Building a computer for VIDEO editing and MAJOR DVD Burning.

[Sominex24]

I am going to invest in Ulead DVD Workshop 2. Program looks great! It will be released in mid February


So, I have from now until then to build a machine.

Here is what I already have:

Firewire Card

40 GB HD (Old Maxtor 7200 RPM)

160 GB Barracuda Ultra ATA 7200 Drive (Will this be good for Video Editing? I just picked it up today)

Sony DRU 510A DVD Burner

Nvida Geforce 3 Ti200 Video Card

Old school Sound Card (works just fine)

WinXP Home Edition



Here is what I need:

Case (with power supply)

Mother Board

CPU


RAM (1 GB or 512, not sure I can afford the 1GB)



---Did I leave anything out?---


update--

Tiger Direct also has a very nice looking 128 DDR Ram Video card for under $100... not sure if it would help a great deal

[sitlet]

as for your hard drives, the 160gb should work great. its 7200 rpms so thats perfect for video. i would put all the system files and programs on the 40gb drive, and use the 160 just for video files and such. as for the video card, how many MB's is it? nvidia is a very good brand and it should work great. if its 64mb,, it should be fine, but if you really want to be serious you could get a 128mb model. as for the processor, thats the most important part of a video editing machine. i would go with at least a 2.4ghz pentium 4. if you've got the cash, go for a 3ghz or above p4 with hyper threading. and the ram, 512mb is plenty. if your short on cash 512 will be fine. you can always upgrade later to 1gb. but 1gb isnt going to help that much, so 512 should be fine

[Sominex24]

as for your hard drives, the 160gb should work great. its 7200 rpms so thats perfect for video. i would put all the system files and programs on the 40gb drive, and use the 160 just for video files and such. as for the video card, how many MB's is it? nvidia is a very good brand and it should work great. if its 64mb,, it should be fine, but if you really want to be serious you could get a 128mb model. as for the processor, thats the most important part of a video editing machine. i would go with at least a 2.4ghz pentium 4. if you've got the cash, go for a 3ghz or above p4 with hyper threading. and the ram, 512mb is plenty. if your short on cash 512 will be fine. you can always upgrade later to 1gb. but 1gbisnt going to help that much, so 512 should be fine

Thanks for the advice!!

I have been looking at P3 2.2 Ghz. Think that might not cut it? It was going fro around$139, and then about $50 - $60 for the MoBo

I want to MoBo to have USB 2.0 (possibly with leads to run to a case with front USB 2.0 ports)

Also, would I notice a BIG difference going from the 64MB Video card to 256?


Here is the link for the Nvidia card for $94

Here


Also, It is "AGP 8X". Will I notice a big difference on a MoBo that only has AGP 4x? as opposed to one with 8x?



Got any suggestions on places to online to buy these components cheap?

Do you author a lot of DVD's? Ever hear of Ulead DVD Workshop?

[redwudz]

I would go with what sitlet said. At least a P4 or if you're short on cash, a higher end AMD XP processor. And something faster that PC133 memory, such as DDR. 512Meg is fine. The video card isn't so important, what you have will probably do you for now, unless you are plannig to use it to capture. 8X AGP cards only work with 8X motherboards. Also on quite a few of the MB's I have used, the front port connections to the case are only USB1. Check the MB specs closely.

[MrMungus]

I would go with what sitlet said. At least a P4 or if you're short on cash, a higher end AMD XP processor. And something faster that PC133 memory, such as DDR. 512Meg is fine. The video card isn't so important, what you have will probably do you for now, unless you are plannig to use it to capture. 8X AGP cards only work with 8X motherboards. Also on quite a few of the MB's I have used, the front port connections to the case are only USB1. Check the MB specs closely.

I just bought and am waiting for a computer so I can comment on this in particular. I think what's on the case doesn't matter as long as the motherboard is 2.0...and to the OP, you'll definitely want 2.0.

I'd say you should save up and get the best that you can get (865PE or better motherboard, faster processor, DDR support/400MHz DDR RAM, 128Mb Video card, etc.) because you're probably going to have a while and, like I always say, in a year or so you won't remember what you paid for it but if you paid more, you'll appreciate the difference.

