Which Pentium for smooth editing

[jparnold]

I'm sure this question has been asked heaps of times but I could not find very much using "search".

I have just started editing HD video and noticed when dragging the 'scrubber' on the timeline that there is often a lag and also the motion is not smooth.
A quick look at my system (right) shows I have a Core 2 2.93Ghz CPU, 2G ram and a fairly basic (low memory) video card.

I think it is time I upgraded to either an i5 or i7, 4GB or greater ram and a better video card (1gb Vram).
I will built my new PC but don't want to spend more than needed and was considering an i5 3.2Ghz CPU, 4GB 1600 ram and a 1GB vram video card. i7 CPUs are a lot more expensive than i5.

Does anyone know which of these components will have the biggest effect on smooth editing? I'm not too worried about how long it takes to render but want smooth editing especially when dragging the 'scrubber' along the time line to check effects especially with transitions.

Thanks

[vincents]

JParnold I have a Intel Core i5-2410M 2.3 GHz 8 RAM and I have a problem with smooth preview. Why I don't know, but I don't use smart proxy, beacouse this extend editions.

[jparnold]

Thanks is very interesting especially as I note you have an SSD drive too (which are heaps faster read/write than standard HDD)
It would be good to get users with faster CPUs (eg. i5 at 3.4Ghz or faster) give their impressions.

[vincents]

So, I also have SSD (128GB). I don't know what I must do for smooth editing. I think that a stronger procesor isn't solve problem. I read few post in this forum and all advise use Smart Proxy but this solution slows editing proces and creat unnecessary files. Additionally, if it has small SSD it is a problem.

[skier-hughes]

I have an i7 3.2ghz, 8gb ram and use the onboard intel graphics and I can edit most HD fine. I have an ssd for my apps, but a 4td raid for my work in progress.

[jparnold]

I posted a similar question on a forum for FSX (Flight Simulator X) as it is very CPU intensive (the faster the better).
I had a reply which suggested that i7 CPUs had very little effect of FSX 'speed' but were very suited to video rendering.

I usually only render overnight or when I am not in a hurry so rendering speed isn't a huge 'issue' with me. BUT

Do I assume that when dragging the 'bug' along the timeline to view the effect of say a transition that VS would be rendering on the fly and therefore an i7 would definitely be an advantage (over an i5)?

[PCFlyer]

Use the smart proxy feature. If you are concerned with extra files, just turn off the feature when done with your editing project and delete the folder. You can add it back when you do another project.
I would start with that before investing in a new system - you may not need it.

[jparnold]

Thanks for the input. Never tried Smart Proxy.

I note that you have an i7 running at 3.2Ghz with 64GB ram (wow).

Did you see my system 'specs'? I only have a Core 2 Duo (2 cores) running at 2.93 with only 2GB ram and is quite a few years old and I want to upgrade but just wondering if spending an extra on an i7 instead of i5 is justified.

[skier-hughes]

I would buy an i7 yes.

[vincents]

But, now I have (for a test) i7 with 8GB and isn't at better. Video preview doesn't smooth and editing is very difficult, because I can't smoothly play project for watch how I cut clips and editing film.
Can You help for this issue? maybe I had smoothing wrong in settings. I note that I do not want create temp clips (use smart render) because it extends editions and take up additional space on the disk.

[TonyP]

My computer specs at the left allow me not to use Proxy files and I have no problems.
If you are going to get a computer, get the one with the fastest CPU. The i7's have hyperthreading which gives the impression of having 8 threads working. The i5's only 4. The "k" series can be overclocked.
As for amount of RAM, 6 gigs should be more than enough to run the app and other "stuff".
I don't believe that X6 is a 64bit program, but a 32bit program that will use additional RAM for modules that you load. If I am wrong, please someone correct me.

Also, consider what types of video you will be editing. AVCHD is highly compressed, and for fast rendering requires a strong CPU. The same with HD .mov files (such as Canon DSLR video). Add effects, titles, multilayered video... you get the idea.

[jparnold]

Thanks Tony

I will try and stretch my budget to an i7 but may have to settle with an i5 which can be overclocked and overclock it to around 4.0 Ghz.
I will be editing AVCHD (.MTS files).

Surely a 3.4Ghz i5 with 8GB DDR3 1600Mhz ram will be a lot faster than what I am using now (dual core 2.93Ghz 2Gb 800Mhz ram). I am sure if I added another 2Gb ram to my current system (which only has 2GB) I would see an improvement but I would rather spend it on my proposed new system.

John

[TonyP]

Sorry..in my post I said my computer specs are on the "left"... I meant the "other" left....
I fully understand economics and wanting to stretch the dollar as far as you can.
If you can get an i7, the hyperthreading would make it worth it for not only video but any multithreaded application.
I don't know where you plan on purchasing your computer, or if you plan on building it yourself, but Dell has on their website, refurbs and closeouts that are great deals. Just watch for how big the power supply is if you plan on adding a video card.
As for overclocking, sure, if you are comfortable doing it. But also remember the heat issue and the stock cooler you will be using. Each chip is different than the last one produced. One may be great on stock cooler, the next might not and require an aftermarket cooler, which I would recommend anyway if you are going to overclock.
Now, about the operating system you will be using.... it can not be XP Pro, which is a 32bit OS. It will only see at max, 3.25gigs of RAM no matter how much you have in it. You will need a 64bit OS like Win7 or Win8 64bit. Otherwise, you will again, only see 3.25gigs of RAM even though you will have more.
Your 8gig choice is a solid one. I have 16gigs and have yet to come close to 8gigs with lots of apps open while editing.

And yes, you will notice a difference for sure!!

[jparnold]

Thanks again
Should have explained myself better. I will be BUILDING my next PC and will (also) be installing Windows 7 64 BIT as well as a higher end graphice card as well.
I understand that a 32 bit Os can only address up to around 3.8GB.

[PCFlyer]

Thanks for the input. Never tried Smart Proxy.

I note that you have an i7 running at 3.2Ghz with 64GB ram (wow).

Did you see my system 'specs'? I only have a Core 2 Duo (2 cores) running at 2.93 with only 2GB ram and is quite a few years old and I want to upgrade but just wondering if spending an extra on an i7 instead of i5 is justified.

The RAM on my machine is currently overkill for VSP. But, I have used 32gb as a ram drive and use the smart proxy and working folder set to it. Yes, risky with a power failure, but it works seamless in 8 video tracks and multiple audio tracks.

The 3930K automatically overclocks to 4.11Ghz during rendering and usually will render to blu-ray at roughly real-time, sometimes faster or slower. For small projects, I turn off the ram drive and use the hard drives. The time saver in is rendering. I can edit on my laptop i5-m480 with 4gb ram ( 2 cores at 2.9Ghz boost) as well using smart proxy. But rendering is slower.

Open up the system monitor while editing and rendering to see what system resources are used ( or used up?). With just 2 gb ram, more like others have said would help.