What kind of computer do I need? at DVinfo.net

Jonathan Grant · June 7th, 2009, 12:12 PM

I am needing to get a computer so I can edit HDV footage for TV ads we are shooting. I don't have too much money and I don't need the top of the line model. I just need a mac (or PC) that has FCP (or something as good or better) that can handle it. It's all I'll be using it for.

I'd like to get something used to keep price down, one that already has FCP on it. I'd search ebay but I don't know what I should search for or what I need to make sure and get.

Any help would be appreciated! :)

Rick L. Allen · June 7th, 2009, 02:57 PM

If you want an FCP system go to the Apple site and read the system requirements for Final Cut. FYI cheap and HD rarely go together.

Harm Millaard · June 7th, 2009, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick L. Allen

If you want an FCP system go to the Apple site and read the system requirements for Final Cut. FYI cheap and HD rarely go together.

And when you combine Apple and HD in the same sentence, the budget requirements rise dramatically.

Graham Hickling · June 7th, 2009, 08:34 PM

If cost is your primary consideration, then something like the following (PC) might be a workable minimum:

Core 2 Duo Processor 2 GHz or faster
At least 2GB memory
Two 7200rpm Sata drives (one for programs, one for video files - the latter at least 500GB)
Nvidia 6600GS videocard or better (do NOT get a motherboard with on-board graphics!)
Vegas 8

Dale Guthormsen · June 8th, 2009, 09:18 AM

All the aforementioned is right on.

If you have to go econo, I would get a PC (Tigere direct has great deals and refurbished with warrenties and canadian dollars) and I would then get sony Vegas , or buy someones used Vegas 8.0.

A canon hv 10, 20, or 30, all are economical and make good hd

Gateway DX4720-03 Refurbished Desktop Computer - Intel Pentium Dual Core E5200 2.50GHz, 4GB DDR2, 640GB, DVDRW Labelflash, Gigabit, Microsoft® Windows Vista® Home Premium 64-bit RB-PT.G360X.002 in Canada at TigerDirect.ca

Canon | VIXIA HV30 HDV High Definition Camcorder | 2680B001

Sony | Vegas Movie Studio 9 Platinum Edition Pro | SPPMS9000

Everything you need to get a job done under 2000 dollars. Yes the computer may run native hdv a little slow but my back up computer is a 2.2 ghtz dual core and i edit hd on it, just do not be in a hurry.

Anyway do not feel you have to go to a mac!!!

Bruce Foreman · June 8th, 2009, 11:16 AM

Dale's advice is on the right track.

But if you're into editing commercials you need to be careful your editing workstation choice does not "paint you into a corner" as progress will leave you sitting in the dust of the past.

So I suggest the following be considered:

An Intel Core i7 based machine starting at $999 (link below). I would upgrade the memory for additional $50 to 4GB or like I did $150 to 6GB. But you can "get by" with the 3GB included.

I would also go for one of the 512MB graphics card upgrades, I chose the added $50 ATI 4670 which is working fine for me.

This configuration comes with Vista Home Premium 64bit and with enough memory Vista is just fine.

Only thing you should need to add is your editing software of choice. Pinnacle Studio 12 plus is running fine and is around $100. Or Adobe Premiere Elements 7 at less than $100 is supposed to be very good. Or Sony Vegas but spend the money and go Pro 9, many used copies of version 8 have been used for upgrade and you are stuck at that level.

Dell Studio XPS 435 Desktop Computer Product Details

This system will edit HDV super well, and will handle AVCHD right now with the software already mentioned. This will partially "future proof" you for a bit.

Jonathan Grant · June 10th, 2009, 05:12 AM

Thanks guys, you've always been so awesome on here!

I have a PC right now that I've done some SD editing on. It's a pentium 4 3 ghz, 3 gig ram with XP. I really like XP and would like to keep it if possible. I need it to not run slow, though, so I don't shoot myself in the face. I guess I need to add more RAM? Double it? I think I'm using the max that will fit on my motherboard though. What's the cheapest option?

