[discboy321]

So I am asking anyone what would be a nice computer to purchase for video editing. I have $800.00 for the cpu . I already have several monitors,mice,keyboards and alot of other pc stuff laying around. I have been going thru tigerdirect and other online pc companies. I just need a tower with what ? I am not sure if I can get by with a 2.0Ghz or if I should try to find something like 3 or more GHz. Any help would be great.

[Hughv]

Google is your friend:
"video editing computer"

This is one of the most demanding chores a computer can perform, so faster is better, more RAM is better.

[ProHermit]

I too am saving for a new PC to edit video with, eventually. I'm getting mine from Mesh computers and your able to build it online to your requirements. Their entry level machine to edit video with is Intel® Core™ 2 Duo E8400 Dual Core Processor(3.0GHz,6MB Cache,1333MHz) with 4GB DDR2 Memory, the option of just 2GB is not available, btw, for this. So safe to say, more RAM the better and instead of Duo possibly Quad core although this is not overly crucial as far as I can see. A very good graphics card is also installed on this machine and of course you'll need a hefty hard-drive, I'm opting for 750GB + 500GB external hard-drive myself. Hope that helps.

[linskyjack]

Lots depends on what you want to edit. For standard DV, you really don't need a super powerful computer----(I edited professionaly with an old Pentium for years). Spend your money on memory, and hard drives that you can dedicate to capture and store your video. If you are stepping it up into the HD realm, then you might want to consider getting more processing power.

[erick295]

The video card isn't too important... anything in the neighborhood of $100 that comes out today is going to be more than enough. The focus now is on 3D, and that is where the more expensive cards excel. Obviously video is not 3D so this doesn't help you. Do get a separate video card though, as you don't want your system memory to be involved with graphics processing. Lots of RAM and a fast CPU are not necessary but they will make your life a whole lot easier. Also you will need a large hard drive, as uncompressed video (especially HD) uses several gigs per hour. Basically there is no one area you need to focus on, just get the fastest thing you can afford. Spread your money out, don't spend it all in one place (in other words don't get a super-fast CPU and only 1GB of RAM to go with it, likewise don't skimp on the CPU just so you can have 4GB of RAM).

FYI Newegg's prices are a lot better than TigerDirect. I wouldn't look anywhere else other than Newegg.

Also FYI, GHz means next to nothing unless you are comparing otherwise identical CPU's. Search around online for benchmarks if you are interested in comparing CPU's. Personally I prefer AMD but that battle has been going on since the dawn of time.

DO NOT SKIMP ON YOUR MOTHERBOARD!

Brands, brands, brands is what I will say until I die. ASUS, Antec, Corsair, Western Digital, and so on. Get good equipment. A fast computer doesn't do you any good if it's down half the time because your hardware is crap.

[ProHermit]

At this stage I would also say 32bit over 64bit too.
Apparently Vista takes up 1g so more Gig's the better.
Windows Ultimate is another issue, which I am opting for too. (HD ready)
Blue-Ray drive seems to have won the battle as well.
USB 2, obviously, not USB 1.
HD ready monitor and correct cables (already got, phew, lol)
Card reader is a must.
External HD is mandatory, as far as I'm concerned. However, a media centre HD is better as you are able to plug this direct into a TV and view over 600 films stored on it.
Finally, having the right software is crucial for video editing, Adobe Premier is superb.

Anyone, let me know if I got this wrong or have any more info to add. I've not bought my new PC yet, but all info is much appreciated.

regards