I'm running MC7.0.2 on my trusty 8 core 8600 with quadro3700 graphics card and Aja Kona 3. My work is broadcast HD, and I'm thinking of putting the Fusion plugin, and Symphony option on.

In the real world what improvements would I see in jumping to a top spec z820, apart from a great light feeling in my wallet?

Huw

Let's see... you get a faster set of processors, larger cache, larger memory option, and faster native storage controllers to start. You should also look into a more modern graphics cards (which might give you the biggest bang for the buck even if you stayed with the XW8600).

Xw8400 here with a Quadro k4000 made all the difference afyer upgrading from a fx3700.

lunalobo75:

Xw8400 here with a Quadro k4000 made all the difference afyer upgrading from a fx3700.

Could you give more details of what  improvments you saw?

I've heard various users mention that Avid doesn't really use the power of the graphics card in a way that would justify the price of upgrading. I'm sure the K4000 does wonders for Adobe's products, and I use the built-in Quadro 4000 chip in my laptop with good results within After Effects, but I'm loathed to spend money on a graphics card for my Symphony setup if there's no real improvement in performance.

Bruno

Bruno M:

Could you give more details of what  improvments you saw

Same question here, what real world differences would I see between my 3700 and a k4000, and what differences between that in an 8600, and a fully fledged z820.

H

I jumped from an old 8400 to a nice new 820.  Typical day to day editing you wont notice much difference, but when you come to transcode or render or export. Well....... you wont be putting the kettle on much anymore! It'll come into it own and purr.

I am also still on the xw8600 it is working fine for me still. I have not used the HP Z820 yet, I would agree you would getfaster exports and rendering. You should still be fine using the xw8600 though.

AntCaladine:

you wont be putting the kettle on much anymore!

Shame, that's the bit I enjoy[:'(]

But, seriously, I understand what your saying. Thanks, now where did I put that letter I was writing to Father Christmas...

Huw