Video and photo editing PC advice.

lemon2280

New member
Hello everyone,

I last built a PC over 10 years ago, so I've got some catching up to do. That one died and I couldn't figure out why at the time. I think the motherboard fried somehow. Anyway that's in the past, but I mention it because I'm a little wary of building one again, so would rather have it built. Since then I've always used laptops for basic computer use. Now I'm really into photography and want to get into video editing also, so my current laptop simply isn't up to scratch.

From what I've read, the Ryzen processors are meant to be better for video rendering, and more cost effective. So I'm thinking of a Ryzen 1700 processor, 8 cores (which again I've read more cores is better for video rendering).

I've also learnt that graphics memory isn't so important for video editing. I won't be using the system for gaming all that much. I'll mostly be using it for Adobe Light room, photoshop, Premiere, and After Effects. Would a 2GB card be enough, or maybe 3GB as a minimum?

As for memory, well I'd like to get 32GB, but it all depends on cost. Probably 16GB would be more likely. I'll often be editing in 4K if that helps with suggestions. After much research it seems that the speed of the RAM is especially important for AMD systems. I think 3000mhz would be the way to go?

Motherboard? Haven't really got a clue. Obviously one that fully supports my other components. Suggestions and reasons why would be appreciated.

Here's a thing I heard about SSD's. Someone said that once your PC has started and the programmes loaded, then SSD's offer no more performance gain over HDD's. That doesn't make sense to me, because if the files that those programmes are accessing are also on the faster SSD, then surely it can access them quicker than accessing them on an HDD. Am I correct in that?
With that in mind, I'm wondering whether a 256GB SSD would be enough. I suppose it would as I could just load what I need from the HDD to the SSD when working on one project. And I'd have enough space for that. The only reason to get a 500GB SSD would be if I had a very large amount of programmes, or I just couldn't be bothered transferring files between the HD and SSD. Am I making any sense? Feel free to tell me if not, I'm used to it :D

Power supply: I'd like the system to be as efficient as possible. I've briefly looked at modular power supplies, but tbh not enough to really understand them. Power usage is important so I'm thinking about those gold power supplies, as aren't they supposed to use less power? Any advise on this greatly received. Thanks!

As for cooling, well I don't want to go down the water cooling route. The maintenance isn't for me. I know there are all in one systems or something like that where you don't have to maintain them, but I'm not sure if that's entirely true. I want a very quiet and efficient system. I remember the PC I built in the past got louder and louder over time, to the point it became ridiculous. I'm sure tech has moved on a lot since then. Of course you've got to build the PC right to get the best airflow, so it's down to human error too.

Case: Not sure really. One that offers good airflow and upgrades. I want this PC for years to come.
I like those cases where you can see into them. Maybe some cool lighting. Is a mid size case the way to go for this system? I'm always used to having a disk drive, but I've noticed a lot of cases don't offer the slot for one. To be honest I haven't used the disk drive in my laptop for ages, except for using Knoppix to recover a system. Maybe I'm old school but I like the idea of it. Or maybe I just need to get with it and move on.

I use SD cards a lot with my camera equipment, but I can transfer files from my camera using USB.
Is there a need for an SD card slow on a PC? Is it faster?

I've probably left some obvious things out, but I think that's a long enough post for now. I'm kind of a noob at all this, but I also have some experience with tech stuff.

I really appreciate any and all advice.

PS: My budget can go up to £1500, but I'm fine with going lower. In fact I reckon it should come under that anyway. It could potentially go higher if I'm convinced it's really necessary (ie: you definitely need 32GB of DDR4 4000Mhz!), but I doubt that.

Thanks a lot!

lemon.
 
Last edited:

Oussebon

Multiverse Poster
From what I've read, the Ryzen processors are meant to be better for video rendering, and more cost effective. So I'm thinking of a Ryzen 1700 processor, 8 cores (which again I've read more cores is better for video rendering).
This is not necessarily so. The 1700 was nice enough when it launched, but really is obsolete thanks to the R7 2700x with its much higher frequencies.

Some software also leverages Intel CPUs' onboard graphics and makes a 6 core 8700k perform near enough 16 core Intel Skylake-X and AMD Threadripper monsters too. Premiere being one of them.

