Whats important for a video editing build?

[GlasgowTitan]

Hey folks I'm looking at putting together a new comp that will be able to handle editing HD footage from a camcorder with a budget of around £1000, maybe a little more. I will also be using it for new games so a good graphics card is a must (perhaps one and the option to sli/crossfire in the futre?).

So what should I be looking at, a good processor (dual core, quad core?) for the video editing, or lots of fast ram?

Was thinking along the lines of the "Titan Goliath" http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=FS-030-OE

Will need an operating system also, not sure about the differences between the vista 32 bit or 64 bit, or the basic, premium or ultimate versions...

 

[yashiro]

Which application will you be using to edit these HD videos?

You will want a 64bit CPU, a fast Quad or i7, and a 64bit operating system with at least 4Gb of ram.
For Windows most people get Home Premium. At the moment I'd not bother and just use the Windows 7 RC.

Sli/Crossfire is a lot of cost for little gain. If you don't use SLI now there's no real point in 'getting it in the future'.
Newer single slot cards will be along to trump SLI by the time you get around to setting it up.
I see your point in trying to future proof in this way though. If you go with i7 most x58 mobo's will meet this criteria.

 

[reflux]

The Titan Goliath would suit you very well I think. Core i7s are unmatched for video editing and it has oodles of RAM.

 

[GlasgowTitan]

I dont know what application for the editing yet, its for editing skydiving footage into short video clips, the consensus among people I've talked to is Sony Vegas...

 

[95thrifles]

As above, for your OS you want vista home premium 64bit, the basic has loads missing (media centre etc) and the ultimates largely unnecessary, you need 64bit in order to utilise all your memory, imo they shouldnt even offer 32 bit anymore. Yeah i7 is the way forward for your needs. If you want a pre-built then look at this Ultima Vanquish which is on TWO, cracking deal, alternatively you can do a custom build around that set up, but tbh this is such a good deal its prob worth getting, if youre going to purchase before wed, as in today tomorrow or tues, on wed the deals change. Add in the OS and upgrade to the 1gig 4870 and its just over 1k