Current Events > Purchase Computer or Build Computer

(+) Yeah! (+)

Mainly for video editing. Unless the price is too outrageous for the product, I may be fine just buying. Never built one tho and I've always heard it's better to do so.

Also considering a laptop. Maybe even tablet.

I mean for what you wanna do purchasing one will be fine. It if youre interested in building things it can be a fun project. Just not a necessary one for your needs.

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I'm thinking about at least editing up to 4k video since that's the standard now (I think/hope). How does this build look?

https://www.logicalincrements.com /articles/videoediting

Professional Video Editing Build ($1800)
CPU: Intel i5-11600K
Graphics Card: GTX 1660
Motherboard: ASRock Z590 Phantom
RAM: 32GB (4x8GB) DDR4
Storage 1: 2TB Intel SSD
Storage 2: 10TB HDD
Power Supply: EVGA G+ 650W
CPU Cooler: be quiet! Dark Rock 4
Case: Fractal Design Define S2
Operating System: Windows 10
Professional Build GPU Alternative for DaVinci Resolve:
Graphics Card: RTX 3060 Ti

For making 4K editing a breeze. This is a great value for a high-end editing build.
The sweet spot for having an extremely powerful machine for a reasonable price. The newest-generation 6-core, 12-thread i5-11600K offers huge value and high efficiency. This build also increases the speed and quality of the rest of the components substantially, including a much more powerful GPU, twice the RAM, and much more storage capacity. This machine would also be excellent for gaming and pretty much anything else you would want to use a PC for.
This machine will easily handle complex 4K projects, and even editing at resolutions above 4K.

For video editing, building probably wouldn't be too expensive. You need a beefier CPU for that, and the CPU market is in much better shape than the GPUs.

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These days, purchase it.

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Normally I'd say, build one. But right now purchasing a pre-built makes it easier to get a good gpu. Prices are insane because of the lack of stock.


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Can anyone recommend one to purchase? Also do you think a laptop and/or tablet might match a good PC?

If you are near micro center you can have it both ways. You can pick your parts and they build. I went with a tiny powerful computer for my last build. And I just couldn't get everything in. They had experts that worked magic. So any time I think about building a new computer I know I will just us them. If they are still around. And that is not a joke.

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idk if I want to spend additional money to have someone else plug in the parts. Seems easy enough.

Honestly, for 4k editing, that 1660 is fine. You'll definitely want to get something like a 2060 if you're doing 8k videos though.

As for recommendations that aren't sold out... Maybe this:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/939221742

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NoxObscuras posted...

Honestly, for 4k editing, that 1660 is fine. You'll definitely want to get something like a 2060 if you're doing 8k videos though.

As for recommendations that aren't sold out... Maybe this:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/939221742

That's a lot cheaper than the one I posted. Is it better or worse tho

I don't know a lot about computers. All I know is I want a fast one.

just really depends on your skill level. mine sucks so i just buy computers.

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DarthDemented posted...

just really depends on your skill level. mine sucks so i just buy computers.

Building seems easy enough. What difficulties could I run into

sLaCkEr408___RJ posted...

Building seems easy enough. What difficulties could I run into

I built one but missed/didn't remove a standoff and it fried my motherboard cost me like 300 bucks!

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Isnt it better to purchase these days because of ridiculous GPU prices?

gixxerlove posted...

I built one but missed/didn't remove a standoff and it fried my motherboard cost me like 300 bucks!

What is a standoff so I know how it affects

toyota posted...

Isnt it better to purchase these days because of ridiculous GPU prices?

Idk don't these things go on sale?

The stupid GPU market for one, a 1660 Super can sell upwards of $400, when MSRP is $249.

You'd be better off buying one for the simple fact that the shortage is causing price hikes.

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TetsuoS2 posted...

The stupid GPU market for one, a 1660 Super can sell upwards of $400, when MSRP is $249.

You'd be better off buying one for the simple fact that the shortage is causing price hikes.

Please recommend more models. I want to compare

Just took a quick look at amazon, a 1660 super is going well into the $700s.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2vrvQydVIw

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TetsuoS2 posted...

