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What should I upgrade for video editing? RAM, graphics card or processor?

Current Specs:

  • Processor: Intel Pentium E6500 @ 2.93Ghz.
  • Graphics Card: NVidia GeForce GT 220 @ 1GB.
  • RAM: 3GBs DDR2-PC2-6400

I can't quite afford a new computer at the moment. Should I just wait another year and save up for a new computer or is it still worth it upgrading my computer now? My computer is used primarily for video editing and other multimedia applications.

My budget is $200 (item price + 13% tax). If you would be as kind to suggest the hardware model for me to purchase, please do so.

  • Many thanks.

asked Aug 02 '11 at 17:48

avrgboy's gravatar image

avrgboy
1.6k141153183

closed Aug 11 '11 at 05:16

The question has been closed for the following reason "The question is answered, right answer was accepted" by avrgboy Aug 11 '11 at 05:16


RAM. If you are doing very heavy video editing. RAM is always used when rendering out videos. I'd go to 6 or 8GB if you motherboard can support it. If not go with 4GB of very speedy RAM.

answered Aug 02 '11 at 17:52

Ebotman16's gravatar image

Ebotman16
771677383

My motherboard can only go up to 4gbs :( I kinda maxed out... Would one more gb or RAM really make a difference?

(Aug 02 '11 at 17:57) avrgboy avrgboy's gravatar image

Not really only if you go for 2000MHz stuff.

(Aug 02 '11 at 19:25) Ebotman16 Ebotman16's gravatar image

The actual video processing is very CPU dependant. While actually editing the video some fast RAM will also come in very useful.

The GPU has very little to do with the video editing in comparison to the CPU. Look at upgrading your RAm and CPU if anything.

answered Aug 02 '11 at 17:56

DazOwen's gravatar image

DazOwen
5.9k77104159

Well all 3 would be good, but from what you put I'd say processor. On that budget you could probably get an Intel Core i5 and for a little extra you could get a quad core version which I would recommend. Ram doesn't cost much to upgrade so if you're on a budget just go up to 4GB.

answered Aug 02 '11 at 18:01

ojmar's gravatar image

ojmar
1.5k313863

Video editing depends on a good CPU, then the ram, the possibly graphics card lastly if you are making graphics and 3d rendering all the time

answered Aug 02 '11 at 18:18

kevin's gravatar image

kevin ♦♦
35.7k160316588

In this scenario I would say RAM, get as much as you can. I would try to fit 8GB if your motherboard supports it. Out of everything there the processor would be the best choice, but you would have to almost buy a whole new computer to get the benefits out of it and you seem short on money.

If money isn't an problem this is my ranking: 1. CPU 2. RAM 3. Hard Drive, RAID array or SSD 4. Video Card

answered Aug 02 '11 at 18:32

xcalybur's gravatar image

xcalybur
7484919

Definitely upgrade that processor.

answered Aug 03 '11 at 00:45

JordanV's gravatar image

JordanV
4.1k6282124

I would buy three things: a new motherboard that supports more ram. More ram to fill the new motherboard. a liquid cooling set for your CPU and OC it like crazy. You really need more ram for video editing so one option could be to screw the motherboard, buy ram so you have 4gb, and then use vista ready boost or whatever it's called to increase your ram with a USB stick. Still go with the cooler and OC your cpu.

answered Aug 02 '11 at 19:24

Yarvaxea's gravatar image

Yarvaxea
4.0k5672113

The current processor is a socket LGA775... you could probably stick a Core 2 Quad in there.

answered Aug 02 '11 at 22:24

PCLinux7's gravatar image

PCLinux7
1.3k172239

I would say the CPU. You would probably be better off upgrading everything at some point, but a dual-core doesn't really help if you're doing some heavy editing. Neither does 3GB of RAM or a GT 220, but upgrading that Pentium to a Core 2 Quad if you can would probably help you a lot.

answered Aug 03 '11 at 08:30

HerpDerp's gravatar image

HerpDerp
2.1k152148

CPU and RAM. The CPU is outdated and hasn't got enough power left for hardcore video editing (in my opinion). The RAM is just way to less for video editing (I'd recommend at least 8Gb but preferably 16Gb)! None of my system which I use have less than 4Gb of RAM (okay okay my iPad has only 512Mb of RAM :p).

Unfortunately for a proper CPU upgrade you'd need a new motherboard which means you'd most likely need a new Graphics card. Better said, save your money for a completely new computer.

answered Aug 03 '11 at 08:39

nitrocrime's gravatar image

nitrocrime
3.6k6277125

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Asked: Aug 02 '11 at 17:48

Seen: 6,326 times

Last updated: Aug 11 '11 at 05:16