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Home: Video University Forums: Wedding & Event Videography:
Time for computer upgrade! Advice needed

 
 


digexpressions
Enthusiast


May 17, 2009, 4:40 PM

Post #1 of 9 (1064 views)
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Time for computer upgrade! Advice needed Can't Post
In the process of editing a 3 Camera HD wedding using Vegas 8. For one, the thing takes forever just load the project. I already finished the highlight clip and the darn thing took forever to render (and it's only 5 minutes long). I've rendered some hour+ videos and have left it over night only to return in the morning to a screen saying 70% completed! So I'm thinking a computer upgrade is in order.

I am currently running Windows XP 32-Bit on a Dell Core2Duo 6600 @ 2.39GHz and 3GB RAM.

Due to a slow year, I haven't made enough to get the tip top of the line computer and can only afford something like $1000. Especially since I really need to add another camera to my bag. So I went to the costco website and have been looking at the offerings there. I guess the big question is how much processors and memory can help my workflow. I definitely don't mind spending more if it means less staring at the hourglass on my monitor. Looks like I can afford to get a AMD Quad Core @ 2.5 with 4GB RAM for $500 up to a Core i7 @2.66 with 6GB RAM both with Windows Vista 64-bit. What type of improvements (in program lags, rendering times, etc) should I expect to see with these over my old configuration?

Thanks!
J.


DGates
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May 17, 2009, 7:08 PM

Post #2 of 9 (1041 views)
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Re: [digexpressions] Time for computer upgrade! Advice needed [In reply to] Can't Post
I'm in the same boat. I recently went HD, so now my computer needs upgrading. I too am using an Core2Duo system (HP), and playback and rendering have suffered with the move to HD.

I actually got a AMD Quad (Phenom) at Sam's a month or so ago. I wasn't that impressed, and took it back. If I were you, I'd be looking at i7 systems with a decent video card (Magic Bullet in Vegas will render faster). I'm seeing prices around 1K. I'll buy one as soon as I get another HD camera.



"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power."

--Abraham Lincoln


digexpressions
Enthusiast


May 17, 2009, 8:03 PM

Post #3 of 9 (1027 views)
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Re: [DGates] Time for computer upgrade! Advice needed [In reply to] Can't Post
I think it was the Phenom I was looking at for $500. The i7 I was looking at was some off brand ZT Systems for $900. I wasn't aware that a graphics card would help with rendering. What should I be looking for in a card? This one has a 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 8400 GS.


DGates
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May 17, 2009, 10:08 PM

Post #4 of 9 (1012 views)
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Re: [digexpressions] Time for computer upgrade! Advice needed [In reply to] Can't Post
That's a good card.

I didn't know about the video card's effect on MB rendering either. I just got it for the dual monitor support, but was pleasantly surprised.

I'm looking at this Dell at Best Buy.



"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power."

--Abraham Lincoln


Brackish
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May 17, 2009, 11:04 PM

Post #5 of 9 (1006 views)
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Re: [digexpressions] Time for computer upgrade! Advice needed [In reply to] Can't Post
Maybe I missed it but I didn't see mention that you use MB.
If you don't use MB, I don't think there's any reason to be
especially concerned about the graphics card, at least when
it comes to rendering.



------------------------------------------------------------


MLiebergot
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May 18, 2009, 7:01 AM

Post #6 of 9 (990 views)
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Re: [digexpressions] Time for computer upgrade! Advice needed [In reply to] Can't Post
Quote
I wasn't aware that a graphics card would help with rendering. What should I be looking for in a card? This one has a 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 8400 GS.
Vegas has always been dependent on 3 things for performance and rendering.
Processor, Graphics card, and hard disk speeds. The faster these things are the better performance you will get out of Vegas.
Unlike a lot of other NLE's, Vegas doesn't really rely too heavily on RAM. RAM is really only important if you are running multiple instances of Vegas at the same time, or are going to be using RAM previewing. If you aren't going to be using RAM previewing, then I woudl suggest setting your RAM usage low in the General preferences, as this will help overall performance.


Michael

Cameras: (3) Sony FX1, Canon HV20
Audio: Marantz PMD620, Edirol R44, ZoomH4N, ZoomH2, Sennhesier G2
Mics: Rode NT5, Rode NT3, Rode M3, Rode NTG2, Shure SM57, AT822
Software: Sony Vegas, Final Cut Studio
Computer: MAC BABY! MacPro, MacBook Pro


rdavid7950
Enthusiast


May 20, 2009, 5:52 PM

Post #7 of 9 (932 views)
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Re: [digexpressions] Time for computer upgrade! Advice needed [In reply to] Can't Post
Although I'm still no shooting in HD, I picked up one of these about a month ago
http://microcenter.com/...l?product_id=0306616

It has been rock solid. Comes with Vista 64 bit and has plenty of processor and memory.
Regards,
Richard



digexpressions
Enthusiast


May 21, 2009, 8:45 AM

Post #8 of 9 (917 views)
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Re: [rdavid7950] Time for computer upgrade! Advice needed [In reply to] Can't Post
Thanks for the suggestions. I think I'm definitely going to go the i7 route and see how it goes. I'm going to check the offerings at Costco just because of their great return policy. I figure if it doesn't meet my needs, I can always exchange it with little hassle.


ValleyVideo
User


Jun 10, 2009, 6:57 PM

Post #9 of 9 (768 views)
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Re: [digexpressions] Time for computer upgrade! Advice needed [In reply to] Can't Post
If you want the best of both worlds... choosing all the individual components (case, power supply, vid card, brand of memory, etc) but not having to build it yourself, I highly recommend www.ibuypower.com.

I ordered my current PC from them about 6 months ago and they were the only place I could find that would still put together a WinXP machine. (No VISTA allowed in my house!!)

The customer service was good too:
  • After I submitted my order I changed my mind on the processor, emailed them, and they called me back quickly to confirm the change.
  • When I went to install my extra HDD's, I realized they didn't include any of the "rails" needed for this particular case to hold the HDD's. I emailed them, and they promptly sent me a stack of them at no cost.
I paid under $1K (without a new monitor) and am very happy w/ my purchase.

Justin