[reillac]

Hi,

I need some advice about what to look for when buying a desktop. I will need the system to do video editing for a video narrative for a research project and to deal with digital images of art work. I would want something that can be expandable in the future. I would like to keep it under 2,000 if possible(this dosen't include cost of monitor). What should I look for in terms of RAM, CPU, graphics card, etc.

I am way out of date...the last desktop I bought was about 4-5 years ago.

Thanks,
reillac

[desertdragon]

Originally Posted by reillac

Hi,

I need some advice about what to look for when buying a desktop. I will need the system to do video editing for a video narrative for a research project and to deal with digital images of art work. I would want something that can be expandable in the future. I would like to keep it under 2,000 if possible(this dosen't include cost of monitor). What should I look for in terms of RAM, CPU, graphics card, etc.

I am way out of date...the last desktop I bought was about 4-5 years ago.

Thanks,
reillac

This is my system for NLE. This was a Do It Yourself PC, researched, purchased the hardware, and assembled. it is costlier but you can select the best and also minimized what you needed most for your PC.

Hardware:
-P4. 2.6 MHZ
-2 pcs 120 GB Hard Disk, the first HD was partition into 2- an OS and data, the 2nd HD was for video and audio file.
-2 pcs 512 MB RAM
-DVD/CD writer
-lots of fan for ventilation


Software:
Adobe Premiere 6.5 and Pro
Adobe After Effects
burning software for DVD
and software for converting files.

[Noyb]

A short story …

I like my HP M7070N Media Center.
Shortly after I got it – HP upgraded it to a HP M7170N … (newer processor, faster RAM)
Lately – I’ve noticed the M7170N has disappeared from the shelves which makes me wonder ... Why ??

With Vista and Christmas just around the corner … I’m thinking now’s not the time to buy a new Puter.
Anyway … you’ll need more software for the Video / Image editing.

The HP M7160N is still available and doesn't look like a bad deal.

[linskyjack]

Most computers in the Pentium class, above 2.5 mghz are fine fore editing--You do need two drives---one for your apps, the other dedicated strictly for video. I would also recommend getting as much Ram as you can afford. The big choice you have to make is what NLE you are going to purchase---Forget Windows Moviemaker for anything but very rudimentary editing------I have used them all and my favorite, by far is Sony Vegas----If you can't afford that, they make a cheaper entry level NLE.

[reillac]

Thank you for all your opinions. I'm starting to get an idea about what I need.

I'm thinking of holding off til the first of the year or so. I'll probably like to keep xp for awhile....unless Vista has the clear type system that xp does.

I have thought of having one built, or getting a lower cost one and then having certain parts in want put in. I know I want maybe a gig of ram. I will have to research nvidia and radeon cards to see what available.

I guess I need to make sure the monitor is compatible with the system?

Thanks also for the advice on having two drives and also the Sony software. I heard either Vegas or Pinnacle was good.

reillac

[linskyjack]

The video card isn't that important unless the NLE supports it----I'm a professional editor and use a cheap duel Matrox card----and it works beautifully. Forget any product by Pinnacle-----unreliable and they were recently gobbled up by a larger company. If the machine is going to be a dedicated editor, then there are some very good builders who can construct a machine for you that will run well. Any other questions, feel free to ask.