Been a mac guy for a long time now but have been working on PCs for work and feel that I should make a system for myself similar to those I am working on. Looking to run Nuke, the Adobe Suite, Avid and Final Cut. I have acquired a NVIDIA Quadro FX1700 Graphics card that we were getting rid of and some Kingston Hyper X DDR3 RAM that I would like to use in this build. Trying to spend around $1000. Can somebody help me out?
First Time Build for a Compositing/Editing System
- Thread starter jhughes
- Start date
bambiboom
Splendid
- Apr 7, 2012
- 2,462
- 5
- 21,965
jhughes,
In my view, as a workstation for Adobe CS using a Quadro, the CPU should be Xeon and the RAM ECC. Here's a thought for your compositing / editing system >
BambiBoom PixelDozer Editmodagrapharic WalletJoy Scream IWorkomatic 9000 ®©$$™®£™©™_ 5.23.14
1. Intel Intel Xeon E3-1270V3 Haswell 3.5 / 3.9GHz 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1150 80W Quad-Core Server Processor BX80646E31270V3 > $350
2. ASRock H87WS-DL ATX Server Motherboard LGA 1150 Intel H87 DDR3 1600/1333 > $130
3. 16GB RAM > (2 X 8GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) ECC Registered Server Memory > about $180 ($90 ea) (Verify compatible RAM with MB manufacturer)
4. GPU > Quadro FX 1700 > $0
5. SAMSUNG 840 EVO MZ-7TE120BW 2.5" 120GB SATA III TLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) > $85
6. Western Digital Blue WD10EZEX 1TB 7200 RPM 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive, Blue > $65
7. CORSAIR CXM series CX500M 500W ATX12V v2.3 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply > $60
8. Pioneer 16X BD-R 2X BD-RE 16X DVD+R 12X BD-ROM 4MB Cache SATA Blu-ray Burner BDR-209DBK > $65
9. Corsair Carbide Series 200R Black Steel / Plastic compact ATX Mid Tower Case > $60
10. Microsoft Windows 8.1 Pro - 64-bit - OEM > $140
_______________________________________________________
Total = $995.
The older series Quadros are remarkably good in 2D. I installed an FX 1700 in an architectural system (Dell Precision 390) and in Passmark Performance Test, the 2D score was about 600. The 3D performance is not wonderful, but is acceptable for occasional use.
An alternative to building, which is time-consuming to research, order, assemble, configure, and test would be to find a good used Dell Precision TX5XX . A $1,000 buys a lot of computer >
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dell-Precision-T7500-Xeon-3-33GHz-Quad-Core-4GB-250GB-QUADRO-FX5800-/321342700718?pt=Desktop_PCs&hash=item4ad1847cae&nma=true&si=T742uDgLLcZzy1rxEglXtg1JL58%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557
This is a completed listing for a Dell Precision T7500 with a 3.33GHz quad core CPU, and only $390. Importantly, it has a Quadro FX5800 which was the top of the line Quadro when new- $3,467.99! and with 4GB, the FX 5800 was considered the ultimate video editing card then. This system was likely in the $7,000+ range new. This T7500 would need RAM (DDR3 ECC 1333), HD's, OS and Bluray burner, etc but for $390 plus $45 shipping an amazing bargain. A 2nd CPU can added for 8 cores and 16 thread- perfect for rendering and a T7500 can use 192GB of RAM. The problem with Xeon E3 is that it is limited to 4 cores and 32GB RAM. Plus, a used Precision would save all the work to make one. These systems are beautifully made. I have a 2008 Precision T5400 purchased in 2010 and upgraded for a total investment of about $1,000 and used 20 hours a day for almost four years with no failures.
