FCP users what specs would you suggests for MBP 16" ?

[kemo]

Long time MacBook Pro user here, upgrading the machine around every 4 years however I'm not quite happy with my current MacBook Pro 2017 15" since the purchase 2 years ago - the keyboard was quite a difference compared to previous generations (coming for 2011).

Anyway my current workflow as a web developer is plenty of terminal instances with Node.js processes running, no big deal here - base configuration 16" would be sufficient for my work, no doubt.

But I'd like to get into video editing - so far I have created a few projects in iMovie, but as you know, it's just way to basic stuff and since me and my wife travel a lot, do hiking and stuff, have a camera and Mavic Pro Drone for 4k videos I'd like to step up the output of our memories so I think FCP is a next step.

Now to the question, I'm kinda keen to upgrade current machine for 16" inch just for the keyboard itself, but since I'd like to get into video editing I would love to get some info on your experience with FCP and what specs should I choose?

So far I was thinking i9 / 32GB / 5500M 4GB / 512GB - I'd like to use the laptop for let's say upcoming 4 years so please take this into the consideration as well.

Drive space won't be an issue for me - plenty of external drives around + 2TB iCloud storage.

Thanks!

Tom

 

[kave]

For the 80$ get the best gfx card. I would get at least 1TB ssd.

 

[sat24]

At least 1tb and the 5500m 8Gb video card. Also 32gb.

 

[kemo]

Thanks guys, after more digging, Ill settle with 2.3 / 32GB / 5500m 8GB / 1TB this should be solid for the years to come

 

[SMC23]

I am settling on the same config. I do very little video editing and would like to get more into it as well.

 

[cambookpro]

FCPX is written so well that I've cut a 60 minute film in 4K on a base 2018 13" with no issues. Export is of course longer, but it can play the clips in real-time without issue. I'd say the base model 16" would be more than enough unless you're using 4K multicams or want to apply lots of effects.

 

[turbineseaplane]

Only thing I’d wonder about is the SSD size.

That’s a personal thing of course, but I’ve personally come to realize that my needs now “start” at 2TB to be comfortable (I do a lot of video work also). I don’t ever want internal space to be within 30% of being an issue/full..

...and remember - sadly this is all soldered in.

(Frustrating enforced choice by Apple in an ostensibly Pro focused/large new machine)

 

[anticipate]

I do very heavy duty 4K editing with effects applied in FCPX and frequently can't wait for it to render. I need to see things in best quality. (Better performance is much more forgiving). The 16" MBP with the 5500 gfx has been the only Macbook I have been able to that with without an eGPU.

I got the 16GB model (8 core, 5500 4GB, 1 TB) which seems like plenty. But if you can swing it, I would go to 32GB/8GB for the GPU, as both get pegged.

 

[kemo]

I do very heavy duty 4K editing with effects applied in FCPX and frequently can't wait for it to render. I need to see things in best quality. (Better performance is much more forgiving). The 16" MBP with the 5500 gfx has been the only Macbook I have been able to that with without an eGPU.

I got the 16GB model (8 core, 5500 4GB, 1 TB) which seems like plenty. But if you can swing it, I would go to 32GB/8GB for the GPU, as both get pegged.

Thanks!

 

[Sirmausalot]

Long time MacBook Pro user here, upgrading the machine around every 4 years however I'm not quite happy with my current MacBook Pro 2017 15" since the purchase 2 years ago - the keyboard was quite a difference compared to previous generations (coming for 2011).

Anyway my current workflow as a web developer is plenty of terminal instances with Node.js processes running, no big deal here - base configuration 16" would be sufficient for my work, no doubt.

But I'd like to get into video editing - so far I have created a few projects in iMovie, but as you know, it's just way to basic stuff and since me and my wife travel a lot, do hiking and stuff, have a camera and Mavic Pro Drone for 4k videos I'd like to step up the output of our memories so I think FCP is a next step.

Now to the question, I'm kinda keen to upgrade current machine for 16" inch just for the keyboard itself, but since I'd like to get into video editing I would love to get some info on your experience with FCP and what specs should I choose?

So far I was thinking i9 / 32GB / 5500M 4GB / 512GB - I'd like to use the laptop for let's say upcoming 4 years so please take this into the consideration as well.

Drive space won't be an issue for me - plenty of external drives around + 2TB iCloud storage.

Thanks!

Tom

Upgrade the video card and SSD (much more convenient to keep finished projects on the drive). I'm in the minority, but FCP works well under 16gb memory. The upgrade is just too expensive.

 

[turbineseaplane]

I promise one day I'll stop complaining about this..

But damned is it annoying they've chosen to solder in RAM & SSD.

(I know they already had made this soldering change, but I mean specifically on this 16" machine which was supposed to be a regression in some areas to features that people, particularly Pro/higher end users, may have really wanted)

These devices would be so much more flexible and have much more longevity for so many users if these were upgradeable components.

 

[RichiMac]

Long time MacBook Pro user here, upgrading the machine around every 4 years however I'm not quite happy with my current MacBook Pro 2017 15" since the purchase 2 years ago - the keyboard was quite a difference compared to previous generations (coming for 2011).

Anyway my current workflow as a web developer is plenty of terminal instances with Node.js processes running, no big deal here - base configuration 16" would be sufficient for my work, no doubt.

But I'd like to get into video editing - so far I have created a few projects in iMovie, but as you know, it's just way to basic stuff and since me and my wife travel a lot, do hiking and stuff, have a camera and Mavic Pro Drone for 4k videos I'd like to step up the output of our memories so I think FCP is a next step.

Now to the question, I'm kinda keen to upgrade current machine for 16" inch just for the keyboard itself, but since I'd like to get into video editing I would love to get some info on your experience with FCP and what specs should I choose?

So far I was thinking i9 / 32GB / 5500M 4GB / 512GB - I'd like to use the laptop for let's say upcoming 4 years so please take this into the consideration as well.

Drive space won't be an issue for me - plenty of external drives around + 2TB iCloud storage.

Thanks!

Tom

video files take lots of memory. I filled up 1 1/2 TB in no time. So I have ordered the 8TB. Transferring files on external ssd's while trying to edit on FCP gets to be a pain when memory starts running short. The 8TB ssd is the main reason I am getting the new 16".

 

[turbineseaplane]

So I have ordered the 8TB.

Dayum - I bow before you and a very large budget to spend on the laptop..

That's going to be *awesome*
Congrats man..

 

[kemo]

video files take lots of memory. I filled up 1 1/2 TB in no time. So I have ordered the 8TB. Transferring files on external ssd's while trying to edit on FCP gets to be a pain when memory starts running short. The 8TB ssd is the main reason I am getting the new 16".

the storage upgrade costs like the laptop itself, but I see some people may find usage for it. I will reconsider the base storage.

Very informative answers, thanks guys!

Forgot to add, that the username checks out