CGTalk - Graphics Workstation - parts chosen, would like some advice before purchasing

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magnus1225

09-07-2012, 10:43 PM

Hello,

I'm building my first computer/workstation which I'll be using for (most important to least) Cinema 4D + Adobe Creative Suite, Particle Simulations (Krakatoa + 3DsMax), Music (FL Studio + Protools)

I have a build which can be found here: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/gPiL

I have a few questions but would appreciate any feedback dealing with part compatibility, better deals, anywhere I could cut costs, etc . . . before I start purchasing parts.

RAM:
I want 64gb of RAM to help with particle simulations. The 3930k supports up to 1600 I believe, so that's why I chose
this set. Will this set suffice, or should I look at faster RAM?

Storage:
Boot:
Samsung 830 128GB - Is this enough space for a bootdrive? I went through all the programs I plan on using and
it added up to about 90gb.
Scratch:
Samsung 830 128GB - This will be the drive I render to, but will transfer the files to the backup drive when complete
Backup:
Western Digital RE4-GP 2TB in Raid 1 - Having the backup drive(s) in Raid 1 is a smart thing to do correct?
Assets:
Western Digital RE4-GP 2TB in Raid 1 - Should the assets (textures/videos/photos/etc) be in a Raid 1 configuration
or should I just have them on one drive, but have that drive backed up externally?

Case:
I want a case that is rather quiet but still have the space and air circulation to keep things cool during renders.
I spent a long time reading through forums and comparing cases and I have a list of five, though I'm leaning towards two.
I think all of these are large enough to hold all the parts I've chosen, but I'm no 100% sure, can someone confirm without
doing too much research?
1. *Fractal Design Define R4
2. *Antec P280
3. Antec P183
4. Nexus Thrio 310
5. Nexus Prominent 5

Thank you very much for taking the time and leaving some feedback.

Nathan

cgbeige

09-08-2012, 03:52 AM

let me get this straight: you want to cut down on time by adding an intermediary drive that is faster than the drive you will use to work from but that will get all files after you copy them? I'm glad you're not robbing a bank because this plan needs some fleshing out.

sentry66

09-08-2012, 04:52 AM

i think he means a SSD for OS, SSD for work and 2 hard drives for long term storage and backup

I'd forget the mirrored drive, cause RAID 1 is not backup

Stuff starts getting corrupt after a few years on active hard drives. RAID1 will just mirror that corruption

Use the 2nd hard drive as a backup to your other hard drive that you'll use as your active storage drive. Get a SATA-->USB3 adaptor and just plug the thing in when it's time for a backup.

imashination

09-08-2012, 09:36 AM

I dont see the point of the second SSD, youre going to render to it, then immediately move it off (youll need to, itll fill up fast). I dont see the point, why not just render directly to where you want the files to be? Seems like a waste of time and money.

sentry66

09-08-2012, 06:16 PM

I think he means he'll keep his files on the 2nd SSD while he works so he gets fast load/write times. When the project is finished, he'll move it onto a regular hard drive for storing the finished files.

magnus1225

09-08-2012, 06:21 PM

Thanks for the constructive feedback cgbeige??

I took the advice and adjusted some of the parts. 1 SSD for OS, and 1 HHD to render to and store projects, then an addition HHD for backup.

Someone adjusted my build and gave me 2 gtx 680s SLI??? and switched the PSU to one with 1200w. I'm pretty sure I don't need 1200w correct?

I'm still not set on a case.

Any thoughts on this build?

CPU: Intel Core i7-3930K 3.2GHz 6-Core Processor ($549.99 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 SE2011 CPU Cooler ($82.74 @ Mwave)
Motherboard: Asus P9X79 PRO ATX LGA2011 Motherboard ($299.98 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Z Series 64GB (8 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($314.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($95.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($95.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 830 Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($199.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 670 4GB Video Card ($459.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 (109.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 860W 80 PLUS Platinum Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($169.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $2379.63

tswalk

09-08-2012, 10:23 PM

Someone adjusted my build and gave me 2 gtx 680s SLI???

not sure why they did that, unless you're playing some serious games... it won't help with your work.

vlad

09-09-2012, 01:59 AM

Yeah, do yourself a favor and dont take advice from that "someone" anymore.
You'll be OK with that 860w psu.
Make double sure the Noctua fits in that case. It is humongous.
And about that Fractal case, what's the point of having fans on the front and putting a door in front of them?