What hardware features are needed for video editing, and what features for a gaming system?

[darrellwood13]

What kind of hardware features are needed for video editing, and what features for a gaming system? As a newbie I started at I=E/R. I have almost figured out how to match components so that they have matching specs, but I am lost on what defines the hardware requirements. I will be scavenging from an eMachines ET1161-03 and a Compaq CQ5110F if only for case, drives, and front multi port panel. Could someone please guide me to where I might find this defining info? Thank you.

 

[turkey3_scratch]

Video editing, it depends on the intensity. Windows Movie Maker can practically run on anything. If you are using more intense paid software, you will want a processor with a good amount of cores, 4 or more preferably. For gaming a good graphics card will suffice.

 

[darrellwood13]

Thank you turkey3_scratch. May I call you Scratch? Easier to type! I appreciate the reply, and agree. I've read Puget's Hardware Articles, TH How to Choose a MB, How2 Build a PC, All about BIOS, Choosing Parts, plus sites re Hardware Secrets, and so much more. I am getting a fairly good intro to computer parts, specs and such, but I have a long way to go. I plan to build a computer. I have no background, no help, nor anyone from whom to get guidance, beyond the gracious generosity of those like you on the internet, and I would like to meet with success. I shall be keeping it simple, like AsRock Z97M Pro4 (for expansion later), G3258 (I5-XXXX down the road), Cooler Master hyper 212 EVO, cheap 2x4GB DDR3-1600, EVGA GeForce GT730 DDR5 @ 902 (for the kids video games), upgrade power to Corsair Builder 430W 80+Bronze, and either Win7 or Linux if I start feeling really bold! Anybody have any suggestions on where i may find more information to research, as it pertains to hardware requirements for different usage applications?
Thank you.

 

[hang-the-9]

Instead of spending money on the cooler, I would get the i5 right now and use the stock one especially if you were asking about games and video editing. I'm not into buying something twice even if the first time it's cheaper. Only time I use something with the thought of upgrading it later if I own it already and want to get some other component. Like if I have 4 gig of DDR3 RAM and I want to get a new motherboard and CPU, I'd just use the old RAM and get some more or faster RAM later.

 

[Rapajez]

If you're new to building, I'd also recommend setting aside enough money for a nice case, at least something like a $50 Corsair 300R. A lot easier to work with cases that have easy to move components, room to stuff cables behind the motherboard, etc...

Agree with the CPU update. The Pentium is a great value, but you if you subtract the cost of the cooler, you could use the same money for a i3 with hyperthreading, like the i3-4160.

The GT730 is the best card in that price-range, but won't get you much, unless you're only playing older games, or at very low resolutions. At 1080p, you'd probably want a Radeon R9 265 2GB minimum, along with a beefier PSU.

Here's a great resource for PSUs: http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-1804779/power-supply-unit-tier-list.html

 

[darrellwood13]

Hang-the-nine & Rapajez,
Thank you for the responses. I have not figured out the cooler part. "...New to building..."? I installed a harddrive, upgraded a CPU & memory; does that count? ;-) Somehow I managed to copy all my important files to that new drive (another computer), and now I cannot access it. Computer says it is there, but I cannot read it. But that is for another post.
It is all about learning new tricks; as much as this old dog might be able to learn.
My other post: [urlExt=http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-2599790/upgrade-compaq-cq5110f-m2n68-athlon-7550.html] My other (first) post [/urlExt]
I am beginning to understand that core count should increase with video editing expectations, and gaming is a whole 'nother world! I only need a mediocre video card. My gaming is almost non-existant, but I wanted to prep my computer so my "tween" (too old for toys, too young for boys) grand-daughters could play a few games. I still have to find a few games to buy and load up for them, and I honestly do not know where to start looking or what to look for. They play a few games on their Wii at home and I hoped to offer them something fun and suitable for when they visit (often) and just want to veg in front of the tv. (The computer I am building will be set-up with the 42" TV as a monitor.)
I upgraded from Athlon X2 7550 to Phenom II X4 830, 2Gb to 4Gb of DDR2 memory, & GT730 GDDR5. The system is better, and no longer crashing, but now I have the itch to build something from scratch.
I am researching a complete build and will start another thread soon. Based solely on my ignorance, or lack of knowledge, I shall be asking for LOTS of guidance. Please feel free to chime in.