Upgrading Rig for Video Editing -- Suggestions?

[mmntech]

I'm trying to build a low cost upgrade to my current rig for video editing. I'll be using Final Cut Pro on my Mac but I also want to be able to do editing on my PC as well. I want to upgrade the CPU/mobo/memory on my current rig but I'd like some suggestions. I'm keeping my current GPU, hard drives, sound, etc. I'm focusing on Micro-ATX systems at the moment. Price limit $400 Canadian maximum.

Option 1: AMD Phenom II System

Mobo: JetWay JMA3-79GDG-COMBO-LF -- $119.99
Specs are pretty impressive. AMD 790GX chipset. Supports DDR3, which is not common for mATX boards in that price range. It accepts DDR2 as well. Built in HD 3300 graphics and Hybrid Crossfire support. I couldn't find any reviews on it though. Is this board any good?
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/P...%20JMA3-79GDG-COMBO-LF

CPU: AMD Phenom II X3 720 -- $144.99 + free shipping
Seems to do well for video encoding compared to the C2D E5200. Power hungry though.
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/P...x?Item=N82E16819103648

Memory: Kingston 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 -- $63.49
OR Kingston HyperX 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 -- $56.49
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/P...x?Item=N82E16820104073
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/P...x?Item=N82E16820134792
The DDR2 is slightly cheaper. Any real advantage to using DDR3 over DDR2?

Total: $329.47 with DDR3
$321.47 with DDR2

Option 2: Intel Core 2 System

Mobo: ZOTAC GF9300-A-E LGA 775 NVIDIA GeForce 9300 HDMI -- $139.99
Again vary nice specs. Would double nicely as an HTPC.
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/P...x?Item=N82E16813500019

CPU: Intel Pentium E5200 Wolfdale -- $79.99
Cheap, performs well, should OC nice
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/P...x?Item=N82E16819116072

Memory: AllComponents 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 --$46.99
Seems decent enough

Total: $266.97

Out of these two setups, the Intel one is a lot cheaper. However, I wonder how futureproof it's going to be, especially with the i5 coming out later this year. The Phenom II X3 system certainly performs better with video encoding tasks according to Anand's charts and it will accept Crossfire GPUs.

I haven't decided on OS yet. I might run the Windows 7 64-bit Release Candidate on it then buy the final version when it comes out. Out of curiosity, how much would it be just to buy a license for Vista Home Premium. I remember reading they were quite expensive. I already have the disc that I used on my laptop but I assume the OEM versions are only good for one license now. The OEM discs for Home Premium here in Canada go for $140 on average.

 

[deputc26]

On that budget I'd go with intel, get a decent cooler and OC to 3.7ish then add this http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814127420 hd4830 should be able to stay under $400 and will actually give you decent gaming.

 

[mmntech]

I don't game that much anymore which is why I'm keeping the HD 3850. It can handle everything I already have, I'd just like more power for Flight Simulator X, which is vary CPU intensive.

I'm focusing on the AMD Phenom II since it seems to be the best processor for media encoding within that price range. I was focusing on mATX boards in hopes of eventually putting it in a smaller chassis. However, I found a full ATX board from ASRock that has the same features but is $20 cheaper than the JetWay.
http://www.asrock.com/mb/overv...odel=M3A780GXH/128M&s=

 

[California Roll]

I haven't checked pricing on cpus in months, but any way to get quadcore for your budget? It actually helps quite a bit with video encoding.

 

[mmntech]

Originally posted by: California Roll
I haven't checked pricing on cpus in months, but any way to get quadcore for your budget? It actually helps quite a bit with video encoding.

The Core 2 Quads are too expensive. The only one in my price range is Phenom X4 9600 Black Edition, which is going for $111.99 since it's been discontinued. Comes with a free copy of Call of Juarez too. Problem is it's a B2 stepping model that has the TLB bug. So with the workarounds, you're going to shave off 10% performance with it. The B3 stepping (which solves the TLB problem) X4 9650 is $155.99. The Phenom II X3 outperforms it in most cases. I'd save money but I'd have to use a DDR2 board. That means going with the Jetway.

 

[heyheybooboo]

I don't think the TLB would be an issue - - - - - but I don't really know with Premiere Elements.

I ran a 9600BE with Premiere 6.5 - 2.6GHz - no problems with the 'fix' off.

 

[elconejito]

Between those two chips, your better off with the X3 unless you're really trying to conserve heat and/or electricity. Don't forget the X3 can overclock as well.

Just for parity of cost, the DDR2 you've picked for either motherboard should also work on the other. So really the difference comes down to CPU/mobo. Not much difference in performance between the DDR2 and DDR3 at the speeds you've shown, so either choice is fine.

You definitely can't re-use the OEM license from your laptop. Not sure about CA prices, but in US you can get 64-bit Vista OEM for $99. Sometimes less if it's on sale. The full retail kit is significantly more.

You should see a pretty hefty increase in performance from your old machine

 

[mmntech]

Yeah, I knew I couldn't use the license Vista OEM disc again. Just wanted to know how much additional licenses were. I did some checking and they want more for them than retail in most cases. As I said, a new OEM copy is $140 but with Windows 7 coming out later this year, I'm not sure if it's worth it. Well, I'm not in a rush so I'm going to take a wait and see approach.

 

[mmntech]

Ok, so I've settled on a rig. I ordered a Phenom II X3 710, Biostar TA790GX128M, and a G.Skill 4gb DDR2-1000 dual channel kit. I'm going to run the Windows 7 RC until the full version comes out in October. Yes, I'm aware I'll have to do a complete reinstall when the time comes but it saves me from paying twice.