I've been using Adobe Premiere Pro and was thinking about upgrading that to the latest version since my old files are all premiere files. But, I've run into some occasional tech problems with Premiere that usually require upgrading. Is it worth it to go to Vegas Pro? Which is more powerful?

Storage is a problem as I'm a packrat and have soooo many harddrives and go through them like candy. :-/ I can't run more than three harddrives at a time and only 2 SATA. I've put in a SATA card that's supposed to give me more but we never got it to work really.

I guess I need to just get a couple of Terabyte SATA drives and start consolidating. Then just plug in the video editing drives inside my machine when it's time to edit.

Robert M Wright · June 10th, 2009, 07:14 AM

AMD Phenom quad core systems can be built as inexpensively as Intel Core 2 Duos (or at even lower cost).

Intel CPUs generally outperform AMD CPUs at a given clock rate, but at today's prices AMDs can offer value, particularly for budget systems. Dollar for dollar, in some important regards (like compression with codecs that fully utilizes 4 cores), you can get better performance out of a Phenom X4 than a similarly price Core 2 Duo.

Aside from generally lower prices on AMD CPUs, there are some nice low cost motherboard options for AMD CPUs, that include on-board graphics which can be quite adequate for editing HD. You can get boards with on-board graphics, built around AMD's 780G chipset or NVIDIA's 8200 chipset, for under $100.

Robert M Wright · June 10th, 2009, 07:32 AM

I'll also mention that the introduction of Phenom IIs seems to have opened up a considerable market for used first generation (65nm) Phenoms at some pretty low prices (very good performance/cost ratios).

For example, if you're experienced and savvy at purchasing parts through America's largest online auction site, you can get a Phenom X4 9850 (2.5GHz) for under $100 nowadays. That's a lot of bang for the buck.

Jonathan Grant · June 11th, 2009, 07:41 PM

Anyone else have anything to add about the AMD quad? In what ways does it outperform the Pentium dual processor?

Robert M Wright · June 13th, 2009, 08:20 AM

Pentium dual core CPUs perform poorly (slower than AMD dual core CPUs). Intel Core 2 dual core processors are far more efficient (and generally outperform the AMDs at any given clock rate).

Where you will see a performance improvement with quad core CPUs, is running CPU intensive applications that are designed well to fully utilize all 4 cores. Video rendering and compression are applications that can benefit greatly by running on 4 cores (again, if the codec is well written to fully utilize all 4 cores).

Jonathan Grant · June 14th, 2009, 11:27 AM

thanks! It looks like that's what I should get then.

Does Adobe Premiere Pro work well with the quad? Is the new Vegas that much better? I have an older version of Adobe premiere pro, that's what I'm used to and could get an upgrade for cheaper. Is it worth it to go with Vegas?

Robert M Wright · June 14th, 2009, 01:32 PM

Vegas takes advantage of all 4 cores. I'm not so sure about Premiere Pro.

I haven't done a scientific study by any means, but it seems to me that I've read more positive comments from Premiere users who switched to Vegas, than the other way around.

Robert M Wright · June 14th, 2009, 01:55 PM

This is a combo deal at Newegg, that I've sort of got an eye on:

Newegg.com - CPU and Motherboard Combo

Add some memory, like this, and you've got CPU, motherboard with graphics, and memory for a mid-level performance quad, at well under $300 (after rebates):

Newegg.com - Patriot Viper 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model PVS24G6400LLKN - Desktop Memory

Jonathan Grant · June 15th, 2009, 08:38 PM

Thanks, man! you are awesome!

Is there a good reason why I should get the brand new version of vegas instead of an old one? If not, which should I look for?

