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Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'll try to get back and report my experience in case we still try to tweak the existing system.
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Thanks for the response, but I apparently didn't clarify my intentions well enough.
By upgrading a couple of components, I'm not hoping to come close to achieving the performance level of a new computer, but rather simply improve the existing computer just enough to make work with the new software tolerable. As I said, the computer has been perfectly adequate for doing the kinds of tasks my father-in-law has been using it for up until now. It seems foolish (to me anyway) to spend several hundred euros on a new computer before it is even clear whether he will enjoy editing video on a regular basis.
From the offers I've found, it looks like expanding the memory and switching out the graphic card could be done for around 100 euros, switching out the processor for probably a bit more. (I'm not counting the cost of a drive since it could continued to be used much longer.)
Now it could be that upgrading these things could not really be expected to have a noticeable effect -- then it would of course be a silly waste of money. But if the relatively small investment improves the video-editing capabilities of the current computer enough to get a better sense of PD's potential, then I think it would be worthwhile. If my father-in-law then finds that he really would like to pursue video editing as a hobby, then a new computer could be sought with an eye to its appropriateness in this regard.
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Hi everyone! (first time post)
My father-in-law was given PD11 for Christmas so that he can edit his digitized Super8 movies as well as any future digital video he may make. His computer is several years old, but has been adequate for his mostly low-demand tasks. Though I'm sure a new computer is not too far down the road (especially if his enthusiasm for video editing takes off), I would really like to upgrade only a few components for him at the moment to at least make his current system serviceable for using the new software while spending as little as possible.
I would appreciate any advice about making specific improvements. Bang for the buck is key!
Here is how his system currently looks:
Intel Dual-Core CPU E5300 @ 2.60GHz
2GB DDR2 - 800MHz (1 of 2 slots occupied)
500GB / 7200 RPM SATA drive
NVIDIA GeForce 9500 GT w. 512MB (32 CUDA cores)
OS: Windows 7 x64
Here are options I have been considering:
a) additional internal 500-1000GB SATA drive exclusively for video storage
b) additional 2GB RAM (4GB is unfortunately the max with this MB)
c) replace GPU with one offering more CUDA cores and memory
d) replace CPU with faster dual or quad core
Of these four, "a" and "b" seem like clearly good things. The hard drive has the plus of retaining usefulness with any future system.
Doing both "c" and "d" seem like overkill from a cost standpoint, but which of these would have the most impact?
One example for the GPU: I've found an inexpensive GeForce GT 640 with 2GB DDR3 memory. It gets so-so reviews for its gaming capabilities, but offers 384 CUDA cores and OpenGL 4.2 support. Or is general video processing more important?
One possibly limiting factor is the current PSU. I unfortunately forgot to note its power rating, but I would assume its on the low end. Whatever I do will definitely need to be resource friendly.
To sum up, I would most thankfully request comments to the following:
- My general strategy, especially in regards to relative importance of GPU vs. CPU replacement.
- In case GPU replacement would have greater impact, relative importance of CUDA cores or suggestions for specific cards.
- Any other low-cost options I haven't considered.
Any thoughts?
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