high definition video plus

[manning]

The old computer is slowing down and the new camcorders are just about all HD.

Not interested in heavy editing.

Question is Intel i5 vs Intel i7 processor. Is the i7 necessary?

 

[photo_chick]

The laptop I'm using right now is i5 quad core with a Radeon 6550 video chipset in addition to the on board intel video. It renders HD video just fine in Premiere. The desktop DH uses is an i7 six core with a similar VPU and there's not a big difference between the two when editing video. the i7 may be a little faster but not much. Not enough where it's an issue to me. And we do some heavy video editing.

 

[OKW Lover]

General rule of thumb: Get as much horsepower as you can afford

You'll be living with that computer for a long time and software evolves into more and more complex versions.

 

[manning]

General rule of thumb: Get as much horsepower as you can afford

You'll be living with that computer for a long time and software evolves into more and more complex versions.

I'm not a gamer, nor want to be. Other than doing occasional video will just surf the web and excel work. Don't need anything screaming fast.

 

[OKW Lover]

I'm not a gamer either. Its the ability to edit video that will likely progress to using more and more computer power as new versions are released.

 

[Cafeen]

With a difference of ~$100 between the two, I'd go for the i7 (prices on individual processors from www.newegg.com).

The processor is one of the more difficult pieces to individually upgrade as, depending on where you start, you're going to be limited by your motherboard. Whereas both RAM and Video Cards are relatively easy to upgrade by themselves. Going for the larger processor will also allow the system to last longer, as you're at a higher level of technology. This is especially important if you're looking at laptops over desktops, as those are nearly impossible to upgrade with the exception of RAM and Hard Drives (with a few exceptions, but you pay for that ability!)

The export process for both photo and video does put a lot of strain on the processor. I know that mine hovers between about 75%-100% while exporting a batch from Lightroom. (Intel i7 Quad Core 2.66GHz, and some other stuff). This is not a place you want to skimp on if you're going to be doing a lot of that stuff.

However, with all that said, if you're not going to be using it for serious video editing, and the extra money could potentially be an issue, it appears that the i5 WILL work just fine. It just may take a little extra time to render/export. There are also likely other factors at play, including hard drive and bus speed that is still (after 11+ years of working in the computer industry) is a bit above my head.... (I'm more of a software guy than a hardware guy... yeah, that's it)

ETA: As a note, I'm also sitting on 12GB of triple-channel ram (uses 3 sticks at a time, instead of the normal 2) and a 1GB ATI HD5770 Video card (used to be dual video cards, but one blew out)... I also AM a gamer

 

[photo_chick]

I get the idea of buying top tier tech to keep current longer, but I think that time has passed in regards to computers. 10 years ago when things were still expanding by leaps and bounds every day, and a machine was outdated before you left the store, I could see it. But now... not so much. But that's just my observation as a hard core gamer, married to a game dev who does a ton of heavy video editing and 3D rendering at home.

 

[manning]

who makes the better window PC nowadays? Last one I bought was 5 years ago.

 

[space cadet]

if you intend to use after effects you will need the best cpu you can lay your hands on and at least 4 gig of ram per core as minimum.........

after effects being my favourite piece of software