I am an editor/VFX artist/filmmaker… but not super tech savvy, so I would love your help/advice on building out a new PC computer for an updated version of Avid before I pull the trigger on it. (This is LONG OVERDUE as I’m still on Avid 7, Windows 7, haha).

So, the goal here is to build an "ALL-IN-ONE INDIE FILMMAKER POST-PRODUCTION MACHINE" if that's possible. The less I have to depend on other people in post with this system, the better. A PROSUMER system that leans more professional (as close as we can get to pro for the money). Trying to keep the price well under $10k all-in (and in the $6k-$7k range with the computer/monitors.)

I will primarily be using the system to cut independent feature films & shorts (on the latest version of AVID MC) and doing visual effects and online/color correction for those films. Most films will be cut offline with proxies (but I would love the ability to finish them and online to either 2k or 4k, if possible... so I don't have to depend too heavily on others to help). Other programs I’ll be running are DiVinci and After Effects (dealing with 4k files, occasionally files as large as 8k), along with various 3D programs (such as Cinema 4D, Blender, etc)

My question is:  Will these specs below be able to run everything and do what I need it to do? Would you add or change anything? Any additional connections/ports you would add?

Here’s the system I’ve put together so far (built via Puget Systems):

Intel Core Z690 D5 ATX (Platform)

Asus ProArt X670E-Creator WiFi (Motherboard) 

Intel Core i9 13900K 3.0GHz 24 Core 36MB 125W  (CPU)

2 x DDR5-4800 32GB (Ram) 

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 Ti 24GB Open Air (Video Card) 

Onboard Sound (Sound Card) 

Integrated WiFi+Bluetooth (Networking) 

Samsung 870 EVO 1TB SATA3 2.5inch SSD (Hard Drive) Additional Information: Primary drive. OS and Apps Samsung 980 Pro 1TB Gen4 M.2 SSD (Hard Drive) Additional Information: Secondary drive. Working Drive 

Fractal Design Define 7 (Case) 

Super Flower LEADEX Platinum 850W (Power Supply) 

Noctua NH-U12A (CPU Cooling)

Case Fans Upgrade Kit (PWM Ramping) (Additional Cooling) 

Windows 11 Pro 64-bit (Operating System)

Thank you in advance for your help.

...OR let me know if there is a better spot to post this?

Most advise can be offered on established hardware with some track record. whilst new and latest is more, "no reason why it should not work".

New CPU gen, first DDR5 gen. I assume AMD will publish new AGESA version in very short time at least to improve performance. If you have problems, it can be difficult to decide if its the build or the plattform.

If you can wait, don't buy now. Let other user find problems.

Intel will launch a new CPU gen at the end of this month.

Back to the build:

Are 64 GB RAM enough? I would suggest 128 GB for 4K or 8K. DDR5-5200 is the standard for Zen4 with DDR5-6000 as the sweet spot.

AMD allows the 7950X up to 230W. If you are having high CPU load, even the NH-D15 will be challenged.

To keep the temps downs and be more efficient, you can consider UV.

I'd recommend buyning a referbed HP Z workstation. They are used a lot in the corperate world and retired withput ever doing much work.

Brillaint work horses and Avid supported.

Hi Pat, I had to smile. Sort of like Dad talking his son out of a Corvette into a Camry...

Pat Horridge:

I'd recommend buyning a referbed HP Z workstation. They are used a lot in the corperate world and retired withput ever doing much work.

Brillaint work horses and Avid supported.

I couldn't agree more.  

Thank you everyone for your input. Where specifically would you recemmend buying a referbed HP Z workstation?

In the UK there are a number of dealers selling refurbed systems. Most allow you to configure the setup you want and build to order.

I'm currently running a very nice HP Z 840 machine for much less than a new system.

Nice! Any suggestions for dealers selling refurbed systems in the U.S.?

Sims Carter:

Any suggestions for dealers selling refurbed systems in the U.S.?

Of course. To clarify, I'm asking for suggestions of favorite spots that people have bought them from with good prices/buying experience that let you specifically configure the setup you want to build.  Thanks.

hp workstations are a great choice, if you can get one for a reasonable price.

I have an old z800 that is now a server, and a z820 that is my assistant station, but it runs just fine if i need a road machine.

My main box is home made, and closing in on 4 years now i think. 

If you want to build yourself a box, the best piece of advice I can give is study very carefully the motherboard, and the PCI slot number and configuration.  Most gaming motherboards are very limited in that area, as they are built for a graphics card, and not much more.

If you need an I/o card, and a graphics card, which may or maynot take up two slots, and a 10 g card, as well as anything else you are thinking of throwing in there, make sure you have the slots, and the Lanes to accomodate your needs.

Quite often a slot is 8x unless you are using another slot, then it becomes 4x. (just an example...but you get the idea)

The beauty of the workstations is you get lots of slots, and much less restrictions from lanes, although on my z820, those restrictions are still there on atleast 1 slot.

In other words, map out your needs carefully before buying and building.

I found success going directly through HP at the HP Business Outlet: https://www.hp.com/us-en/sbso/buspurchase_refurbished.html

A few years ago I bought a z8g4 workstation through the HPBO and it's been a workhorse. Even though these systems come pre-configured, if you can find a robust base you can upgrade and build out as necessary to fit within Avid specs. Also, if you're concerned about buying refurb, you can upgrade to the 3/3/3 HP Warranty.

AMD used to be trouboesome with MC, don't know if this still holds true, since I see many forum members with AMD systems in their signature. In order to save the most money study an Avid certified system and build a box with the same chipset, CPU, and GPU. Or get a refurbished HP workstation.