June 7th, 2009, 12:12 PM	#1
Jonathan Grant Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: norman, OK Posts: 111	What kind of computer do I need? I am needing to get a computer so I can edit HDV footage for TV ads we are shooting. I don't have too much money and I don't need the top of the line model. I just need a mac (or PC) that has FCP (or something as good or better) that can handle it. It's all I'll be using it for. I'd like to get something used to keep price down, one that already has FCP on it. I'd search ebay but I don't know what I should search for or what I need to make sure and get. Any help would be appreciated! :)

June 7th, 2009, 02:57 PM	#2
Rick L. Allen Major Player Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Fayetteville, NC Posts: 535	If you want an FCP system go to the Apple site and read the system requirements for Final Cut. FYI cheap and HD rarely go together. __________________ "The good thing about science is that it's true whether you believe it or not." Neil deGrasse Tyson https://www.nautilusproductions.com/

June 8th, 2009, 09:18 AM	#5
Dale Guthormsen Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Saskatchewan Posts: 3,048	All the aforementioned is right on. If you have to go econo, I would get a PC (Tigere direct has great deals and refurbished with warrenties and canadian dollars) and I would then get sony Vegas , or buy someones used Vegas 8.0. A canon hv 10, 20, or 30, all are economical and make good hd Gateway DX4720-03 Refurbished Desktop Computer - Intel Pentium Dual Core E5200 2.50GHz, 4GB DDR2, 640GB, DVDRW Labelflash, Gigabit, Microsoft® Windows Vista® Home Premium 64-bit RB-PT.G360X.002 in Canada at TigerDirect.ca Canon \| VIXIA HV30 HDV High Definition Camcorder \| 2680B001 Sony \| Vegas Movie Studio 9 Platinum Edition Pro \| SPPMS9000 Everything you need to get a job done under 2000 dollars. Yes the computer may run native hdv a little slow but my back up computer is a 2.2 ghtz dual core and i edit hd on it, just do not be in a hurry. Anyway do not feel you have to go to a mac!!! __________________ DATS ALL FOLKS Dale W. Guthormsen

June 7th, 2009, 08:34 PM	#4
Graham Hickling Trustee Join Date: May 2004 Location: Knoxville, Tennessee Posts: 1,669	If cost is your primary consideration, then something like the following (PC) might be a workable minimum: Core 2 Duo Processor 2 GHz or faster At least 2GB memory Two 7200rpm Sata drives (one for programs, one for video files - the latter at least 500GB) Nvidia 6600GS videocard or better (do NOT get a motherboard with on-board graphics!) Vegas 8

June 8th, 2009, 11:16 AM	#6
Bruce Foreman Trustee Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: San Angelo Texas Posts: 1,518	Dale's advice is on the right track. But if you're into editing commercials you need to be careful your editing workstation choice does not "paint you into a corner" as progress will leave you sitting in the dust of the past. So I suggest the following be considered: An Intel Core i7 based machine starting at $999 (link below). I would upgrade the memory for additional $50 to 4GB or like I did $150 to 6GB. But you can "get by" with the 3GB included. I would also go for one of the 512MB graphics card upgrades, I chose the added $50 ATI 4670 which is working fine for me. This configuration comes with Vista Home Premium 64bit and with enough memory Vista is just fine. Only thing you should need to add is your editing software of choice. Pinnacle Studio 12 plus is running fine and is around $100. Or Adobe Premiere Elements 7 at less than $100 is supposed to be very good. Or Sony Vegas but spend the money and go Pro 9, many used copies of version 8 have been used for upgrade and you are stuck at that level. Dell Studio XPS 435 Desktop Computer Product Details This system will edit HDV super well, and will handle AVCHD right now with the software already mentioned. This will partially "future proof" you for a bit.