1_premiere-g5600-bench-review.png
Note the performance when hardware acceleration is used (blue bar)
https://www.gamersnexus.net/guides/3310-adobe-premiere-benchmarks-rendering-8700k-gpu-vs-ryzen

An 8700k also gives a bit better performance in Photoshop:
photoshop2700x.jpg
https://www.pugetsystems.com/labs/a...erformance-AMD-Ryzen-2-vs-Intel-8th-Gen-1136/

Someone said that once your PC has started and the programmes loaded, then SSD's offer no more performance gain over HDD's
garbage

That doesn't make sense to me, because if the files that those programmes are accessing are also on the faster SSD, then surely it can access them quicker than accessing them on an SSD. Am I correct in that?
See: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/foru...-Hardware-FAQs&p=397287&viewfull=1#post397287

It's not economical to store your MP3 collection or archived video projects on an SSD, this is what cheaper HDDs are for. But there are performance gains to having video projects, cache, etc on the SSD.

Pretty much. See: https://www.pugetsystems.com/labs/articles/Adobe-Premiere-Pro-CC-2015-4-Storage-Optimization-854

This goes well beyond my non-existent understanding of Premiere Pro, but the main takeaway is that - regardless of the relative merits of how you split the OS, programs, cache, scratch, etc between your £2000 PCIe SSD collection - everything is still a lot faster if it's on an SSD versus just an HDD.

Power usage is important so I'm thinking about those gold power supplies, as aren't they supposed to use less power?
PSUs perform with different levels of efficiency depending on the % load they're under, and the exact model. But that's nit-picking. You would ideally want a gold-rated modular PSU as it's more efficient, better quality, and quieter. And fewer surplus cables in the case can = better airflow.

I use SD cards a lot with my camera equipment, but I can transfer files from my camera using USB.
Is there a need for an SD card slow on a PC? Is it faster?
In my opinion, the cases PCS offer that do have a card reader slot built in kinda suck. External is fine.

I just drew up a spec, then realised it was actually pretty lame compared to the "Review spec" Vulcan S 01 offer PCS have. Which is about £1700's worth of hardware for a discounted ~£1500 price.

It has an all-in-one liquid cooler. These are sealed units that require no maintenance beyond that which an air cooler does (i.e. dust it) and Corsair's AIOs are among the most popular and respected brands.


Case
InWIN 101 MID TOWER GAMING CASE
Processor (CPU)
Intel® Core™ i7 Six Core Processor i7-8700k (3.7GHz) 12MB Cache
Motherboard
ASUS® TUF Z370-PLUS GAMING: ATX, LGA1151, USB 3.1, SATA 6GBs - RGB Ready
Memory (RAM)
16GB Corsair VENGEANCE RGB DDR4 3000MHz (2 x 8GB)
Graphics Card
8GB NVIDIA GEFORCE GTX 1080 - DVI, HDMI, 3x DP - GeForce GTX VR Ready!
1[SUP]st[/SUP] Hard Disk
1TB SEAGATE BARRACUDA SATA-III 3.5" HDD, 6GB/s, 7200RPM, 32MB CACHE
1[SUP]st[/SUP] M.2 SSD Drive
250GB SAMSUNG 970 EVO M.2, PCIe NVMe (up to 3400MB/R, 1500MB/W)
---The Crew 2 FREE with select SAMSUNG NVMe SSDs!
DVD/BLU-RAY Drive
NOT REQUIRED
Power Supply
CORSAIR 650W TXm SERIES™ SEMI-MODULAR 80 PLUS® GOLD, ULTRA QUIET
Power Cable
1 x 1 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead)
Processor Cooling
Corsair H100x Hydro Series High Performance CPU Cooler
Thermal Paste
STANDARD THERMAL PASTE FOR SUFFICIENT COOLING
LED Lighting
2x 50cm RGB LED Strip
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 Options
MIN. 2 x USB 3.0 & 2 x USB 2.0 PORTS @ BACK PANEL + MIN. 2 FRONT PORTS
Operating System
Genuine 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® Office® 365 (Operating System Required)
Anti-Virus
BullGuard™ Internet Security - Free 90 Day License inc. Gamer Mode
Browser
Microsoft® Edge (Windows 10 Only)
Warranty
3 Year Standard Warranty (1 Month Collect & Return, 1 Year Parts, 3 Year Labour)
Delivery
STANDARD INSURED DELIVERY TO UK MAINLAND (MON-FRI)
Build Time
Standard Build - Approximately 9 to 11 working days
Quantity
1

Price £1,506.00 including VAT and delivery

Unique URL to re-configure : https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/configure-review/267/

The discount is such that if you try to spec something cheaper, you just end up with about the same spec costing £1450 but with a GTX 1060 instead of a GTX 1080... so the Vulkan is pretty clearly the best bet here.
 
Last edited:

lemon2280

New member
Appreciation and some more thoughts/considerations....

Thanks a lot Oussebon,

Hmm, those articles are very interesting. Really got me thinking and 'almost' stop obsessing over cores.

The Vulcan S 01 looks very good. I see it uses a semi-modular power supply as standard. Wondering if a full modular system would have big advantages or not.

