which computer for editing

Question

Level 1

14 points

which computer for editing

Hello

I need to upgrade from my 2013 MacBook Air to a MacBook Pro and i'm unsure how powerful of a computer do I need to get.

I've been doing HD video editing on my MBA for a long time and it is slow. It runs hot and is not productive. The situation is that I only do either rough assemblies for long format (2 hour plus programs) or full editing for very short pieces such as 2 min SME talking sessions.

I appreciate the mobility of the laptop and I hope to move back abroad so the laptop is ideal. At the same time I'm very torn b/t the various other build options; such as GHz, RAM, graphics card.

I don't see myself using graphics, 4k workflows, or aftereffects. I also won't be doing the polishing and colorizing.

The following MBP specs seem to be the best available, but do I need to go that high in each area based on my requirements?

3.5 GHz Intel Core i7 Dual-Core
16GB of 2133 MHz RAM | 1TB SSD
Integrated Intel Iris Plus Graphics 650

Can I not dial back these categories and still be in a situation where i'll be productive and not second-guessing my self for the add'l $1000...could be so much better.

Current MBA config.

1.7 GHz, intel core i7
8GB 1600 MHz DDR3
500GB storage
Intel HD Graphics 5000 1536 MB

Is the iMac really worth it regardless of my mobility desires?

Your suggestions are greatly appreciated. I've been debating myself on this subject for two weeks. it's time to move on it. Thanks,

Final Cut Pro X, macOS Sierra (10.12.3), compressor 4.1.3

Posted on Aug 11, 2017 12:33 PM

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Answer 1

Aug 11, 2017 12:47 PM in response to DC-CD

Dialing down on the MacBook Pro is an option. If you say 3.5 GHz, 500GB, and a 5000 graphics card is too much, then Apple does give lesser options. The lowest GHz option is a 2.3 option that comes with a 128 or 256GB option if that best fits your needs. you can also customize these option when you go through the checkout process on the Apple website. Given that you do HD video editing, i would go with a good graphics card and tons of storage to save those edits.

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Answer 2

JimmyCMPIT

Level 7

29,306 points

Aug 11, 2017 1:07 PM in response to DC-CD

the i7 dual is the constant bottleneck to that system, and the MBA is not the Apple computer recommended to do any video editing onbut the integrated graphics can be overcome for a price on either a new or older Mac computer.

While most models of the Powerbook come with an intergraded card which will make 4K editing not very enjoyable you can go with a 3d party external USB C GPU (on an older mac this can be accomplished with USB to USB-C converter) and open your system up to video cards that Apple could only dream of bundling.

If you plan to edit 4K and plan to use an Apple Software Solution you are better off with AMD cards, for anything else you may see a benefit with Nvidia cards. While these devices have their own power and cooling they are not easily portable without a larger pack to contain them, and are generally the size of a large external hard drive.

There are several vendors that build these aftermarket devices which do not require any modifications to your hardware

BIZON – United States | External graphics card (eGPU) for Apple MacBook, Mac Pro, mac mini, iMac. EGP. eGFX USB-C GPU Do…

In answer to your 2nd question I support a few iMacs that are video editing workhorses, we got them with the 4GB DDR5 Nvidia or AMD cards from Apple. At this time they come bundled with only AMD cards but can also be used with an external GPU solution.

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Answer 3

DC-CD Author

Level 1

14 points

Aug 11, 2017 1:10 PM in response to riritortilla

So GHz premium isn't going to deliver noticable differnces for purposes of my editing requirements?

In my instance a 3.1 vs 3.5 isn't going to be noticable.
Thank you

k-

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