June 10th, 2009, 05:12 AM	#7
Jonathan Grant Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: norman, OK Posts: 111	Thanks guys, you've always been so awesome on here! I have a PC right now that I've done some SD editing on. It's a pentium 4 3 ghz, 3 gig ram with XP. I really like XP and would like to keep it if possible. I need it to not run slow, though, so I don't shoot myself in the face. I guess I need to add more RAM? Double it? I think I'm using the max that will fit on my motherboard though. What's the cheapest option? I've been using Adobe Premiere Pro and was thinking about upgrading that to the latest version since my old files are all premiere files. But, I've run into some occasional tech problems with Premiere that usually require upgrading. Is it worth it to go to Vegas Pro? Which is more powerful? Storage is a problem as I'm a packrat and have soooo many harddrives and go through them like candy. :-/ I can't run more than three harddrives at a time and only 2 SATA. I've put in a SATA card that's supposed to give me more but we never got it to work really. I guess I need to just get a couple of Terabyte SATA drives and start consolidating. Then just plug in the video editing drives inside my machine when it's time to edit.

June 10th, 2009, 07:14 AM	#8
Robert M Wright Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Minnesota (USA) Posts: 2,171	AMD Phenom quad core systems can be built as inexpensively as Intel Core 2 Duos (or at even lower cost). Intel CPUs generally outperform AMD CPUs at a given clock rate, but at today's prices AMDs can offer value, particularly for budget systems. Dollar for dollar, in some important regards (like compression with codecs that fully utilizes 4 cores), you can get better performance out of a Phenom X4 than a similarly price Core 2 Duo. Aside from generally lower prices on AMD CPUs, there are some nice low cost motherboard options for AMD CPUs, that include on-board graphics which can be quite adequate for editing HD. You can get boards with on-board graphics, built around AMD's 780G chipset or NVIDIA's 8200 chipset, for under $100.

June 10th, 2009, 07:32 AM	#9
Robert M Wright Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Minnesota (USA) Posts: 2,171	I'll also mention that the introduction of Phenom IIs seems to have opened up a considerable market for used first generation (65nm) Phenoms at some pretty low prices (very good performance/cost ratios). For example, if you're experienced and savvy at purchasing parts through America's largest online auction site, you can get a Phenom X4 9850 (2.5GHz) for under $100 nowadays. That's a lot of bang for the buck.

June 11th, 2009, 07:41 PM	#10
Jonathan Grant Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: norman, OK Posts: 111	Anyone else have anything to add about the AMD quad? In what ways does it outperform the Pentium dual processor?

June 13th, 2009, 08:20 AM	#11
Robert M Wright Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Minnesota (USA) Posts: 2,171	Pentium dual core CPUs perform poorly (slower than AMD dual core CPUs). Intel Core 2 dual core processors are far more efficient (and generally outperform the AMDs at any given clock rate). Where you will see a performance improvement with quad core CPUs, is running CPU intensive applications that are designed well to fully utilize all 4 cores. Video rendering and compression are applications that can benefit greatly by running on 4 cores (again, if the codec is well written to fully utilize all 4 cores).

June 14th, 2009, 11:27 AM	#12
Jonathan Grant Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: norman, OK Posts: 111	thanks! It looks like that's what I should get then. Does Adobe Premiere Pro work well with the quad? Is the new Vegas that much better? I have an older version of Adobe premiere pro, that's what I'm used to and could get an upgrade for cheaper. Is it worth it to go with Vegas?

June 14th, 2009, 01:32 PM	#13
Robert M Wright Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Minnesota (USA) Posts: 2,171	Vegas takes advantage of all 4 cores. I'm not so sure about Premiere Pro. I haven't done a scientific study by any means, but it seems to me that I've read more positive comments from Premiere users who switched to Vegas, than the other way around.

June 14th, 2009, 01:55 PM	#14
Robert M Wright Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Minnesota (USA) Posts: 2,171	This is a combo deal at Newegg, that I've sort of got an eye on: Newegg.com - CPU and Motherboard Combo Add some memory, like this, and you've got CPU, motherboard with graphics, and memory for a mid-level performance quad, at well under $300 (after rebates): Newegg.com - Patriot Viper 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model PVS24G6400LLKN - Desktop Memory

June 15th, 2009, 08:38 PM	#15
Jonathan Grant Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: norman, OK Posts: 111	Thanks, man! you are awesome! Is there a good reason why I should get the brand new version of vegas instead of an old one? If not, which should I look for?