Regarding processors, there is about to be a price drop on Intel processors, I think after February 1, so wait until after that to pull the trigger.

Oh, and, start with 512MB RAM and take it from there. You might not need more than that and if you do, it's easy to get more.

[Sominex24]

I would go with what sitlet said. At least a P4 or if you're short on cash, a higher end AMD XP processor. And something faster that PC133 memory, such as DDR. 512Meg is fine. The video card isn't so important, what you have will probably do you for now, unless you are plannig to use it to capture. 8X AGP cards only work with 8X motherboards. Also on quite a few of the MB's I have used, the front port connections to the case are only USB1. Check the MB specs closely.

I just bought and am waiting for a computer so I can comment on this in particular. I think what's on the case doesn't matter as long as the motherboard is 2.0...and to the OP, you'll definitely want 2.0.

I'd say you should save up and get the best that you can get (865PE or better motherboard, faster processor, DDR support/400MHz DDR RAM, 128Mb Video card, etc.) because you're probably going to have a while and, like I always say, in a year or so you won't remember what you paid for it but if you paid more, you'll appreciate the difference.

Regarding processors, there is about to be a price drop on Intel processors, I think after February 1, so wait until after that to pull the trigger.

Oh, and, start with 512MB RAM and take it from there. You might not need more than that and if you do, it's easy to get more.

Could one of those MoBo's be had for around $50?

and THANKS for the info about the Intel Price drop!!

[MrMungus]

I would go with what sitlet said. At least a P4 or if you're short on cash, a higher end AMD XP processor. And something faster that PC133 memory, such as DDR. 512Meg is fine. The video card isn't so important, what you have will probably do you for now, unless you are plannig to use it to capture. 8X AGP cards only work with 8X motherboards. Also on quite a few of the MB's I have used, the front port connections to the case are only USB1. Check the MB specs closely.

I just bought and am waiting for a computer so I can comment on this in particular. I think what's on the case doesn't matter as long as the motherboard is 2.0...and to the OP, you'll definitely want 2.0.

I'd say you should save up and get the best that you can get (865PE or better motherboard, faster processor, DDR support/400MHz DDR RAM, 128Mb Video card, etc.) because you're probably going to have a while and, like I always say, in a year or so you won't remember what you paid for it but if you paid more, you'll appreciate the difference.

Regarding processors, there is about to be a price drop on Intel processors, I think after February 1, so wait until after that to pull the trigger.

Oh, and, start with 512MB RAM and take it from there. You might not need more than that and if you do, it's easy to get more.

Could one of those MoBo's be had for around $50?

and THANKS for the info about the Intel Price drop!!

I doubt it, but here's a list.

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduct.asp?DEPA=1&submit=Go&description=865PE

If all you need is a motherboard, the processor, and some RAM, I'd strongly suggest you just wait and get a better motherboard (one of those on the list based on the 865PE chipset with at least an 800Mhz FSB) because then you can use memory ranging from DDR266 to DDR400, you get a much faster FSB, you get memory support up to 4GBytes, etc. etc. If the difference between is $50 to $100, I'd spend the money to get the better motherboard. You'll thank me in a year or so...

[Sominex24]

I would go with what sitlet said. At least a P4 or if you're short on cash, a higher end AMD XP processor. And something faster that PC133 memory, such as DDR. 512Meg is fine. The video card isn't so important, what you have will probably do you for now, unless you are plannig to use it to capture. 8X AGP cards only work with 8X motherboards. Also on quite a few of the MB's I have used, the front port connections to the case are only USB1. Check the MB specs closely.

I just bought and am waiting for a computer so I can comment on this in particular. I think what's on the case doesn't matter as long as the motherboard is 2.0...and to the OP, you'll definitely want 2.0.

I'd say you should save up and get the best that you can get (865PE or better motherboard, faster processor, DDR support/400MHz DDR RAM, 128Mb Video card, etc.) because you're probably going to have a while and, like I always say, in a year or so you won't remember what you paid for it but if you paid more, you'll appreciate the difference.

