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Advice on buying an HP Z800 for Avid Nitris DX
My HP 8600 is long in the tooth. I want to acquire a new HP Z800 work station for my 5.5 Avid Nitris DX. I’ve downloaded Avid’s configuration guidelines and yes, it does make sense. However, not being much of a computer expert, I trust there are others who can lend intellectual support to my decision-making outside the vendor world.
My two biggest concerns include the processors and the video cards.
My main workflow includes HD story-telling. My graphics weapons of choice includes the Adobe product line. I don’t offer 3D graphics.
Here are my questions and current buying choices regarding the critical elements.
First of all, do you think HP is on the verge of antiquating the Z800 with a new offering, meaning, should I wait?
What processor do you think is best?
My current choice is a duel Xeon X5650 2.66 12MB 6 core. Clearly HP offers beefier processors but they aren’t listed as supported by Avid and I’m unsure what added value they offer or what crisis I may create by purchasing tools unlisted by Avid.I’ve chosen liquid cooling (my equipment room is often too warm). This seems like an intelligent decision. Yes?
My graphics card choice is currently a NVIDIA Quadro 4000 2.0 GB.
Again, this is the Avid-supported card. HP offers a number of beefier options but none of them appear as supported.Knowing I’m not a game developer or 3D graphics creator, can you weigh in on the topic of graphic cards?
My RAM choice is currently 12GB with a 2×6 configuration.
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2 Replies
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HI Les-
As you’ve seen, Avid maintains a list of qualified systems, including the almighty HP Z800. Why do you want to deviate from this? Don’t! Especially graphics cards.
Failure to stay within spec may render support to be problematic, plus other ‘ghosts in the machine’. I want the best possible chance of my machine running 100%, nothing leaving something to chance when a client is in the room or I have a deadline.
I’d stick with the processors Avid recommends, the gfx card Avid recommends. I don’t believe they care one way or another on the type of cooling, but I’ve had nothing but problems with liquid cooled machines. Anyone remember the Mac Pro green goo issue?
Just so we’re all on the same page:
Below is a link to the most current specs:
Main Page for all qualified machines:
https://www.avid.com/US/products/Media-Composer/system-requirementsDirect PC Page:
https://avid.custkb.com/avid/app/selfservice/search.jsp?DocId=362927&Hilite=windows+specifications
Near the bottom of this page is a PDF with the exact configs.As for the future, the z800 has been out for almost 3 years. That seems a bit long to me without a refresh. I’m not sure, however, when a a refresh will come; I lost my seat on the HP board of directors recently; Twitter picture scandal.
.: michael kammes mpse
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Michael,
Thanks for your response. Actually I wasn’t contemplating going out of the Avid box regarding a work station acquisition as much as reaching out to the community for input about specific tools. Your comment about liquid cooling is exactly why I submitted this post. I will spend more time seeking information on the efficacy of that purchase decision but would be fine saving the $100 plus dollars on the liquid option.When I reviewed Avid’s published qualification list early on, I saw that it might be a bit dated. Frankly, my direct queries to Avid sales representatives in the past has been spotty in terms of product knowledge or specific guidance. Clearly (to me anyway) the most valuable knowledge base includes you and myriad others who drive the tools.
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