RE: Customized Computers...

[JJ Coolbean]

Hello all,

I'm in the process of buying/building a PC to specifically run Adobe Video Collection Standard (which includes Premiere Pro and After Effects 6), Newtek's Lightwave 3D (I'll probably wait until version 8 is released later this year), and Sonic Foundry's Acid. Also, I'd like this computer to have specific name-brand hardware parts and I would be willing to pay a little extra to have someone build and, most importantly, configure the system for me.

My question: Which US-based PC builders would you recommend? One concern with the bigger companies (Canopus, BOXX, etc.) is that they often are "locked-in" on certain hardware manufacturers based on corporate strategy. This is a hassle I'd like to avoid. Basically, I'd like to use a company that will install/sell me the hardware I want for a reasonable price, regardless of the manufacturer.

Thanks

[SLICK RICK]

Are you asking for a good online dealer that carries everything you need to build your computer or are you asking for a online company that will build the computer for you?

SLICK RICK

[likwid8]

Hes asking where he can go so someone can build it for him....

Hmmm.... any PC tech store will be more then happy to build it for you, just make sure you dont buy the parts off him

Search around, look for the best (if thats what you want), go online and see if Ebay has good deals (which they do and dont mind waiting on shipping), and you'll be set.

[JJ Coolbean]

Thanks for the responses, guys. Yes, I've been checking Ebay and a few other price search engines and that seems to be the best route.

By the way, I have built a computer before, but the intended purpose of that system wasn't nearly as sophisticated as my next system will be. Which leads me to another question, are there any special technical concerns with building a system dedicated to NLE and 3D animation as opposed to a more typical system? Or, is it just a basic "turn on the power" and "load the drivers" -type of deal? Perhaps I'm making the whole thing out to be more mystical than it really needs to be.

Thanks

[likwid8]

Hmmm... Well MACS are whats the "PROS" use for graphic and video editing, although im not trying to start a 30-page thread on this topic, stick to PC which your more knowledgable at and you'll be fine.


P.S. Read my PM

[bugster]

I am not very familiar with the apps you mentioned except Premier and a brief foray in the the owrld of aftereffcts but I can say this about the spec you need.

Consider a dual processor system, it will help some aspects of your work, and certainly look at a RAID disk system for fast disk access, almost a must. Consider SCSI Raid 5 if cost is no object and max performance is required.

[Xtasy2002]

I recommend none. Build it yourself with the parts you pick out and save a bundle for a faster system.

Use www.pricewatch.com for parts

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John Edwards for President 2004
http://www.johnedwards2004.com

[Shard92]

Being a computer tech myself I would actually recommend that you Not use pricewatch except as maybe a guide. Don't buy the cheapest thing on pricewatch and expect it to work. Pricewatch is nice but it isn't neccessarily the best place to look. Googlegear.com and newegg.com are both places to get decent parts though you may need to go elsewhere for some of the specialty stuff. If you are not real confident in your own abilities to deal with the unforseen i'd recommend checking around for a local company that builds pc's. Find one that offers local support and you will be better off. Maybe they could do the whole deal for you. Ask around see if there is a local place with a good reputation. That is your best bet.... Some small shops will assemble the parts for you to if you'd rather go that route.

I would also recommend if you buy the parts yourself try to get a majority at one or two places that way if you have problems ( another reason I don't like pricewatch-cheapest price idea ) you don't have 5 parts going to 5 different places.... Also warranties on parts bought online are not very long usually.... if you buy from one or two places you are less likely being held up waiting for something to come in before you are able to test what you have.

Just some ideas hope this helps