iMac Pro iMac Pro - macOS vs. Windows Benchmarks

[BeSweeet]

I tested a suite of non-scientific benchmarks to compare performance between macOS High Sierra and Windows 10 (installed via Boot Camp Assistant with the latest Apple-supplied drivers). My primary iMac Pro usage is video editing using Adobe Premiere, After Effects and Media Encoder.

Test notes:

• Premiere Pro test: Render a previous project to DNxHR UHD HQ.
• After Effects test: EQUILOUD template to lossless.
• AME test: iStock 4K ProRes clip to DNxHR UHD HQ transcode job.
• Adobe app launch tests: Time it takes from clicking the icon to being able to use the software.
• SunSpider: lower results = better
• JetStream: higher results = better
• Kraken: lower results = better
• Octane: higher results = better

Here are the results (imgur). Highlighted cells under the "difference" column show tests where Windows won.

In general, Windows 10 is noticeably better when it comes to OpenCL and OpenGL tasks. macOS edges Windows in some CPU-bound tests, but not by much.

For my usage, I'll rely on Windows. Fortunately, the iMac Pro will be shared by others, so they can choose whatever OS they want for their tasks. The 1TB SSD was evenly split and should be enough.

 

[zm15]

Thanks for doing this!! Great work!

What are the specs of the iMac Pro you tested this with?

 

[BeSweeet]

Thanks for doing this!! Great work!

What are the specs of the iMac Pro you tested this with?

It's the base iMac Pro (8 cores + Vega 56).

 

[zm15]

Wow, super fast response, thanks!!

Do you use any Video Copilot plugins in After Effects?

 

[BeSweeet]

Wow, super fast response, thanks!!

Do you use any Video Copilot plugins in After Effects?

My After Effects is all stock.

 

[anticipate]

Rumor has it that 10.13.4's graphics drivers give a nice bump...

 

[zm15]

Rumor has it that 10.13.4's graphics drivers give a nice bump...

That would be nice. Trying to find users who use Element 3D with the iMac pro and getting their impression with the Vega card and if it's been a big boost.

 

[Mac32]

Unfortunately Bootcamp support for iMac Pro is still beta, and has issues (audio, graphics, bluetooth peripherals).

EDIT: Apple bluetooth peripherals. Logitech etc. works fine.

 

[nerdynerdynerdy]

My After Effects is all stock.

I'd be interested to hear how you AE is performing vs your previous Mac setups if you have time to share.

My studio predominantly uses Avid Media Composer and After Effects but it's hard to get good information about how these are performing at the moment.

I would not be using Windows though.

 

[Bigdog9586]

About 75% of the time my Bluetooth keyboard or mouse don’t work in windows on my pro.

 

[richinaus]

Unfortunately Bootcamp support for iMac Pro is still beta, and has issues (audio, graphics, bluetooth peripherals).

Yes its terrible and make me want to throw the imacpro out the window when using revit [I use bootcamp drivers.com drivers which are far better but glitchy still]. Crashes about 20 times a day.

About 75% of the time my Bluetooth keyboard or mouse don’t work in windows on my pro.

Yep, I have everything connected by cable.........

Not a great experience on Windows at present on an iMac pro and I would advise anyone looking to buy one to test their apps out thoroughly prior to the 14 day return, if they needs Windows.

Having experienced the Apple crap drivers in windows issues before, I know they will get round to sorting it all out, but could be a while, as not exactly a high priority for them.

 

[Bigdog9586]

When I switch to windows I have a usb keyboard and mouse ready to go. I’ve had NO Bluetooth problems on the iMac pro side. For that matter no problems with the pro

 

[Mac32]

When I switch to windows I have a usb keyboard and mouse ready to go. I’ve had NO Bluetooth problems on the iMac pro side. For that matter no problems with the pro

I should have been more precise - "Apple bluetooth peripherals". My Logitech mouse works fine, just not anything from Apple (at least my trackpad and keyboard).

 

[whichimac]

Logitech mouse

why are the main causes/reasons for why you dont use the apple mouse?

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for the benchmarks did you cross-compare between the other ones out there? i guess it's not needed since most of the same bench are likely very similar

btw in you have any inputs on any of my few posts which are all mainly about which imac to get that would be helpful

 

[Mac32]

why are the main causes/reasons for why you dont use the apple mouse?

-

for the benchmarks did you cross-compare between the other ones out there? i guess it's not needed since most of the same bench are likely very similar

btw in you have any inputs on any of my few posts which are all mainly about which imac to get that would be helpful

Because the Apple mouse has terrible ergonomics, and Logitech MX Master 2S is MUCH better (big improvement also in OSX from older Logitech models, in terms of response/feel). It's so good, I actually put away my trackpad for good. Recommended.

 

[294307]

Rumor has it that 10.13.4's graphics drivers give a nice bump...

Where have you heard this?

 

[BeSweeet]

I have no issues with the Apple keyboard and mouse working in Windows 10 on the iMac Pro, but they're both so anti-ergonomic and completely uncomfortable to use - especially the mouse. I don't think Apple uses the hardware that they create...

I'd be interested to hear how you AE is performing vs your previous Mac setups if you have time to share.

My studio predominantly uses Avid Media Composer and After Effects but it's hard to get good information about how these are performing at the moment.

I would not be using Windows though.

My previous AE "machine" was a Lenovo laptop running Windows 7 and a dual-core, third-gen i7-3520M (exact model might be wrong), so I don't have anything reasonable to compare against.

If it were up to me, I would've skipped the iMac Pro and built a $2,000 PC that would've been faster and wouldn't thermal throttle. But, IT would only approve a Mac, so...