Upgrading an old PC!

So I've been using my Macbook for almost 3 years now and it's been serving me well. Recently I've gotten a lot of video assignments using my DSLR and I need a better system for editing.

I realised that my old PC system, while archaic, seems to have better horsepower than my own macbook (non-pro, unibody 2009)

My old PC specs:
Intel Core 2 Quad Q8400 @ 2.66GHz
2 x 2GB DDR2 333MHz
Nvidia GeFoce 7800GT 256mb
160+160gb 7200rpm Internal Hard Drives
USB 2.0 + Ethernet only
Windows XP

I don't want to get a new computer, because as part of being a Singapore male citizen, we have to undergo National Service (army) and I'm going to enlist in 1.5 months. But till then, I still have lots of assignments to do, and I want to try some Skyrim too!

Since I'm not getting a new computer, the CPU and mainboard stays. My friends advise me to:
- Up my ram to 8GB DDR2 (i know i know, DDR2 is old, but I can't help it),
- Upgrade my video card to something a little bit better (no idea what's better)
- Change to SSD and Windows 7

Anyone have any thoughts on this? I don't wish to spend more than SGD500 (USD350~).

Cheers!

Well. Windows 7(x64) and an SSD will pretty-much eat up your $350. I'm afraid you aren't going to get far on $350.
You might be better getting Windows 7(x64), and bumping up your RAM to 8GB..if your mobo will take it (you didn't list it), and call it a day.

Hmm, but those are the best ways to speed up my comp, ay? I can increase my budget, but I heard stuff about needing to have 64bit to increase my RAM (which is the main bottleneck for my video editing atm).

If the 4GB memory is the bottleneck, then yes you need Win 7 64 bit..

BTW that memory (DDR2 333MHz) seems awful slow, is it 1333 Mhz? If it IS really 333 Mhz then pls upgrade to faster memory (depending on what your mobo can support, which one is it?). That alone may make a fair difference.

Video editing is pretty CPU intensive, an SSD won't really help you there (apart from faster file load/ save times).

Not sure why you want to upgrade your graphics card, is it for gaming or does your video editor have the capability to leverage the graphics card for editing?

I'm on my macbook now so I'll check the ram specs later on my PC. Yes, the graphics card is for gaming because all my buddies are playing games which I really hope to play haha. Maybe that's second priority for now I guess.

I think you need a newer CPU. RAM might help a bit, with W7-64.

mrwalker wrote in post #13760493
If the 4GB memory is the bottleneck, then yes you need Win 7 64 bit..

BTW that memory (DDR2 333MHz) seems awful slow, is it 1333 Mhz? If it IS really 333 Mhz then pls upgrade to faster memory (depending on what your mobo can support, which one is it?). That alone may make a fair difference.

Its a Core 2 Quad, so DDR2, which means 800mhz is the fastest possible.
Some of the lower end boards would only support 400mhz ram.

Headshotzx wrote in post #13758425
So I've been using my Macbook for almost 3 years now and it's been serving me well. Recently I've gotten a lot of video assignments using my DSLR and I need a better system for editing.

I realised that my old PC system, while archaic, seems to have better horsepower than my own macbook (non-pro, unibody 2009)

My old PC specs:
Intel Core 2 Quad Q8400 @ 2.66GHz
2 x 2GB DDR2 333MHz
Nvidia GeFoce 7800GT 256mb
160+160gb 7200rpm Internal Hard Drives
USB 2.0 + Ethernet only
Windows XP

I don't want to get a new computer, because as part of being a Singapore male citizen, we have to undergo National Service (army) and I'm going to enlist in 1.5 months. But till then, I still have lots of assignments to do, and I want to try some Skyrim too!

Since I'm not getting a new computer, the CPU and mainboard stays. My friends advise me to:
- Up my ram to 8GB DDR2 (i know i know, DDR2 is old, but I can't help it),
- Upgrade my video card to something a little bit better (no idea what's better)
- Change to SSD and Windows 7

Anyone have any thoughts on this? I don't wish to spend more than SGD500 (USD350~).

Cheers!

The best thing you can do is save your money for a holiday or a new computer when you compete your service.

8gb of ram will help, but it is the only practical upgrade that will have any short term benefit to a core 2 quad based system.

You are enlisting in 1.5 months? So 6 weeks? It will take you 1-2 weeks to acquire and build the new PC and get your apps all running. Then you'll have a month to use it. When you get back from service it will be junk again. I'd just keep on keeping on with what you have and upgrade it when you get out of the military or have more time to spend at home.

As for the system, it's a lot like mine. Which sadly means there is almost nothing of value for a new rig. You are pretty much starting over if you want to see some real performance upgrades. A newer, faster CPU means a new motherboard and RAM. A new video card probably means a new power supply. And 160GB 7200RPM drives are worth about $10 each. Your OS is too old to transfer to a new build. So really, I'd just keep it as is and save for a whole new build. Anything you do to the current system is going to show minor improvements to your video editing as that's 95% CPU.

Ah I see... thanks for the suggestions guys! I am still doing photo/video work during my weekend breaks to supplement my crappy army income, so I'll consider a completely new build then.