Graphics and Video Editing PC

[SimMou]

After nearly ten years of fairly solid performance from a top-end PCS machine (order 363163), I'm ready to order a new PC. The current PC is showing signs of having been on almost constantly (backup run overnight every night). I need to constantly over-ride the "over-temperature" warning at each reboot, Windows 10 no longer updates because some (unidentified) component won't let it and now my Adobe Creative Suite won't update because the version of Windows is too old!

The first requirement of the new PC is to run all the software I need to serve my publishing business. This is mostly high-res graphics-based but with simultaneous database processing and video conferencing happening. I also capture and process HD video. I use three UHD screens from the PC and will be adding several internal and external hard drives.

I want a machine that will run quickly, quietly, and coolly, coping effortlessly with multiple graphics programs running at the same time, now, and hopefully for several years to come.

I've currently ignored the PCS advice that my PSU is unnecessarily powerful because of the additional components I'll be fitting.

How does this spec look ...

Case
BE QUIET! DARK BASE PRO 900 REV. 2 FULL TOWER GAMING CASE
Processor (CPU)
Intel® Core™ i9 14 Core Processor i9-10940X (3.3GHz) 19.25MB Cache
Motherboard
ASUS® ROG STRIX X299-E GAMING II: ATX, USB 3.2, SATA 6 GB/s, Wi-Fi AC - ARGB Ready
Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR4 2666MHz (2 x 16GB)
Graphics Card
8GB NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 2070 SUPER - HDMI, 3x DP GeForce - RTX VR Ready!
1st Storage Drive
1TB PCS 2.5" SSD, SATA 6 Gb (520MB/R, 470MB/W)
DVD/BLU-RAY Drive
16x BLU-RAY WRITER DRIVE, 16x DVD ±R/±RW & SOFTWARE
Power Supply
CORSAIR 1000W RMx SERIES™ MODULAR 80 PLUS® GOLD, ULTRA QUIET
Power Cable
1 x 1 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead)
Processor Cooling
Corsair H100x Hydro Cooler w/ PCS Ultra Quiet Fans
Thermal Paste
ARCTIC MX-4 EXTREME THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY COMPOUND
Sound Card
ONBOARD 8 CHANNEL (7.1) HIGH DEF AUDIO (AS STANDARD)
Wireless/Wired Networking
10/100/1000 GIGABIT LAN PORT (Wi-Fi NOT INCLUDED)
USB/Thunderbolt Options
2 PORT (1 x TYPE A, 1 x TYPE C) USB 3.1 PCI-E CARD + STANDARD USB PORTS
Operating System
Windows 10 Professional 64 Bit - inc. Single Licence [MUP-00003]
Operating System Language
United Kingdom - English Language
Windows Recovery Media
Windows 10 Multi-Language Recovery Image - Unlimited Downloads from Online Account
Office Software
FREE 30 Day Trial of Microsoft 365® (Operating System Required)
Anti-Virus
NO ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE
Browser
Google Chrome™
Keyboard & Mouse
LOGITECH® MK270 WIRELESS KEYBOARD & MOUSE COMBO
Warranty
3 Year Silver Warranty (1 Year Collect & Return, 1 Year Parts, 3 Year Labour)
Delivery
STANDARD INSURED DELIVERY TO UK MAINLAND (MON-FRI)
Build Time
Standard Build - Approximately 20 to 22 working days
Price: £2,799.00 including VAT and Delivery

 

[Scott]

I would probably change up a few bits and bobs. Higher end motherboard (you could go higher end again if you wanted, it's justified). I removed the PCIe card as I think the motherboard on-board options should have you covered. Again, if you went for the Hero board it may help out again.

Scratch drive also added.

