New computer for encoding

[TelemachusMH]

Hi all,
I was planning on getting a new computer to use as an encoding machine. I know that it helps to have a faster cpu, but I have heard that the cpu is not the bottle-neck of the system, that it was the memory bandwith. What are your suggestions to get the fastest encoding machine?

Thanks

[UHT]

I am also very interested to hear what people have to say about this, what components will give me the best speed increases?

[DoC hEx]

You should check out Tom's Hardware Motherboard guide, http://www6.tomshardware.com/mainboard/01q4/011126/index.html

It has a good review of all the stuff you need to know about the different types of ram, http://www6.tomshardware.com/mainboard/98q4/981024/index.html

[Deptmaster]

So what price range are you looking at right now?

If you want the *best* option in my opinion go for a 760MP Motherboard probably the Tyan S2460 Tiger (around $200). With 2 AthlonX 1900 (around $250-$260 each w/out heatsink/fan). Anything more than 256MB DDR isnt going to help and make sure your OS has dual processor support and same goes for the encoding software you plan on using. This is probably as fast as you can get right now.

If you want to go for a cheaper one processor machine go for on of the new VIA KT266A motherboards like the Epox 8KHA+ with an Athlon 1.4GHz NonXP and again 256MB DDR. With a good Heatsink/Fan you should easily be able to get to 1.6Ghz like I'm doing right now at 111F/44C completely stable.

Hope this helps, Ian.

[sommersby]

I just upgraded to a AMD 1700+xp from a 1g T-bird, my encodings times a half or better than half of what they use to be, I use tmpenc which takes advantage of the xp's sse instruction set. I bought the system at a recent Show for $418 out the door, this included, Case w/350w ps, processor with Jetway MB (well rated by Maximum PC), 256mb ddr, 40g HD, and a sony 16x dvd/rom, I used the extra's it came with to put in my old case and gave it to my son as a gaming puter. Great Deal, have been very pleased.