Re: Recommendations on a new Vegas editing PC configuration?

If you search here on the Cow, you will find several recent threads on this subject. Obviously, budget is usually the deciding factor. There are some pretty good PC based workstations out there now, and the HP z800 has a very positive review in the October edition of Event DV magazine, with some amazingly quick render comparisons. I have built 4 new workstations for my edit bays over the past 16 months. I pick out each component - from the case, fans, etc. up to the processor, drives, etc. If you have a good local builder, you can often get the best components with a careful install for considerably less than a factory based workstation. There are the newest iCore based 5 series from Intel out now, or the dual proc Nehalem Zeon based system powerehouses showing up now. Plan for WIndows 7 - one version even has Windows XP built in. I run all of the Sony Tools and Adobe CS4 as well, with no problems on Vista. In addition to the procs, the 2 most significant components to look at from a performance standpoint are the use of a Solid State drive for your OS, and a minimum of Raid 0 for your media drives. Like just about everyone else in the Pro environment, you will eventually be dealing with HD. Don't skimp now if you can afford the faster components.

John D. Frey
25 Year owner/operator of two California-based production studios.

Digital West Video Productions of San Luis Obispo and Inland Images of Lake Elsinore