I got home the other day to find my computer had died. I don't need a gaming machine but I would love to be able to use it for simple video editing (Ulead and similar). I get confused by all of the dual core and Athlon and quad core processor specs.
Can anyone give me some simple advice about getting a computer?
I want a desktop machine.Advice in buying a new computer?
mattyspu...
Agreed totally (although Flight Simulator does utilise multi threading ^^)
He needs a quad core for multi application and video rendering. Simple.
He also needs a good amount of ram for loading times.
Dont get a Celeron, you could stick celery in and it wold be better for what you need (atleast you wont starve while you wait for things to load from crashes ^^)Advice in buying a new computer?
There are 2 ways of getting a new computer:
1. Buying it from a manufacturer like Dell, HP, Acer, etc.
2. Custom building it from a PC shop.
Choose option 1 if you don't really understand the specifications or what they mean. Usually, a sales rep will talk to you about which model you want to get, depending on needs/budget etc.
Choose option 2 if you know exactly what you're after. This is often the cheaper solution, but it results in you having to do more research on the parts you're getting. If you choose this option, make sure you google search the major components you are getting (especially the CPU, motherboard, video card and LCD monitor, if applicable).
As for specifications, since you are doing mostly video editing you will benefit better from a multi-core processor like the Intel Q series (Quad cores) or the AMD Phenom series (also quad core)
Generally for light work, the lowest end quad core processor will do everything you require, but if you are looking to future proof your computer, you may want to invest in a faster processor.
A discrete video card is also recommended. If you are looking to build a computer with support for hi-def LCD panels, you'll want a video card with HDMI output. Many middle end video cards today should have one.
I would get a workstation now please hear me out the Mac Pro can run XP %26amp; Vista with only the disk at full speed. The Mac Pro can be bought in 4 or 8 cores it has top of the line Intel Xeon processor that can do both 32bit %26amp; 64bit more cores means it will be like adding another or more processor 's to your computer when for the cost and size you can get true dual-processor (DP) and multi processor (MP) was added to you computer will be faster with more cores 99.9% of the time be faster the the same CPU with less cores The Mac Pro can run with over 32 gigs or ram if ever needed get the Mac Pro 4-Core Workstation - ONE Quad-Core 2.8GHz Intel Xeon Processor, 2GB RAM, 320GB HD, ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT %26amp; 16x SuperDrive with Boot Camp and Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium preinstalled
Now $2,268.96
Specifications:
ONE Quad-Core 2.8GHz Intel Xeon processor, 2GB RAM, ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT with 256MB memory, 320GB HD, 16x double-layer SuperDrive, OS X 10.5 Leopard
Net Price: $2,098.99
Availability: Next
Mac Pro
Now in 4-core %26amp; 8-core
Starting At $2,098.99*
Apple
with Boot Camp and Windows Vista Ultimate preinstalled
Two Quad-Core 3.2GHz Intel Xeon processors, 4GB RAM, ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT with 256MB memory, 500GB HD, 16x double-layer SuperDrive, OS X 10.5 Leopard
or if you want the still super fast video editing 4 core
Apple
with Boot Camp and Windows Vista Home Premium preinstalled
ONE Quad-Core 2.8GHz Intel Xeon processor, 2GB RAM, ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT with 256MB memory, 320GB HD, 16x double-layer SuperDrive, OS X 10.5 Leopard
well i have to disagree with most on here. For video or photo editing you do need a quad core to get the best out of them.
I basically go by this: quad cores for editing and dual cores for games...why?
not many games are made to utilise all 4 cores, i cant think of one t be honest, but they do benfit from them slightly. But they do run fantastic on dual cores.
Editing software, ie: photoshop, editing programs are made to work with 4 cores. its quicker and easier than dual cores.
now, memory.... highly recommend 4gb at least. memory is cheap these days. i picked up 4gb of 800mhz memory for 拢40. no problems at all and my pc runs great. Also, your after a new pc so you might aswell get Vista, specially as new software work well with it. 4gb will be good for vista.
Graphic card, well you need something...onboard isnt great. so maybe Nvidia 8800 or ATI 3850/70. cracking cards and going cheap...they will also allow u to play the odd game now and again.
