Need u computer guys!!!

[gannon311]

I have an old computer (2007). It won't do hd video editing. So what I need to know is do I need to get a new one? If so what kind do I need or can the old one be fixed up to do this. I will be editing gopro video and raw file for still pics..the edits will be done with premier elements 10 and Photoshop 10. I need to no in redneck terms what I need

[waterhog]

computer with at least 4 gs of ram

[waterhog]

computer with at least 4 gs of ram

[paddledog]

Let's get this from the ground up.
If remember right "gopro" captures in MPEG4 (.mp4) files using h.264 compression.
This opens you up for almost any processor. (think brain of computer)
So get the fastest one you can afford. These are expressed in GHz (gigahertz) 2 or higher.
Multi-core processors are multiple chips on one board. So a 1.5 gig duel processor is the same as a 3
gig processor only if your editing program is capable of using the duel processor. Do the research on your program.
The program website will probably give info on what is best.

Next is storage. I use a smaller hard drive on the computer to store the
operating system and programs. 40 to 80 gigs.
Then for storage of footage, a larger hard drive. 100 times the size of your SD card
from your camera is minimum. (Sd card is 2 gig = 200 gig hard drive) Bigger is better here
as long as you don't go over 500 gig per hard drive. If you need more than 500G get multiple.
The reason for two hard drives is two fold.
First you don't want the computer accessing the same hard drive to both access the video
and access the editing program.
Second, the program hard drive will be constantly accessed while editing, hence heavy usage
and more potential for failure. If you have your footage on a separate drive, when (not if) the
program drive goes down, all your footage is recoverable.
All hard drives should be SATA drives.

Now for ram. Mo is better. Max out what your motherboard will handle.
Windows 7 uses 2 gig just for the operating system.
Everything above 2 gig will determine how fast you can access your data.
I would put 4 gig at minimum. 8 is great.

Most important is the video graphic card.
This is the interface between you and the video editing program. It is a small computer itself.
A good overall measurement of a card's performance is its frame rate, measured in frames per second (FPS). The frame rate describes how many complete images the card can display per second. The human eye can process about 25 frames every second, but fast-action games require a frame rate of at least 60 FPS to provide smooth animation and scrolling.
People who use their computers primarily for e-mail, word processing or Web surfing can find all the necessary graphics support on a motherboard with integrated graphics. A mid-range card is sufficient for most casual gamers. People who need the power of a high-end card include gaming enthusiasts and people who do lots of video work.
Again, buy the best possible.

Last is the tower, this machine will run HOT. A large tower will allow for additional cooling fans and further expansion of the hardware. Place the tower in an open area with lots of external air flow. Plan to clean it internally often.
An on board SD card reader will make it easier to dump video.
Two or more DVD burners are nice. One good one is mandatory. My software will allow for multiple burners so if I need multiple copies I don't have to sit and change every time one is burned.

Now for your old machine...
Keep it and use it for everything else. The only reason my video machine accesses the net is to upload to Vimeo. This reduces the chance of a virus and keeps it running clean. I use a KVM switch to access both computers from one set of monitor, keyboard and mouse. (OK actually have 5 towers on one set of monitor, keyboard and mouse) This explains the switch.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KVM_switch" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


You asked.........................

[paddledog]

double post. sorry

[okieboater]

Hey Paddle Dog,

What brand / model KVM switch are you using to share the monitor?

I have a older CPU that has the space for extra cards I need for my older model camera connection that I mostly use and a newer mini tower running Win 7 etc that I want to use ever so often. Picked up a KVM switch from amazon and returned it as it could not do the switch over between the CPU's without some static lines in the screen. So, I am back to switching the monitor plug between the cpu units.

I like your approach with the two setups.

dave

[gannon311]

Dang!! Pdog u really know your stuff ! I will take all that and come up with the best thing I can afford. What is the going price one something like u described ?

[okieboater]

Gannon, PD I am sure will give his answer. He knows his stuff on video computers etc etc.

I am kind of a old school computer person and like the build it right and use it for years instead of the buy use a year and buy another one etc etc

Google and Look at Tiger Direct for all sorts of information on build it your self or have them build to spec for you. No doubt you can pick up a cheaper unit at Sam's wholesale, but like the mini tower win 7 I got at a great discount there, it is hard to add on cards etc.

[paddledog]

Okieboater - brand on kvm is iogear. I really like it because it switches audio also. I probably foogled it, here is the data page.
http://www.iogear.com/product/GCS614A/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
here is the best price I found on a quick search
http://www.amazon.com/IOGEAR-4-Port-Min ... B0001Q5SLY" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


G311 - My tower is about 2 years old. I paid about 600 I think. Pcusa.com (http://www.pcusa.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;) built mine.
Price is about the same as ordering pieces and self assembly but they assemble and test. It is a real good format for a new tower. Choose a system from the home page, when the next page comes up you can customize to your hearts content.
When choosing components don't buy the best, latest and greatest, go a couple steps down. Last years latest and greatest maybe.

Let me know if I can help.

[iYak]

Check out the desktop packages (monitor, printer, computer) at Best Buy http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Desktop-Com ... 2600050011" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

And go here http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Computers-P ... cat0501000" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; , then on the left side check the Sale items and Special Offers.

If you can't find one with a good graphics card, you can always add it yourself, it's fairly easy to do.

Also, Dell has some good refurbished deals http://www.dell.com/us/dfh/p/desktops" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; , although they don't have much in inventory right now, check back later.

[justin.payne]

Get a mac. You wont be disappointed.

[Jbyrum]

I agree with Justin. Mac video editing software is very user-friendly and has a lot of great features. However, I'm sure you PC guys are going to go on a rant about how they are way overpriced for a non-upgradable box of sunshine and rainbows

[justin.payne]

I agree with Justin. Mac video editing software is very user-friendly and has a lot of great features. However, I'm sure you PC guys are going to go on a rant about how they are way overpriced for a non-upgradable box of sunshine and rainbows

If they do, they have obviously never owned a Mac. In my experience I spend alot of time twiddling my thumbs and waiting on pc's.

[okieboater]

"If they do, they have obviously never owned a Mac. In my experience I spend alot of time twiddling my thumbs and waiting on pc's."

I don't agree with this statement.

Maybe you do not have the right pc, if you are waiting and twidding your thumbs. Unlike Mac's the PC's are not bound by what one company thinks their customers should have, PC's are built by most any one who wants to build them.

I like some of the Mac's and some of the PC's. My personal most often choice is the so called PC because it is open architecture for the most part and I can make my own decision as to what hardware and operating system I want to use. If a person wants a single source solution, that is their choice and maybe a Mac is what they want. I for one, have used the Apple Store and thought it was a good solution if you wanted to pay what ever Apple wanted to charge. On the other hand, I can search around and get the best deal on hardware or even free software for my pc style home computers.

[paddledog]

I'm sure you PC guys are going to go on a rant about how they are way overpriced for a non-upgradable box of sunshine and rainbows

Okieboater, I'm sure the 10%'ers (Mac users) are the same guys who paddle with the factory back band still in their boats, and aren't old enough to know what all that foam is for that came with a new boat.

(sorry punks, old folk joke....)