Helping my Dad shop for a new computer

*Bofinn* · 07-26-2008, 10:42 AM

I really don't have time to build him one. His current one is 6 years old. Main use is for downloading on MIRC and editing videos.

How does this look?

I think this should be upgraded:
NVIDIA GeForce 7100 with TurboCache , 128 MB dedicated graphics memory

What would you recommend out of this list, maybe keep it under $150?

FRYS.com

Wingit · 07-26-2008, 11:10 AM

misread

ctal · 07-26-2008, 11:12 AM

Prior to the C2D's I would have said that a $500 computer could not possibly handle video editing in an acceptable manner. I suspect that now it is within reason, but he should be prepared for the building/rendering part of the process to take significant time. Which is no problem if he did not have to do it too often, or could let the computer do the builds overnight or at other times when he doesn't need to use the machine.

The other thing that would concern me about an HP, Dell, etc., is the crapware it would come with. I would plan on taking some time to either look at all the background processes that are running and turning off un-needed ones, or (preferably) reinstalling everything from scratch.

Re the video card, the EVGA 8800GS (which I have) is both quiet and an outstanding performer for the money. Take a look at the user comments on it at NewEgg, and you will be convinced:

Newegg.com - EVGA 384-P3-N851-AR GeForce 8800 GS 384MB 192-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards

Just make sure that the case can accommodate its length, which is a good deal shorter than many of the high-end cards, but conceivably could still be a problem in a smallish case.

And congratulations and best wishes on your marriage!

Regards,
-- Al

ctal · 07-26-2008, 11:25 AM

One more thought: A second hard drive is a near necessity for video editing, primarily so that the video files are not on the same hard drive that the editing program and Windows are running on (as well as to provide additional space -- the "digital video" format is around 13 gB per hour, times two to store both the capture (input) file and the built (output) file.

I'd suggest making sure that the case can accommodate a second hard drive, and adding it when possible.

-- Al

fvbounty · 07-26-2008, 11:26 AM

How about this dell at costco, $100 more but with a quad!

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11188915&search=DellPassport&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Mo=15&lang=en-US&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&N=5000043&whse=BC&ViewAll=99&Ntk=Text_Search&Dr=P_C atalogName:BC&Ne=4000000&D=DellPassport&Ntt=DellPassport&No=14&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Nty=1&Sp=S&s =1

*Bofinn* · 07-27-2008, 10:58 AM

My Dad says he doesn't do to much editing, and when he does, he does it at night. He's going with the HP, found it at Office Max for $469.

I told him to try out the video and if he's not happy with it, we'll upgrade to a card.

07-26-2008, 11:10 AM	#2
Wingit Palm Rat Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Southwest Florida, USA Posts: 4,830	Re: Helping my Dad shop for a new computer misread __________________
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07-26-2008, 11:12 AM	#3
ctal Eschews Obfuscation Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Connecticut, USA Posts: 1,375	Re: Helping my Dad shop for a new computer Prior to the C2D's I would have said that a $500 computer could not possibly handle video editing in an acceptable manner. I suspect that now it is within reason, but he should be prepared for the building/rendering part of the process to take significant time. Which is no problem if he did not have to do it too often, or could let the computer do the builds overnight or at other times when he doesn't need to use the machine. The other thing that would concern me about an HP, Dell, etc., is the crapware it would come with. I would plan on taking some time to either look at all the background processes that are running and turning off un-needed ones, or (preferably) reinstalling everything from scratch. Re the video card, the EVGA 8800GS (which I have) is both quiet and an outstanding performer for the money. Take a look at the user comments on it at NewEgg, and you will be convinced: Newegg.com - EVGA 384-P3-N851-AR GeForce 8800 GS 384MB 192-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards Just make sure that the case can accommodate its length, which is a good deal shorter than many of the high-end cards, but conceivably could still be a problem in a smallish case. And congratulations and best wishes on your marriage! Regards, -- Al __________________ "I didn't say I didn't say it. I said that I didn't say that I said it. I want to make that very clear." -- George Romney, in 1968, while campaigning for the Republican nomination for President of the United States.
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07-26-2008, 11:25 AM	#4
ctal Eschews Obfuscation Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Connecticut, USA Posts: 1,375	Re: Helping my Dad shop for a new computer One more thought: A second hard drive is a near necessity for video editing, primarily so that the video files are not on the same hard drive that the editing program and Windows are running on (as well as to provide additional space -- the "digital video" format is around 13 gB per hour, times two to store both the capture (input) file and the built (output) file. I'd suggest making sure that the case can accommodate a second hard drive, and adding it when possible. -- Al __________________ "I didn't say I didn't say it. I said that I didn't say that I said it. I want to make that very clear." -- George Romney, in 1968, while campaigning for the Republican nomination for President of the United States.
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07-26-2008, 11:26 AM	#5
fvbounty Eat Wild Pacific Salmon Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Alameda Ca Posts: 5,204	Re: Helping my Dad shop for a new computer How about this dell at costco, $100 more but with a quad! http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11188915&search=DellPassport&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Mo=15&lang=en-US&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ns=P_Price\|1\|\|P_SignDesc1&N=5000043&whse=BC&ViewAll=99&Ntk=Text_Search&Dr=P_C atalogName:BC&Ne=4000000&D=DellPassport&Ntt=DellPassport&No=14&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Nty=1&Sp=S&s =1 __________________ New Gaming rig - Asus P5E3 Deluxe Wi-Fi - Intel QX9650 - CORSAIR TWIN3X2048-1600C7DHXIN 2GB PC3-12800 - 150 gig Raptor - 320 gig WD 3200YS - Corsair HX 620 watt PS - EVGA 512-P3-N841-A3 GeForce 8800GTS (G92) 512MB - AMD FX 55 - XP-90C & SilentCat 9 - Asus A8N-SLI with Swiftech MCX159 - 2X1024 Corsair 3500LLPro 2-3-2-6 1T - 2X BFG 6800GT OC Zalman VF700-CU - 1 WD 74 Gig Raptor boot - 1 Seagate 7200 sata data - Nec 3500A - Plextor 716AL Slot Loader - Enermax EG 701 AX 600 watt PS - Silverstone Temjin TJ03B case with side window - G7 lazer mouse - Cannon Pixma I8500 printer - Windows XP Pro SP2 Slipstreamed - Dell 2405FPW lcd
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07-27-2008, 10:58 AM	#6
Bofinn I'm gettin' dizzy! Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 11,035	Re: Helping my Dad shop for a new computer My Dad says he doesn't do to much editing, and when he does, he does it at night. He's going with the HP, found it at Office Max for $469. I told him to try out the video and if he's not happy with it, we'll upgrade to a card. __________________ ---------- JimBo ----------- When in doubt, smack it!
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