Just took a quick look at amazon, a 1660 super is going well into the $700s.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2vrvQydVIw

Damn for one part. Well if I buy a pc does it come with this 1660?

Yeah, the review I linked has a 1660 Super, 16GB ram and an i5-10400F for $1000, which performs the same as an 11600F.

You can just add another set of ram if you need more.

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if you dont have much experience building one, guess its better to buy an already built one.

If you're using it for work and need a warranty/fast repair turnaround, get a prebuilt

If you want to save a few bucks on the same parts and deal with warranty issues, build it yourself.


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These days, purchase is probably going to be your most cost-effective solution.

Assuming no price gougers, Build is 100% the best way to get the best parts, best value, and is the best experience. Literally the only thing that prevents people from building is the fear of fucking it up/not knowing how to do it.

TetsuoS2 posted...

Yeah, the review I linked has a 1660 Super, 16GB ram and an i5-10400F for $1000, which performs the same as an 11600F.

You can just add another set of ram if you need more.

Are those good specs? I guess I'm having a hard time deciding what I need at minimum. I really want to cut down load times or whatever when editing.

I found this list of best pre-built pc for video editing

https://www.creativebloq.com/features/best-computer-for-video-editing

I just want to understand some things before I drop 3k. How/why are these better than others? Will they last? Can I upgrade?

I ordered a PC (for 4K video editing mostly in Davinci, some gaming too) from Cyberpower back in May and its expected to ship next month. From my research 32gig ram is basically necessary. The i5 in your post up above is fine and I believe its the same that is in my build. Mine comes with a 3070 tho and I paid around the same price you'd be paying for that one.
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Smashingpmkns posted...

I ordered a PC (for 4K video editing mostly in Davinci, some gaming too) from Cyberpower back in May and its expected to ship next month. From my research 32gig ram is basically necessary. The i5 in your post up above is fine and I believe its the same that is in my build. Mine comes with a 3070 tho and I paid around the same price you'd be paying for that one.

What is 3070? I'm assuming it's better than what I posted. Can I get a link to your purchase

https://pastebin.com/Sq9nFhTP

Cyberpower is dumb af so I can't link to my specific purchase. Here's the parts though. Ended up being around $1811 after tax.
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You can get a high end PC with a 3080 on Amazon for about $2500 + Tax so I say you might as well buy a somewhat reasonably priced prebuilt

Smashingpmkns posted...

https://pastebin.com/Sq9nFhTP

Cyberpower is dumb af so I can't link to my specific purchase. Here's the parts though. Ended up being around $1811 after tax.

Under $2000 sounds good to me. Does anyone else have an opinion on this build? I just want a computer so I can get started already, but I also want to make a smart choice.

2Pacavelli posted...

You can get a high end PC with a 3080 on Amazon for about $2500 + Tax so I say you might as well buy a somewhat reasonably priced prebuilt

As long as high end means very little load times, then I'll consider it. Altho I'm starting to think about budget all of the sudden. Is under 2k reasonable

Before I go on let me say this: I know nothing about computers. That being said, the build you originally posted doesn't seem half bad tbh.
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Smashingpmkns posted...

Before I go on let me say this: I know nothing about computers. That being said, the build you originally posted doesn't seem half bad tbh.

-_-

I need a specialist. Been researching online but there are always comments about being outdated or something

Can someone explain what CPU does? I hear it's the brain, but what does that mean really. I know RAM is for running multiple programs. But if RAM runs programs then what does the CPU do

now? Purchase.
in 3 years? build.


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I've been looking at building tips and part guides. It still seems pretty easy.

Just need storage, RAM, CPU, GPU, and a motherboard. Everyone who says to buy instead, is it because the price will be the same if I build it myself? I guess I may as well buy the prebuilt then. Just gonna confirm the parts are good enough. Getting excited.

sLaCkEr408___RJ posted...

Everyone who says to buy instead, is it because the price will be the same if I build it myself?

i haven't read the topic so i dont know whats already been said

but its because the prices for parts are outrageous right now cuz of covid and everything.

like, you could buy a PC prebuilt with a 3080 grapics card for like 2500 dollars or something.
but, if you wanted to build it, the graphics card alone will cost you 1800 dollars. when at MSRP its like 900ish. so you're going to spend WAAAAY more building it, when normally, building it saves you money.

just a bad time. buy an xbox tbh.