Case
CORSAIR OBSIDIAN SERIES™ 750D FULL TOWER CASE
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 9 3950X 16 Core CPU (3.5GHz-4.7GHz/73MB CACHE/AM4)
Motherboard
ASUS® ROG STRIX X570-F GAMING (USB 3.2 Gen 2, PCIe 4.0) - ARGB Ready!
Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair VENGEANCE RGB PRO DDR4 3200MHz (2 x 16GB)
Graphics Card
8GB NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 2070 SUPER - HDMI, 3x DP GeForce - RTX VR Ready!
1st M.2 SSD Drive
1TB SEAGATE FIRECUDA 520 GEN 4 PCIe NVMe (up to 5000MB/R, 4400MB/W)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
500GB SAMSUNG 970 EVO PLUS M.2, PCIe NVMe (up to 3500MB/R, 3200MB/W)
DVD/BLU-RAY Drive
16x BLU-RAY WRITER DRIVE, 16x DVD ±R/±RW & SOFTWARE
Power Supply
CORSAIR 1000W RMx SERIES™ MODULAR 80 PLUS® GOLD, ULTRA QUIET
Power Cable
1 x 1 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead)
Processor Cooling
Corsair H115i RGB PLATINUM Hydro Series High Performance CPU Cooler
Thermal Paste
STANDARD THERMAL PASTE FOR SUFFICIENT COOLING
Sound Card
ONBOARD 6 CHANNEL (5.1) HIGH DEF AUDIO (AS STANDARD)
Wireless/Wired Networking
10/100/1000 GIGABIT LAN PORT (Wi-Fi NOT INCLUDED)
USB/Thunderbolt Options
MIN. 2 x USB 3.0 & 2 x USB 2.0 PORTS @ BACK PANEL + MIN. 2 FRONT PORTS
Operating System
Windows 10 Home 64 Bit - inc. Single Licence [KUK-00001]
Operating System Language
United Kingdom - English Language
Windows Recovery Media
Windows 10 Multi-Language Recovery Image - Unlimited Downloads from Online Account
Office Software
FREE 30 Day Trial of Microsoft 365® (Operating System Required)
Anti-Virus
NO ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE
Browser
Google Chrome™
Keyboard & Mouse
LOGITECH® MK270 WIRELESS KEYBOARD & MOUSE COMBO
Warranty
3 Year Silver Warranty (1 Year Collect & Return, 1 Year Parts, 3 Year Labour)
Delivery
STANDARD INSURED DELIVERY TO UK MAINLAND (MON-FRI)
Build Time
Standard Build - Approximately 20 to 22 working days
Price: £2,720.00 including VAT and Delivery

Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am4-gen3-pc/WSPV09d7Bn/

 

[SimMou]

@Nursemorph @Scott Thank you both for your input which has been really thought-provoking and helpful.

My budget was was actually higher than I'd spent in my initial configuration and I was rather expecting advice to pay out a bit more to get the type of system I was looking for. Having done a bit more of my own research, alongside your advice, I've come up with a new configuration and would welcome your thoughts again.

My current PC is no longer networked but runs Windows 10 Pro. Several drives I use have had security settings changed using Win Pro and I fear that this could cause an issue if I try to switch to Home Edition. If that is worrying unnecessarily, then maybe I don't need the Pro version but I've left it in for now.

There are a couple of instances of RGB versions of components in your choices. I'm not a gamer but assume this is a gamer style choice and serves no other purpose. Put me right please if I'm wrong. Otherwise, are equally capable non-RGB versions of the following available for less?

Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair VENGEANCE RGB PRO DDR4 3200MHz (2 x 16GB)


Processor Cooling
Corsair H115i RGB PLATINUM Hydro Series High Performance CPU Cooler

The PC will normally be connected to the internet by Ethernet. If there was a way to add WiFi connectivity without losing the Ethernet connection, I'd do so, but it's not essential.

I need 2 additional DisplayPort cables but one needs to be 4m rather than 2m. Are PCS likely to be able to accommodate that request or, indeed, one for a 2m UK power cable, rather than 1m?

Finally, is the cooling solution/number of fans sufficient? My current PC gets very hot and seems to heat the entire top floor of my house!

Thanks again for your help!

Case
CORSAIR OBSIDIAN SERIES™ 750D FULL TOWER CASE
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 9 3950X 16 Core CPU (3.5GHz-4.7GHz/73MB CACHE/AM4)
Motherboard
ASUS® CROSSHAIR VIII HERO (DDR4, PCIe 4.0, CrossFireX/SLI) - RGB Ready!
Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair VENGEANCE RGB PRO DDR4 3200MHz (2 x 16GB)
Graphics Card
8GB NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 2080 SUPER - HDMI, 3x DP GeForce - RTX VR Ready!
1st M.2 SSD Drive
1TB SEAGATE FIRECUDA 520 GEN 4 PCIe NVMe (up to 5000MB/R, 4400MB/W)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
2TB SEAGATE FIRECUDA 520 GEN 4 PCIe NVMe (up to 5000MB/R, 4400MB/W)
DVD/BLU-RAY Drive
16x BLU-RAY WRITER DRIVE, 16x DVD ±R/±RW & SOFTWARE
Power Supply
CORSAIR 750W RMx SERIES™ MODULAR 80 PLUS® GOLD, ULTRA QUIET
Power Cable
1 x 1 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead)
Processor Cooling
Corsair H115i RGB PLATINUM Hydro Series High Performance CPU Cooler
Thermal Paste
STANDARD THERMAL PASTE FOR SUFFICIENT COOLING
Sound Card
ONBOARD 6 CHANNEL (5.1) HIGH DEF AUDIO (AS STANDARD)
Wireless/Wired Networking
10/100/1000 GIGABIT LAN PORT (Wi-Fi NOT INCLUDED)
USB/Thunderbolt Options
MIN. 2 x USB 3.0 & 2 x USB 2.0 PORTS @ BACK PANEL + MIN. 2 FRONT PORTS
Operating System
Windows 10 Professional 64 Bit - inc. Single Licence [MUP-00003]
Operating System Language
United Kingdom - English Language
Windows Recovery Media
Windows 10 Multi-Language Recovery Image - Unlimited Downloads from Online Account
Office Software
FREE 30 Day Trial of Microsoft 365® (Operating System Required)
Anti-Virus
NO ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE
Browser
Google Chrome™
Monitor Cables
1 x 2m DisplayPort Cable - DP (M) to DP (M)
Keyboard & Mouse
LOGITECH® MK270 WIRELESS KEYBOARD & MOUSE COMBO
Warranty
3 Year Silver Warranty (1 Year Collect & Return, 1 Year Parts, 3 Year Labour)
Delivery
STANDARD INSURED DELIVERY TO UK MAINLAND (MON-FRI)
Build Time
Standard Build - Approximately 20 to 22 working days
Promotional Item
Get Assassin’s Creed® Valhalla with select AMD Ryzen CPUs
Price: £3,278.00 including VAT and Delivery

Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am4-gen3-pc/zrhYtpjHA2/

 

[Scott]

3950X Would want active VRM cooling where possible.

The 2080S would be more powerful, not sure if it's warranted for the extra cash though. The 3950X will be a rendering monster, the 2070 Super would be more about acceleration etc.

 

[Scott]

@Nursemorph @Scott Thank you both for your input which has been really thought-provoking and helpful.

My budget was was actually higher than I'd spent in my initial configuration and I was rather expecting advice to pay out a bit more to get the type of system I was looking for. Having done a bit more of my own research, alongside your advice, I've come up with a new configuration and would welcome your thoughts again.

My current PC is no longer networked but runs Windows 10 Pro. Several drives I use have had security settings changed using Win Pro and I fear that this could cause an issue if I try to switch to Home Edition. If that is worrying unnecessarily, then maybe I don't need the Pro version but I've left it in for now.

There are a couple of instances of RGB versions of components in your choices. I'm not a gamer but assume this is a gamer style choice and serves no other purpose. Put me right please if I'm wrong. Otherwise, are equally capable non-RGB versions of the following available for less?

Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair VENGEANCE RGB PRO DDR4 3200MHz (2 x 16GB)


Processor Cooling
Corsair H115i RGB PLATINUM Hydro Series High Performance CPU Cooler

The PC will normally be connected to the internet by Ethernet. If there was a way to add WiFi connectivity without losing the Ethernet connection, I'd do so, but it's not essential.

I need 2 additional DisplayPort cables but one needs to be 4m rather than 2m. Are PCS likely to be able to accommodate that request or, indeed, one for a 2m UK power cable, rather than 1m?

Finally, is the cooling solution/number of fans sufficient? My current PC gets very hot and seems to heat the entire top floor of my house!

Thanks again for your help!

For the difference in the outlay, the Pro license is fine.

The RGB components are chosen because there wasn't any other option. 2x16GB 3200mhz RAM would be fine, but it's out of stock at the moment so the RGB option was taken.

With the cooler, nothing touches the H115i RGB platinum. The lighting can be switched off though.

Wifi won't touch the Ethernet, so you are fine to choose it if you wish. AX200 is the recommended option.

For the cables, I would give them a call and see what you can get.

 

[SimMou]

@Scott

3950X Would want active VRM cooling where possible.

What would you recommend for VRM cooling? Presumably some form of water cooling and a radiator. Can it be configured on the PCS site?

 

[SimMou]

For the difference in the outlay, the Pro license is fine.

The RGB components are chosen because there wasn't any other option. 2x16GB 3200mhz RAM would be fine, but it's out of stock at the moment so the RGB option was taken.

With the cooler, nothing touches the H115i RGB platinum. The lighting can be switched off though.

Wifi won't touch the Ethernet, so you are fine to choose it if you wish. AX200 is the recommended option.

For the cables, I would give them a call and see what you can get.

Thanks again. Really helpful!

 

[SimMou]

If you are phoning PCS, it might be worth seeing if they could accomodate 32GB of 3600MHz RAM...while only 16GB is available on the configurator, they have been known to accommodate that request in the past. If they say they can't then it's fine as 3200MHz will work

Thank you - I'll do that.

 

[Scott]

@Scott

The STRIX has active cooling, as does the Hero