Improving my current PC vs purchasing a powerful notebook

M

maghoxfr

New member
I'm considering to improve my system. I currently have an AMD Dual Core 3Ghz, 2Gb RAM, 300Gb HDD, Nvidia GeForce 8400 GS.

Right now I'm thinking in upgrading the RAM (at least to 4GB), I have to read the motherboard manual to be sure of how much does it take. And considering improving the video card. I'm in need for more storage so I'll be buying an external 1Tb HDD for sure, I'm not sure which brand yet.

But I'm also tempted by a notebook. It would give me mobility and there's pretty powerful notebooks now. But I don't know how convenient it would be for doing all the After Effects, video/music production on a notebook. Would it be too demanding? I've never owned one.

My question is: do I invest in upgrading my current pc or I invest everything on a powerful (and expensive) notebook (not mac)? Or maybe the best answer is to improve my pc and get a decent, not so powerful/ not so expensive notebook?

I would appretiate some advice.

Thank you
 
I would really apretiate opinions on this. I'm not showing off, I don't have the money for any of the stuff I mentioned, but I have to make up my mind to know for what I am saving for. Thanks.
 
First off let me say - I know very little about computers esp. compared to many here. But I'm very logical. The logic to me would point to a new desktop system - they're actually very compact and offer more features/power/specs for your dollar. Some of the new laptops are pretty powerful for decent money, but for the same money you can get a super powerful desktop.
You might save enough to get a not so expensive laptop for doing simple stuff. Just for example - not saying these are actual figures
Let's say you have a $2000 budget. One option would be - $2000 on a laptop with XXXX specs.
Option 2 - $1500 on a desktop with the same or better specs as the lap top, and $500 for a basic every day laptop (even these are pretty great these days...I have a basic one).
 
<QUOTE>Let's say you have a $2000 budget. One option would be - $2000 on a laptop with XXXX specs.
Option 2 - $1500 on a desktop with the same or better specs as the lap top, and $500 for a basic every day laptop (even these are pretty great these days...I have a basic one).</QUOTE>

Yes, that makes sense, and I'm leaning towards that option. I think I need a mobile system to take with my camera and do some work wherever I need to. Thank you.
 
If you're looking. Here's a great company I ordered my pc through. I have 12 gb of ram and an i7. Here's a good configuration for around 1,500...

http://www.digitalstormonline.com/comploadsaved.asp?id=477436

You might need to change the graphics card to a lesser model to bring down the cost. But I would add 3 tb (1x each for hard drives)

If it's for cs5 you'll want the ram and graphics card. Not sure about other NLEs(final cut, media composer)

I am no way affiliated with them. They just had the best price, parts and service I was looking for. Don't let the gaming computer title fool you. It can be used for a bad ass video editing machine. Call 'em up and talk with them. I'm sure they can work with your budget.

My two cents. Hope this helps.

Don't go with the workstations. They are way overpriced. You can get the same or better specs through the gaming line.

-Mike
 
I'm planning to spend like 300-350 bucks on the upgrade. What video card would you recommend that falls on that range of money? Consider that I have to get some RAM also. So I would say that the card should be around 200 dollars.
 
Hi,

what do you need the graphicscard for? The new Intel i5 and i7 models from Intel have got an inegrated graphicschip that also accelerates the Mercury Playback Engine! It would be more efficient to spend more Money an such a CPU then on a seperate graphicscard. I dont know the hardware Prices in the US but in Germany I payed like 800€ for an Intel 2500K +16GB DRR3 RAM + good Motherboard (H67) + Nvidia GTX 570 GPU. And I chose the Nvidia GPU for Gaming. So when youre saving up for an Intel 2500K or 2600K + 8GB RAM (damn cheap these days) + an 1155 Motherboard (H67 Chip is of importance wich sort of enables the GPU in the CPU) this is a very solid setup! Then in addition the number of harddrives that you need. And of course the rest like the PSU, Case and cd Drive.


Investing in a powerfull laptop is too expensive and not rentable unless you need to be very flexible on the location that you are editing. I would save up more money, sell the old computer and buy a new one as menchened above. This gives you the best bang for the buck!


If you want to improve you current system we need furher information such as the motherboard and its socket. Eventually you can update your AMD CPU to a better model such as the x955 or the 1090t. Ram could be upgraded to 4 or 8GB. And if you want to use the mercury playback engine you could buy an Nvidia !!! GPU like the 450 GTS which works fine.
 
Last edited:
I don't know much about computer parts, so I figured I needed the video card to accelerate everything related with video, like using after effects and such. I think I'm going to invest in as much RAM as I can. But you are right, a new processor is tempting. I have to do some research because so far I haven't had much time. But thanks everyone for the replies!
 
I edit exclusively off a new Macbook Pro via FCP. I value portability over the benefits of a desktop. I've thrown timelines of 1080P footage it (30 minutes total...i am sure it could handle more, but that was the run time needed) and it's never been too bad. Sure the render times are slower compared to a PC, but for me, the fact I can take my editing system on the go is worth more than a bit faster renders.

I don't think this is a question of "what system should I get" as much as it is a question of "what works best for me and my workflow"

Answer that, and you should answer what you want to spend your cash on. Good luck w/ the decision
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top