dual AMD or p4 for video

[kd2777]

I am looking to build/buy a new computer mainly for video editing and rendering. I've had my eye on a dual AMD system (1.4ghz-1.5ghz) for quit a while. However I have heard of several problems with the dual AMDs working with some of my hardware. Now that intel has the 2.4 northwood I'm wondering if it will have enough power for what I'm doing. If anyone has any experience with either system let me know, or maybe even a dual intel system. thanks

 

[Colt45]

a dual XP2100+ rig will guaranteed blow a NW 2.4 out of the water.

hell, a single XP2100+ is reasonably close in performance to a NW 2.4

 

[Pariah]

CPU speed is one of the last things you should worry about. First and foremost you should worry about the capture/editing board and software you are going to use. If the card does most of the effects in hardware, there's no reason to shell out for a quad Xeon or something. Also keep in mind, that just because your software supports SMP (Premiere for example) doesn't mean all the plugins and effects do. You'll probably gain more from SIMD optimizations than SMP in a lot of situations. Second, the more RAM the better, third the more hard drive space and faster it is the better as well. After all those are considered, then look at what you have left over and get the fastest CPU you can. I would look at the 2.2 Northwood which would save you a small bundle over a 2.4 with not much of a speed hit. Don't worry about dual, especially a home built AMD system. Video editing systems are notorious for needed more tweeking and messing around with than any other type of system before they work just right, eliminate possible headaches before you start by going with a single CPU Intel system.