New Pc

[Scarlett]

I need to buy a new PC. I want it to be able to have as much memory as possible (2TB?) and lots of RAM. I use it for video editing and music composition - neither of which my current one is really7 set up for. I use loads of external hard drives cos I have no space on my current internal drive.
What should I ask the computer shop for?! ie- I want to make sure I get the right specs and don't get fooled into buying something which is not right for me. Any thoughts gratefully received.

[bhg481]

If you want to edit video you'll need a very fast processor - an Intel i7 is a good bet and Desktops usually have faster CPUs than laptops.
RAM is memory - I think you mean a 2TB hard disc, which is a good idea as internal disc is usually faster access than external hard drives. As you say, lots of memory but you can always expand that yourself - it's easy and doesn't affect the warranty.

[Buenchico]

Most professional video editors would probably fall about laughing if you suggested using a Windows-based PC for video editing. They nearly all use Apple Macs. Start here:
http://www.macworld.co.uk/news/mac/best-mac-video-editing-3449141/

[Scarlett]

I do actually have a Mac! But never got on with it. I like PCs and my old Premier Pro works fine on it! But my PC is old and full so I just need a better one.

[SpikeyBush]

Forget about the likes of PC World and go to a small retailer staffed by genuine experts. Most towns have one hidden away on a backstreet somewhere.

Or if you live in or near Suffolk I can recommend someone who can build you a customised PC to your exact specification with none of the bells or whistles you don't want - just the ones you do.

[Buenchico]

Well, if you insist upon a Windows machine, this is well worth considering:
http://www.accomputerwarehouse.com/product-info/envy-phoenix-810-140ef-core-i7-16gb-ram-2tb-nvidea-gtx-770-128-gb-ssd
(I can highly recommend that seller).

With regard to software though, you might like to give Lightworks a go:
http://www.lwks.com/

[bhg481]

That looks like a really good recommendation from Buenchico - there's even room to add a BluRay drive to make the most of your HD videos.
I'm looking to upgrade my own PC when Windows 10 comes along, so I've bookmarked it - Thanks Buenchico.

[VHG]

If you have a desktop PC it is very (fairly) easy to replace the current hard drive with a large one (say 2Tb).

You make an image of your current hard drive with say Macrium Reflect Free Edition, then take out the current hard drive, put in the new empty one, and do a restore from the image you took.

The other option if you have a desktop PC is to put an extra hard drive in the case. Most desktop PCs have a space for a second hard disk, so buy a 2Tb drive, put it in your case (leaving the old one in) and then work with two hard drives.

Increasing RAM is easy to do. Find out the maximum ram your motherboard takes, and how many slots it has, and buy the maximum memory.

So if it can take 16Gb and has two slots buy two 8Gb memory strips.

Note: Make sure your version of Windows can support that much memory.

[Scarlett]

Thanks everyone :)

[Scarlett]

Buenchico- by the way that link says they have discontinued that computer. Wonder if you could find something similar?! Pretty please :)

[Buenchico]

They must have just sold out because that model was on their list of 'available from stock' products yesterday! Here's their current listing
http://www.accomputerwarehouse.com/products/computing/computer-systems
There's unfortunately not a model listed with an i7 processor (which is what you should be looking for) and a 2TB hard drive but don't let that deter you. The staff at AC Computer Warehouse are extremely helpful; if you give them a call they'll be able to quote you a price to upgrade a model listed there or to build a computer exactly to your personal requirements: 0161 476 2220. (You could also email them but it would be far easier to have a conversation over the phone, where you can discuss what is wanted very quickly, rather than having to keep sending emails backwards and forwards).

[Scarlett]

Great, thanks!