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What to do?

D

Djz1992

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Apr 1, 2018
1
0
Hi there!

I’m getting more into video editing and plan on buy a new camera for some 4K editing. Currently, I have a 2012 mid MacBook Pro and it can be painfully slow and even drop transitions when running Final Cut Pro.


What should I do?

Upgrade my MBP to a 500gn SSD and 16gb ram?


Or should I just buy a brand new MBP?

Would the 2017 MBP be able to handle it? Or should I go with something else?


My budget would be around $1500.


Thank you!
 
Budget at $1500, so new is out. I would start to save and hopes a upgrade comes out later this year.

Edit: I realized you can get a base one for $1200

I would save up a little more to get one they can handle things.
 
Djz1992 said:
Hi there!

I’m getting more into video editing and plan on buy a new camera for some 4K editing. Currently, I have a 2012 mid MacBook Pro and it can be painfully slow and even drop transitions when running Final Cut Pro.


What should I do?

Upgrade my MBP to a 500gn SSD and 16gb ram?


Or should I just buy a brand new MBP?

Would the 2017 MBP be able to handle it? Or should I go with something else?


My budget would be around $1500.


Thank you!
Click to expand...

More ram and ssd won’t help much it’s down to the gpu and cpu hardware acceleration that your 2012 struggles with 4K editing.

You will need a new computer if you plan to do that editing at home then get a 5k iMac that’s what it’s designed for, keep your current machine for on the go and offload to the iMac for heavy lifting.

If you need a portable powerhouse then a new MacBook Pro or other PC is probably needed.

If you are staying with Mac then try to wait for this years model which should see some fairly significant performance increases.
 
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If you're dealing with a lot of 4k editing, your best move is to get a 15" MBP with an upgraded GPU (which I realize will be nowhere near your budget) Save a bit more and splurge on that model. It will be well worth it especially in terms of future proofing your investment.

Unfortunately, it seems that video editing is the toughest thing to keep up with when it comes to performance. If you purchase a lower spec 13 inch pro, I fear that you may be looking for an upgrade much sooner than if you went with the 15 inch model with a dedicated GPU.

Either way, wait until June. There's a chance that the 13 inch model may receive some major improvements in terms of graphics (which may save you some money from the 15 inch model) In the meantime, throw an SSD in that mac you have anyways. You won't regret it.
 
Quick question: Are you helping your editing experience by importing all clips into Optimized (or proxy) Media? Takes longer on import, but helps maximize editing performance.

That said, If you're not at 16GB and SSD, I can see how this wouldn't work so well. My 2013 with 16GB and SSD struggles sometimes...
 
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Agree with Samuelsan.
Get a 5k iMac (NOT a MacBook Pro) -- the best one you can afford.
Get an Apple-refurb if necessary.
 
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