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because of covid causing everyone to stay inside and play pc games (making many of them go out and buy new gpus) and because bitcoin miners are assholes who buy them all up for greed, gpu prices have gone through the roof. because of that it might be cheaper to get a prebuilt since those companys who do prebuilds usually get a discount on bulk orders and can afford the prices they sell them at.

if gpu prices wernt going to shit then it would be cheaper 99% of the time to build it your self. outside of the graphics cards most other parts are cheaper, its just unfortunate the one peice of hardware that isnt also tends to be the most important and most expensive part in a gaming pc.

that said id still build it your self if youre willing. you will get the exact parts you want and wil know what goes into building it which can be beneficial for tweeking or upgrading down the line. some companys tend to frown upon that stuff and might even void warranties.

MixedRaceBaby posted...

i haven't read the topic so i dont know whats already been said

but its because the prices for parts are outrageous right now cuz of covid and everything.

like, you could buy a PC prebuilt with a 3080 grapics card for like 2500 dollars or something.
but, if you wanted to build it, the graphics card alone will cost you 1800 dollars. when at MSRP its like 900ish. so you're going to spend WAAAAY more building it, when normally, building it saves you money.

just a bad time. buy an xbox tbh.

Well I plan on making some money with these video edits. I posted a $1800 build that seems pretty good. What do you think about this cheaper version?

Power User Video Editing Build ($950)
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600
Graphics Card: RX 5500 XT
Motherboard: MSI B450M Pro-VDH Max
RAM: 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4
Storage: 2TB Intel SSD
Power Supply: Corsair CXM 550W
CPU Cooler: Stock
Case: Corsair 88R
Operating System: Windows 10
Power User Build GPU Alternative for DaVinci Resolve:
Graphics Card: GTX 1660 Ti

For pro-grade video editing work up to 4K resolution, while still keeping the budget manageable.
A more powerful, more well-rounded package. The CPU and GPU are a good deal faster, and more RAM and a larger SSD are added too. The power supply is again a high-quality choice, and the case is slightly better. This machine will handle 4K video editing. If you want more storage space, you can easily add more HDDs or SSDs.

Dark_Spiret posted...

because of covid causing everyone to stay inside and play pc games (making many of them go out and buy new gpus) and because bitcoin miners are assholes who buy them all up for greed, gpu prices have gone through the roof. because of that it might be cheaper to get a prebuilt since those companys who do prebuilds usually get a discount on bulk orders and can afford the prices they sell them at.

if gpu prices wernt going to shit then it would be cheaper 99% of the time to build it your self. outside of the graphics cards most other parts are cheaper, its just unfortunate the one peice of hardware that isnt also tends to be the most important and most expensive part in a gaming pc.

Thanks I understand the pricing problem now. I'm really considering prebuilt now. What would you choose between the builds I posted on post #3 and #39

Everything I've read online says 16gb ram is sufficient for HD (which is still fine tbh especially if you're uploadinng to YT or whatever) but 32gb is necessary for 4K. What do you plan on editing?

I may not know a lot about hardware but I know quite a bit about video editing, color grading, filming etc. and the process required for HD and 4K is different and sometimes 4K isn't necessary.
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Smashingpmkns posted...

Everything I've read online says 16gb ram is sufficient for HD (which is still fine tbh especially if you're uploadinng to YT or whatever) but 32gb is necessary for 4K. What do you plan on editing?

I may not know a lot about hardware but I know quite a bit about video editing, color grading, filming etc. and the process required for HD and 4K is different and sometimes 4K isn't necessary.

I definitely want the option for 4k if needed. I'm unsure how much I'll be doing 4k at the start tho

what the fuck. 2TB Intel SSD is priced at 10k? How is that possible even with covid

sLaCkEr408___RJ posted...

Well I plan on making some money with these video edits. I posted a $1800 build that seems pretty good. What do you think about this cheaper version?

