PC Hardware Config?

[Ryhkar]

I am new to Video Editing and my current PC just can't handle it. I am planning to build a new PC and was looking for some advise on the type of hardware to put into the new box that would work best for Vidoe Editing on a PC platform.

Thanks,
Ryhkar

[colday]

That is a real wide open question!

First, what is your budget?

No budget? Then I will gladly put a system together for you!

On the serious side, my P-4 2.4, 512 rdram, with 7200 rpm WD drives does a decent job. Don't skimp on the motherboard, get the best you can. Look on the hardware sites for reviews (like tomshardware.com, maximumpc.com). Raid drive setup is fast, but I don't think it is necessary. If you have the money the P4 3 ghz with HyperThreading is one nice chip! But, with a good Athalon you can (in some cases) even beat it.

Go browsing the hardware sites, look at reviews. Any good system will do good at video as well. I would build it yourself, then you can control the whole package. It will cost more in the end, but you have a good system.

Have fun!

[Ryhkar]

The budget is not a problem. Would it be good to run a raid set up (scsi or ide) or have to large hard drive, one for video and one for the software?

[colday]

I've never used a raid setup. So, I can't really give you advice in that corner, except to say I've seen the benchmarks, and it is fast.

I would say get two WD 7200 rpm drives with the 8mb buffer. One for the OS & apps, and the other for capture.

I'm a Pentium guy, even though I know better!

So, I would go with an ASUS board (look on their site), with the P4 3ghz chip. Get 1gb ram, I'm limited with heavy video or photo work with the 512mg. Also, I would go with WinXP Pro. Win2k is also fine, but WinXPs style can be turned off, and it is a newer OS. I've used the restore feature more than once with botched drivers. Make sure your drives are formated NTFS. The Audigy2 Platinum is a nice audio card, and get either a GeForce or ATI card. The video is not that big of an issue, but I would get the best. Hey, we all play games once in a while!

I shop at googlegear.com, I'm not sure if they have the 3ghz chip in yet though.

So, get the fastest chip (either AthalonXP or Pentium), don't skimp on the motherboard (it REALLY matters!), either a raid setup or two good fast drives, 1gb or more of good ram. The rest is really gravy, except for the audio card if you are doing any kind of audio editing from external sources. And, the video card is again a choice. I would get the top dog, and either (GeForce or ATI) have their share of problems.

If you buy the Ads PyroPlatinum board you get a full version of Adobe Premiere 6.5 in the package, along with Ulead DVD Workshop SE. I got mine from www.dv-gear.com, no problems. At the price I was real sceptic, but it arrived in two days, no problems.

Get a good Antec case with a 400 watt power supply, a good monitor, and you should be on the road.

Smaybe add in an external USB 2 or firewire drive for storage.

Have fun!

[Ryhkar]

Can you recomend a DVD burner and what type of DVD media works best in both PC and Home DVD players? Thanks again for all the help.

[colday]

Now there is a hot subject!

Read the DVD Writer forum here on vcdhelp.

The choice at the moment is: Sony DRU-500A or the Pioneer 104 or 105 (A04/A05).

To recap what has been discussed at length:

The Sony does both formats.
The Sony has problems with some media.
The Sony is a new drive. <-that is a negative...

The Pioneer does only the "dash" format (-R/-RW)
The Pioneer has a long history of very satisfied customers.
The Pioneer seems to be more compatible with low cost media.

As far as compatibility, no one knows for sure! There is a spot on this site to check your set top against what others say.

Be aware the -/+ issue is the hottest thing right now. There are strong supporters in both camps.

I think if I must, and not knowing the person, I would say get the Pioneer A05, simply because of their track record. I don't mind problems, and usually hack my way through, that is why I'm on WinXP! :P

[Ryhkar]

Sounds good. I have the Pioneer AO3 right now, but I will look into getting a AO5. Thanks agian for all the help.