The processor cooling on the Vulcan doesn't seem to have an option to change. It's set at:

'CORSAIR H100X HYDRO SERIES HIGH PERFORMANCE CPU COOLER'

I'm just a little concerned about how quiet or not that system is.

The graphics card can't be changed either. It's:

8GB NVIDIA GEFORCE GTX 1080 - DVI, HDMI, 3X DP - GEFORCE GTX VR READY!

I'm not sure if that card is overkill for my needs. I will probably do hardly any gaming. I could save on that and possibly get more RAM. That said, you're right, it is a good deal.

Thunderbolt would have been nice on this system. I suppose I could add that later.

Sorry I'm just thinking out words here. I'd really appreciate any further feedback you have. The Vulcan S 01's specs are very impressive overall, so thanks a lot for the heads up on that. Awesome!
 

Oussebon

Multiverse Poster
The Vulcan spec can't be changed, as it is a review spec - which is a fixed spec with a fixed, discounted price. Like I said, it's about 1700's worth of hardware for a £1500 or so price.

This is why you can't change the core components. It's like a set menu.

I specced up another system, that was very similar except it had a GTX 1060 instead of the 1080 due to the budget

Premiere Pro will benefit from a 1080 over a 1060.
pic_disp.jpeg
https://www.pugetsystems.com/labs/a...018-GPU-Performance-NVIDIA-Titan-V-12GB-1101/

The H100 isn't an especially quiet cooler. It is a very effective one, however. You do have options, such as customising the fan profile after you receive it (i.e. make the fans spin slower, reducing noise) or replacing the fans.

This user bought a Vulcan S 01: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/foru...ew-Vulcan-S-01&p=417805&viewfull=1#post417805
and seemed pretty satisfied with the fan noise. Though ofc these things are subjective.

Thunderbolt would have been nice on this system. I suppose I could add that later.
None of the motherboards PCS offer have TB. TB is very uncommon in desktops. The AORUS Gaming 7 or whatever the most expensive one of the gigabyte boards is has support for Thunderbolt add-in cards. I.e. it doesn't even have TB, but you can pay a fortune for the mobo, and then spend even more on the TB addin card...

The Vulcan and many of the motherboards do have USB 3.1 Gen 2 however, which is upto 10gbps.
 

lemon2280

New member
The Vulcan spec can't be changed, as it is a review spec - which is a fixed spec with a fixed, discounted price. Like I said, it's about 1700's worth of hardware for a £1500 or so price. This is why you can't change the core components. It's like a set menu.

I found this link to a system also called the Vulcan S 01: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/view/Vulcan-S-01/
Seems like the same specs to the one you linked me to, yet is £200 more. I'm a bit confused. You can also change the specs on that system, so looks like it can be changed after all. I can reduce the graphics card to say a 2GB version and up the RAM to 32GB at 3000Mhz and be under £1400. This gives me more to spend on a cooler for the CPU if I think that's needed.

Ok so now I know that I have that option, I'll be looking at other potential CPU coolers. The quieter the system the better for me.


Premiere Pro will benefit from a 1080 over a 1060.
I'm not convinced of that just yet, well at least not any significant benefit. I'll have a read into the links you've provided and do some more research.

The H100 isn't an especially quiet cooler. It is a very effective one, however. You do have options, such as customising the fan profile after you receive it (i.e. make the fans spin slower, reducing noise) or replacing the fans.
Thanks for the advice but I wouldn't want to tinker with the system when I've spent so much getting it built. Plus reducing the fan speed would be dodgy for me because I'm be scared of letting things overheat. I like how the H100 is so effective, that is important after all. Do you know of one that quieter but as effective?

This user bought a Vulcan S 01: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/forum...l=1#post417805
and seemed pretty satisfied with the fan noise. Though ofc these things are subjective.
Sure is. Seems that guy is a gamer. I guess if you're playing games with lots of sound then you wouldn't notice it. But when I'm editing photos/videos I want to really concentrate on what I'm doing and don't want much sound distraction.

The Vulcan and many of the motherboards do have USB 3.1 Gen 2 however, which is upto 10gbps.
Yeah that's plenty really. I'm not overly fussed about TB, just would of been cool, especially as I may have two 4k monitors somewhere down the line. Maybe it could be added later, when prices come down and it's used more.

Thanks again for all the help. I feel a lot closer to getting this system down.
 
Last edited:

Oussebon

Multiverse Poster
I found this link to a system also called the Vulcan S 01: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/view/Vulcan-S-01/
Seems like the same specs to the one you linked me to, yet is £200 more. I'm a bit confused. You can also change the specs on that system, so looks like it can be changed after all. I can reduce the graphics card to say a 2GB version and up the RAM to 32GB at 3000Mhz and be under £1400. This gives me more to spend on a cooler for the CPU if I think that's needed.

