What processor do I need for motion graphics design?

I am a motion graphics designer (think After Effects animations and Premiere Pro editing). I am looking up upgrade my 21.5 inch late-2013 iMac. She's been good to me, but she's starting to buckle under the strain of motion graphics editing. I am looking to try and "future proof" a 27-inch iMac but I need help selecting a processor.


If I pick the middle model I can get 3.3GHz 6-core 10th-generation Intel Core i5 processor, but I'm given the option to upgrade to 3.6GHz 10-core 10th-generation Intel Core i9 processor. If I pick the higher end model I can get 3.8GHz 8-core 10th-generation Intel Core i7 processor, but can upgrade to 3.6GHz 10-core 10th-generation Intel Core i9 processor.


I honestly have no idea what any of that means. I understand that the better the processor, the better the performance. I understand that the better processors cost more money. But what processor does a motion graphics designer actually NEED before money's just being spent on diminishing returns?

iMac Line (2012 and Later)

Posted on Sep 15, 2021 6:44 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 15, 2021 10:23 PM

Get the I9 CPU and also the Radeon Pro 5700 with 8GB of RAM as the GPU. If the desk the computer will be on has a window behind it and there may be glare then also get the Nano Texture glass. Buy it with only 8GB of RAM and then order 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DIMMs of either Macsales.com or Crucial.com RAM and install the RAM when the computer arrives. Finally, purchase the largest SSD you can afford and ensure the old Mac has a Time Machine back up that is working. Then when the new machine arrives, please follow the steps in Setup Assistant and Migration Assistant

Similar questions

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Sep 15, 2021 10:23 PM in response to GrayscaleXLII

Get the I9 CPU and also the Radeon Pro 5700 with 8GB of RAM as the GPU. If the desk the computer will be on has a window behind it and there may be glare then also get the Nano Texture glass. Buy it with only 8GB of RAM and then order 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DIMMs of either Macsales.com or Crucial.com RAM and install the RAM when the computer arrives. Finally, purchase the largest SSD you can afford and ensure the old Mac has a Time Machine back up that is working. Then when the new machine arrives, please follow the steps in Setup Assistant and Migration Assistant

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

What processor do I need for motion graphics design?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.