My Baseline Video Edting Computer Specs

I have searched for voices of reason. I would have never expected having trouble finding decent articles and legitimate posts on 2012 desktop computer purchase advice. I wanted a perspective on what to be aware of; instead I found a lot of old posts from so-called tech sites that had not been updated since 2010.

Damn disgusting if you ask me. I put the thinking cap on and this is my baseline road map to finding the system that I want.

My Specification Sheet

These are the categories of desktop computers that are in the wild. I added the Gaming computers because many of the specs in a gaming desktop are similar to video editing desktop requirements.

	Broke Folks	Retail	Gaming
Operating System	Windows 7 64-Bit Vista 64-bit	Windows 7 64-Bit Vista 64-bit	Windows 7 64-Bit Vista 64-bit
CPU – AMD	Phenom II x6 Fusion FX 6 Core	Phenom II X6 Fusion FX 8 Core	Gamers don’t seem to do AMD
CPU – Intel	Core i5 2nd Gen 2400 or higher	Core i5 2nd Gen 2400 or higher, Core i7 current generation	Core i7 current generation
Memory	4GB to 8GB	8GB+	8GB+
Hard Drive	1TB at 7,200 RPM or higher	1TB/2TB at 7,200 RPM or higher	1TB/2TB or higher 7,200 RPM or higher
Optical Drive	SuperDrive DVD	SuperDrive DVD or Blue Ray	SuperDrive DVD or Blue Ray
Graphics	Integrated Graphics	Integrated Graphics but AMDs have Nvidia graphics cards	Separate graphic card.
USB Ports	USB 2.0 but some have USB 3.0	USB 2.0 but some have USB 3.0	USB 2.0 but some have USB 3.0
Power Supply (Watts)	500w+	600W+	750W+

These are my ideas on what a fiscally challenged individual can do to get an affordable machine. As my search continues my ideas might change.

My Specs and Retail Shopping May Not Match
My specs for a desktop video editing computer are at best, conservative and frugal. I would not mind at all an Alienware or Origin computer but I don’t have that kind of cash. 

As of May 2012 Ivy Bridge processors are about to ship. If I was a laptop user I’d wait for them to get into the market place before I’d drop cash. I’m a desktop user but the market is focused on Ivy Bridge CPUs.

Another issue I’m facing is the hard drive shortage. Manufacturers have taken to install 5,400 RPM hard drives into their computers. That is fine if you are a basic web only or Facebook user. (No disrespect intended.)

You cannot use 5,400 RPM hard drives for video editing. Your video editing software will not support it. That is an instant deal breaker unless you are willing to pony up and install a 7,400 speed hard drive.

And you might have too.

The power supply issue is also a concern. I’ve seen a promising candidate only to get to the power supply and see the joke of the day 180w? 250w? 300w? I’ve also seen spec sheets on a vendor site that omits the information on power supply.

Installing a new power supply isn’t that tough but vendors have all kinds of case configurations. The off the shelf power supply you might want to use might not fit in that vendor’s case.

It is a pickle.

What’s Next?
 
Now that there is an understanding of the costs, the software requirements and the specs I think it is time to go shopping.  Or not.

Related Posts

• Consumer Video Editing Cost Considerations
• Video Editing Computer Software Considerations