Ok so now I know that I have that option, I'll be looking at other potential CPU coolers. The quieter the system the better for me.
Err.... that's the same spec as the Vulcan S 01 review spec but without the discount. This is why it is £1717 instead of ~£1506

Any 2GB GPU will be vastly weaker than even the GTX 1060 in that chart I posted, which has substantially less performance than the 1080.

Honestly, that is a terrible play. The GPU is very important to work in Premiere Pro.

Edit: I just remembered in your initial post you said VRAM (a graphic's card's 'GB') isn't important to video editing. AFAIK that's not true, but the difference in cards isn't the VRAM, it's the Cuda / or 'core' count and the frequencies, as well as things like GDDR5 or GDDR5X VRAM. But mostly the cores. A GTX 1080 simply has vastly more horsepower than a GTX 1060, which in turn has way more horsepower than a GTX 1050. I'm pretty sure the GPU's VRAM not mattering is a false assumption, but even if not the extra horsepower / the speed it can do maths is why you want a better GPU.

I'm not convinced of that just yet, well at least not any significant benefit. I'll have a read into the links you've provided and do some more research.
Do so. If you're editing 4k video in Premiere Pro and running, what, a GTX 1050? you're doing it wrong.

Do you know of one that quieter but as effective?
The H100 if you replace the fans. No air cooler will be as effective.

Plus reducing the fan speed would be dodgy for me because I'm be scared of letting things overheat
This is why you would need to monitor temps (which you ought to do anyway) and do it carefully.

I'm not overly fussed about TB, just would of been cool, especially as I may have two 4k monitors somewhere down the line.
TB has nothing to do with 2 x 4k monitors, so that's alright.

You're not going to get a balanced, quiet-optimised, manually-configured PC with 32gb RAM for premiere pro etc for £1500. Maybe £2k.

I'd really suggest the discounted version of the Vulcan S 01, and adding more RAM after purchase if required.
 
Last edited:

Rakk

The Awesome
Moderator
I found this link to a system also called the Vulcan S 01: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/view/Vulcan-S-01/
Seems like the same specs to the one you linked me to, yet is £200 more. I'm a bit confused.

That link seems to go to the page where you can change the specs (I'm not entirely sure how you got there - but then I'm tired at the mo), at which point any discount is lost, you need to actually go through the review section which is at https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/configure-review/267/ to keep the discount - which only allows you to change a few bits and pieces like peripherals and delivery.
Edit: I type too slow.
 
Last edited:

lemon2280

New member
Honestly, that is a terrible play. The GPU is very important to work in Premiere Pro.

Understood. I've obviously just misunderstood some things during my research before coming here, or I've listened to the wrong people. I'm a noob to this, haven't been at this levelof PC build before so I've a lot to learn. Thanks for your patience while I get my mind round all this.

Edit: I just remembered in your initial post you said VRAM (a graphic's card's 'GB') isn't important to video editing. AFAIK that's not true, but the difference in cards isn't the VRAM, it's the Cuda / or 'core' count and the frequencies, as well as things like GDDR5 or GDDR5X VRAM. But mostly the cores. A GTX 1080 simply has vastly more horsepower than a GTX 1060, which in turn has way more horsepower than a GTX 1050. Ignore the GB on the cards, this isn't the right thing to be looking at when deciding on one for almost any usage.

I think that's right where my confusion has come from. I had read about how amount of cores on cards is very important, but I wasn't paying attention that the lower VRAM cards probably also had less cores. I need to make sure to read all the tech specs of different components.

TB has nothing to do with 2 x 4k monitors, so that's alright.

Well I'd read something about how it can output to two 4k monitors at 60Hz using one port. Just thought that seemed interesting. But it's not available on this system so it's no bother.

That link seems to go to the page where you can change the specs (I'm not entirely sure how you got there - but then I'm tired at the mo)

I'm pretty tired too and should sleep(but probably won't, ha), and I've no idea how I found that link either :D Anyway thing with that second link is if you say only needed 8GB of RAM and a 2GB card but you like the rest of the specs, it could save you some money over just buying the stock one. I mean it's on the site so I see no harm in sharing it, could be useful for someone is all. Cheers!
 

Oussebon

Multiverse Poster
Well I'd read something about how it can output to two 4k monitors at 60Hz using one port.
That may well be true, though with any modern GPU you can just output to a pair of 4k displays using a pair of displayport outputs, and most higher end GPUs have 3 DPs. :)
 
Top