PC Build Suggestions for Projections

Hello all!

My program is trying to build a computer to start incorporating projections into
our 40x18 ft proscenium theatre. We will (for now) be running Isadora and would
like the ability to run at least 3 projectors with minimum to no FPS loss.
Any suggestions? We are looking at approximately.... 700 max. No need for a
moniter or software. We are looking at just the tower build and the rest of the
parts are provided by the university.

Please post your builds below! Thanks
(I know the budget isn't great but bear with us, we need to build another for
automation within the next year as well...)


theT1NM4N

As much ram as your Mother board can handle. 16 gig would be nice, A fast processor. At least 1 tb of harddrive space and are you goign to use an external video output or are you needing a video card. I'll post a Newegg build shortly.

I would highly suggest using pcpartpicker to put together the build.

If you are using Isadora, I would look at this part of the FAQ which explains how it uses the memory and processor.

Basically, you want the fastest processor that you can afford, and this program does ustilize the multiple cores, so go that route. RAM is your friend for smooth playback. Get the fastest hard drive you can afford, which unfortunately will probably not be a SSD with your budget. You might consider a hybrid drive. Make sure that you have USB 3.0 if you need to use external storage. With that you might be able to pick up various solid state memory to use. While the article mentions the Core Imaging, you will only have that option if you are going with a Mac (which probably won't fit in your budget either). Otherwise, the GPU won't matter much unless the new Isadora 2.0 happens to use the Native Windows formats better than the previous versions.

Don't forget that if you are looking to use three projectors (assuming blending) that you will either need a multiple output graphics card (again, probably out of your budget) or a Matrox TripleHead2Go. Also, latency may creep in depending on other factors of your system design.

I don't know Isadora, but for video output I would use 2 nvidia gtx 650s on a motherboard that supports sli, it would be able to handle 4+ outputs, 3 for projectors and 1 for a monitor. Use an intel I5 as a cpu and 10+ gigs of ram. I recommend a western digital hard driv for great reliability and good price. I aways use good brands like Asus, western digital, and corsair, good parts make a world of difference in reliability and lifespan. Also don't skimp on a case, good air flow is a must and noise cancellation is always nice.
Best of luck!