What is the min/max computer system?

[alandla]

I suppose ther is no maximum reuirements but I was wondering what users have found to be minimum computer systems to do a really good job of capturing, editing and burning VCD, CVD, and DVD's.
I have a Duron 650MHz with an ATI TV Wonder VE card to capture TV and 8mm camcorder video. I have found that I can adequately use Power VCR to capture mpeg2's at 5000k, 352x480 then use TMPG to convert them to CVD's at various frame rates to maximize an 80 minute CR-R.
I am thinking about upgrading anyway (probably as a Christmas gift) but am waiting for systems with DVD burners and have recently debated waiting for the Athlon 64's.
Would I see a vast improvement from the Athlon64 versus a P4 or other Athlon (or even Intel's 64 chips) or is it too early to tell?
As well, what other components would improve things (video card, hard drive, capture card, editing software, etc.)
Thanks for any input.

[Greenspock]

The best advice I have for this is to first determine how much you want to (or can afford to) spend on a new system and go from there. Going for the latest/greatest isn't always the best route as it tends to be considerably more expensive than something slightly "less-new". No use paying $200+ more for a system that has a processor that is only 100 MHz faster. Then you need to decide if you want to build your own or buy a pre-fab system.
It sounds like you want to just buy one. You can find reasonably priced systems with DVD-burners. One piece of advice on pre-fab systems is that a lot of the system manufactures (HP, eMachines, Dell, etc.) usually use the same company (read factory) to build their systems for them (Trigem, FIC, Tatung, etc) and actually use a lot of the same parts. So basically it really doesn't matter who you buy from. If you want a no nonsense (no BS) system, get an eMachine (no bloat-ware and among the cheapest)... or if you want better speakers and don't mind a lot of useless software then a HP/Compaq or Dell.
Take the last part here as an opinion... just my opinion. Hope this helps.

Cheers!

[Solarjetman]

As a general rule, I usually buy computer equipment on what I call the "two step down rule". Basically, all it means is buying the third fastest version. Usually this is where the sweet spot is for the performance vs. cost ratio. In the case of processors, it tends to be around a 15% performance drop, but sometimes as low as half the cost.

[The village idiot]

As a general rule, I usually buy computer equipment on what I call the "two step down rule". Basically, all it means is buying the third fastest version. Usually this is where the sweet spot is for the performance vs. cost ratio. In the case of processors, it tends to be around a 15% performance drop, but sometimes as low as half the cost.

Yup! Me too! Biggest bang for the buck!

[pixel]

As a general rule, I usually buy computer equipment on what I call the "two step down rule". Basically, all it means is buying the third fastest version. Usually this is where the sweet spot is for the performance vs. cost ratio. In the case of processors, it tends to be around a 15% performance drop, but sometimes as low as half the cost.

That is definitely true, especially when dealing with processors and graphics cards.

Why do you not want a P4 they are better and less prone to overheating, as well as them being better than the comparible AMD Athlon XP. Unless you are tight on budget then go for AMD's. I don't know much about the new AMD's but i'm sure the P4 will still be better.

I would really suggest building your own pc because you can then choose the components and think about upgrades.

Most people suggest an AMD 2500 or P4 2.53 for real-time DVD captures. (Don't get a duron or celeron).

A really good video card won't make much difference unless you ae an avid gamer. Don't bother about upgrading your capture card because it is software based, not hardware.

A 7,200rpm hdd will be the best for capturing, and it is best to have a seperate one just for captures.

You are best to buy a DVD+-R/RW recorder because you will have the best of both worlds, and avoid the flame wars on this site, plus they are basically becoming standard now as basically all new dvd-r drives are dual format.

[The village idiot]

I'll go one better and suggest a DVD multi that has DVD-RAM. The newest Panasonic looks really good. And if anyone wants, I'll take a little heat. -RAM is good. The other formats.... whatever floats your boat.

[pixel]

I'll go one better and suggest a DVD multi that has DVD-RAM. The newest Panasonic looks really good. And if anyone wants, I'll take a little heat. -RAM is good. The other formats.... whatever floats your boat.

I won't give you heat. RAM is good too, especially as a rewriteable format. It had slipped my mind because I don't use it.

[Greenspock]

I'll go one better and suggest a DVD multi that has DVD-RAM. The newest Panasonic looks really good. And if anyone wants, I'll take a little heat. -RAM is good. The other formats.... whatever floats your boat.

I won't give you heat. RAM is good too, especially as a rewriteable format. It had slipped my mind because I don't use it.

No heat here either... RAM is the best format for data. Especially, data that you may have to update or change a lot.

[alandla]

Thanks for the advice.
I tend to shy away from the emachine type systems and go to my local dealer who helps put one together for me.
I am waiting a little while longer for the multi DVD burners to drop in price.
My main reason for the new computer is to get more involved in creating and editing DVD's from home movies and VHS or television shows. I was wondering if the CPU speed and various other components have advanced enough now that as long as you are somewhat current, the differences in an extra 100 Mhz won't make an appreciable difference in quality (or speed to edit using TMPGEnc for that matter).
I really enjoyed my experience with the AMD Duron and the cost/performance ratio compared to the Pentiums at the time was incredible in my opinion. However I have heard that the P4 may have an edge over the Athlon XP's when it come to potential heat damage so I may have to revisit Pentium.
Again thanks for advice and keep it coming.

[Greenspock]

...go to my local dealer who helps put one together for me.

Everyone that I have ever known to do this has only done this ONCE, including myself. And for good reason. The worst system I have ever owned, the most expensive, and the worst support (if you can call it that.)

I tend to shy away from the emachine type systems...

Why? Just curious.

I would agree with the above posts... build your own but do it with slightly "older" parts. BUT... if you prefer to buy one... go with a known brand. Better hardware and better support. Besides, if its not for you its easier to return!

Cheers!

[Greenspock]

... the differences in an extra 100 Mhz won't make an appreciable difference in quality (or speed to edit using TMPGEnc for that matter).

Not at all! 100MHz is very small comparied to say 3.5 GHz. It might make a difference if you had a project that was running for a great number of days but most likely you won't.