Upgrade video card or processor?

[JasonFox]

Okay, so I'm still banging along with an old DP533 and its original video card (a 32 MB 2MX, I think). FCPHD runs decently, aside from long render times, of course. However, after just upgrading my schtuff to include an ADS Pyro sending video out to a monitor, I have to turn off mirroring the preview in the Canvas window (I think it's the Canvas window, the one on the upper right under standard layout).

Anyway, I would obviously love to get a new machine, but that's not gonna happen (it was the DVX or G5). So, my question is: will just upgrading the video card to, say, a Radeon 9200 make a big enough difference for me, or do I need to bite the bullet and upgrade the processors, too?

And don't tell me to do both, please. ;D

BTW, I have 1.25 GB ram, so that probably isn't an issue.

Thanks,

Fox

 

[jaredalv]

Re: Upgrade video card or processor?

Although the video card may help you as far as the playback aspect goes (and who knows exactly how much it would help since FCP profiles your whole machine to determine playback capabilities), you're really not helping yourself.

I would say you're better off biting the bullet. Maybe sell the Pyro stuff for now and add that $$ to what the video card would cost. Maybe your looking at a down payment and financing on a G5?

 

[JasonFox]

Re: Upgrade video card or processor?

No more financing in this household. I'll probably just tough it out for now. I got a good deal on the Pyro, and I really need it for editing. Not much fun having to burn a DVD just to see what color correct looks like on a TV.

Fox