BATC Forum

My 10+ years old shack PC (I7 CPU) is reaching the end so I'd like to future proof myself a bit.
So a reliable, technically competent to advise, well stocked supplier would be a welcome recommendation.
Also would like a SDRTV and DATVeasy capable graphics card, but zero interest in it's gaming ability.....
A top tech spec would be welcome too, if it's known to work well.
Gareth

Hi Gareth,

Following a chat with Simon he recommended this from Scan.co.uk.

https://www.scan.co.uk/products/3xs-ven ... rgb-cooler

Its an upgrade bundle as I already had a good GPU and drives.
I must say it’s really good but it’s not a complete PC. The sky’s your limit when it comes to cost and spec.
Good lock figuring this out as it not easy with all of the options available to you.

73 Keith GU6EFB

A nVidia 4060 GPU allows H265 to be encoded with SDR Television and nVideo Studio to run. The later allows you to 'key' in backgrounds, keep your eyes looking at the screen and centre you in the screen. Very good or spooky! It is like a second computer running along side your main one. A more powerful GPU will do even more......

Martin G8LCE

Memory has gone up in price. If you can't build your own PC go for the scan bundle. I made mine from component but you need to know what you are doing.

It will need a mid range CPU & cooler, Medium/High end motherboard with plenty of USB IO, 16Gb or 32Gb RAM, 2 TB SSD, recent Nvidia card, mini-tower case, decent modular PSU. Finding a case without a window (for RF screening) and without flashy LEDs can be difficult.

My system is over a year old now but an X670 AORUS ELITE AX motherboard with AMD Ryzen 9 7900 with my old GTX1060 Nvidia card. There will be a newer iteration of these by now.

Mike

For information

Intel has released CPUs with a VVC (h266) hardware decoder
These are from the new Core Ultra mobile series, so for laptops only for the moment
Search for a "V" suffix, for exemple Intel Core Ultra 5 226V
Datasheet example : https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en ... 207%20258v

Some laptops are now available with these "chips" and yes they are expensive...

73s Christian
F1FAQ

It really depends on you budget but it can be done quite cheaply
GB3EN is using a 4th gen I7 with 16gb RAM and a GTX 1060 GPU, total cost from E bay £65. It can easily encode 1000KS/s H265

I use a slightly better 6th gen i7 at home but with GTX1050TI (the lowest spec NVIDIA GPU that does H265)

Older PCs that don't meet Win 11 requirements can be upgraded to WIn 11 using the ISO from Microsoft and Rufus, you will get Windows Defender updates and fixes though it won't be officially supported by Microsoft.

Or you can spend silly money and get a very high spec computer that is probably way more than you need.

SDR Television recommends 8 cores, so an I7 or better but it will run at 333k on an I5

Duncan
G7VVF

I do my DATV heavy work using the processor, not the video card, so my video card is an elderly and lowly GTX1070 bought second hand. Processor is an AMD Ryzen 9 5950X. Memory is basic entry level, 32gig which is far more than needed, but I got it cheap. Motherboard is by Gigabyte. PSU is 750W. Corsair. Does 2000Ks without breaking a sweat.

I have a sub 12 hour use second Corsair 750W if it's of any interest. I was going to build a new workshop PC but a desperate friend stuck over a weekend for a new PC bought it off me before it went into service and they had a PSU already.

My favourite supplier is Scan Computers in Bolton. I sold the MD a Skyline and keep in touch, the company are massive, reliable, offer good warranties, excellent customer service and tech support, and prices are highly competitive. The main plus apart from customer service is you know you aren't buying fakes. They use DPD for next day delivery, so stuff tends to arrive promptly and undamaged.

http://www.scan.co.uk

Thanks everyone for the suggestions and info. Very helpful and all noted.
Chris, message me (I'm on QRZ) regarding the PSU. My current is a modular Corsair RM450 and although I have a non-modular that I have tried its not got enough leads for SATA connectors (I need 5 one of which is the CPU water pump).
Gareth

I e-mailed you my phone number last night Gareth, thanks. Just come back in for a jumper, it's a bit cooler this morning to say the least! Jack Frost is here.

A new power supply brought the PC back to life, but all the disturbance and dust-removal upset the 10 years old SATA plugs and one drive vanished
The CPU cooler (a Corsair Water-pump & radiator system, originally bought for the lack of noise) is now making groaning noises too Its well past its service life so I will replace it short term with a£20 heat pipe & fan unit.
Ultimately a new PC will be commissioned, but for now I have a fresh Acronis backup image and I've made use of Dropbox for some vital stuff...
"You don't know what youve got until its gone....." as someone once sang.....
Gareth