HP Z800 Workstation at DVinfo.net

Linda Michal · April 7th, 2009, 01:30 PM

Hello all.I am thinking of purchasing an HP Z800 Workstation.I am a newbe and videography is my hobby.I want this workstation for editing high definition,general computing,and playing games.Is this a good choice?Thank you.Linda

Jack Falbey · April 8th, 2009, 02:20 PM

For video editing as a hobby, the Z800 is overkill. For gaming, you could get a better gaming rig for less money. Games don't run as well on workstation-class video cards like the Nvidia Quadros that ship with the Z800; those cards are specially designed for what they do, and gaming isn't one of those things.

My recommendation would be to get a good Core i7 gaming PC for around $1000 (Dell or HP are both excellent) and use that for video editing as well. A strong gaming computer will work very nicely as a high definition editing station. Unless you're really getting into After Effects and heavy animation and 3D modeling, you won't see any benefit from using a purpose-built workstation like the Z800. Spend the extra $$ on a better camcorder, mics, lights, etc.

If your hobby turns into a career, and you're making serious money editing video, then you might consider a custom-built workstation.

April 7th, 2009, 01:30 PM	#1
Linda Michal Tourist Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Albany,New York Posts: 4	HP Z800 Workstation Hello all.I am thinking of purchasing an HP Z800 Workstation.I am a newbe and videography is my hobby.I want this workstation for editing high definition,general computing,and playing games.Is this a good choice?Thank you.Linda

April 8th, 2009, 02:20 PM	#2
Jack Falbey Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Cleveland, TN Posts: 45	For video editing as a hobby, the Z800 is overkill. For gaming, you could get a better gaming rig for less money. Games don't run as well on workstation-class video cards like the Nvidia Quadros that ship with the Z800; those cards are specially designed for what they do, and gaming isn't one of those things. My recommendation would be to get a good Core i7 gaming PC for around $1000 (Dell or HP are both excellent) and use that for video editing as well. A strong gaming computer will work very nicely as a high definition editing station. Unless you're really getting into After Effects and heavy animation and 3D modeling, you won't see any benefit from using a purpose-built workstation like the Z800. Spend the extra $$ on a better camcorder, mics, lights, etc. If your hobby turns into a career, and you're making serious money editing video, then you might consider a custom-built workstation. __________________ "We'll fix it in post," said no videographer, EVER!