Best older machine for running FCP 6/7?

[jhollaman]

Hey guys,

I'm in need of an older machine to run Final Cut Pro 6 or 7. Since I only need the machine for this purpose, I'd like to keep the cost as low as possible. Any recommendations? Of course, FCP needs to be able to run at a reasonable speed. I've been looking at older Power Macs, but I guess an older laptop could work too.

Thanks.

 

[phrehdd]

I appreciate you wanting to keep the cost down but you might want to look at the "ideal" specs for using FCP 6/7 and work backwards. In your shoes, I would look at perhaps an older Mac Pro. You will need space to work (drive space) etc. and possibly want to add RAM or possibly change out the standard video card.

Some older MP's can be had quite cheap from private sellers but always check them out thoroughly.

 

[321estrellas]

Yeah, Mac Pro's (3,1's or older) are getting quite cheap. Nobody really wants to buy them anymore so people are selling it for less. If you're just straight editing without much effects, you should be fine with any Intel Core 2 Duo computer - whether it be an iMac, Macbook Pro, or Mac Mini - is up to you depending on what you need (ports, portability, etc)

 

[h9826790]

A Mac Pro 4,1 can be as low as around $400 on ebay. This is more expendable than almost any other Mac Pro. It's spec is identical to 5,1. Able to use the 5,1 CPU (max at X5690) after firmware flash. Able to upgrade the GPU easily (which the 6,1 cannot). Use DDR3 RAM which you can easily get in any computer store with relatively low price (the RAM use in 3,1 or earlier may be more expensive and harder to find). Use Standard SATA 2 HDD (you can plug in SATA 3 SSD into any of these bay including the optical bay).

So, if you consider the old Mac Pro route, you should consider all the above factor before you make decision. If you go for the 3,1 or earlier, make sure you know what you need, and compare the overall cost after the upgrade. Don't just compare the base cost.

Since it's hard to tell what you mean by "reasonable speed". I will suggest you just get the base model 4,1, install 10.6.8, and run the FCP 7. If that's OK for you, then $400 will be the overall cost.

This config will give you better option in case you need to upgrade (both hardware and software) later on.