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View Full Version : first time building mid level worksattion

jigsawe
12-02-2012, 09:02 AM
Hi all

I am planning on building my own workstation for the first time :)

I'm not an expert on the hardware stuff, so I wanted to get your feedback.

I'll be primarily be using Maya/XSI, premiere, aftereffects, photoshop. My budget is around 1700 USD (including a 24inch monitor, input devices, windows7)


This is what I have so far:

CPU
Core i7 ivybridge 3770

GPU
gtx 660ti 2gb

Motherboard
Asrock B75 pro3-m micro-atx motherboard

Memory
8X2 GB ddr3 ram (dual channel)

HDD
Adata Premiere Pro 128gb SSD
1TB WD 7200rpm HDD

PSU
Corsair GS700 80plus

CPU Cooler
Zalman CNPS9900 Max CPU cooler



My questions currently are:

How does the gtx 660ti perform with viewports and video editing? I am wondering if I should sacrifice the SSD and get a gtx 680 instead.

Is 700watts PSU sufficient for this build?

Does a micro atx have any downsides compared to a standard atx?


Any feedback would be great!
AJ1
12-02-2012, 02:02 PM
Hey man,

700w should be plenty.

If your doing lots of video editing and AE work, the SDD will make a massive difference. I wouldn't give it up for anything :p

You lose a few PCI slots on the mATX board. I would go for a full ATX if you've got room in your case. No reason not to, as they cost about the same. You might want to buy a slightly nicer MB.

That CPU cooler might be overkill for a 22nm chip. Do you plan on overclocking? The stock cooler might be all you need.

-AJ
vlad
12-02-2012, 03:55 PM
Are you using this for paid work?
sentry66
12-02-2012, 07:10 PM
IMO never go microATX unless you have a really good reason to.

microATX skimps too much on stability/reliability for most heavy duty CPU use
jigsawe
12-02-2012, 10:22 PM
yes i am using this primarily for work

thx for ur inputs!

yes i thought so a micro atx could have some issues. considering a standard atx.

is there a specific mb or chipset that you could recommend?
vlad
12-03-2012, 02:26 PM
Since you're using this for work, I'd suggest bumping up the specs a bit, something like a 3930k 6 cores/12 threads cpu, 24 to 32 gb of ram (8 gb is just too low plus ram is very cheap these days) and a better ATX motherboard like the Asus P9X79. That would add about 500$, which would largely pay itself over the 2-3 years you'll probably be keeping this rig. Add another 75-100$ for a decent cooler and overclock your cpu to 4.5ghz for additional performance benefits.