Do I need a new video card?

[mpholic]

I am building a new computer (P4 2Ghz+) and originally planned on getting a new video card (GF4 4600) but I do not play games anymore and very interested in transferring home videos to DVD. Would my existing GF2 GTS be adequate for video editing? I don't believe there is much 2D performance difference between these two cards is there ? I would rather spend the video card money on a DVD burner, what do you think?

[saphalline]

I do not play games anymore
:eek: How can this be?? Hehe, just kidding. :p

Anyway, no, you certainly wouldn't benefit nearly enough by moving up to any GF4 vs GF2 for video editing. Things that are good for video editing: DVD burner, DV editing card, Matrox G550 video card or Matrox Parhelia video card.

Interested in a DVD burner? May I suggest Pioneer's DVR-A04? It's supposed to provide the best compatibility with set-top DVD players and it's a darn good piece of hardware. Pretty expensive, but all DVD burners are right now.

DV editing card - perfect for inputing video to your PC via analog or digital. Analog would probably be better for VHS to PC, digital for DV camcorders and such to PC. Complete retail DV cards with decent software can usually be bought for around $100-150. Put this on your gift list if you don't have the cash.

Matrox video cards, the best for 2D work hands down. The G550 series is very good and will provide better color correction than any ATI or NVidia gaming card. The newest Parhelia is more game-oriented and quite expensive, but has several 2D enhancements that make it really awesome for photo and video editing. Any Matrox card should be the last upgrade on your list, tho, 'cause the above two are more important. I think a G550 can be had for about $80, a Parhelia is more like $350 or so.