Graphics card relevance?

Chamber005

Chamber005

Carbonite Member
Sorry if this is a dumb question. I just picked up a dual core for editing and I was wondering if the graphics card matters at all. This one has an ATI Radeon X1300 w/256MB, which isn't anything to write home about.

Since I'm only using this machine for editing (not gaming), is this video card sufficient for editing (HD)?

Thanks!!!
 
Chamber005 said:
Sorry if this is a dumb question. I just picked up a dual core for editing and I was wondering if the graphics card matters at all. This one has an ATI Radeon X1300 w/256MB, which isn't anything to write home about.

Since I'm only using this machine for editing (not gaming), is this video card sufficient for editing (HD)?

Thanks!!!
Click to expand...

If your video editing program (Final Cut/Avid/After Effects) takes advantage of a specific GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) like nVidia or ATI you can receive performance gains based on the frame buffer/video card you are using, it will be specific to the application you are using. Research more with your NLE (Video Editing Software). Sometimes eXtr3me gaming cards won't do you any good, they are good for games not for virtual video buffers.

In general the more 2D work that is done in your video card, the less its done on your CPU, but, if your NLE does not support it, its as good as doing it in CPU since this it what it will do. Any flying text and effects can also co-use the GPU.

If you would like a more specific answer, please provide the Editing Program you're using, Operating System and the type of footage you'll be editing (DVCPRO HD, XDCAM etc..).

If you'll be doing any video graphics Motion/After Effects than get the most expensive OpenGL card you can buy.


Do the research on nVidia and ATI chips and your NLE. Call your NLE maker ask them what their reference video card is, if they utilize/detect its framework and drivers.
 
Generally graphics cards these days are about 3D. NLE are CPU, not GPU intensive. I think when it comes to graphic cards and NLE, the question is monitor support if you want to add on more displays.
 
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