Which imac for final cut pro x editing GoPro Videos?

Welcome to the Apple Support Communities Nickolai953!

In answer to your questions, if you are looking to get your video footage processed fast for clients, you really need a top end Mac.

The base model 27" inch screen iMac, isn't really going to cut it.

You might be able to do what you need to do with the 3.2 Ghz i5 model which is the next 27 inch screen model.

With this model, you, at least, get the 1 GB VRAM GPU. You do not, neccessarily need the 2 GB VRAM GPU.

The 1 GB VRAM GPU is a good balance for graphics capability.

The i7 3.4 Ghz CPU is really the way to go.

Borh CPU types are quad core CPUs, but

The i5 CPUs do not have Hyper Threading of data. The i7 CPUs do which make processing data that much faster.

If finances are the issue, you maybe able to get by with the 3.2 Ghz i5 CPU.

Install, at least 16 GBs of RAM and if you can afford more RAM than this, get it.

Also, for speed look at getting one of the fusion drive options.

EIther the 1 TB fusion or the 3 TB fusion drive.

If you opt for the smaller 1 TB fusion drive, you should consider getting an larger external hard drive for storage.

You'll, also, need to budget for an optical drive. These are no longer built-into the new iMacs.

Plan on budgeting and purchasing extended 3-year AppleCare within your first year of the AppleCare warranty period. You will need this with iMacs.

The new models are actually missing hardware items found on the older models.

No CD/DVD drive.

No optical audio in.

No dedicated FireWire 800 port.

No IR port for remote iMac control.

If the other iMac you're looking at has the i7 CPU, chances are it has, at least, the 1 GB VRAM GPU, too!

The new i7 models are, indeed, lacking the dvd drive, firewire, etc.
What they do have, though, is the latest version of the i7 and the option for a fusion drive, which is like a hard drive on steroids and speed. I just got one yesterday and ran a single comparison with my 1.5 year old PC. The PC has 8 GB of RAM and an i7; the iMac has 24 GB of RAM and a newer i7. The only test I've conducted so far is to time how long it took to open Adobe Illustrator.

PC: About 20 seconds

iMac: About 5 seconds

I'm not comparing apples to apples, pun intended, but I think the biggest difference may actually be the fusion drive, not the OS or the hardware.

The iMac you linked is a great iMac and has the same i7 CPU that the new models have.

This is a great deal.

I paid $1500 a year ago through a uses Apple reseller for a 2009, 27 in. screen model with lesser specs.

I'd go for it!

This will be a good iMac for you.

Good Luck!

According to the specs, it only has 4 GBs of RAM installed

At any rate, this is still a good iMac. I has the 1 GB VRAM GPU and the same i7 CPU.

You will need to install more RAM, yourself.

Buy RAM from OWC (macsales) and install to, at least, 16 GBs of RAM.

Install more, if you can afford to.

You can't wait on iMacs like this .

Video Pros know that the i7 CPUs and fast GPUs are necessary for video work.

Good Luck!

😉

Also, find out what type of stamdard warranty and extended warranty plans they have.

I was able to get a six month warranty through PowerMax.

These iMacs can be prone to any failures. So, having some warranty protection toward repair and replacement is better the no warranties at all.

Are you buying this from a private owner?

Have you been checking Apple's refurbished section of their site for refurbished iMacs?

Refurbished Mac are treated just like brand new Macs.

It would be better if your could find what you are looking for from Apple as you'll have one year of complimentary AppleCare with the option to purchase and register for 3-year extended AppleCare.

I Would hate to see you purchase a Mac with no other warranty policy.

These iMacs have a varied history of component failures that are very expensive to get fixed.

Every local Apple website should have a refurbished Mac section.

You can get a real good deal sometimes on these Macs.

If you can't find anything there, reputable used Mac dealers have decent deals and have bonadide warranties.

I can't stress this enough.

Try to purchase a Mac from a authorized Apple dealer who deals in used Macs. You pay a little more, but you get Macs that are certified for physical and working condition plus you get a warranty!

The more reputable dealers have a 90 day policy standard and a pay extended warranty for, at least 6 months to one year.

Tthe used Mac dealer I use is PowerMax. They have a great selection of used Macs.

Do what you will.

I Am just trying to give options so you don't end up with a problematic iMac.

Good Luck!

😉