Best Intel 2nd Gen Core i5 CPU & Chipset for Video/Image Editing?

[techssk]

For Video & Image editing work which of the following choices do you recommend?

1. Core i5-2500 (non K series), H67 Motherboard, Use Integrated GPU
2. Core i5-2500k, Z68 Motherboard, 1 * Discrete GPU
3. Core i5-2500k, Z68 Motherboard, 2 * Discrete GPU

I understand GPUs mean a lot for gamers, but does this needed for image editing too?

thanks,
karthik

 

[rolli59]

The I5 2500K has a more capable HD3000 graphics, mate that with a Z68 board. A discrete GPU can be added at a later date.

 

[Emperus]

The onboard video chip will suffice for your prescribed scenario. K series CPU's have a better video processor. Its advantages are debatable but considering the price difference is not huge, i'll recommend you to get the i5 2500k.

 

[techssk]

thanks, but is a discrete GPU must for Video editing / transcoding performance?

 

[techssk]

I find that Z68 chipset based motherboards are expensive than H67 based ones. Will a 2500K with better IGPU (HD3000) work on a H67 mother board (of course I don't want overclocking)?

 

[rolli59]

I find that Z68 chipset based motherboards are expensive than H67 based ones. Will a 2500K with better IGPU (HD3000) work on a H67 mother board (of course I don't want overclocking)?

The K CPU's work fine on H67 boards.

 

[techssk]

One last question (in fact 2):

1. I already have a Nvidia Quadro FX370 PCIe card, is this better than the HD3000 on a 2500k? If it is 2500+H67+FX370 a better option that 2500k+Z68?

2. Can I make use of the Quicksync feature with the above combination? In other words will Quicksync work on 2500+H67+FX370?

 

[rolli59]

Quick sync is a feature of the HD graphics http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/sandy-bridge-core-i7-2600k-core-i5-2500k,2833-5.html

 

[techssk]

ok, so which is better?

2500+H67+FX370

vs

2500k+Z68 (with IGPU)

 

[rolli59]

A discrete GPU is better than a integrated period, it does not hug system resources (ram) like IGP's do. But overall a I5 2500K on a Z68 board is a better combination than a I5 2500 on a H67 board especially if you can use quick sync.

 

[techssk]

thanks! can I do this?

2500k+z68+FX370:
I have a dual input monitor
- FX370's DVI port - Connect to Monitor input A
- On board DVI/HDMI port (which I suppose will use HD3000 on 2500k) - Connect to Monitor input B

Now using the monitor switch toggle between the 2 display ports (Switch to Display B only when I need to transcode the video - so it can use Quicksync).

And use monitor input A (connected to FX370) for rest of the work?

 

[techssk]

Best answer selected by techssk.

 

[techssk]

anyone?
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/307402-28-switch-display-igpu-discreet