Help me configure a video editing/ mid-level gaming system

[slackerinabox]

My p4 2.4ghz p4 has been running pretty slow in the apps that I use so I think it's time for an upgrade. Does a p4 with HT (my p4 does not have HT) still outpace the amd-64 in most media benchmarks? I can afford about $250 for the CPU - what's my best bet?

Apps I use:

Adobe Premiere Pro - runs pretty well.. a little choppy
Vegas Video - runs decently, gets slow at times
Adobe After Effects - Render times are a b!tch! Would like to speed this up

here are my components - please comment what I should change.. Maybe I'll change everything and go A-64.. Would like your honest opinion


CPU - P4 2.4ghz without hyper threading... Tried overclocking it, can't get a stable OC that's worthwhile
Memory - 512mb OCzone DDR400 memory... I know I need a gig but I figure I'll wait until I get a dual chan. motherboard
Mother - Abit BH7 - i845 chipset board. Ancient, I know.. Would upgrading to a newer board and doubling the memory (For dual channel mode) make a big difference even using the same processor?
HD - 2x80 gb Maxtors.. 7200 RPM.. Thinking about getting one of those 200+gb raptors.. hmmmm...

So, yeah, any suggestions? What's a good mid level gaming card? I'd like my total upgrade to ring in at less than $800 if possible...

 

[damonpip]

An Athlon 64 3200+ outperforms a 3.8ghz P4 in Premeire 6.5, so I think you'd be best off with an A64. You get get a 3200+ for $190 or a 3400+ for $219.

 

[Mik3y]

the P4 doesnt own amd in encoding anymore, that is if you go with socket 939.