Regarding processors, there is about to be a price drop on Intel processors, I think after February 1, so wait until after that to pull the trigger.

Oh, and, start with 512MB RAM and take it from there. You might not need more than that and if you do, it's easy to get more.

Could one of those MoBo's be had for around $50?

and THANKS for the info about the Intel Price drop!!

I doubt it, but here's a list.

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduct.asp?DEPA=1&submit=Go&description=865PE

If all you need is a motherboard, the processor, and some RAM, I'd strongly suggest you just wait and get a better motherboard (one of those on the list based on the 865PE chipset with at least an 800Mhz FSB) because then you can use memory ranging from DDR266 to DDR400, you get a much faster FSB, you get memory support up to 4GBytes, etc. etc. If the difference between is $50 to $100, I'd spend the money to get the better motherboard. You'll thank me in a year or so...

You've convinced me!

I will go with the priceier MoBo. It'll be around $80-$90.

I will go with the 865PE chipset


What are the differences between these 2


1


2



What would you reccomend for a CPU for ither of the MoBo's? I don't think I can pay for much more then a P4 2.2 Ghz

Are ALL P4 CPU's "Hyper Threading"?

[MrMungus]

They look about the same. I just ordered an MSI (should be here today!).

2.2? I don't see it. Here's the 2.4:

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?catalog=343&DEPA=1&submit=property&mfrcode=0...alue=4186,3922

Just make sure your processor and motherboard match. If you're gonna spend the $ for an 800Mhz FSB, get a processor that can utilize it fully (like the 2.4Mhz and above).

I don't think all P4's have hyperthreading. Check the specs!

[Sominex24]

They look about the same. I just ordered an MSI (should be here today!).

2.2? I don't see it. Here's the 2.4:

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?catalog=343&DEPA=1&submit=property&mfrcode=0...alue=4186,3922

Just make sure your processor and motherboard match. If you're gonna spend the $ for an 800Mhz FSB, get a processor that can utilize it fully (like the 2.4Mhz and above).

I don't think all P4's have hyperthreading. Check the specs!

Should I spend the extra $3 to get the RETAIL version of the CPU?


Well, I am wondering if I SHOULD wait until February 1st, to see f that price drop from Intel (mentioned above) goes through

[Sominex24]

They look about the same. I just ordered an MSI (should be here today!).

2.2? I don't see it. Here's the 2.4:

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?catalog=343&DEPA=1&submit=property&mfrcode=0...alue=4186,3922

Just make sure your processor and motherboard match. If you're gonna spend the $ for an 800Mhz FSB, get a processor that can utilize it fully (like the 2.4Mhz and above).

I don't think all P4's have hyperthreading. Check the specs!

How much will "Hyper Threading Technology" really help me out?

especially with things like videot editing and DVD Burning?

[sitlet]

i dont have a hyper threading processor. mines a p4 2.4ghz, i bought mine right before the hyper threading processors came out. so i dont really know from experience how much of a difference they make. but i do know that the whole point of a ht processor is that it makes the computer think there is two processors. ive heard they help out a lot, but i dont really know. if you have some extra cash, i would go with one

[MrMungus]

i dont have a hyper threading processor. mines a p4 2.4ghz, i bought mine right before the hyper threading processors came out. so i dont really know from experience how much of a difference they make. but i do know that the whole point of a ht processor is that it makes the computer think there is two processors. ive heard they help out a lot, but i dont really know. if you have some extra cash, i would go with one

I *think* it's only useful if the software you're using is written for it. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

My comments are based on spending as much money as I can when I get a new computer. I figure the cost over time is negligible and I try to live by the saying, "Quality is cheaper in the long run."

[sitlet]

I *think* it's only useful if the software you're using is written for it.

yeah i think youre right. i use adobe premiere pro for video editing, and the startup/splash screen tells you how many processors you have running when it loads.

[cjb1118]

I think that the Only Hyper-Threading P4's are the 800mhz FSB things.