Power User Video Editing Build ($950)
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600
Graphics Card: RX 5500 XT
Motherboard: MSI B450M Pro-VDH Max
RAM: 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4
Storage: 2TB Intel SSD
Power Supply: Corsair CXM 550W
CPU Cooler: Stock
Case: Corsair 88R
Operating System: Windows 10
Power User Build GPU Alternative for DaVinci Resolve:
Graphics Card: GTX 1660 Ti

For pro-grade video editing work up to 4K resolution, while still keeping the budget manageable.
A more powerful, more well-rounded package. The CPU and GPU are a good deal faster, and more RAM and a larger SSD are added too. The power supply is again a high-quality choice, and the case is slightly better. This machine will handle 4K video editing. If you want more storage space, you can easily add more HDDs or SSDs.

this is definitely an older build, its basically my computer and it was new about 2 years ago lol.

youll be able to upgrade it, but that B450 motherboard is going to stop getting cpus made for it soon. so youll have to replace that if you want to upgrade the CPU in the future. but Motherboards are like 150ish and a good cpu is around 400 nowadays. so keep that in mind for the future.

the rx5500 might struggle a bit with 4k stuff, but when i stay that i mean like, scrobbling around footage. if you dont mind it being jumpy a bit, itll be fine.

i say

get the cheaper one, and put the rest of your money into a 27-32 inch, ultra wide, 4k, hdr10+ monitor so you can actually see what you're editing correctly.

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MixedRaceBaby posted...

this is definitely an older build, its basically my computer and it was new about 2 years ago lol.

youll be able to upgrade it, but that B450 motherboard is going to stop getting cpus made for it soon. so youll have to replace that if you want to upgrade the CPU in the future. but Motherboards are like 150ish and a good cpu is around 400 nowadays. so keep that in mind for the future.

the rx5500 might struggle a bit with 4k stuff, but when i stay that i mean like, scrobbling around footage. if you dont mind it being jumpy a bit, itll be fine.

i say

get the cheaper one, and put the rest of your money into a 27-32 inch, ultra wide, 4k, hdr10+ monitor so you can actually see what you're editing correctly.

I don't like what you're saying about being old and not supported soon. And idk what scrobbling means, but that sounds horrible. I intend to learn video editing as a job so do you think it's best to pay extra for the investment?

Yo, get a pre-built my brotha, one time, listen up, I built my own computer right, check it out, and then the motherfucking motherboard lit the fuck up and I heard this spark, then this light flashed from the back of my tower while I was playing Cyberpunk right, shit was crazy. Get a prebuilt.

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I'm getting discouraged. I used pcpartpicker to see what the $950 build would look like and it's already over $1200

The-19th-Sparta posted...

Yo, get a pre-built my brotha, one time, listen up, I built my own computer right, check it out, and then the motherfucking motherboard lit the fuck up and I heard this spark, then this light flashed from the back of my tower while I was playing Cyberpunk right, shit was crazy. Get a prebuilt.

Any recommendations from you? Warranty sounds like a good idea. I don't plan on gaming tho

There are two ways to look at this and at this point it's ultimately up to you:
1. Buy once, cry once. Do you think you'll actually stick with video editing and is it worth the money you'll be spending? Do you have jobs lined up, is this disposable income etc.
2. If you are just barely starting out something that can only edit HD is not a bad option and will most likely not limit you from most opportunities starting out. You can save money then upgrade parts when your jobs start coming in and you start to understand editing and Davinci a little more.

Honestly, I would get the better computer and just be done with it. A good computer seems to be nice to have regardless. I don't know what your path is tho or what kind of jobs you have lined up.
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Smashingpmkns posted...

There are two ways to look at this and at this point it's ultimately up to you:
1. Buy once, cry once. Do you think you'll actually stick with video editing and is it worth the money you'll be spending? Do you have jobs lined up, is this disposable income etc.
2. If you are just barely starting out something that can only edit HD is not a bad option and will most likely not limit you from most opportunities starting out. You can save money then upgrade parts when your jobs start coming in and you start to understand editing and Davinci a little more.

Honestly, I would get the better computer and just be done with it. A good computer seems to be nice to have regardless. I don't know what your path is tho or what kind of jobs you have lined up.

Nothing lined up, probably doing it for free until I'm better. I'll be using Premiere. I plan to stick with it probably forever