Here are my suggestions for three very good video editing systems of varying price ranges.
You may already know that I prefer Dell brand computers and have been very happy with
my experiences in all aspects, from purchase to support.
I currently own 4 Dell computers, two of them for video editing, one top of the line
and a bargain basement model (used to be top of the line a few years ago).
My current Top of the Line system
Dell Precision 490; 2 x Xeon 3.0 Dual Core Processors, 4gb of 533mhz DDR2 RAM,
ATI Stealth 512mb Video, X-Fi ExtremeMusic Sound Card, 2 x 250gb SATA II ,
1 x 750gb SATA II
My Bargain Basement system
Dell Dimension 8400; Intel 3.0ghz 2.5gb of 533 DDR2 RAM, Nvidia Quadro 256 Graphics,
SoundMax Audio, 1 x 400gb SATA, 1 x 160GB SATA
I have left out the Quad Core CPUs for now, most software cannot take full advantage of the quad core.
Most software does take advantage of the dual core CPUs, and dual processors have been around
for a long time now so that makes sense also.
All of the systems below can be found at the Dell Outlet at great prices and in some cases you will have
a choice between Windows XP and Vista.
Top Of The Line System
Dell Precision 490 or similar
Processor(s)
2 x Intel Dual Core Xeon or 2 x Intel Core 2 Duo
2.8ghz or better
RAM
4GB
Hard Drives
2 x 250, 1 x 750 RAID 0
Video/Graphics Card
512 MB Video Memory that supports dual monitors (Nvidia or ATI),
GPU effects and transitions, and has DVI connections
Sound/Audio Card
Soundblaster X-Fi ExtremeMusic
Firewire
Preferrably a separate card and Onboard Firewire
USB
As many ports as possible to support all of the external drives you will need
DVD Burners
2 x DVD Dual Layer 16x +/- R, RW
Monitors
2 x 19" Flat panel Widescreen (DVI connections)
Digital Converter
Canopus 110 or Pyro Link for Analog Conversion
External TV Monitor
14" Toshiba or similar TV Monitor
Price Range
$1500.00 - $3000.00 USD
Middle Of The Road System
Dell XPS 420 or similar
Processor(s)
Core 2 Duo, Dual Core, Quad Core 3.0ghz or better
RAM
2GB
Hard Drives
2 x 500GB No RAID
Video/Graphics Card
256MB Video Memory that supports GPU effects and transitions
Dual Monitor Support with DVI connections is a plus
Sound/Audio Card[/b]
Soundblaster or similar
Firewire
Preferrably a separate card and Onboard Firewire
USB
As many ports as possible to support all of the external drives you will need
DVD Burners
2 x DVD Dual Layer 16x +/- R, RW
Monitors
Single or Dual 19" Flat Panel Widescreen
Digital Converter
Pyro A/V Link for Analog Conversion
External TV Monitor
14" Toshiba TV Monitor or similar
Price Range
$800.00 - 1499.00 USD
Bargain Basement System
Dell Dimension, Inspiron, or similar
Processor(s)
Intel 3.0ghz with Hyper Threading or Better
It is not hard to find a reasonbly priced system with a 2.0ghz Dual Core CPU
which would be even better than the 3.0ghz with HT
RAM
1GB
Hard Drives
2 x 250GB
Video/Graphics Card
256MB Video Memory and GPU Support
Sound/Audio Card
Onboard Audio - Sigma Tel or SoundMax
Firewire
Preferrably a separate Firewire card
USB
As many ports as possible to support all of the external drives you will need
DVD Burners
1 x DVD Dual Layer 16x +/- R, RW
Monitors
1 x 19" Flat Panel Widescreen
Digital Converter
ADS Pyro A/V Link for Analog Conversion
External TV Monitor
None
Price Range
$400.00 - $799.00 USD
Any of these systems will run Premiere Elements or even Premiere Pro CS3, the bigger the processor the faster everything will get done.
The difference in rendering times between the bargain basement unit and the top of the line system will be at least cut in half. Burning a
1 hour DVD on the bargain unit will take approximately 60 - 75 minutes, on the top of the line system burning the same DVD will take
approximately 10 - 20 minutes.
I have specifically left out much in the way of brands or models for hardware. I have my personal preferrences as do most of you. If you would
like a specific recommendation I would be happy to provide one, or at least tell you what has worked for me