You can disable the hyper threading if you want

[VideoTechMan]

I think that the Only Hyper-Threading P4's are the 800mhz FSB things.

That isnt correct. There are P4 processors with 533FSB that supports the HyperThreading too. In addition, certain software has to support HT in order to make good use out of it. And as far as I know, Windows XP Professional edition supports multiprocessors; I dont believe the Home Edition does...correct me if im wrong though. Also certain video editing software...usually the higher end software also makes use of it.

As for the motherboards, get one that has alot of good high end features to where you can expand with in the future if you need to. 800FSB isnt totally necessary, but as they say the more power the better. Ive had a 533FSB system with the 2.4 P4 processor and it has worked quite well for video capture and editing. and 512MB RAM is a must to start video editing, anything lower and you'll be choking in performance. The more memory as you can afford the better. Your hard drive selection is excellent as well, I had planned to get a Seagate myself since ive heard that they are very good and reliable.

I bought my MSI board last July that supports 8x AGP and 800FSB along with HT support and has 6 USB 2.0 ports though I havent assembled anything yet until I get the rest of the parts, I feel it will be a killer system. I had planned to get the 2.8GHz P4, not sure if there is much speed difference between that and the 3GHz. the MB also has 2 SATA connectors so I may see about getting a SATA drive to see how well it does.

Now that I finally got my taxes done, gonna use my tax refund to get the rest of my components!

VTM

[Sominex24]

Does anyone know if that price drop on Intel Processors is going to happen soon?


(Someone mentioned it was going to be February 1st)

[thayne]

I would go with an Athlon XP 2500 or faster and get a mobo with the nforce 2 chipset.

You get way more bang for the buck with the athlons compared to the P4's.

I have an Athlon 2500 that smokes my way faster overclocked p4 at video encoding, and it cost half as much.

My P4 is running at 2.6GHz at 533MHz fsb

My Athlon is 1.8GHz at 333MHz fsb and is way faster....

[Sominex24]

Alright everyone,


How does this look:

Intel P4 2.6 Ghz CPU w/ Hyper Threading= $189.99

Asus - P4P8X - Socket 478 ATX Motherboard with Audio = $89.99

K-Byte Dual Channel 1024MB PC3200 DDR 400MHz Memory (2 x 512MB) = $189.99

XFX GeForce FX 5200 256MB DDR AGP8X with TV & DVI Video Card = $94.99

Ulead DVD Workshop 2 DVD Authoring Software = $495



So there it is. I just need a case w/ [power supply and I'll be set. I'll take the other components out of my old computer.


What does everyone think?

Is there anything I might be paying too much for?

Would anyone suggest I change anything?

[MrMungus]

Alright everyone,


How does this look:

Intel P4 2.6 Ghz CPU w/ Hyper Threading= $189.99

Asus - P4P8X - Socket 478 ATX Motherboard with Audio = $89.99

K-Byte Dual Channel 1024MB PC3200 DDR 400MHz Memory (2 x 512MB) = $189.99

XFX GeForce FX 5200 256MB DDR AGP8X with TV & DVI Video Card = $94.99

Ulead DVD Workshop 2 DVD Authoring Software = $495


Would anyone suggest I change anything?

No onboard Firewire?

Why do you need DVD Workshop to create DVDs? What's wrong with DVDLab, etc.?

[Sominex24]

No onboard Firewire?

Why do you need DVD Workshop to create DVDs? What's wrong with DVDLab, etc.?

Well, I already have a firwire card I'll be taking out of my old computer.

Would having an onboard firware port be more advantageous to me?

Ulead DVD PictureShow is an amzing program and I loved it. I wanted something to combine Video DVD authoring and Slide Show DVD authroing and Ulead seems to be the best bet. You think it's too pricey?

[MrMungus]

No onboard Firewire?

Why do you need DVD Workshop to create DVDs? What's wrong with DVDLab, etc.?

Well, I already have a firwire card I'll be taking out of my old computer.

Would having an onboard firware port be more advantageous to me?

