is actually pretty good. Any 750ti that doesn't require a pci-e connector will work well, you would just need to pick the one with the video outputs you need. The 750ti supports up to 4 monitors. It'll take you probably 15 minutes to install the card and download new drivers for it. I'll link some example, like I said you'd have to pick a specific model depending on which outputs you want.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121855
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814487025
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127783

 

[teambalut]

If you don't want to build one, the easiest/cheapest way would probably be to buy one from a large vendor like HP or Dell and add a video card. That way you would get a better card than they typically offer, but with the nice warranty, price, and quality of a large vendor. This HP seems like a pretty solid price for an i7 and the rest of the specs and they claim free shipping on the main page, so I assume that would apply to Hawaii also. You'd be looking at about $800 for an i7, 8GB ddr3 ram, 1TB hard drive, and an Nvidia 750ti video card.

http://www.shopping.hp.com/en_US/home-office/-/products/Desktops/HP-ENVY/F9A62AV?HP-ENVY-700-215xt-Desktop-PC-with-Windows-7

The best video card that's going to work with the power supply in it is actually pretty good. Any 750ti that doesn't require a pci-e connector will work well, you would just need to pick the one with the video outputs you need. The 750ti supports up to 4 monitors. It'll take you probably 15 minutes to install the card and download new drivers for it. I'll link some example, like I said you'd have to pick a specific model depending on which outputs you want.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121855
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814487025
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127783

I was debating on getting the Dell XPS over the HP Envy and decided to go with the HP Envy Phoenix because of it's option for a better GPU and price.I ordered a Envy with these specs: i7-4790, NVidia GTX770, 8GB DDR3, 2TB HDD, 16GB SSD, 2 Year Warranty with Accidental Protection, HP 23xi Monitor, and a bunch of other small goodies. The system is much more pricier than I originally thought, but is under our budget and the only piece needing assembly it the monitor.

You were right about the shipping. It was free. You'd be surprised at some of the sites that say they have free shipping to Hawaii but actually don't when you checkout. They end up charging up to 80% of the product price in shipping costs! And I guess it's perfect timing that we are buying a PC, because we saved a couple hundred off the price with the 4th of July sale..

Also, I believe the graphics card will support up to 4 screens (correct me if I'm wrong), which is more than what we need for ProPresenter 5 which uses 3 screens. A 4th screen would be great for cuing up audio for a service or video clips for a sermon without minimizing the main program!

Anyway, thank you for your help. I really appreciate it!

Happy Independence Day!!

 

[bccorrupt]

Yes, the GTX770 also supports 4 monitors and should have no problem actually running the 4 at once. Enjoy your new computer.