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General discussion

Dell 9100

Aug 17, 2005 6:52AM PDT

I've posted before looking for a desktop that will be used for editing camcorder footage and burning onto DVD. Being a novice at computers I will buy rather than build my PC. I like the look of the Dell 9100, my main question concerns whether this is really designed for gamers (which i will not be doing)? Can I afford to take a lesser value component in the computer and still be able to do my video editing smoothly and quickly?
I know a dual core processor with good RAM and Hard Drive are most important for my usage.
Thanks

Discussion is locked

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(NT) (NT)yes x 3, or just build your own.
Aug 17, 2005 8:30AM PDT
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For the most...
Aug 18, 2005 5:46AM PDT

part the 9100 will do what you want. Problem here is that the 9100 comes in many different configurations. Could you be more specific about which configuration you are considering?? How else will we be able to know if downgrading components is appropriate??

and life goes on...

Jack

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Here is what i was planning...
Aug 18, 2005 5:52AM PDT

Pentium D 830 (dual core)
2GB RAM
250GB Hard Drive (would RAID 0 be a better option?)
16x DVD+/-RW double layer.

Would a X600 SE HyperMemory video card be enough? or should I splash out on a nVidia GeForce 6800?

Feedback appreciated

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(NT) (NT)should be fine for video editing
Aug 18, 2005 7:11AM PDT
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If you can...
Aug 20, 2005 7:17AM PDT

afford it. Get a pair of WD Raptors (36gb) and stripe them across a RAID0 array. Then use the 250 for data and such.

and life goes on...

Jack

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I am looking at the 9100 too
Aug 20, 2005 12:45AM PDT

I too am looking at the 9100, mostly for photo editing/graphics and MiniDV Camcorder tape editing and burning to DVD. Let me know how your purchase goes. If you have access to Costco, they sell some nicely configured Dell systems on their website http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11068671&whse=BC&topnav=&cat=4348&hierPath=84*4348*
The only thing is you can't upgrade the video card as you mentioned you might want to. The upside is Costco's return is 6 MONTHS, much more generous than Dell's 21 day.

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I bought one and love it.
Aug 21, 2005 11:50AM PDT

I just bought the 9100 with the Dell 17" Ultra Sharp monitor and love them. I bought mine to do video editing and it will be fine for it. Mine is as follows..

P4 3Gig processor
1 gig of memory
320 gb Raid 0 hard drive
Radeon x600 256mb video card
16x DVD burner with seperate DVD rom drive

I had to add the firewire port because it didn't come with one. I bought a 3 port card for $20 and added it myself.

I bought my computer and monitor on Ebay. I was skeptical at first but it comes with a one year on site warranty and the monitor has a three year.
They were both new and sealed and was about $150 cheaper than from Dell.

Good luck