Some build questions (for video editing)

[Cheeser]

I finished my first build about five months ago and find myself in the position of having to do another (I say that gleefully). The original build, shown at the bottom of this message, gaming and some video editing. It turns out that my son is doing much more video work than I expected so I would like to build another machine for him to free up this one. The new machine would NOT be for gaming but he does use Warcraft for creating demos as part of his projects.

My first build was about $950 if you include the OS, rebates, shipping, etc. I'd like to spend in the ballpark of $700 for this build if possible.

My initial thought is to use the build below as a rough blueprint and trim where it makes sense. Some questions for the experts:

1. What kind of video card is needed here (he as a 22" monitor). Would something like a GeForce 9600GT fit the bill?

2. Can I drop the PSU power requirements to the 500-600W range and still be able to do a modest overclock?

3. Is there a good quality case and PSU combo that I should consider? If not would the Antec 300 case be a good choice?

4. Will the stock cooler be sufficient for a modest overclock to say 2.8 GHz?

5. Should I think about going to a P43 mobo?

Any suggestions or comments would be appreciated. Thanks.


CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor
PSU: CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-EP45-DS3R
Video: GIGABYTE GV-R485ZL-512H Radeon HD 4850 512MB
RAM: mushkin 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800
Storage: Western Digital SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB
Optical: ASUS 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Model DRW-2014L1T
Case: Antec Nine Hundred
Cooler: XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 Cooler and bracket
OS: Vista Home Premium 64-bit

 

[xthekidx]

For no gaming, you don't need a good video card. A 9400GT would work fine, all the strain will be on the CPU for video editing.

I suggest you go with this PSU/case combo, very quality PSU that will work fine, you won't need more than 250w for that system most likely, even with an overclock:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129032

For video editing, you should use a quad core, that Q6600 would work well if you can afford it on that budget.

I would say get an aftermarket cooler if you are going to OC, but that's just me, I like my system running cool, others will tell you that you can OC on a stock cooler just fine, the Q6600 runs hot though.

A P43 mobo will work fine. Something like this maybe:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131329

The WD6401AALS is a little bit faster, so you should go for that instead of the one you have in that other system.

Another thing you might consider is this: if the rig you are using now is primarily for gaming, you don't really need a quad unless GTA 4 is one of your games. You could get an E8500 and put it in the rig you use now, which would give you better gaming, and then put the Q6600 in your son's build. Just a thought.

 

[theAnimal]

Q8300 is cheaper, faster, and runs cooler.

 

[Cheeser]

Another thing you might consider is this: if the rig you are using now is primarily for gaming, you don't really need a quad unless GTA 4 is one of your games. You could get an E8500 and put it in the rig you use now, which would give you better gaming, and then put the Q6600 in your son's build. Just a thought.

I've thought about this idea as well. Does doing this have any implications for the OS, i.e., would I need to reinstall Vista and/or is the license tied to the processor or the board?

Thanks for video, psu/case and mobo suggestions.