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Purchasing my first PC in 15 years, for Video and Content Creation

  • Thread starter CatastropheRabbit
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CatastropheRabbit

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Current Setup: A pair of Linux Laptops. I prefer these for personal use, but have been running into compatibility issues.

Needs: A work-computer for writing, research, and video creation. I want to be able to edit long-form content (1 hour+). I strongly prefer open-source software. Upgradability is a plus.

Skill Level: No coding or computer-building experience. Tech-saavy, provided I have an internet connection.

CGDirector.com Parts List: https://www.cgdirector.com/pc-builder/?=6MtZl

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 3800X 3.9GHz 8-Core Processor ($359.69)
CPU Cooler: AMD Wraith Prism Cooler (Included with CPU) (-)
Motherboard: MSI B550-A Pro ATX AM4 ($144.99)
GPU: AMD Radeon RX 570 4GB XFX RS XXX ($405.98)
Memory: 16GB (2 x 8GB) Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4-3200 C16 ($88.99)
Storage SSD: Samsung 860 EVO 1TB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($136.95)
Storage PCIe-SSD: ADATA XPG SX8200 Pro 512GB NVME M.2 Solid State Drive ($64.99)
Storage HDD: Seagate BarraCuda Compute 3TB, 3.5" ($80.99)
Power Supply: EVGA 650 B5, 80 Plus Bronze 650W Power Supply ($67.00)
Case: Phanteks Enthoo Pro ATX Full Tower Case ($99.99)
Total: $1449.57

Questions: I notice this has three different hard-drives. I understand having a storage + volatile drive split, but why are there three?
Where can I save money? What would I be giving up?
How long do you think it will take between order and assembly before I have a functional computer?
I haven't used a PC in a long time. Are there any good resources for day-one setup and/or best practices long-term?
I take computer and information security very seriously. Are there any things I should be considering at the building stage?

Thank you kindly
 
Jerry James

Jerry James

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I notice this has three different hard-drives. I understand having a storage + volatile drive split, but why are there three?
Where can I save money? What would I be giving up?
It's usually recommended to keep OS and scratch drives separate. So a typical video editing system skeleton becomes OS SSD, Scratch Drive (SSD), and Large Storage (HDD).

Where can I save money?
The recommended GPU here is quite overpriced due to atrocious pricing almost everywhere. Try finding something more current from Nvidia's 30-series in local stores/outlets.
You can also hunt for a cheaper case to save some money. As you're not using multiple GPUs, you won't need a full tower case. A cheaper, mid-tower case will do just fine.

Also, swap out the 3800x for a Ryzen 5 5600x. Benches show that it's going to be faster than the 3800x - https://www.cgdirector.com/best-computer-for-video-editing/#The_Processor

What would I be giving up?
The changes I suggested will only speed up your workflow.

How long do you think it will take between order and assembly before I have a functional computer?
Varies region to region. But you can build and get a PC up and running within a day. So, within a day or two of your parts arriving? :)

Are there any good resources for day-one setup and/or best practices long-term?
https://ninite.com/ has been a lifesaver for installing commonly-used apps in one go.

I take computer and information security very seriously. Are there any things I should be considering at the building stage?
At the building stage, nope not really. It's just a plug-things-into-each-other-and-get-started sort of process.
 
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