This question is going to cover a lot of topics (all of which are pretty over my head), so have fun. Answering "in line" to my Questions/Concerns below is encouraged.
Goal: I'd like to start doing more video editing with a 'true' software, capable of color grading and such (ex. Final Cut Pro, Davinci Resolve (I believe there is still a 'lite/Free' version available)).
Issue: Currently any sort of video editing is terribly slow. Davinci Resolve wouldn't even open because my video card is too old/slow/incorrect. I haven't tried installing FCP but I imagine it would be pretty bad as well.
Computer setup: I have a MBP 7,1 Core 2 Duo - 2.4 13", 1066 PC3-8500, running Yosemite.
Camera: Panasonic G6 (not really relevant here)
Considerations: Keeping costs low is a priority, as I see this as merely a hobby, and at that, a lower priority than other hobbies I already am involved in.
- - - - - - - - - -
Thoughts and options to remedy the issues:
Option 1) I can expand the RAM in my current laptop, up to 16GB according to http://blog.macsales.com/16302-some-2010-mac-owners-can-get-more-ram-than-they-thought.
Questions/Concerns?:
1a. Seems like a good first step but, Will I really get much performance increase from this? Is it a justifiable first option to improve the performance while editing video?
1b. Will the 'rest' of my computer be able to handle this extended RAM, when the amount stated officially by Apple is 8GB? Or will things start overheating, freaking out, etc.?
1b (2). If the answer to 1b is "no, the computer will not otherwise be able to handle 16GB RAM", should I just upgrade it to 8GB, and hopefully hit some sort of sweet spot of improved RAM but not degraded 'other performance'
1c. Cost: $120
Option 2) after upgrading the RAM, say I wanted to address the video card issue itself. Apparently I could try to run a different video card through the Thunderbolt port on my computer, and essentially boost the fps on my Macbook's screen (among potentially other improved graphics performance attributes). http://www.xlr8yourmac.com/tips/MBP_ThunderBoltVideoCard.htm
Questions/concerns:
2a. Complicated - This is starting to get VERY over my head. External chassis, hacking MacOS, using the command line, all out of my realm. I could be willing to take it on, but just not sure. I've never even opened up my computer before.
2b. Cost: I don't know where to start with how much this would cost but I'm guessing around $300+? I think i would need the Thunderbolt cable, a card adapter, a Card Enclosure (is this the same thing as a "chassis"?), and of course another video card (like an NVIDIA one that would work with the free Davinci)
Option 3) I'm learning that I should probably be storing my video content on my external hard drive, especially if I'm going to go with FCP (assuming it's 1)fast and 2) big, which I need to confirm).
Questions/concerns:
3a) what type of performance increase would this give me?
3b) is the USB drive connection fast enough to use?
Option 4) Assume the last 3 options built on eachother. This option scratches the RAM upgrade, external hard drive, and the external video card, and whatever else I would need to do to get this Mac up to speed, and I could potentially build a desktop PC for video editing http://www.logicalincrements.com/articles/videoediting
Questions/concerns:
4a. I could do this for relatively cheap right? Like $500-600? Could I do it for just a couple hundred dollars more than getting my MBP working for my purposes (the previous 3 options combined)?
4b. Could I then plug it into a sweet big hdtv screen and forego small computer monitors altogether, which I would need to buy but would be pretty cheap/free (although losing the convenience and portability of a laptop)?
4c. Complications? I would need to install Windows on it (extra $). Would I need to use commands and programming language to do that?
Thanks for any help and guidance on working me through this!
Goal: I'd like to start doing more video editing with a 'true' software, capable of color grading and such (ex. Final Cut Pro, Davinci Resolve (I believe there is still a 'lite/Free' version available)).
Issue: Currently any sort of video editing is terribly slow. Davinci Resolve wouldn't even open because my video card is too old/slow/incorrect. I haven't tried installing FCP but I imagine it would be pretty bad as well.
Computer setup: I have a MBP 7,1 Core 2 Duo - 2.4 13", 1066 PC3-8500, running Yosemite.
Camera: Panasonic G6 (not really relevant here)
Considerations: Keeping costs low is a priority, as I see this as merely a hobby, and at that, a lower priority than other hobbies I already am involved in.
- - - - - - - - - -
Thoughts and options to remedy the issues:
Option 1) I can expand the RAM in my current laptop, up to 16GB according to http://blog.macsales.com/16302-some-2010-mac-owners-can-get-more-ram-than-they-thought.
Questions/Concerns?:
1a. Seems like a good first step but, Will I really get much performance increase from this? Is it a justifiable first option to improve the performance while editing video?
1b. Will the 'rest' of my computer be able to handle this extended RAM, when the amount stated officially by Apple is 8GB? Or will things start overheating, freaking out, etc.?
1b (2). If the answer to 1b is "no, the computer will not otherwise be able to handle 16GB RAM", should I just upgrade it to 8GB, and hopefully hit some sort of sweet spot of improved RAM but not degraded 'other performance'
1c. Cost: $120
Option 2) after upgrading the RAM, say I wanted to address the video card issue itself. Apparently I could try to run a different video card through the Thunderbolt port on my computer, and essentially boost the fps on my Macbook's screen (among potentially other improved graphics performance attributes). http://www.xlr8yourmac.com/tips/MBP_ThunderBoltVideoCard.htm
Questions/concerns:
2a. Complicated - This is starting to get VERY over my head. External chassis, hacking MacOS, using the command line, all out of my realm. I could be willing to take it on, but just not sure. I've never even opened up my computer before.
2b. Cost: I don't know where to start with how much this would cost but I'm guessing around $300+? I think i would need the Thunderbolt cable, a card adapter, a Card Enclosure (is this the same thing as a "chassis"?), and of course another video card (like an NVIDIA one that would work with the free Davinci)
Option 3) I'm learning that I should probably be storing my video content on my external hard drive, especially if I'm going to go with FCP (assuming it's 1)fast and 2) big, which I need to confirm).
Questions/concerns:
3a) what type of performance increase would this give me?
3b) is the USB drive connection fast enough to use?
Option 4) Assume the last 3 options built on eachother. This option scratches the RAM upgrade, external hard drive, and the external video card, and whatever else I would need to do to get this Mac up to speed, and I could potentially build a desktop PC for video editing http://www.logicalincrements.com/articles/videoediting
Questions/concerns:
4a. I could do this for relatively cheap right? Like $500-600? Could I do it for just a couple hundred dollars more than getting my MBP working for my purposes (the previous 3 options combined)?
4b. Could I then plug it into a sweet big hdtv screen and forego small computer monitors altogether, which I would need to buy but would be pretty cheap/free (although losing the convenience and portability of a laptop)?
4c. Complications? I would need to install Windows on it (extra $). Would I need to use commands and programming language to do that?
Thanks for any help and guidance on working me through this!