Need advice with PC build for video editing.

[usually_quiet]

You mean unlock the Phenom II X2 555. The Phenom II processor numbered 955 is already a quad core.

I guess you could try that if you don't mind gambling a little. You will need to buy a good after-market CPU cooler and thermal paste if you are going to overclock that much. Don't forget to add that to the cost, and then see if you can't just buy a better 4-core CPU for the same price.

[edDV]

Or should I start with Sony Vegas Movie Studio 9 Platinum Pro Pack in AVCHD project mode and see how that goes as edDV suggested?
I just don't know how much better the Edius Neo2 Booster is.

I think you can get a Vegas Platinum demo but I'm not sure if it will demo AVCHD mode. There may be a demo of Neo2 as well. Call Grass Valley. Also, they may have a return policy.

For learning there is more online for Vegas, especially on YouTube and http://www.blue7media.com/vegas/ .

I use Vegas Pro and Final Cut but I'd be interested in an Edius Neo2 demo.

[bweath]

Ya', sorry, I meant 555 not 955.
And I've already got that cpu and an MSI 785GM-E51 that I got at Fry's for $100 for the combo, so I think it's worth a shot.