Video capturing hardware configuration

[Saltymut]

I have a question for you "hardware techies" out there. I am trying to find the "optimal performance" solution for capturing and editing DV and VHS video on my system. I recently bought an ADS PYRO Firewire Analog DV A/V (ADVC-100) to convert my VHS tapes to DV. I have a concern on how I should set up my system to optimize the performance of my hardware.

I have a Compaq Presario 5310US Desktop which has:

Celeron 1.2Ghz Processor
512MB Ram
30gb Western Digital hard drive
Sony DRU500AX DVD-R/W+R/W Drive
Standard Compaq CD-RW Drive
Radeon 8500 video card

I am about to install an 80gb hard drive which will be used as my primary drive (which I will install Windows XP Professional). I will take my existing 30gb hard drive and format it to be used as my captured media storage. I only have two IDE/ATA ports on my motherboard. One is used solely for my DVD writer and the other is shared with my Primary Hard Drive and my CD Burner. I am with the understanding that if I add the 80gb hard drive, I will need an IDE/ATA controller card (which is installed in one of the available PCI slots). This keeps everything on its own IDE/ATA "priority cable" (sorry about the lingo).

I guess this FINALLY leads to my questions. Does the previous information sound like I am on the right track? If so, what recommendations would you have on controller cards?

Also, does anybody have an idea on where I can find out more information about upgrading my motherboard to a Pentium? (Compaq's site really did not help).

Thanks,
Bryan

[Budfred]

Welcome to http://www.pcguide.com/ubb/pcgubb.gif

Compaq and HP are generally not very amenable to upgrades. I wanted to know how to upgrade my HP and couldn't find anything on the site or in other documentation. I ended up sending an email to HP and, after a wait, receieved word that my 700mhz chip could be upgraded as far as an 800mhz chip. You may have to look at another motherboard to get to a P4, but then you may find other problems with the using the Compaq case and devices....

I just looked at your post again and I am not sure why you would NEED a controller card. You might want one so that your drives don't have to double up on a cable, but if you only have one drive on one of the IDE cables, you can hook you new hard drive up there if you want...

[david eaton]

You shouldn't need a controller card. I would suggest putting your two optical drives, CDR and DVD, on the IDE2 port, and the two HDs on the IDE1.

As editing video in any quantity/quality needs much space, it might be better to use your existing 30 gig HD as the "program" drive, and the new 80 as "storage".

It might also be an idea to consider upgrading the memory. I know 512Meg is a lot, but again, WinXP can use all the memory you can throw at it!

David

[Saltymut]

I appreciate the feedback on my situation. I was with the understanding that the data transfer is more "seamless" when it is not sharing an IDE cable. I am planning on taking the captured video (from my media drive) and burning it to a DVD (DVD Burner Drive).

The recommended setup instructions (yea..yea..I read the directions) that came with my Sony DVD Burner said to install the drive on is own IDE channel.

I don't have a problem installing the ATA/IDE controller card(it's only $20 @ local computer shop). I would just have to remove my analog modem (not using it anyway).

Do you guys know if it's true (using seperate IDE channels rather than combining them) would make the transfer from hard Drive to DVD Burner more seamless?

Thanks,
Bryan

[Budfred]

It probably would improve function a little bit, but the more convincing argument is if Sony recommends it. I use IDE cards and they work well. I think I have a Promise and another brand, both seems fine...

[saphalline]

I agree that taking out that old modem and putting in an IDE controller card is best. Right at that "optimal performance" that you were looking for. Also, if your modem is a winmodem, you'll save some system resources just by taking the darn thing out! :rolleyes:

So, you'll want your primary HD (the one with Windows installed, probably the 30GB one like everyone else said) on IDE1 and the DVD writer on IDE2 (or IDE0 & IDE1, however they're numbered). Then put the storage HD and CD-RW drive on the IDE controller card.

As for upgrading to a Pentium, the Celeron and Pentium are both made by Intel so they're compatible with eachother. However, your Celeron is a socket370 Tualatin, so the only Pentium you could put in would be a PIII Tualatin or Coppermine which are insanely expensive! In short, if you want a P4, you'd be better off either buying a whole new system or building a whole new system (and canabalizing your Compaq for parts).

[Saltymut]

Thanks for the info Saphalline. I started looking at some bare-bones boxes with Pentium 4 processors to add all my "goodies" to, but got a bit discouraged with the whole AMD, Intel, Duron, etc.... warfare out there. I found that the majority of the stuff via the interent is MUCH le$$ than what I can buy locally. I'm just concerened about which system would benefit me the most. I'm fairly knowledegable when it comes to replacing parts or upgrading components, but I've never started from scratch.

Any suggestions for a bare-bones system?

All I would need is the Motherboard w/Processor and a case w/power supply.

The rest of the components I would pull of the Compaq.

Thanks,
Bryan

[Budfred]

A lot of us around here use www.newegg.com and the sponsor at the top of the page offers some good stuff. The Intel vs. AMD controversy will rage on and you have to make your own decision. I go with AMD because they are cheaper and comparable in quality/speed. Whatever you decide, I would urge you to check out any online vendor at www.resellerratings.com before you pay out any money. There are some real lousy companies out there that seem to offer great deals.

[saphalline]

Ah h*ll, Saltymut, your current PC is no slouch! Granted it's a bit behind the times in technology, but for pure power I wouldn't mind working on it!

If you really want to start over with a non-proprietary system (eww! Compuke!) take a look at this (http://www.pcguide.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=21977) thread. We've been helping Deagle configure a new system since he/she (doesn't really matter online, does it? ;) ) is also using an old Compaq. Get some ideas and we can help you further.