I'm starting to do video editing with CinemaDNG files which are massive. I need a computer that can handle this in Premiere, AfterEffects, or FCP. Will the Mac Pro be able to handle this?
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Mac Pro Video Editing
- Thread starter MatthewStorm
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It's an Adobe standard, I believe. Premiere on MacOS will allow you to use CUDA, Metal or OpenCL for GPU-acceleration, but bear in mind that nVidia GPU support for classic Mac Pros is not native for any modern nVidia GPUs. Modern AMD GPUs are natively supported.
For the later 'trashcan' Mac Pros... I wouldn't bother. They're too expensive, have soldered, non-upgradable (and now very old) GPUs and a reputation for being unreliable.
Personally, unless there is some other reason that would necessitate being in the Mac ecosystem, there are better choices for such high intensity workloads, like a custom build PC.
For the later 'trashcan' Mac Pros... I wouldn't bother. They're too expensive, have soldered, non-upgradable (and now very old) GPUs and a reputation for being unreliable.
Personally, unless there is some other reason that would necessitate being in the Mac ecosystem, there are better choices for such high intensity workloads, like a custom build PC.
True, but functionally it makes little difference. The GPUs are replaceable, but not upgradable.
With CinemaDNG, spend your money on plenty of fast storage.
I'm able to work with those files with Adobe on authentic MacPro5,1 with single CPU or dual CPU tray installed. SOME of the work with them is accelerated with CUDA using an NVIDIA GTX 1080 FE.
I'm able to work with those files with Adobe on authentic MacPro5,1 with single CPU or dual CPU tray installed. SOME of the work with them is accelerated with CUDA using an NVIDIA GTX 1080 FE.
Wow, the 5,1 is an old computer. I'm looking at picking up this computer here: https://www.apple.com/us_smb_78313/shop/buy-mac/mac-pro?product=MQGG2LL/A&step=config#
But the 6,1 is even older because no upgrade available since 2013. bebeamer is running a 1080 FE now, way newer than the D700.
The 5,1 with dual 3.46 CPUs is on par with the 6,1 for many tasks. Also lets the machine get stocked with 128GB RAM which is great with AE work. The GTX 1080 is a modern GPU and it works well with 5,1. Since Adobe works with CUDA, it makes even more sense for my work.
If I were deciding on a new machine today, I'd have a hard time choosing a Mac. I utilize NVIDIA GPUs and the lack of available options with new Macs is limiting. I'd probably be in a similar situation that I'm in now - stretch the performance of a 5,1 with non-standard upgrades, or switch to a Windows machine. Hackintosh is an option for some, but not really an option for professional work that relies on stability and dependability.
If I were deciding on a new machine today, I'd have a hard time choosing a Mac. I utilize NVIDIA GPUs and the lack of available options with new Macs is limiting. I'd probably be in a similar situation that I'm in now - stretch the performance of a 5,1 with non-standard upgrades, or switch to a Windows machine. Hackintosh is an option for some, but not really an option for professional work that relies on stability and dependability.
Depends on your workflow needs and which NLE...
FCPX 4K workflow, out-of-the box, best bang for the buck performance -- go for a late model iMac with mid to top specs.
FCPX for RAW workflow, OOTB, balance between speed and cost -- iMac Pro 10 core, Vega RX 56
FCPX 1080P, legacy peripherals, non-Thunderbolt -- High Sierra, custom upgraded/modded cMP 5,1, dual core, SSD, supported AMD Polaris/Vega GPU
Premiere Pro, AE, Resolve, Avid -- Windows 10 Pro, i7/i9, Thunderbolt, Nvidia GTX 1080/1080 Ti
After a month of research, I agree — don't use a Mac for video editing (unless a new iMac or iMac Pro, with a focus on FCPx and Davinci Resolve). The best bang for your buck is a non-Xeon custom PC.
I have purchased the parts today to do a PC build with the i7 8700k (Coffee Lake) and nVidia graphics. I am a Premiere Pro and After Effects user, coming from a maxed out Mac Pro 5,1 (it really wasn't ever ideal for my needs, but 2010-2015 it really didn't matter). My build will look something like this: https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/user/devynbrew/saved/sLkYrH
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yes almost any computer can handle that it's more like 'how fast at what cost'
relay depends on budget and if you 'need' to use osx.
(tho id gess a GPU with 4GBvram+ and 32GB-64GB ram may be needed)
im not fully up to date but i think AE and PP scale best on 6c cpu's then from 6-10 diminishing returns starts to kick in, FCP7 well actually im not shore how that scales on CPU use lol, FCX seems to scale well (tho on osx we lack large core count computers so only hack users will know how far).
so depending on budget a 5.1 or imac pro may be a good option (macpro will need a lot of upgrades drives/GPU/ram etc)
if your willing to make your own windows computer an AMD setup with an 8c/16t cpu (ryzen 2 looks like it will be the value king there) with idk gtx1060 6gb or faster with a some fast drives
or a Intel 8700K setup (more than 6 cores on intel jump a price bracket)
some fun info here https://www.pugetsystems.com/all_articles.php
ps 4K is a lot slower than 1080p, your using a low compression codec so cpu use will be a lot lighter so may depend on workflows but if drives are fast and sufficient ram is there then cpu may be less of a problem unless your doing more complex work
No, you don't really have to go PC as some here suggest. You'll still have more flexibility with a Mac since you'll be able to use all the major NLEs. Also, you should consider Resolve, which will play fine with dng. FCPX is overall faster and better optimized than Premiere Pro on a mac, but you'll still be able to use Premiere Pro just fine. Also, you'll need to transcode dng to ProRes for FCPX.
Any of the latest iMacs with the fastest graphics will be sufficient, and of course the iMac Pro would definitely be great. What actually matters more is getting a fast RAID for storage. Despite what a lot of people say, video editing is still largely a Mac thing. VFX and other things like that are not, largely, but traditional editing, yes. This is largely because ProRes delivery and things like H264 rendering are a lot better on macs.
Also, you can consider a proxy workflow, which you can do in Premiere or FCPX. The proxies will generally be 1080p, and then you switch over to 4k in the final stages. Doing this, you'll of course need some extra time to transcode your proxies at the beginning.
Any of the latest iMacs with the fastest graphics will be sufficient, and of course the iMac Pro would definitely be great. What actually matters more is getting a fast RAID for storage. Despite what a lot of people say, video editing is still largely a Mac thing. VFX and other things like that are not, largely, but traditional editing, yes. This is largely because ProRes delivery and things like H264 rendering are a lot better on macs.
Also, you can consider a proxy workflow, which you can do in Premiere or FCPX. The proxies will generally be 1080p, and then you switch over to 4k in the final stages. Doing this, you'll of course need some extra time to transcode your proxies at the beginning.