Video editing CPU

brad81380 · Dec 11, 2013

I am in process of selecting upgrades for a video editing/audio production/graphic design pc I built some time ago. I am switching from AMD to Intel, and will be running Avid Media Composer, Pro Tools, Native Instruments Komplete(a virtual instrument bundle for those not familiar with it), Sibelius, and Final Draft, as well as Adobe Creative Cloud. While I am able to select most of the hardware on my own, I am debating between a workstation based on Intel Core i7 or the latest Xeon processors. For media production, what are the pros and cons of each option, and which would you recommend and why? I am open to a dual processor system if there is a benefit to it.

wshinn · Dec 11, 2013

Will you be doing any motion graphics or heavy color correction?

logainofhades · Dec 11, 2013

If you decide to build your own, go Xeon of 1230/1240/1245 v2/3 or higher as they tend to be cheaper than an i7 and are just as good. An i7 4930k isn't a horrible option either if you are willing to spend the $$$.

brad81380 · Dec 11, 2013

wshinn :

Likely After Effects CC, and color correction as needed. I am looking at independent film production primarily.

Supahos · Dec 11, 2013

If you have the budget I would probably go with a Xeon as it plays pretty nice with other things some of the K processors have parts disabled that could cause issues with certain software, and you'll likely want to drop at least 32gb of ram if not 64+ to cut down render times.

logainofhades · Dec 11, 2013

Yea the 1155/1150 k series do have some stuff that the non K and Xeon do. The 4930k is the exception to the rule. Not to mention the fact that the LGA 2011 boards tend to support more ram.

Supahos · Dec 11, 2013

logainofhades :

I was never sure Kind of assumed the 4930K was a rare bird but had never gotten any confirmation of it. I'm not saying it would be a bad choice, but I Just see a lot of questions about 2011 setups on here not working properly. Not that there is anything wrong with it, but this just had a xeon feel with what he's asking it to do, just one man's opinion.

logainofhades · Dec 11, 2013

I don't knock Xeon at all, I recommend them quite often on here actually. :lol:

brad81380 · Dec 11, 2013

I want to add that while I am looking at a reasonable budget, I also am open to spending money, since this is a professional tool for me. I am an actor who has taken up film making as a way of creating my own work, so I am going to treat it as a business expense. Put in what I have to, but not splurge unnecessarily either.

wshinn · Dec 11, 2013

CPU: AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz 8-Core Processor ($198.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Eisberg 240L Prestige 60.2 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD7 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($197.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: A-Data XPG Gaming Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($154.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: A-Data XPG Gaming Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($154.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Corsair Force Series 3 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($142.00 @ Amazon)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 780 Ti 3GB Video Card ($699.99 @ NCIX US)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 - OEM (64-bit) ($99.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1777.92
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-12-11 13:11 EST-0500)

logainofhades · Dec 11, 2013

wshinn :

Not a bad suggestion at all there, but I think a 990FXA-UD3 is sufficient for the OP's needs. Even the 970a-ud3p would be plenty. Both have 8+2 power phases. Could also save a bit more and go FX 8320. It will match FX 8350 speeds.

brad81380 · Dec 11, 2013

I did specify Intel though, because I want to be sure Avid Media Composer will work at all times. This means I can't risk compatibility issues that could come with AMD.

brad81380 · Dec 11, 2013

Also, a GeForce graphics card is insufficient for video editing at a professional level. You need a workstation card, not a gaming card. The actual processor is where I am stuck. Everything else is easy enough. I do have some technical expertise, but don't really know the differences between the i7s and the Xeons, so that is why I posted.

Supahos · Dec 11, 2013

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2iKaY

consider this, it can be upgraded/downgraded as you see fit, current is built on an LGA2011 setup with 64 gb of memory. Should mow down anything you put in front of it, I have win 8 pro (not OEM in case you make changes to the system so you don't have to rebuy windows). Quite a bit more but it will also power through things at levels that other system can't imagine.

Supahos · Dec 11, 2013

The xeons and 2011 I7s are nearly identical, same cache, until you get into the 8 core IB-E versions in the xeon side. $ for $ the I7s are typically a bit cheaper.

logainofhades · Dec 11, 2013

brad81380 :

A high end desktop graphics card can be sufficient for video editing. An R9 290 can beat even Titan, which is really a workstation card.

wshinn · Dec 11, 2013

I agree with logainofhades. Many computer experts on here aren't familiar with rendering speed and how Sony, Adobe, Apple and Avid are now utilizing more of the high end desktop cards rather then the quadro cards as they have more power and are also easier to develop render code.

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