Cheers,
BambiBoom
HP z420 (2014) > Xeon E5-1620 quad core @ 3.6 / 3.8GHz > 24GB ECC 1600 RAM > Quadro 4000 (2GB)> Samsung 840 SSD 250GB /Western Digital Black WD1003FZEX 1TB> M-Audio 192 sound card > AE3000 USB WiFi > HP 2711X, 27" 1920 X 1080 > Windows 7 Ultimate 64 >[Passmark system rating = 3923, 2D= 839 / 3D=2048]
Dell Precision T5400 (2008) > 2X Xeon X5460 quad core @3.16GHz > 16GB ECC 667> Quadro FX 4800 (1.5GB) > WD RE4 500GB / Seagate Barracuda 500GB > M-Audio 2496 Sound Card / Linksys 600N WiFi > Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit >[Passmark system rating = 1859, 2D= 512 / 3D=1097]
2D, 3D CAD, Image Processing, Rendering, Text > Architecture, industrial design, graphic design, written projects
In my view, as a workstation for Adobe CS using a Quadro, the CPU should be Xeon and the RAM ECC. Here's a thought for your compositing / editing system >
BambiBoom PixelDozer Editmodagrapharic WalletJoy Scream IWorkomatic 9000 ®©$$™®£™©™_ 5.23.14
1. Intel Intel Xeon E3-1270V3 Haswell 3.5 / 3.9GHz 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1150 80W Quad-Core Server Processor BX80646E31270V3 > $350
2. ASRock H87WS-DL ATX Server Motherboard LGA 1150 Intel H87 DDR3 1600/1333 > $130
3. 16GB RAM > (2 X 8GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) ECC Registered Server Memory > about $180 ($90 ea) (Verify compatible RAM with MB manufacturer)
4. GPU > Quadro FX 1700 > $0
5. SAMSUNG 840 EVO MZ-7TE120BW 2.5" 120GB SATA III TLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) > $85
6. Western Digital Blue WD10EZEX 1TB 7200 RPM 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive, Blue > $65
7. CORSAIR CXM series CX500M 500W ATX12V v2.3 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply > $60
8. Pioneer 16X BD-R 2X BD-RE 16X DVD+R 12X BD-ROM 4MB Cache SATA Blu-ray Burner BDR-209DBK > $65
9. Corsair Carbide Series 200R Black Steel / Plastic compact ATX Mid Tower Case > $60
10. Microsoft Windows 8.1 Pro - 64-bit - OEM > $140
_______________________________________________________
Total = $995.
The older series Quadros are remarkably good in 2D. I installed an FX 1700 in an architectural system (Dell Precision 390) and in Passmark Performance Test, the 2D score was about 600. The 3D performance is not wonderful, but is acceptable for occasional use.
An alternative to building, which is time-consuming to research, order, assemble, configure, and test would be to find a good used Dell Precision TX5XX . A $1,000 buys a lot of computer >
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dell-Precision-T7500-Xeon-3-33GHz-Quad-Core-4GB-250GB-QUADRO-FX5800-/321342700718?pt=Desktop_PCs&hash=item4ad1847cae&nma=true&si=T742uDgLLcZzy1rxEglXtg1JL58%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557
This is a completed listing for a Dell Precision T7500 with a 3.33GHz quad core CPU, and only $390. Importantly, it has a Quadro FX5800 which was the top of the line Quadro when new- $3,467.99! and with 4GB, the FX 5800 was considered the ultimate video editing card then. This system was likely in the $7,000+ range new. This T7500 would need RAM (DDR3 ECC 1333), HD's, OS and Bluray burner, etc but for $390 plus $45 shipping an amazing bargain. A 2nd CPU can added for 8 cores and 16 thread- perfect for rendering and a T7500 can use 192GB of RAM. The problem with Xeon E3 is that it is limited to 4 cores and 32GB RAM. Plus, a used Precision would save all the work to make one. These systems are beautifully made. I have a 2008 Precision T5400 purchased in 2010 and upgraded for a total investment of about $1,000 and used 20 hours a day for almost four years with no failures.
Cheers,
BambiBoom
HP z420 (2014) > Xeon E5-1620 quad core @ 3.6 / 3.8GHz > 24GB ECC 1600 RAM > Quadro 4000 (2GB)> Samsung 840 SSD 250GB /Western Digital Black WD1003FZEX 1TB> M-Audio 192 sound card > AE3000 USB WiFi > HP 2711X, 27" 1920 X 1080 > Windows 7 Ultimate 64 >[Passmark system rating = 3923, 2D= 839 / 3D=2048]
Dell Precision T5400 (2008) > 2X Xeon X5460 quad core @3.16GHz > 16GB ECC 667> Quadro FX 4800 (1.5GB) > WD RE4 500GB / Seagate Barracuda 500GB > M-Audio 2496 Sound Card / Linksys 600N WiFi > Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit >[Passmark system rating = 1859, 2D= 512 / 3D=1097]
2D, 3D CAD, Image Processing, Rendering, Text > Architecture, industrial design, graphic design, written projects
It's an interesting idea using the older dell precision and upgrading it. I am a little more interested in a straight forward build as this is my first time doing it and I feel it would help me learn and understand my computer and the way it interacts with the programs better. I have to do a little more research into exactly what the programs I would be using would need most out of a computer. Also last, is that ram in addition to the Kingston ones I already own or instead of? Ram isn't that expensive but if I can cut costs in some places it is always nice.
bambiboom
Splendid
- Apr 7, 2012
- 2,462
- 5
- 21,965
jhughes,
I've built two systems and upgraded quite a bit and you're correct that the process and helps in understanding the components, interaction, and diagnosing problems. However, the process can also be extremely frustrating as there are settings and configuration that seem counter-intuitive, parts are sent that are simply defective, and compatibility problems still happen. A few months ago as a gift, I upgraded a computer in brother's architectural office, a 2005 Dell Precision 390. At the time of doing my first system, plug and play was only just starting and researching compatibility took all time. I changed the 1.86 CPU to a 2.4, doubled the RAM to 4GB, changed the Quadro 550 to an FX 1700, and reloaded the OS and software. This was not entirely smooth going as I had to buy the RAM three times. Eventually I bought used RAM advertised as coming out of a Precision 390! Frustrating, but the effort paid off as the system rating in Passmark Performance Test was doubled, all for about $75.
