Upgrading to a Dual Xeon System to encode faster in TMPGenc

[Sonnee]

I have a P4 system running at 1.9GHz on a 400MHz BUS with 512Mb RDRAM. However, I am still disappointed with the time it takes to encode using TMPGenc.

My question is whether there is anyone encoding in TMPGenc using a dual processor system with XEON processors. If so, how does it compare with a typical P4 system regards time to encode a typical 2 hour avi using the best possible settings.

Any replies would help to convince me whether I need such a system. I really do not wish to sideline my current system which is otherwise perfectly adequate.

Thanks in anticipation.

[OSU]

I've got a Tyan Dual PIII 1Ghz. I can boot in either single or dual processor mode. In dual processor mode encoding will definitely be faster with an application like TMPEnc, CCE and Procoder, all of which are multi-thread aware. However, I have a TV capture card (AIW 128 Pro) that will not capture under a multiprocessor kernel. I have boot and select the processors=1 option in the boot.ini to capture video.

Since a Xeon processor is just an server based extension of the PIII instruction set, you will probably see the same arithmetic increase in processor capability. In TMPEnc, for example, I can start an encode in single processor mode that the application estimates, at say 11 hrs. If I stop the process and reboot into the multiprocessor kernel the time will typically be reduced to 7 hours. I don't have access to a 4 way processor, but I would imagine that the time would be further reduced.

Some will say a good P4 2+ Ghz will outperform a lower speed dual.

[Sonnee]

Thanks OSU for your very informative comments !


So you think a hyperthread system is a better choice with a faster CPU?

Do you think that overclocking my CPU will help reduce encoding times
substantially? I really do not want to change my motherboard if I can possibly help it. I have an Asus P4T-E.

Thanks.

[Piccoro]

your buyin intel products..gl not buying a new motherboard
and hyperthreading is not a sub for dual cpus i do not believe they perform equal or close...its a good addition to single procs though.

[OSU]

Assuming a few things...

You are using a MPS aware OS (NT, Win2K, XP Pro)
You are using apps that are MPS aware and can multi-thread (not all can)

You will notice a definite encoding difference with two processors. It is not a 100% improvement (5 hrs to 2.5) but it will be faster. CCE is aided greatly by multiprocessing. Same with TMPEnc.

A Xeon is also such an esoteric purchase (given the economy of scale of producing server MB's, processors, etc) that you will pay big bucks to get a P4 Xeon with any kind of processing power. A dual Athlon might be better.

Encode overnight. That way it doesn't seem like such a waste of time.

Check out http://www.2cpu.com/ for some really good info on multiprocessing.

[jfebus]

Why not buy MainConcept and you will get near realtime convertion for only $150?

Regards,

[Sonnee]

your buyin intel products..gl not buying a new motherboard
and hyperthreading is not a sub for dual cpus i do not believe they perform equal or close...its a good addition to single procs though.

...with respect, although I am referring to Intel products, not all motherboards support all Intel CPU variants and in more cases than not I feel it would be better in the long term to go for a 533 BUS as opposed to a 400 which I currently have - hence a new motherboard. Same applies to hyperthreading.

Thanks for the advice anyway.

[Sonnee]

I must thank you all for the great advice posted in response to my query.

Great forum !!!