Memory Question

[loopyloops]

Ok, I currently have 1gb of corsair mem. in dual channel in my comp. Lately, I've been doing a lot of encodiing to Divx from DVDs, and while I'm doing so, my comp. slows quite a bit as far as performing other tasks. Would it help to stick another 512 mb in my machine (I have the memory already - I realize buying more wouldn't be worth it)? I'd be knocked out of dual channel mode but would have 1.5 gb of memory total. I also realize that encoding to Divx is proc. intensive, and I'd probably be well served to upgrade from my long in the tooth 3000+ - but the only reasonable way to do that is to upgrade my mobo...

[edDV]

The problem is your CPU is swamped as is the case with most encoders. It isn't a memory issue with 1GB. All you can try is lowering priority on the Divx encoding in the task manager so that other tasks take priority.

[loopyloops]

The problem is your CPU is swamped as is the case with most encoders. It isn't a memory issue with 1GB. All you can try is lowering priority on the Divx encoding in the task manager so that other tasks take priority.

That's what I thought - no difference. I need a less anemic CPU.

To the best of your knowledge, is 1gb in dual channel going to perform better than 1.5gb not in dual channel?

[edDV]

The problem is your CPU is swamped as is the case with most encoders. It isn't a memory issue with 1GB. All you can try is lowering priority on the Divx encoding in the task manager so that other tasks take priority.

That's what I thought - no difference. I need a less anemic CPU.

To the best of your knowledge, is 1gb in dual channel going to perform better than 1.5gb not in dual channel?

I don't know but I doubt it. Memory isn't the issue. CPU power and application priority should be your focus.

Even with a fast CPU, encoding will still run 100% unless you lower process priority.

[loopyloops]

The problem is your CPU is swamped as is the case with most encoders. It isn't a memory issue with 1GB. All you can try is lowering priority on the Divx encoding in the task manager so that other tasks take priority.

That's what I thought - no difference. I need a less anemic CPU.

To the best of your knowledge, is 1gb in dual channel going to perform better than 1.5gb not in dual channel?

I don't know but I doubt it. Memory isn't the issue. CPU power and application priority should be your focus.

Even with a fast CPU, encoding will still run 100% unless you lower process priority.

I understand. But, a better CPU would help - would finish projects faster at least.

[edDV]

true

[loopyloops]

true

Ok, last question - which is better these day for encoding purposes - the best Athlon 64 or Intel chip? Gaming is better with the Athlon 64, I know.

[redwudz]

I would have to vote for the Intel for encoding, but not by much and at a stiffer price. The X64, especially the 939 version is very good.

I had a AMD 2500+ Barton a year ago, and the X64 runs a lot cooler and a fair amount faster. If you are on a budget, the X64 754s are a good deal presently. I'm putting a multimedia computer together with a X64 3000+, 754 90nm processor, with a Asus K8V-X MB for about $145US for the pair.

[edDV]

I agree. Intel has advantages for high end apps such as hyperthreading but few low end consumer apps currently support hyperthreading. Adobe Premiere Pro, Vegas, Avid, etc. all do support hyperthreading.

It comes down to CPU power vs cost. AMD currently wins this calculation at the consumer level. In the near future, dual core processors will give the significant boost we have all been waiting for.

[loopyloops]

I agree. Intel has advantages for high end apps such as hyperthreading but few low end consumer apps currently support hyperthreading. Adobe Premiere Pro, Vegas, Avid, etc. all do support hyperthreading.

It comes down to CPU power vs cost. AMD currently wins this calculation at the consumer level. In the near future, dual core processors will give the significant boost we have all been waiting for.

As I've waited this long and am using a Barton 3000+, would you suggest waiting for dual core?

[edDV]

...

As I've waited this long and am using a Barton 3000+, would you suggest waiting for dual core?

It's your call. I'm holding for the dual core Pentium D or AMD equivalent. I'll be replacing my Vegas machine at the end of the year.

[loopyloops]

Actually, for clarity here, dual core does exist - but is it recommended to wait 'till it settles a bit into the mainstream?