Single CPU board for VT[2]

[Paul_Newman]

After getting the prices on the Intel SE7505VB2 with dual 2.4GHz Xeon, I'm about US$900 over my budget.

What do you guys say about going for a single 3.0GHz P4 setup, 1Gb RAM, 8 channel Escalade 7810 (all channels loaded), 2 system disks, etc.

Will this single CPU do the job of 3 or more real-time layers on a dedicated edit machine (maybe some Lightwave)? Is it a valid direction to go if the budget is not that high? Or is the Dual Xeon performance just sooooo much higher that I should try getting duals?

If the single is an option, what single P4 motherboard should I look for?

Paul

[Jim Capillo]

How about getting the dualie board with one processor for now? Then you can add the second when budget allows.

[Paul_Newman]

Hi Jim,

Trouble is that will only shave $200 off the price. $700 is a lot to still get rid of. After doing my figures, a single CPU setup only shaves about $300 to $400 off, and so I'd have to sacrifice on some other things anyway.

[Jim Capillo]

I know the feeling - my first host was a single 1.8Ghz. After I saved my pennies (1 year) I now have a dual 2.8 Supermicro. A world of difference.

If you're that close, I'd hold off a while and save a bit more to get the dual processor MB. It REALLY flies !

[Paul_Newman]

Thanks Jim,

I'll see what I can do to boost the budget and then go for the dual option after all. That way I'll be in good company on the forum here, by the sound of things. And then I'll have a greater assurance while handling jobs on the system.

[Paul Lara]

It's worth noting that there are few programs in existence that take such complete advantage of extra processing power as Video Toaster! :D