New GPU or new system needed?

[TexasPilot]

Hi!

I built my current system a few years ago. In between builds, I lose track of the technology advances. I'd like to upgrade my current system to handle video editing a little better. My first thought was that I simply needed a more robust GPU than the GeForce 6800XT. As I read forums, I'm starting to see that the CPU actually handles more rendering than the GPU. So maybe I need a new MB/CPU as well?

Here's my current system:
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E7400 @ 2.80GHz
MB: Gigabyte MB GA-EP45T-UD3P
GPU: NVidea GeForce 6800XT (512MB Ram)
Ram: 4GB DDR3 1333MHz
3 Hard drives (no RAID), Great PSU, CPU fan, etc.

So, how much performance gain would the GPU provide or do I need to upgrade the MB/CPU (and RAM)?

Appreciate your help!!

 

[coozie7]

You have answered your own question: For better editing you'll need a faster CPU which will mean a new mobo and memory.
Depending on which type you have you may also need to purchase another Windows license as well.
Before making a decision, check the editing software you're using, the AMD 8 core FX chips are excellent at running multi threaded software and are less expensive than the Intel i7s.
If the editing software can make use of 4 or more cores you might be able to source a quad core but it'll almost certainly be through Craiglist or Ebay, here's the CPU support list for the mobo: http://www.gigabyte.com/support-downloads/cpu-support-popup.aspx?pid=3014 before installing, you should update the BIOS to the latest version.