Hey guys, i'ts time for me to build another new computer, I am going to give this one to my sister who is just starting out and could use a freebee. I need help picking components for my computer. What is the hot setup for a processor and mother board right now?? I am looking for speed and reliability. What about CD burners, any brands to get or stay away from? I have been looking at a ViewSonic 19 inch flat screen monitor, are these good unites? With my eye problems, I need something easy on the eyes. Is there any brand of ram I should use or not use? I will probably end up running two large hard drives, so I can use one drive totally for storing my video editing software, someone told me if I was going to do this I should make sure my motherboard is raid, or something like that? I need a good video card, a/v outs would be nice, but not necessary, I do need something capable of handling the small amounts of editing I do though my 1394 (firewire) card and my cam-quarter, any recommendations? Sorry for all the questions, I am trying to put together a good system with good parts and haven't been in the computer seen for a while. I am trying to do this all for around $1500 bucks if possible, but if it cost a little more (or less) so be it.

Thanks a lot guys

BTW. Any one got any recommendation's for a real good color ink jet printer?

Thanks again

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Thomas (AKA Hot66ss)
66 Super Sport (http://chevelles.com/showroom/myss.jpg) Now striped frame off Project
67 Malibu (http://chevelles.com/showroom/hot66ss4) Getting there.
69 El camino Beater FOR SALE (http://members.aol.com/chvellss/elco.htm) Mild 355, M20 4 speed (Daily Driver)
Video of me in the Elco smoking the tires (http://members.aol.com/chevelleparts/mvc-059w.mpg)
Aces Member 2380
Team Chevelle member #262

Thomas -
It's been a long time since I "built" my last computer so I cannot help you with the latest and best components. I wouldn't even attempt it anymore. When I want a new one, I just go to the Dell web site. They produce just about the best, most reliable machines around, at close to the same price it would cost to "build" an equivalent one and that includes a great warrantee and tech help. But, in any case, good luck and have fun. http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif

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Bob McCormick
69 Malibu project

Thomas,

I can't give you a part for part recomendation because I gave up building PC's. It's gotten to the point that even swapmeet (computer show) prices I couldn't build a machine for much less than some of the companies like Dell, Gateway, Tiger Direct etc. offer them for. By the time I did the research bought the parts and assembled them, installed the software and configured the drivers etc. It wasn't cost effective. Then when a part wasn't compatible (sometimes my fault) or just didn't work, it meant down time and tracking down who I got the part from (more of my time)... well you get where I'm coming from!

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying a lot of stuff went bad with what I built but when you can get a Dell 1.8 gig pent 4 for $800 and they give you a ton fo extras like CD burner and software it's hard to beat!! Here's a link... www.dell.com/us/en/dhs/products/series_dimen_desktops.htm (http://www.dell.com/us/en/dhs/products/series_dimen_desktops.htm)

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...Dennis
The '69 (http://chevelles.com/showroom/fine69_03.jpg) & the '96 (http://chevelles.com/showroom/fine69_02.jpg)
Team Camaro (http://www.camaros.net)
Camaros Limited (http://www.camaroslimited.com)

This damn caching sucks!! Bob I didn't see your post when started!!

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...Dennis
The '69 (http://chevelles.com/showroom/fine69_03.jpg) & the '96 (http://chevelles.com/showroom/fine69_02.jpg)
Team Camaro (http://www.camaros.net)
Camaros Limited (http://www.camaroslimited.com)

I totally agree with the points that Bob and Dennis have made but there one thing to keep in mind in your position.

Assuming you buy a machine from Dell (most the knowlegable people here have agreed they're the one's to go with), you're going to be plunking a firewire card into the machine as soon as you get it. That throws the idea of support from Dell right out the window. If you have a problem, they'll blame it on that.

You definitely want RAID if you're going to be doing much video editing. I doubt you're going to find a Dell (or any other "name brand" computer) with RAID setup for less than $2K.

The software you're using for video editing will determine one major point in the system. If it supports multi-processors and you can fit it in the budget (which I think you can), go that route.

The main points to hit on hardware I've got are: Go with IBM hard drives. Best case would be three drives, one for your system to be installed on and another two setup as RAID stripe for video. ATI video cards have the best aux outputs. You get what you pay for with the CD burner. The Plextor I bought recently at work is really nice. Viewsonic makes a pretty good monitor (there are better ones but they cost more).

If you decide to build vs. buy, let me know and I'll send you a list of the stuff I would get to build a "dream" video editing setup.

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Rick Sutter
Member #383
'67 Chevelle Super Sport
67SS.com (http://67SS.com)

Thanks for the info guys. Rick i will be dropping you a line in the near future.

Thanks again

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Thomas (AKA Hot66ss)
66 Super Sport (http://chevelles.com/showroom/myss.jpg) Now striped frame off Project
67 Malibu (http://chevelles.com/showroom/hot66ss4) Getting there.
69 El camino Beater FOR SALE (http://members.aol.com/chvellss/elco.htm) Mild 355, M20 4 speed (Daily Driver)
Video of me in the Elco smoking the tires (http://members.aol.com/chevelleparts/mvc-059w.mpg)
Aces Member 2380
Team Chevelle member #262