Buying new notebook for Powerdirector, need your opinions

DocDaddy

Member Joined: Jan 06, 2012 13:59 Messages: 58 Offline

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Jan 31, 2013 10:45

I'm about to upgrade my old Dell M1710 to a new laptop and this will be my computer for Powerdirector. Most people, when you ask for configuration advice, think of gaming, so I'm asking you guys about which options will optimize for Powerdirector.

1. Memory: will more than 8 Gig matter? Is there an optimal amount that will be used?
2. CPU: I can get the i7-3630QM quad core, or pay an extra $140 and get the i7-3740QM quad core. Does Powerdirector 11 use the CPU enough that increase will make a difference?
3. GPU/Video card: this is the big one. I am able to get either the AMD Radeon HD 7970M or the nVidia GTX 680M. I know the program lists both of these in the program specs, but I assume one must be better than the other in terms of speed of rendering, etc. The 680M is about $300 more, but if it makes a noticeable difference I'm willing to spend it.

Thanks!

CubbyHouseFilms

Senior Contributor Location: Melbourne, Australia Joined: Jul 14, 2009 04:23 Messages: 2208 Offline

Jan 31, 2013 15:50

Hi DocDaddy

PD uses alot of GPU unlike other NLE editing software.

My laptop specs are on my signature and my HP performs very well.

Note the more video tracks, effects, transitions etc etc you use the slower your computer becomes.

Hope this helps

Happy editing

Happing editing

Best Regards

Neil
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DocDaddy

Member Joined: Jan 06, 2012 13:59 Messages: 58 Offline

Feb 02, 2013 21:59

Thanks for the reply - good to know on the GPU. I asked Cyberlink support if the nVidia 680 gave better or less results than the 7970M from AMD, and all I got was their canned auto-reply.

nightowl123

Contributor Joined: Apr 27, 2011 06:17 Messages: 315 Offline

Feb 05, 2013 00:20

DocDaddy...

When I was ready to buy a laptop which would handle video I did a lot of research and my head was swimming, as I'm not very technical when it comes to the hardware end of things. Then I read something that helped me tremendously.

Someone suggested that if you find a computer that's highly rated among gamers, you'll have found a computer that will handle video as well. So I went with that suggestion and found just what I needed. The computer I wanted was pricy, but I found a good used one that was well within my budget, even after paying for a square trade extended warranty which, thank goodness, I've not had to use. Buying used does have it's risk, but I couldn't have afforded my laptop otherwise. Amazon is an amazing place to buy great used hardware.

Sounds like you might have the money to have a new one put together as you will... I'm just suggesting that you don't turn down advice from gamers, even as you seek advice from the learned folks in here.

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at Feb 05. 2013 00:24

Dustie
I'm still working on it....

MULLY5150

Newbie Location: Shizuoka, Japan Joined: Jun 27, 2011 04:01 Messages: 43 Offline

Feb 05, 2013 00:25

I have a 21.5in iMac bought in mid 2011. I bought it new and upgraded everything to the highest specs I could get. I partitioned off 400GB to install Windows 7 Ultimate. The Windows partition is used exclusively for running Power Director, nothing else. Only website that gets opened is YouTube so I can upload. I installed PD9 on it at the time and it ran like a dog on there. I have no idea why. My wife's laptop, a cheap 400 dollar off the shelf model runs everything just fine....and I'm using PD11 on it right now. Haven't installed 11 on the iMac yet....maybe sometime this week. We'll see how it goes.
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