Hardware build feedback

[EdEstes]

OK, I made the jump and upgraded to the Broadcast version of VIDBlaster. :) The goal is to start doing some complex broadcasts of interviews and other shows. I want to build a system to give me the most options for a good streaming system at reasonable video quality. (lots of modules with overlays and other things opened at once) I've ordered a Webcam VC440e - 4 input video capture card (http://forum.vidblaster.com/showthread.php?t=465&highlight=WCSA440e) and want to order the following hardware to complete the workstation:


Intel Core i7-2600K Sandy Bridge 3.4GHz CPU (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115070)
ASRock Z68 PROFESSIONAL GEN3 LGA 1155 Intel Z68 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157263)
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 16GB (4 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231315)
EVGA 01G-P3-1351-KR GeForce GTS 450 (Fermi) 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express Video Card (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130663)
Crucial RealSSD C300 2.5" 64GB SATA SSD (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148357)
Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042)
Antec High Current Gamer Series HCG-900 900W ATX12V v2.3 / EPS12V v2.91 SLI Power Supply (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371050)
Microsoft Windows 7 Professional SP1 64-bit - OEM (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116992)

which should stay under my hardware budget of $1,500.

Any feedback/suggestions? I am not a hardware guy so I want to make sure I am not making a mistake or overlooking anything.

TIA.

--Ed

[Sinc747]

Thanks for sharing Ed. Looks like a nice build. Interested in following this project. Keep us updated.

[EdEstes]

Thanks Tom.

I finally have some time to put towards my streaming broadcast efforts so I get to work on all the things I have been thinking about over the past several months. (already kicked the tires on the API) I have a meeting with someone in a few weeks about a regular show so if that pans out I will have some harder deadlines.

I don't know if this is the place for updates or if I should start a new "build thread" that showcases the complete system I am putting together elsewhere. (if you've got any suggestions...)

Cheers!

--Ed

[Rinkfink]

I chose the CM Storm "scout" as my tower because it was the only tower I could find with portability in mind, i.e. handles built in:
COOLER MASTER Storm Scout SGC-2000-KKN1-GP Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119196&Tpk=COOLER%20MASTER%20Storm%20Scout%20SGC-2000-KKN1-GP)
Not sure if that plays into your plans, but I am very happy with it.

[EdEstes]

Thanks Greg - looks like a winner!

Good link:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119196&Tpk=COOLER%20MASTER%20Storm%20Scout%20SGC-2000-KKN1-GP

I will change the case to this one since I do want something portable and the handles look useful.

--Ed

[EdEstes]

D'oh! Just realized I didn't include a heat-sink for the CPU so I've added that and Thermal Compound to build my list.

--Ed

[weconverse]

Beware the limit if the length of the graphics card that the Storm scout can hold, not all full length cards will fit.

[jak]

Keyboard/mouse/monitor is already accounted for?

You have two DVI (and one mini-HDMI) out from the graphics card, so you have to ensure you have the correct monitors to handle that (or the adapters needed to deliver whatever your monitors require).


The other thing is cooling - is noise is issue for your, that is, will the system be in the same room as where you will do your show? If so, it's worth spending some extra time on the CPU cooler, to check noise levels. Maybe even go for one of those water-cooled heat-sinks that allows you to mount a big many-bladed fan at a good place in the case, and run a pipe to the CPU.

I'm using the Corsair H50 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835181010&Tpk=corsair%20H50) series for my (one generation older i7) CPU, and that one keeps the temperature down while being quite silent. You need to check compability with the CPU, and with the case so you have room for the fan. I think you need to use the newer H60 or H80 for your CPU.

Best of luck!

[jak]

And another small detail - DVD drive to install OS from?

[EdEstes]

Good point Richard. The cards I am using now are all half-length. If I end up getting some higher-end full-length cards, I will just replace the case.

Thanks Jan. Yes, I have the keyboard, mouse and monitor already. (as well as a DVD drive)

I will see how the noise levels are and consider upgrading the fan to the unit you mentioned if things get too loud.

Cheers!

--Ed