Is More or Faster RAM better for encoding?

[dimitrik]

I've posted this same question on another forum here - my intention is not to spam, simply to get a variety of opinions. I apologise if this is a nuisance.

I'm building a new system which I want to use for Video encoding and as a PVR.

The base config is going to be:
Pentium 4, 2.8GHz
Asus P4P800 Deluxe (Intel 865.PE Motherboard)
36GB Western Digital Raptor SATA - sustem drive
250GB Maxtor MaxlineII SATA - storage drive
Plextor 708A 8x DVD-/+RW
Pioneer 16x DVD-Rom
Asus GeForce FX 5600XT 128MB (SVHS-in)
Canopus ADVC1394 Analogue-Digital video converter/encoder

My question for those of you that have had some experience in video encoding is: should I go for 1GB RAm, or should I get 512MB but get really fast memory (low latency)?

On my current system, running XP, I never use more than half of my 384MB RAM, so I'm unconvinced about the need of 1GB, even though people often talk about it as a minimum.

Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks!

[zx50]

Well i use gordian knot for encoding and my memory jumps from 123mb to 400 or over mb memory

P.S i don't know if you'll be using this system for anything else but i found that having more memory in my system made it easier for me to surf the net and do other thing's.

[dimitrik]

That's interesting - on virtualDUB I think the utilisation is much lower - it jumps up 10-15% but nothing like what you describe. So far the only thing I know that demands lots of memory is photoshop if you work with many files etc.

I'm leaning towards the iddea that fast memory is going to be better than just lots of it.

Any other thoughts from anyone?

[zx50]

No virtual dub mod is in gordian knot, not virtual dub. You have to download virtual dub separately.

[tigerman8u]

I've found that 512mg of ram works great for me with more than enough to spare. I'd go with the faster ram. Video encoding speed is more dependent on cpu speed.

[dimitrik]

Thanks for the advice. I have to say I'm tempted - if my budget could stand it, I'd definitely go for a whole GB of fast RAM.

Trouble is that low latency chips are almost twice the price of regular DDR400 RAM (which to be fair is plenty fast already). That's why I'm still debating it.

[zx50]

Originally posted by tigerman8u

I've found that 512mg of ram works great for me with more than enough to spare. I'd go with the faster ram. Video encoding speed is more dependent on cpu speed.

What do you encode with??

[decryptit]

More ram does not mean faster encoding having plenty of ram would help your cpu perform tasks easier since it can store into the ram.make sure you have at least 128mb ram (ddr).
what will make the big difference is your cpu.
You'll see very slight difference in time comparing 512mb to 1gb.
Going to 512mb is more than enough.

[tigerman8u]

Originally posted by zx50
What do you encode with??
I use Mainconcept for straight encodes (for it's speed). Tppmgenc Plus if I need extra tools. IMO I can't see any difference in quality. Virtual dub mpeg2 for avi's (I prefer xvid). Ulead Video Studio 6 for editing and adding extras to home movies. Tmpgenc Dvd Author, and Nero 6 for burning.

[zx50]

Quite the encoding master :D

[tigerman8u]

What works one day may not work the next. The reason ? Maybe nobody knows. Always good to have a couple of backup plans. LOL. Aww the wonderfull world of home video.

[decryptit]

Thats true aswell buti don't think it has to do with this thread.

[tigerman8u]

Originally posted by decryptit
Thats true aswell buti don't think it has to do with this thread.
You're correct it doesn't. I was being courteous to "zx50" and replying to his question "What do you encode with??" :)

[decryptit]

Np.Its ok.