Upgrading my Computer for Video Editing

[ZRB]

Hello all,

I need a little help with getting an upgrade if anyone is willing. I'm trying to upgrade my computer to improve its video editing capacity and all around enhance the system..

Right now I'm operating an HP Pavilion (XP) with an Athlon 900mghz processor, an 80 gig hard drive, and 385 megs RAM.

I've been told that in order to upgrade to a faster processor and add ram I need a new case, as well as a new motherboard, video acceleration card, and more RAM.

Does anyone know of any good deals or packages out there for an upgrade? I'm not looking to make the computer top of the line, I just want a solid improvement.

[democracyindanger]

1. A new case?

That sounds weird. I've never owned an HP, but cases are standardized.

You could definitely use more RAM, and a good video card. Without knowing what your current motherboard is, I can't say anything about that.

If it's any help, this is what I use. Most of it is a year or two old:

Athlon 2400+
512 MB RAM
ASUS A7N8X motherboard
ATI A-I-W X800 (this video card is the newest thing, got it a few months ago)

[RoyGBiv]

4. HP Cases ...

HP cases are nightmares to work in, cramped, bad air flow ... just bad.

Part of the reason a new case might be necessary could be because of the motherboard. I've worked on a few HP machines that had m-boards made specifically for HP and had non-standard holes. They're off by just a few centimeters, but it's enough to create problems. The power supplies they use also tend to be smaller than normal with voltages that require a replacement if one installs a new m-board.

Regarding air flow, video editing requires a decent amount of processing power, both CPU and video, which means heat. I've not worked on any HP that had a case that would make me comfortable about temps.

IOW, a new case might not be technically necessary if none of the non-standard stuff mentioned above applies, but if you want an efficient system with a good amount of power, I would personally suggest a quality case as well.

[democracyindanger]

5. Ah, thanks. Good points about airflow, too.

[hobbit709]

2. HP uses nonstandard

cases that are too small for most other motherboards with a decent power supply. Bet bet is to buy a bare-bones system and transfer the drives.

[SlackJawedYokel]

3. Check out Monarch Computers

barebones/custom systems.
http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=M&Category_Code=allcustom#desktops

Pick a price point and then buy what you need.

I'd say at least $1000.
Right now RAM is dirt cheap.
Newegg has 1GB of Corsair ram for less than $80.

Video cards are in the process of switching over to PCI-E so all of the AGP cards prices are much lower. You could pick up a great card for under $250. Either chipset will be fine.

Monarch Computers has both 250GB Western Digital and Seagate PATA(not SATA)hard drives for around $112 with no rebates.

Check out the newest BFG motherboard as it got amazingly good reviews.
Couple that with an 3000+ A64 and you're golden.

And don't skimp on the powersupply. Minimum 400W, name brand will keep you running smoothly.

Breakdown:
Case: $50
PS: $50
Hard drive: $110
Video card: $250
Motherboard: $120
RAM: $80
CPU: $150
$810

And that'll keep you happy for a while.
Good luck.

Cletus