The other factor is to have performance that suits your working needs. The method I use is to look at the most demanding program ever likely to be used. In my case, I think of 3DS Max and Solidworks. If you thought you'd use Maya, for example that would necessitate a different graphics card. Overall, I feel that an E3-1270 v3 system would work quite well for the work you've mentioned. I'd much prefer an LGA2011 system- can use a 4,6, 8, 10, or 12 -core CPU- or dual Xeons, there is double the memory bandwidth and double PCIe lanes. The CPU's, but the CPUs and motherboards are noticeably more expensive though and a reasonably capable system for your use would cost about $1500. If you do a lot of CPU-based rendering though, a fast six-core CPU is a big benefit. I keep the Precision T5400 around as it has 8 cores.
As to the RAM, When using a Xeon CPU and Quadro GPU, the full benefit suggests the use of ECC eror correcting RAM. Of course, the RAM in hand has value and if a modern fast type the RAM can be flogged on eBay to cut the cost of ECC and a more capable GPU if necessary.
Cheers,
BambiBoom
I've built two systems and upgraded quite a bit and you're correct that the process and helps in understanding the components, interaction, and diagnosing problems. However, the process can also be extremely frustrating as there are settings and configuration that seem counter-intuitive, parts are sent that are simply defective, and compatibility problems still happen. A few months ago as a gift, I upgraded a computer in brother's architectural office, a 2005 Dell Precision 390. At the time of doing my first system, plug and play was only just starting and researching compatibility took all time. I changed the 1.86 CPU to a 2.4, doubled the RAM to 4GB, changed the Quadro 550 to an FX 1700, and reloaded the OS and software. This was not entirely smooth going as I had to buy the RAM three times. Eventually I bought used RAM advertised as coming out of a Precision 390! Frustrating, but the effort paid off as the system rating in Passmark Performance Test was doubled, all for about $75.
The other factor is to have performance that suits your working needs. The method I use is to look at the most demanding program ever likely to be used. In my case, I think of 3DS Max and Solidworks. If you thought you'd use Maya, for example that would necessitate a different graphics card. Overall, I feel that an E3-1270 v3 system would work quite well for the work you've mentioned. I'd much prefer an LGA2011 system- can use a 4,6, 8, 10, or 12 -core CPU- or dual Xeons, there is double the memory bandwidth and double PCIe lanes. The CPU's, but the CPUs and motherboards are noticeably more expensive though and a reasonably capable system for your use would cost about $1500. If you do a lot of CPU-based rendering though, a fast six-core CPU is a big benefit. I keep the Precision T5400 around as it has 8 cores.
As to the RAM, When using a Xeon CPU and Quadro GPU, the full benefit suggests the use of ECC eror correcting RAM. Of course, the RAM in hand has value and if a modern fast type the RAM can be flogged on eBay to cut the cost of ECC and a more capable GPU if necessary.
Cheers,
BambiBoom
bambiboom
Splendid
- Apr 7, 2012
- 2,462
- 5
- 21,965
jhughes,
I consider building a system often as proprietary systems are so expensive but having everything worked out and a warranty has kept me buying systems. It used to be that homebuilds were also much faster than the typical workstation, but these days I see some Dells and HPs in the Passmark list of Top100 systems. In 20 years I've had an IBM (486- and 50MHz for only $3,200), 4 Dells, and 2 HP's and two homebuilds. I still have 5 of these systems, including my 1998 Dell T700R PIII 750MHz -$2,500 new- which runs AutoCad 2004 perfectly well still.
WiFi :Yes, a WiFi card would be necessary for that capability.
The Quadro FX 1700 has two DVI sockets so yes, dual monitors is easy.
Cheers,
BambiBoom
I consider building a system often as proprietary systems are so expensive but having everything worked out and a warranty has kept me buying systems. It used to be that homebuilds were also much faster than the typical workstation, but these days I see some Dells and HPs in the Passmark list of Top100 systems. In 20 years I've had an IBM (486- and 50MHz for only $3,200), 4 Dells, and 2 HP's and two homebuilds. I still have 5 of these systems, including my 1998 Dell T700R PIII 750MHz -$2,500 new- which runs AutoCad 2004 perfectly well still.
WiFi :Yes, a WiFi card would be necessary for that capability.
The Quadro FX 1700 has two DVI sockets so yes, dual monitors is easy.
Cheers,
BambiBoom
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