So, i would go Quad Core, maybe Q6600... cracking CPU and a good overclocker (if your into it). 4GB Ram..a must have. Vista...personal choice really.
ive found this for you
http://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/index.php?鈥?/a>
cracking editing pc for a reasonable price.
You can also change the config of it and basically custom your own pc from them
Wall mart, i know they have a set for 400$ with monitor keyboard speakers etc..., that would be about perfect for what you need it for, don't get quad core or Pentium CPU's, go for ether Core 2 Duo or AMD Athlon 64 X2, i found another one here for 280$ no monitor or keyboard etc...
http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/c鈥?/a>
a1%26amp;c=us%26amp;l=en%26amp;s=dhs%26amp;cs=19%26amp;kc=productdet鈥?br>
And you can choose what you want..
Intel庐 Celeron庐 processor 450 (2.2GHz, 800 FSB)
Genuine Windows Vista庐 Home Basic Service Pack 1
Microsoft Works 9.0
1Yr Ltd Hardware Warranty, InHome Service after Remote Diagnosis
No Monitor
2GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 800MHz- 2DIMMs
320GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/DataBurst Cache鈩?br>
16X DVD+/-RW Drive
Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3100
Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio
Dell USB Keyboard and Dell Optical USB Mouse
No Floppy Drive Included
No Modem Option
My Software %26amp; Accessories
WildTangent Games
No speakers (Speakers are required to hear audio from your system)
McAfee SecurityCenter with anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewall, 30-Days
My Service
Dell Online Backup 2GB for 1 year
Also Includes
Mouse included with Keyboard purchase
Adobe庐 Acrobat庐 Reader 9.0 Multi-Language
Integrated 10/100 Ethernet
Windows Vista鈩?Basic
No Entertainment software pre-installed
The best thing to get for simple video editing would just be a dual-core processor with at least two gigs of RAM. A quad-core processor isn't necessary. I would recommend:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as鈥?/a>
or something similar.
You know where you should use it, best thing to do if you want to buy on your own is to tell it to the Sales Person or an IT on the Computer Store that you need such a machine to do such task.
http://www.dell.com.au/ is very simple, and any of the desktops their would be more than sufficient!!!
go to a store like newegg or tigerdirrect. THey sell cheap reliable pcs. You actaully get what you pay and dont end of with somtehing overpirced like the major stores like best buy
You don't need any expensive ****.Get a P4 pc with 512 ram and 80 gb and a dvd room,that's all you need.
As someone else has suggested I would recommend Dell.
I think the machine specified by that person is a bit weak for your needs as a Celeron Processor will not quite cut it for video rendering these days.
I'd go for the second or third of the ones on the page linked in sources, adding in an additional higher end video card with hdmi output if you can afford it. The third one along with an ATi Radeon video card comes to $659 with these specs:
PROCESSOR Intel庐 Core鈩?2 Duo processor E7200 (3MB L2, 2.53GHz, 1066FSB)
OPERATING SYSTEM Genuine Windows Vista庐 Home Premium Service Pack 1
OFFICE SOFTWARE Microsoft Works 9.0
WARRANTY %26amp; SERVICE 1Yr Ltd Hardware Warranty, InHome Service after Remote Diagnosis
MONITOR Dell S1709W 17'; Widescreen Flat Panel Monitor 鈥?Now Save $20
MEMORY 3GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 800MHz (4 DIMM)
HARD DRIVE 500GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/DataBurst Cache鈩?br>
OPTICAL DRIVE 16X DVD+/-RW Drive
VIDEO CARD ATI Radeon HD 3450 256MB supporting HDMI
SOUND Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio
KEYBOARD %26amp; MOUSE Dell Entry Keyboard and Dell Optical USB Mouse
MEDIA READER No Floppy Drive or Media Card Reader edit
MODEM No Modem Option
This offers a dual core processor and a better video card and will vastly improve rendering times for video. If you don't need the screen that will cut the cost but you will need to phone Dell to order.
Also whenever ordering from Dell ask for a 20% discount and tell them you have always had that before when you have traded with them. Sometimes they will give you 20% off the bat, other times nothing, sometimes 10%. Usually they discount something and right now they want to get rid of stock so discount chances are good.
Best wishes with the new PC
Matthew
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