Unleash the Power of the 3950X Editing System

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Initial Plan and Changes
3. Problems with Current System
4. The NZXT H510 Elite Chassis
5. The Cooler - Noctua NH-D15
6. Performance Comparison with Intel System
7. Overclocking and Benchmarks
8. Cable Management and Aesthetics
9. Final Thoughts and Future Plans

Introduction

In this article, we will delve into the world of PC building as we explore the journey of upgrading our editing system. The central focus of this upgrade revolves around the highly acclaimed AMD Ryzen 9 3950X processor. However, plans have taken an unexpected turn, and we will be exploring the option of utilizing the AMD Threadripper 3960X as well. Let's dive into the initial plan and the subsequent changes that influenced our decisions.

Initial Plan and Changes

Initially, the goal was to build our editing rig in the Lian Li 11 Dynamic XL case with a massive amount of storage space. However, the opportunity to acquire the AMD Ryzen 9 3950X presented itself, leading to a change in plans. We decided to partner with Fantex to keep the 24-core Threadripper 3960X cool with a custom loop. Despite this change, we will still utilize the Lian Li case, maintaining the black and white color scheme with a touch of pink from N-Source Customs. Graphics will be powered by an RTX 2080 Ti, ensuring a powerful and enjoyable editing experience.

Problems with Current System

Before delving into the details of our new build, it is important to understand the issues we have been facing with our current system. Firstly, we have experienced an increasing number of instances where Adobe Premiere crashes. This is unacceptable for a professional machine running production software. Additionally, there is a glitch that limits the number of media files that can be added to the browser before the timeline becomes unresponsive. Another annoyance is the inability to remove the ThermalTake RGB software, which constantly displays error messages. Furthermore, the EK loop in the case, while functioning well, looks out of place. Lastly, we encounter occasional USB port and power connectivity issues, resulting in a Momentary loss of control over the keyboard and mouse. These problems have become frustrating, making us eager to make the switch to our new build.

The NZXT H510 Elite Chassis

Now, let's take a closer look at the components inside the NZXT H510 Elite case and the reasoning behind our choices. While the case did not receive stellar reviews, the price was not a concern as we already possessed it. The Noctua NH-D15 Black Edition cooler, which we initially suspected would be sufficient, turned out to be more than capable of handling the power of the 3950X. However, we did have to make a fan swap due to space constraints. Despite this change, we were able to achieve a stable 4.3GHz all-core overclock, keeping temperatures in check. The stability of the overclock allowed us to export videos at remarkable speeds, with temperatures staying in the low to mid-70s.

Performance Comparison with Intel System

To provide a fair comparison, we ran tests on both the AMD Ryzen 9 3950X system and our current Intel-based system, the 7980XE. In a simple export test with a 4K video file, Intel managed to pull ahead. However, when it came to a full project export with various demanding elements, we were astounded by the 3950X's performance. This is great news for our daily editing tasks, as it offers the potential to eliminate the issues and quirks we have experienced with our current system. The power efficiency of the 3950X, coupled with its cooler temperatures, contributed to an improved export experience.

Overclocking and Benchmarks

Intrigued by the capabilities of our new system, we decided to push it further. We achieved a stable overclock of 50MHz on the core and 1000MHz on the memory using the Zotac AMP Extreme graphics card. Benchmarking the system using Time Spy Extreme and Fire Strike Ultra placed us within the top 100 on the Hall of Fame leaderboard without much effort. This demonstrates the impressive potential of the CPU, even without exotic cooling methods. We also took care to manage the cables and aesthetics, using sleek black cables and combs from CableMod to create a clean and professional look.

Final Thoughts and Future Plans

While the 3950X system may not be the long-term solution we anticipated, it serves as a significant upgrade over our current setup. However, we are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Threadripper system, which may become the ultimate editing powerhouse. In the meantime, we shall continue with our 3950X long-term test, documenting our experiences and sharing them with you. Stay tuned for future updates and don't forget to subscribe for more exciting content, including comprehensive coverage of CES 2020.

Highlights

• Upgrading the editing system with the powerful AMD Ryzen 9 3950X
• Unexpected changes and the potential use of the AMD Threadripper 3960X
• Issues with the current system, including Premier crashes and connectivity problems
• Exploring the components inside the NZXT H510 Elite case
• Achieving stable overclocks and impressive benchmark results with the 3950X
• Attention to cable management and aesthetics for a clean and professional look
• Anticipation and future plans for the Threadripper system and CES 2020 coverage

FAQ

Q: Why did you decide to switch from the Lian Li 11 Dynamic XL case? A: The opportunity to acquire the AMD Ryzen 9 3950X led us to reconsider our initial plan and opt for a different case.

Q: What issues were you facing with your current system? A: We encountered crashes in Adobe Premiere, limitations on media files, ThermalTake RGB software errors, occasional USB port and power connectivity issues.

Q: How did the 3950X perform compared to your Intel system? A: While Intel had a slight edge in simple exports, the 3950X showcased its power in full project exports, surpassing our expectations.

Q: How did you manage cable aesthetics in the new build? A: We used black cables and combs from CableMod, arranging them in a sweeping manner to enhance the visual appeal.

Q: What are your future plans with the Threadripper system? A: We are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Threadripper system and will document our experiences with it in the future.