What is the best computer for video editing?

A

aaronjaf

New Member
Hi, I'd really appreciate any advice on what would be the best video editing computer I can get in the $1600-$2800 price range. Between not understanding all the new processors, to possible software conflicts, I'm pretty lost.

Right now I'm looking at either the Mac Pro, or a Dell XPS system. I'm going to want to run Photoshop and After Effects, and I've read those run slower on Macs. However it would be nice to have Final Cut Pro, although I'm completely comfortable with Adobe Premiere. Any advice here is welcome.

Also, any suggestions on an optimal configuration will be VERY much appreciated. I really need to get the best value I can here, as I have other equipment I need to pickup too. However, my old Dell Dimension just isn't going to cut it.

Thank you very much in advance.
 
For that price range def get a pc.. Get a core 2 duo.. or a quad core.. and Sli your system... it will render very fast... I always used macs back in the digital media lab when I was in school... the G5 were like 3 grand a piece and I didnt think they were any faster even though I perfer FCP or Preimer
 
mtb211 said:
For that price range def get a pc.. Get a core 2 duo.. or a quad core.. and Sli your system... it will render very fast... I always used macs back in the digital media lab when I was in school... the G5 were like 3 grand a piece and I didnt think they were any faster even though I perfer FCP or Preimer
Click to expand...

What does "sli your system" mean? I'm not very hardware savvy. Thanks.
 
aaronjaf said:
What does "sli your system" mean? I'm not very hardware savvy. Thanks.
Click to expand...

Simply put, you should consider purchasing a computer that has two graphics adapters (video cards) installed. The two adapters are linked together via an SLI bridge, allowing better performance when editing media, or gaming. The picture below is an example of an SLI configuration. There are several manufacturers that sell SLI systems within your budget. Although these PC's are marketed primarily to gamer's, they are great for your purposes as well.

DSC02427.jpg
 
Don't get an SLI! Rendering is based on your CPU speed, not your graphics cards! You'd just be wasting money to get such a high-end gaming card. Something such as a 7300 or a true work-station card (Quadra series) would work just fine.

Besides that, basic components are fine. There's not much of a need for decent sound cards assuming input is done through a capture device such as Firewire. More cores will help with rendering as long as the software can utilize them. I know premiere supports multi-processors.
 
Thank you but...

I think I need slightly more focused suggestions. I'm not a complete laymen, but something along the lines of get _____________ machine, from ______________ company, with _________________ configuration, would be REALLY helpful. Again I greatly appreciate any advice that can be given. Thanks.
 
Welcome to computerforum,

Would you consider building it yourself?
Its alot easier than it sounds and in your price range, youd save a fair amount of money.

The fine users here on computerforum could help you pick out good parts if you choose to go that route.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top