To transcode and encode videos, what processor is fine to use?

[shawnalex]

I'm thinking of buying a desktop PC mainly so that I can encode and transcode videos (obviously for work too ) but what I am not so sure is that will transcoding and encoding videos (less than 1GB) be minimised to 1-3 hours if using an i5 or i7 processor? I have an intel dual core processor and when I transcode and encode videos, it takes me over 4 hours! I'm interested in the 3rd generation processors and not interested in the i3 or AMD processors. Thanks in advance.

 

[shawnalex]

Thanks for the replies guys. So what you guys are saying is that if I were to buy a desktop with an i5 processor, I can still transcode and encode videos near enough as quick as an i7 processor as well as save more than a £100? If so that's great! But my brain is telling me to get the i7 because of it's power even though I wouldn't utilize it as other people would for other things .

 

[shawnalex]

Thanks for the replies guys. To make things more simple, my budget for a desktop is around less than £600/£500. You can get i7 processors with my budget but REALLY I want an inexpensive desktop with a good enough processor that can transcode/encode videos quickly. (Don't want to build my own PC). If you guys can show me any good inexpensive desktops with 3rd generation intel processors, i'd be very grateful. I'm not being lazy I too am trying to find one that is to my liking. Thanks in advance.

Also, can you guys name me a few good programs that will let me convert MKV to MPEG/MP4? (I'll look at the ones mentioned above).

 

[shawnalex]

Yes in my posts I do come across as favouring intel only because I've only ever had intel systems and do not know much about AMD. I also get told by friends and family that AMD is to be avoided whilst others say AMD is cheaper as well as just as good as intel. People also say that intel is just a big name and are expensive. You guys would know more than me about Intel and AMD so if there are any AMD processors similar to the i5 or i7, i'll consider them (yes I know it has been mentioned in the above posts).

TBH, I don't know much about transcoding and encoding. I just have MKV files that contain subtitles that require transcoding, changed to a suitable format (MPEG) and so that it can be streamed or transfered to my PS3. The software I use is MKV2VOB. I lack experience and knowledge so I use this.

Update:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showpr...d=2385&subcat=

With an OS it costs around £500. Motherboard is an H61 one though which lacks SATA3.0 and I suspect there will be only two RAM slots too,which limits memory upgrades.

Had a look at this and I actually like it. I chose the operating system for Windows 8 Pro so total price is £464 (still in my budget). I'm not interested in overclocking, changing or adding components. I just simply want a desktop that will last me a good few years. But I want a fairly good processor, more than 4GB RAM and a HDD more than or equal to 500GB. I also have windows 7 Ultimate on disc but I'd rather have a PC with an OS in case I do something wrong installing my OS onto desktop with no OS. I say this now, please suggest some good desktops with AMD processors, you guys would know more than me. Thanks all the help you guys are giving me, I really appreciate it. I'm glad that I joined such a friendly website with such nice people