OK, I'm new here and not too terribly computer savvy so please bear with me.
I am currently building a new computer system for my wife who is studying to become a digital animator for feature films like Pixar's "UP." I've already determined the system setup and have bought everything except possibly enough hard drives.
My question is, what would be the best setup for the HDD? I was planning on doing a RAID 5, but after some research I'm not sure this is the best option. Also, I have been told that certain HDD perform better for video editing/storage, but I ave not been able to find any specs confirming this, only manufacturer's notes saying theirs is for such and such. I am also unsure as to what size of disc drives to use if I do a RAID array, I do need at least 300GB of storage for personal files (pics and home videos mostly) plus room for the video editing of course.
For now I am going to run the system on a single HDD and plan to upgrade when I get the funds in a few months. I plan on doubling the RAM, possibly adding a second video card in SLI, and adding additional accessories that are not performance based if that makes a difference
If this is in the wrong place, I am sorry and please direct me to the correct place. Any comments and/or advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Specs as follows
APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: One week ago
SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Video animation (using Autodesk Maya 2009) and editing, File storage for animated and home videos and pics
PARTS REQUIRED: HDD for RAID
PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg.com
PARTS PREFERENCES: Western Digital HDD Caviar series (if best ?)
OVERCLOCKING: Maybe
SLI OR CROSSFIRE: No
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: I am planning on using Windows XP 64 for the OS. Current parts list as follows:
Video Card: EVGA 01G-P3-1180-AR GeForce GTX 285 1GB 512-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130480
RAM: OCZ Reaper HPC 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ2RPR10664GK - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227289
Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 Yorkfield 2.83GHz LGA 775 95W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80569Q9550 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115041
Power Supply: Rosewill RX950-S-B 950W 80Plus Certified,ATX 12V v2.2 & EPS 12V v2.91 SLI 8800Ultra SLI CrossFire Ready Active PFC PFC Power ... - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182096
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3P LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128358
HDD: Western Digital Caviar Black WD7501AALS 750GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136283
I am currently building a new computer system for my wife who is studying to become a digital animator for feature films like Pixar's "UP." I've already determined the system setup and have bought everything except possibly enough hard drives.
My question is, what would be the best setup for the HDD? I was planning on doing a RAID 5, but after some research I'm not sure this is the best option. Also, I have been told that certain HDD perform better for video editing/storage, but I ave not been able to find any specs confirming this, only manufacturer's notes saying theirs is for such and such. I am also unsure as to what size of disc drives to use if I do a RAID array, I do need at least 300GB of storage for personal files (pics and home videos mostly) plus room for the video editing of course.
For now I am going to run the system on a single HDD and plan to upgrade when I get the funds in a few months. I plan on doubling the RAM, possibly adding a second video card in SLI, and adding additional accessories that are not performance based if that makes a difference
If this is in the wrong place, I am sorry and please direct me to the correct place. Any comments and/or advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Specs as follows
APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: One week ago
SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Video animation (using Autodesk Maya 2009) and editing, File storage for animated and home videos and pics
PARTS REQUIRED: HDD for RAID
PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg.com
PARTS PREFERENCES: Western Digital HDD Caviar series (if best ?)
OVERCLOCKING: Maybe
SLI OR CROSSFIRE: No
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: I am planning on using Windows XP 64 for the OS. Current parts list as follows:
Video Card: EVGA 01G-P3-1180-AR GeForce GTX 285 1GB 512-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130480
RAM: OCZ Reaper HPC 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ2RPR10664GK - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227289
Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 Yorkfield 2.83GHz LGA 775 95W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80569Q9550 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115041
Power Supply: Rosewill RX950-S-B 950W 80Plus Certified,ATX 12V v2.2 & EPS 12V v2.91 SLI 8800Ultra SLI CrossFire Ready Active PFC PFC Power ... - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182096
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3P LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128358
HDD: Western Digital Caviar Black WD7501AALS 750GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136283