Dell computer for digitizing tapes?
 

Hi all! I am planning to build or buy an old computer based around the ati 9800 pro or something similar, I am guessing with VirtualDub software for transferring some old family video8 tapes and maybe eventually some old family vhs tapes as well in the highest quality I can. I am pretty new when it comes to building a computer and especially when it comes to an older computer for digitizing old tapes..

So go easy on me please if this sounds like a stupid question..

I have found a computer on ebay near me in Australia for local pickup at about 400 Australian dollars
I'd have to learn more about building a computer, But would this be a good computer to build from or customize so it works for digitizing old tapes?

The specs are listed as being..
DELL PRECISION T7500 WORKSTATION
Intel XEON 5620 4X2.4GHz (8 with Turbo Boost Technology)
24GB DDR3 ECC RAM
2x 2TB SATA Hard Drive
1x DVDRAM cd player
1x HP NVIDIA NVS 290 PCIex16 DMS59 Connector Graphics Card
1x HP NVIDIA NVS 295 2x DisplayPort Standard Graphics Card
Dell SAS 6/ir Integrated Workstation Controller
Broadcom NetXtreme 57xx Gigabyte Controller
Intel High Definition Audio Device
Texas Instruments 1394 OHCI Compliment Host Controller
2x Firewire IEEE 1394 Ports (1x Front 1x Rear)
6X USB Rear Ports
2X USB Front Ports
1X Ethernet Port
1X Parallel Port
1X 9-Pin Serial Ports
1x eSATA Port
PCI-e x16 slots
PS2 Keyboard+Mouse Ports
Windows 7 Professional 64-bit Installed with COA Included

packaging includes
DELL PRECISION T7500 WORKSTATION
1x Keyboard + Mouse
1x Power Cable
1x NVIDIA NVS 290 Graphics Card (with DMS59 Adapter)
1x NVIDIA NVS 295 Graphics Card
1x DMS59 Adapter (with Dual VGA connectors)
1x DMS59 Adapter (with Dual DVI connectors)

Any info, Help or suggestions that i get, I would be really thankful for!

I assume by ATI 9800 Pro you mean an AIW (All-in-Wonder) 9800. If so, this computer will not work. The AIW 9800 is an AGP graphics card so can only be used in computers with an AGP graphics slot. This computer has PCIe graphics, not AGP. It might work with a PCIe based ATI AIW like the X600 and others.

There’s pros and cons to both the AGP and PCIe AIW routes, but either is going to be challenging, first to understand and collect the hardware needed (including the right cables, etc.) and then to assemble it all and get it working from both the hardware and software sides. For anyone not familiar and enthusiastic about building and maintaining PCs, this not the “easy button” for video capture. In addition, all AIW capture systems require 32 bit Windows XP. The drivers needed for video capture were never created to support Windows Vista or Windows 7, even the 32 bit versions and no 64 bit drivers were ever created, even for 64 bit Windows XP.

If you want to pursue the AIW video capture method, you’re going to need to start with a lot of research on the subject. This site probably has all the info you need. Use the google option in the search box and dig in. :eek:

BW

Note: The video cards are All In Wonder. So
- graphics cards only = ATI 9800 Pro
- video card - ATI AIW 9800 Pro

AIW would give you that. :congrats:

Nope, too new. AIW requires WinXP x86, and most are AGP (few PCI and USB, but must be the correct versions, not random PCI/USB, even if appearing the same).

Doubt it. That spec is server-grade (low-end server, high-end desktop) from Win2008/Win7 era. While many post-XP systems can run XP, not something like this. It's not consumer enough.

Not newbie-level to build, but quality is worth it for many.