High End Rig Build Questions

[coolguy2k]

i've been in the thinking about new computer stages for a few months and i'm trying to plan for an end of january new computer. i've been getting into maya, after effects, and avid (and some others) and am wondering where i need to go with this new computer to be able to get reasonable render times and performance.

it should be noted i've been using the school's xps desktops and they've been pretty good with these apps so i've been limiting the amount of use my athlon 64 2800, 6800 ultra, 1gb ram current rig has with these apps.

so what do i need to put together to run those apps really effectively?

also, don't worry about price ... or i worry about price ofc, so i guess if there was a here's the top end and here's a budgetier version type of answer would be much appreciated

 

[engiNURD]

Look at the $2k build lists throughout genhard, and those will be your high end. Then look at the $600-$800 build lists, and those are your low end.

Its hard to suggest parts without a budget, so give us a ballpark to work with. If you give me unlimited, trust me, I can put that money to good use, lol... think, "render farm."

So...

Budget?
What's included in that budget?
What size monitor do you have or plan to get?
Do you play any games?
If so, which ones and at what settings?
Do you plan on OC'ing?
If so, how high?
If not, why not?
How much storage do you need?
What features do you need in a motherboard? (raid, firewire, 3 pci slots, etc)

Off the top of my head, I'd go for something like...
$275 - Q6600
$120 - Abit IP35
$250 - 8800GT
$130 - P180B
$100 - 500GB Seagate/WD/Samsung
$100 - 500GB Seagate/WD/Samsung
$75 - 4GB DDR2-800
$70 - Corsair 450W
$65 - 250GB Seagate
$35 - DVDRW SATA
==========
$1220 + tax and shipping - any MIRs

If you didn't game at all, then maybe an HD 2900 or 3850 softmodded for FireGL specs.

 

[coolguy2k]

The off the top of your head build is generally what I'm looking for.

Specific parts I'm planning to upgrade are cpu, gpu, mobo, gfx card, ram, psu. I'm interested in being able to upgrade in the future as per need.

Mainly I'm just concerned with being able to multitask in these kind of demanding programs and as a side bonus the computer will be used for gaming (mainly eve-o dual client, but i also like dabbling in new games that interest me like bioshock or whathaveyou.)

I realized after making the post i could have gone around the forums to find what i needed (ie doing my own leg work), but I guess I wanted to know where I would need to go to run these particular programs effectively (maya, after effects, avid, others)

To continue to answer the rest of your questions i have a 19" monitor, i plan to get an additional monitor down the road, but not now. I don't plan on OCing mainly because i'm afraid i'll blow my shit up. I plan on popping in another 500gb HD or two and i guess i'm open to suggestions, but i've already an idea of what i need to do there (samsung true spin?) As for the mobo i'd like to be able to sli in the future if that proves to be helpful and i have a few pci slots that will need to be taken up; it's unnecessary for much in the way of firewire, but couldn't hurt. i haven't used a raid but am willing to in the future when i getz teh moneyz.

thanks for the help and suggestions, they're much appreciated.