My home editing system is built around a first generation Core i5 750 and it's been OK but I would like to move to a faster CPU to improve the frame rate and quality of previews while editing.
The main difference between Core i5 and i7 appears to be hyperthreading and I've seen CPU charts that show this makes a difference in apps that can take advantage of HT. BUT... My work system is a 6-core Xeon-based HP workstation (pre-Sandy Bridge) and I've seen no noticeable difference in timeline performance with hyperthreading turned ON or OFF.
So... I've looked at LGA 2011 systems but they are Sandy Bridge parts that support pcie 2.0 whereas the newer Ivy Bridge CPUs support pcie 3.0. The newer Ivy Bridge parts also have a higher memory bandwidth - even though they use 2-channel memory vs. 4-ch for the LGA 2011 systems: 25 GB/S vs. 20GB/s.
My take on all this is that Ivy Bridge parts are likely to yield a better timeline editing experience vs. Sandy Bridge and that the Core i5 3570k is the best bang for the buck. However, I don't mind spending an extra $100 on the Core i7 3770k if it will yield a noticeable improvement my timeline editing experience. I would also consider spending a little more on a LGA 2011 system if the expense were warranted.
I plan to just swap out the MB, CPU, RAM and cooling system and hold off on replacing my 550 ti graphics card until a comparable PCIe 3.0 card is released. I am also considering whether or not to add a small SSHD for swap and temp files.
At home I will mostly be editing interviews shot with a GH1 (AVCHD 720P) or GH2 (1080 24P). I typically use very few effects but I will be using Magic Bullet Looks. This one effect cuts the framerate in half - or more - on my 6-core work computer so I suspect it would be next to unusable on my home system.
Ideas, Comments, & Feedback appreciated!
The main difference between Core i5 and i7 appears to be hyperthreading and I've seen CPU charts that show this makes a difference in apps that can take advantage of HT. BUT... My work system is a 6-core Xeon-based HP workstation (pre-Sandy Bridge) and I've seen no noticeable difference in timeline performance with hyperthreading turned ON or OFF.
So... I've looked at LGA 2011 systems but they are Sandy Bridge parts that support pcie 2.0 whereas the newer Ivy Bridge CPUs support pcie 3.0. The newer Ivy Bridge parts also have a higher memory bandwidth - even though they use 2-channel memory vs. 4-ch for the LGA 2011 systems: 25 GB/S vs. 20GB/s.
My take on all this is that Ivy Bridge parts are likely to yield a better timeline editing experience vs. Sandy Bridge and that the Core i5 3570k is the best bang for the buck. However, I don't mind spending an extra $100 on the Core i7 3770k if it will yield a noticeable improvement my timeline editing experience. I would also consider spending a little more on a LGA 2011 system if the expense were warranted.
I plan to just swap out the MB, CPU, RAM and cooling system and hold off on replacing my 550 ti graphics card until a comparable PCIe 3.0 card is released. I am also considering whether or not to add a small SSHD for swap and temp files.
At home I will mostly be editing interviews shot with a GH1 (AVCHD 720P) or GH2 (1080 24P). I typically use very few effects but I will be using Magic Bullet Looks. This one effect cuts the framerate in half - or more - on my 6-core work computer so I suspect it would be next to unusable on my home system.
Ideas, Comments, & Feedback appreciated!