Ulead DVD PictureShow is an amzing program and I loved it. I wanted something to combine Video DVD authoring and Slide Show DVD authroing and Ulead seems to be the best bet. You think it's too pricey?

Well, I have a Firewire card, too, but I wanted onboard firewire...just because. Mainly because I was going to have a case with a Firewire port.

Anyhoo...

I don't know what your authoring requirements are. Unless you're doing this professionally, I can't see spending $500 on an authoring program. Even if I were doing it professionally, what does that program have that the cheaper ones don't?

[Sominex24]

No onboard Firewire?

Why do you need DVD Workshop to create DVDs? What's wrong with DVDLab, etc.?

Well, I already have a firwire card I'll be taking out of my old computer.

Would having an onboard firware port be more advantageous to me?

Ulead DVD PictureShow is an amzing program and I loved it. I wanted something to combine Video DVD authoring and Slide Show DVD authroing and Ulead seems to be the best bet. You think it's too pricey?

Well, I have a Firewire card, too, but I wanted onboard firewire...just because. Mainly because I was going to have a case with a Firewire port.

Anyhoo...

I don't know what your authoring requirements are. Unless you're doing this professionally, I can't see spending $500 on an authoring program. Even if I were doing it professionally, what does that program have that the cheaper ones don't?

ahhh.. front firewire port. Well, that I like!

Know of any Asus Mother Boards in the same price range with on board firewire?


Could you recommend a similar authoring program that can do all the same things? I'd definitely be up for checking it out!

Thanks


While I have your ear... got any case recommendations for me?

[thayne]

Is there anything I might be paying too much for?

Yeah the CPU! LOL a $90 Athlon XP 2500 will be just as fast. I'd go with adobe encore too...

[mujahid7ia]

Is there anything I might be paying too much for?

Yeah the CPU! LOL a $90 Athlon XP 2500 will be just as fast. I'd go with adobe encore too...

I think he's already decided on a P4 HT system. Don't make him go back to the drawing board.

I do agree about the CPU, though, and OC capabilites are very good.

[Ootsonati]

ahhh.. front firewire port. Well, that I like!

Know of any Asus Mother Boards in the same price range with on board firewire?

If you don't mind using AMD instead of Intel, the Asus A7N8X Deluxe is a great board. It runs for around $120 but your still be saving enough on the CPU, that you will be coming out cheaper than you would with the Pentium 4 and MoBo. The best thing about this board is that you can over clock just by adjusting the BIOS. I don't know about anyone else, but I like being able to overclock and still be covered by AMD's warranty.

[Sominex24]

ahhh.. front firewire port. Well, that I like!

Know of any Asus Mother Boards in the same price range with on board firewire?

If you don't mind using AMD instead of Intel, the Asus A7N8X Deluxe is a great board. It runs for around $120 but your still be saving enough on the CPU, that you will be coming out cheaper than you would with the Pentium 4 and MoBo. The best thing about this board is that you can over clock just by adjusting the BIOS. I don't know about anyone else, but I like being able to overclock and still be covered by AMD's warranty.

Tell me more


What would be the equivilent speed (BEFORE overclocking) for an AMD processor, of a P4 2.6 or 2.8 Ghz with HT tech?

Can the AMD's rival the "Hyper Threading" technology of P4?

and price?

[MrMungus]

Could you recommend a similar authoring program that can do all the same things? I'd definitely be up for checking it out!

Thanks


While I have your ear... got any case recommendations for me?

Well, have you tried TMPGEnc DVD Author? Probably not nearly as fully-featured as DVD Workshop, but, I don't know what to recommend since I don't know what your authoring requirements are. Mine, right now, are simple so I used Author...and I might be learning DVDLab soon, too.

Case recommendations, not really. Any case will do as long as it has enough fans and the front-side connections you want. I'm regretting spending $100 on a beautiful aluminum alloy case since it just sits on the floor under the desk now.

[Sominex24]

Can someone explain "dual channel RAM" to me?

[phonomas]

As far as case goes, I would recommend one with an Antec power supply (400+ W). Some might say 500W power supply is overkill - but in my book, it makes your system scalable.