Build check: 4k raw video editing build

groggy · Jul 25, 2014

Here is my build so far: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/xLV923

Everything on there I'm open to changing. I'm new to this so if you have any suggestions I'd love to take advantage of your expertise. Verifying if my setup is compatible with be extremely helpful as well.

Build purpose: This build should be capable of digesting/editing 4k raw footage from RED Epic cameras and lesser cameras. I'm trying to build with some headroom for the future, so if it's overbuilt I'm totally okay with that.

I need Displayports on whatever GPU(s) I get for future seamless 4k support.

I'll be adding storage as funds permit, and I'm planning on using a RAID 5 setup if advisable.

Budget: I'm trying to keep this within the $4k-$5k range. I'll go over/under if necessary/possible.

Notes: I don't need monitors or peripherals. I am using a dual-monitor 1080p (HDMI or Dual DVI) and 1440p (Dual DVI) setup, with a 4k IPS/PLS coming in the future when need/pricing permits (should not be included in the budget). I have a USB keyboard and a USB mouse.

I left out a sound-card to free up a slot. I have been using an external USB DAC/AMP for years, so I can just stick with that if that sounds like it'll work.

Thanks for reading!

dav_jw · Jul 25, 2014

I'm not sure exactly how much processing power you need for your particular workload (the more the better I'm guessing), but you might want to consider getting a dual-socket board with 2 Xeon, if encoding/rendering times matter (unless you use GPU-accelerated encoding). There are a few workstation motherboards that would allow you to do this.
It might add a bit to the cost, but you could always drop one of the GPUs to keep it within your budget. It's mostly a matter of balancing computational power between the CPU/GPU, depending on what your workload will benefit the most from.

It could also be worth it to wait for Haswell-E (september) and 8-core CPUs. Those will be overpriced, of course, the 6-core parts should provide much better value, but it would at least provide you with some upgrade possibilities (12-16-core Xeons...), as the X79/2011 platform is pretty much "dead" at this point.

I noticed also that you haven't picked a MB, I can personally vouch for the Asus P9X79WS, which is one of the few boards that will support 4-fire / sli. If you want to cut down costs a bit, there's also the GIGABYTE GA-X79-UP4 (which is 100$ cheaper).

Last but not the least, check if the software you plan on using will work better with CUDA. It's not uncommon and could be a sufficient reason to consider Nvidia's cards, even if they generally offer lower performance/price.

Other than that, that seems like a well rounded build and I don't see any obvious incompatibility between the parts you chose. You will have to use software RAID however, so you might want to consider adding another HDD and going with RAID 10 instead, as I doubt you'll find room for a RAID card with all those GPUs =D I'll admit I'm not sure about RAID 5 performance on sotware RAID, but it could be good enough.

Outlander_04 · Jul 25, 2014

Use workstation graphics card . Quaddro or Firepro

I would want an SSD to work and boot from , and another equally fast drive to output to . Storage transfer can happen later

Dell currently make a 4k IPS 24 inch monitor . Others probably do as well

groggy · Jul 25, 2014

dav_jw :

I'm not sure exactly how much processing power you need for your particular workload (the more the better I'm guessing), but you might want to consider getting a dual-socket board with 2 Xeon, if encoding/rendering times matter (unless you use GPU-accelerated encoding). There are a few workstation motherboards that would allow you to do this.
It might add a bit to the cost, but you could always drop one of the GPUs to keep it within your budget. It's mostly a matter of balancing computational power between the CPU/GPU, depending on what your workload will benefit the most from.

It could also be worth it to wait for Haswell-E (september) and 8-core CPUs. Those will be overpriced, of course, the 6-core parts should provide much better value, but it would at least provide you with some upgrade possibilities (12-16-core Xeons...), as the X79/2011 platform is pretty much "dead" at this point.

I noticed also that you haven't picked a MB, I can personally vouch for the Asus P9X79WS, which is one of the few boards that will support 4-fire / sli. If you want to cut down costs a bit, there's also the GIGABYTE GA-X79-UP4 (which is 100$ cheaper).

Last but not the least, check if the software you plan on using will work better with CUDA. It's not uncommon and could be a sufficient reason to consider Nvidia's cards, even if they generally offer lower performance/price.

Other than that, that seems like a well rounded build and I don't see any obvious incompatibility between the parts you chose. You will have to use software RAID however, as I doubt you'll find room for a RAID card with all those GPUs =D

Thanks for the reply! You've given me a lot to research/think about, so I'll post again once I've educated myself on some of your points.

I'll be using Adobe Premiere Pro CC, Adobe After Effects CC and Adobe Speedgrade CC. Premiere compatibility is my most important of the three. I know off the top of my head that I have used GPU acceleration in the past.

groggy · Jul 25, 2014

Outlander_04 :

Good idea. I've added a second identical SSD to my parts list.

Intel/Samsung is working on getting a $400 4k PLS panel out so it seems it would be wise to wait for the pricedrop before buying: http://www.cnet.com/news/intel-to-deliver-cheaper-4k-monitors-thanks-to-samsung-partnership/

Looking into Quadro cards and I'm getting mixed signals as to their value. The 10-bit color output is a definite draw (and probably a necessity sometime in my future) but I'm not convinced yet.

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Build check: 4k raw video editing build

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