Minimum specs for a new PC for Newbie converter and burner

[Maxibonk]

Hey Guys I'm about to buy a new computer and was looking for some minimum specs to do with what specs I'll need to use converting software well. Also Any reccomendations for burners/specs. Anything else you think I should take into account.
Thanks

[TOMMO]

XP. Fastest Intel Processor (P4) you can afford, as much RAM as you can afford, and two hard drivces, one for OS and programs, one dedicated for captures.

[Maxibonk]

Thanks Tommo. Would 3.2 ghz be fast enough and would 1 gb of RAM be enough? How many gigs should I have? I was just thinking of getting a 240 gb RAID.

[Conquest10]

I;m running on a p3 667. So any machine out there now is suitable for the task. Hard disc space is something that really depends on what you are going to use it for. If you're going to be capping, then get the largest you can afford.

[jimmalenko]

Just about any machine at all is capable of doing it. The difference between machines is reflected in the time it takes to encode/transcode.

CPU is the singlemost contributor to the time, so get the fastest CPU you can afford. Even the "lowest" model you can buy these days (Celeron or P4 2.4GHz at my supplier) will be more than adequate in terms of being capable, but a P4 3.6GHz will do exactly the same job, just quicker.

RAM is probably next on the list. IMO 256MB is the bare minimum, 512MB is plenty given the programs available today, but 1GB is ideal IMO because it gives you room to move should new versions of software get more memory hungry over the next couple of years or so. This will more than likely happen with the new version of Windows too.

Hard Drives as mentioned really only come into it if you are capturing. If you aren't capturing, then just a 40GB, 80GB or 120GB hard drive will be fine IMO. This will give you room to store the equivalent of between 5 and 20 DVDs on your hard drive (in terms of space) at any one time should you need to.

The rest:
If you're going to be backing up your DVDs, I'd strongly recommend you get a separate DVD-ROM - preferably a LiteOn. As for DVD Burners, I've only ever used Pioneers and I've been very happy with them.

[TOMMO]

yes - P4 3.2 would be great. Try and get one with FSB of 800 and is capable of HT.

1 GB RAM - great - try for the fastest. 3200DDR 400.

Raid - not necessary. SATA is fast.

[KameleOnOff]

If you choose IDE HDD be sure is 7.200 rpm and with 8 MB cache. The cache can speed up very much.

[thecoalman]

yes - P4 3.2 would be great. Try and get one with FSB of 800 and is capable of HT.
.

Disabling HT while encoding improves encoding time slightly. https://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=251737

Maxibonk,

Check out that thread in the computer section for what you can expect from different machines.

[bazooka]

XP. Fastest Intel Processor (P4) you can afford, as much RAM as you can afford, and two hard drivces, one for OS and programs, one dedicated for captures.

You do not need a pentium 4.

You can also do well with an athlon64 or a sempron.

Do not let the Intel brainwashers get a hold of you.

[handyguy]

lol.....

But what you need is written right on the side of the dvd box.

[Maxibonk]

Thanks for all the advice guys.

[Skith]

If you want to save some $$$ - you could go with an Athlon 64 (plenty fast, though it is true INTEL processors have an advantage with audio/video encoding). Although 64 bit software will probably not be available anytime soon, it could provide a significant boost in performance. The catch is when such software will become available.

***Warning: I am a big AMD, since my wallet is ever shrinking.***

[Maxibonk]

I have a few options. Tell me if i should post this in the computer section instead. but what I've got now is:

3.2 GHZ Pentium® 4 Processor 540
a choice between Gigabyte GS-81PE775 Pro or a GA-81915GMF or an ASUS P5GD1 (915P) or a Gigabyte GA-9PI915P-DUO-PRO (DDR/DDR2)
a 250 GB (JD) WD SATA150 HDD ( 8mb, 7200rpm) or a 250 GB Seagate SATA150 drive
2 512 mb Veritech PC3200 DDRRAM or 2 512 mb DDR400 Dual-CH Adata PC-3200 RAM Kit
a Sparkle GF 6600GT 128 mb HDTV/DVI-I AGP card or a Sparkle GF6600 PCIE 128mb or a 6600GT or a 256 mb Asus Extreme N6600/TD PCI Express

Help a brother out.

[Maxibonk]

sorry its a GA... not a GS...

[budz]

the pentium 4 processor you chose is a PRESHOT (PRESCOTT) chip......which has heat temperature problems....i would suggest you get a NORTHWOOD chip.....like a pent 4 2.4ghz 800fsb or if you can get your hands on a pent 4 3.0c ghz 800fsb chip that would be even better....newegg has only the OEM of that chip in stock.....you can check out zipzoomfly.com...last time i checked there they still had the retail version.....not many places have that retail chip instock....

[Maxibonk]

Thanks I'll ask about the temperature problems, any other suggestions?

[ckamc]

if you got time to wait for an encode then u can go low budget. if you want things done than how long it takes you to take a shower... then your budget is going to be a tad bit up there. im one of those budget people who has lots of hhd space and desent 512 at pc3200... but im running on a sempron 3000+. i dont mind it but others may

[bazooka]

Although 64 bit software will probably not be available anytime soon

Try later this year.

[Skith]

@ bazooka - good to know about the 64 bit software, thanks.

@ Maxibonk

I would also recommend getting quality memory (Corsair, Mushkin, and OCZ seem to be very popular).

Additionally, do not skimp on the PSU (power supply). Todays computers and peripherals are very demanding. Also note that a units rating, e.g. 500W, means almost nothing. Pay more attention to the Amps provided on the 5.5v and 12v lines.

Some info on powersupplies:

How much power do you need?
psu calculator

[url=http://www.extremeoverclocking.com/articles/guides/Power_Supply_Guide_1.html]at extremeoverclocking.com[/url

oct. 6, 2004 review - 8 PSUs at techreport.com

reviews at bjorn3d.com

Some good brand names: Antec, PC Power & Cooling (very expensive - very high quality), and Seasonic (I have seen this one mentioned a lot over at http://club.cdfreaks.com).