PC customization questions (to PCI Express or not to PCI Express...)

[epithetless]

Hi folks. I'm in the process of ordering a custom-built PC, and I'm hoping to get some of your advice on the subject. What I'm looking for is a desktop PC geared towards video editing, audio recording/editing, graphic design, and DVD authoring (along with the usual host of word processing and music applications). Gaming is a non-issue.

I've narrowed my preferences down to the first and the third options listed on: http://sys.com/products/business/high-end_desktops.asp

On the one hand, I could afford the first system with an AMD Athlon 64 3800+ processor (939 Socket, 2.40 GHz, 512 KB L2). On the other hand, I could choose the system with an Intel Pentium 4 processor 550J supporting HT Technology (Socket LGA775, 3.40 GHz, 1 MB L2). I've heard from several sources that AMD is the way to go, and the only thing making me think twice is the fact that the Intel system offers PCI Express and the AMD system does not. In your opinion, would it be worth choosing this particular Pentium 4 system over the Athlon 64 one to ensure PCI Express functionality (for whenever the technology really takes off)? What would you do in my situation (if you couldn't build yourself a considerably cheaper solution)?

Any other suggestions while we're at it?

Many thanks,
David

[DonVito]

Id definetly go for pci-express. All of the new geneation video cards do not have AGP models. Besides, Intels are better for the what your going to be doing, IMO. AMD's are usually preffered for gaming, while intels are usually preffered mp3 encoding, graphics design, everything you listed above. The Hyper threading of the Intel will also make a noticible difference in you apps.

[glc]

Intel and PCI-E for your use.

[Tin]

PCI-E for sure...the last of the AGP cards are the ATi X800 series and nVidia 6xxx cards.

[epithetless]

It looks like a consensus then...thanks for your input, people. This forum is great.

[epithetless]

For my needs (digital video, graphic design), which monitors would you folks recommend?

I've been given the impression that CRTs are best for color accuracy -- is that still true? I love the idea of having an LCD monitor, but I'm not willing to sacrifice performance for saved space and "wow" factor.

So I guess my question is two-fold:

(1) CRT or LCD for digital video and graphics applications?

and

(2) Which models are best?

[epithetless]

bump?

also...

Which processor should I go for:

Intel® Pentium® 4 processor 560J supporting HT Technology, Socket LGA775 which runs at 3.60 GHz with only 1 MB L2

or

Intel® Pentium® 4 processor 650 supporting HT Technology, Socket LGA775, which runs at the slower 3.40 GHz but with 2 MB L2?

[DonVito]

Id go with the 3.4. The larger cache will really help on the kind of apps your working with..

[epithetless]

Thanks, AMD_freak. Any monitor recommendations? I'm pretty much set on CRTs now...but all the online reviews seem to cover discontinued models, and I have no idea what to expect from the current crop (19"+). Maybe it's time for me to leave the internet and try looking at some...

[epithetless]

One last processor question (forgive my persistence):

I'm guessing no, but is it worth the $250 price jump to go from the Pentium 4 650 with 3.40 GHz & 2 MB L2 to the P4 660 with 3.60 GHz & 2 MB L2?

[RazorDX]

Originally Posted by Tin PCI-E for sure...the last of the AGP cards are the ATi X800 series and nVidia 6xxx cards.

Actually, ATI has stated that their x9xx cards will be availible in AGP.

[DonVito]

Originally Posted by epithetless One last processor question (forgive my persistence): I'm guessing no, but is it worth the $250 price jump to go from the Pentium 4 650 with 3.40 GHz & 2 MB L2 to the P4 660 with 3.60 GHz & 2 MB L2?

No, you wont even notice. Its more of a marketing scheme, no programs that are availble for personal use use 3.6 ghz, they dont even use 3.4. What you will notice however, is the 2mb cache over the 1mb.

[epithetless]

Back again. I haven't been able to purchase my new PC yet, and before I do, a budgetary concern prompts me to ask --

As I will be using this computer to edit video and audio, do graphic design, and master DVDs, will I notice an appreciable difference between the following processors?:

the Pentium 4 650 with 3.40 GHz & 2 MB L2, and
the Pentium 4 640 with 3.20 GHz & 2 MB L2

Of course I'd rather take the cheaper of the two (the 640), but not if it's markedly inferior. Thoughts?

[blue60007]

You'll probably be just as fine with the 3.2 as the 3.4, it all depend on how much money you are willing to spend.