btw, dont you need a operating system
Free OS with the MSDN at our University. Taken Care of there
Anyway, what I was trying to point out was that you can put a cheaper video card in the machine, and put the money into a faster processor. You are going to get more performance for your money if you go with a faster processor and a weaker graphics card. You aren't going to get any real performance benefits from a graphics card unless you go with a workstation card, which isn't in the budget. If you are going to go with the HD3650 go with a GDDR3 version, not the GDDR2 version. The GDDR3 really improves performance.
So. After Effects does depend on your GPU?
Also, I have to get this off my chest. I hope the mmbers do not take offense. I realize Photoshop does not benifit from GPUS. I know this to the core. However, programs like After Effects, or iMovies (just as an example, its more familier to members for video producing and rendering) are what I cannot get a good, concrete answer.
I went with the 3650 because it is below 100 bucks, and seems to have the most power for it. From what I have researched, this seems to be a decent buy. 60 bucks is decent. So if I can;t get a good answer on the card and After Effects situation, I'm going to run with this:
Drivers aside (since I think game drivers have no effect on After Effects), I believe looking at a 3650:
Stream Processors 120 Stream Processing Units
Core Clock 725mhz
Memory Size 512MB
Memory Interface 128-bit
Memory Type GDDR3
$74.99
Now a 8600GT:
Core clock 540MHz
Stream Processors 32
Memory Clock 1400MHz
Memory Size 512MB
Memory Interface 128-bit
Memory Type GDDR3
$99.99
Gaming aside, I believe the 3650 is hands down a more powerful card. Now, please let me know if I am wrong.
As for a CPU. With Intel, I believe the 7200 will be a safer CPU to stay with newer, more energy/cooler(temps) technology as well at the same time stay within budget.
