Speeding up Dell Dimension for AVCHD and Vegas Movie Studio or New Comp

[sierra1049]

I would be grateful for any suggestions as to how I can speed up or upgrade my computer to better handle video editing and playback of AVCHD files. I checked into a new video card, but it appears I'm limited by power supply and/or existing motherboard. If the system can't be improved by upgrading, I would appreciate recommendations for a new model/specs for a system that can handle playback and editing of HD and other large files.

System specs are:
Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 2 (build 2600) Dell Inc. Dell DM051
Processor a Main Circuit Board b
3.00 gigahertz Intel Pentium 4
16 kilobyte primary memory cache
2048 kilobyte secondary memory cache Board: Dell Inc.
Power Supply 300 W

Bus Clock: 800 megahertz
BIOS: Dell Inc. A04 02/03/2006
Drives Memory Modules c,d
76.72 Gigabytes Usable Hard Drive Capacity
16.49 Gigabytes Hard Drive Free Space
HL-DT-ST DVD+-RW GWA4164B [CD-ROM drive]
TSSTcorp DVD-ROM TS-H352C [CD-ROM drive]
WDC WD800JD-75MSA1 [Hard drive] (80.00 GB) -- drive 0 1024 Megabytes Installed Memory
Slot 'DIMM_1' has 512 MB (serial number 072E2C8D)
Slot 'DIMM_3' is Empty
Slot 'DIMM_2' has 512 MB (serial number 142E2C8E)
Slot 'DIMM_4' is Empty
Controllers Display
Intel(R) 82801GB Serial ATA Storage Controllers - 27C0
Intel(R) 82801GB Ultra ATA Storage Controllers - 27DF
Primary IDE Channel [Controller] (2x)
Secondary IDE Channel [Controller] RADEON X600 256MB HyperMemory [Display adapter]
RADEON X600 256MB HyperMemory Secondary [Display adapter]
VIZ VIZIO L32 HD [Monitor] (31.5"vis, s/n SLAABAG170633, April 2000)
Bus Adapters Multimedia
Intel(R) 82801GB USB Universal Host Controller - 27C8
Intel(R) 82801GB USB Universal Host Controller - 27C9
Intel(R) 82801GB USB Universal Host Controller - 27CA
Intel(R) 82801GB USB Universal Host Controller - 27CB
Intel(R) 82801GB USB2 Enhanced Host Controller - 27CC
VIA Rev 5 or later USB Universal Host Controller (2x)
VIA USB Enhanced Host Controller SigmaTel High Definition Audio CODEC

[redwudz]

A different video card should have no effect on editing (Or encoding) as that is related to CPU speed and somewhat to hard drive speed. But it will help on playback.

For a new computer, I would go with the fastest dual core you can afford. RAM, 1GB is enough for XP. 2GB if you want, but you will likely not see much of any performance difference. At least two hard drives, one for boot, another for video. I use a third for editing. Larger is good for video. Vista, 2GB with a 32 bit OS, 64bit can use lots more. There's a 4GB cap with 32 bit OS's. I like a dual channel setup with DDR2-800 RAM.

Most new motherboards are set up for dual core CPUs, DDR2 RAM, SATA II hard drives and PCI-E graphics cards. Those cards can use a lot of power, depending on how fast you want to go. 450 - 550Watts with a good brand name power supply would be the way I would go.

[sierra1049]

Thanks very much for the reply. I'm going to start looking around here for a new machine.

[Soopafresh]

You're going to be seriously slowed down by the 3Ghz chip. As Redwudz said, dual Core, even Quad Core will make a huge difference. Huge - as in 4-6X the speed of your current system. You'll have to plop down the $, but for less than $1000, you'll have a great system.

[sierra1049]

You're going to be seriously slowed down by the 3Ghz chip. As Redwudz said, dual Core, even Quad Core will make a huge difference. Huge - as in 4-6X the speed of your current system. You'll have to plop down the $, but for less than $1000, you'll have a great system.

When you say under $1000 do you have a particular model or store in mind? Does the particular brand/model of video card make a big difference, or am I just looking for PCI-E? We have a Frys down the street, and unfortunately I don't think I have enough skill to assemble it myself. Thanks again for all the help....Kevin

[dcsos]

His system has whats required for Hi-Def playback
to wit:
Pentium IV 3.0 GHz chip (single core acceptable)
256 MB Video Memory Dedicated...he has.....RADEON X600 256MB HyperMemory Secondary [Display adapter]

If this is the issue, you should be able to get a 512MB card without eccentric power requirements!


whats wrong>? it should work fine!
Maybe you need 512MB more of ram but 1GHz like you have is the recomended Microsoft spec.

[jagabo]

The rumor is Intel's Core 2 Quad Q6600 processor will drop in price from US$530 to US$266 on July 22. I'd wait until then and get a new system based on that CPU if you're going to be encoding lots of AVC.

[Soopafresh]

Yes, I've heared that rumour as well. Time will tell.

Lots of places to get a new system. Tiger Direct for example let's you customize your PC to buy. Here's an example of the first thing I clicked on. Haven't looked at the specs, but just to show you the stuff is available. You'll prolly want around 2GB or RAM.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2984863&CatId=1307

You can also build one from scratch, or have a friend build you one. Up to you, obviously.

This topic always brings up a lot of discussions regarding system requirements, etc - check back and you'll gain a lot of additional wisdom in the next few days