Xeon build for graphics, animation, video editing

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anime6626

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Jul 4, 2015
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Hi all,

This is a first build, so would really appreciate your views on whether it makes sense. It's for graphic design and animation (mostly Adobe software) and video and audio editing (e.g. Sony Vegas and CuBase. (And maybe some light gaming...)

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1231 V3 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($242.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Asus H97-PRO GAMER ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($107.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($94.99 @ Adorama)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($104.78 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($73.74 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 960 2GB Video Card ($196.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Nanoxia Deep Silence 3 ATX Mid Tower Case ($102.09 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Cooler Master VS 550W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply
Monitor: Dell U2415 60Hz 24.1" Monitor ($299.99 @ B&H)

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/Xnmxqs

Some lingering questions in my mind...
1. Would a Z97 motherboard be better in terms of quality, future-proofing (even though I don't intend to overclock)?
2. Would the 4GB version of the Asus Strix GTX 960 be any advantage?
3. Would an M2-capable SSD make a noticeable difference (assuming I have the OS and applications on it, with data on the HDD).

After weeks of reading here, can't wait to get started. Thanks for your help!
 
Solution
IntelTurtleFan
No need to get a z97 with that CPU as the Xeon cannot overclock. This is a better build. Do not bother with a 4GB 960 as it cannot use all 4GB of it. The 2GB version is your best bet. M2 is faster than SSD SATA but it is costly and not worth the difference yet in my view.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1231 V3 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($242.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H97-D3H ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($86.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($94.99 @ Adorama)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($104.78 @ OutletPC)
Storage:...
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IntelTurtleFan

IntelTurtleFan

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Apr 10, 2015
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No need to get a z97 with that CPU as the Xeon cannot overclock. This is a better build. Do not bother with a 4GB 960 as it cannot use all 4GB of it. The 2GB version is your best bet. M2 is faster than SSD SATA but it is costly and not worth the difference yet in my view.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1231 V3 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($242.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H97-D3H ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($86.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($94.99 @ Adorama)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($104.78 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($73.74 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 960 2GB Video Card ($196.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Nanoxia Deep Silence 3 ATX Mid Tower Case ($102.09 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Cooler Master VS 550W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply
Monitor: Dell U2415 60Hz 24.1" Monitor ($299.99 @ B&H)
Total: $1202.56
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-07-04 12:29 EDT-0400
 
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Solution
fport

fport

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May 22, 2011
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I like the build. I've come around to the view that the fastest single chip affordable is better than slower duals.
I am however a big RAM guy because it just lets you go farther in a bigger space. 32GB.
Another thing I advocate is a bigger monitor for the real estate and user interface with programs and applications.

In editing situations two monitor setups are usually de rigeur.

Questions I have are, how flexible is the budget and how quiet do you actually want the machine to be?
What are you using right now?
 
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A

anime6626

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Jul 4, 2015
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Thanks fport. Right now I'm using an i3-based Lenovo all-in-one, which as you can imagine is pretty painful for these kinds of applications. At the same time, I'm far from being a professional, and want to build a system that will let me learn these apps, and have reasonable potential to upgrade in the future (e.g. taking on board your comments about RAM and a second screen.)

 
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IntelTurtleFan

IntelTurtleFan

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Apr 10, 2015
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fport

fport

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Yes, that explains things a bit better. No overclock allows the Xeon. 32 GB might be overkill for the moment as well.
Second monitor will come in handy when you are chafing at your screen real estate.


 
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