Skip to main content
L
lysiac46077766
Known Participant
May 31, 2017
Question

Secondary editing computer??

  • May 31, 2017
  • 4 replies
  • 1688 views

Hi all,

I'm looking to purchase a secondary computer for editing away from the office. It doesn't need to be as much of a workhorse but does need to get the job done! I work for a nonprofit so budget is definitely a consideration. I work on mostly short videos for web viewing but sometimes have to do heavy color work and resizing (nature drone ftg). Mostly 1080p with occasional 4K. I do often run Photoshop simultaneously. I've done research online but am a bit overwhelmed by all the info and terminology. I am fairly comfortable with tech and a fast learner but new to the Mac world, specs and Premiere. I am not set yet on laptop/desktop. I do think Mac is the best way to go because our primary editing computer is a Mac and I figured it'd be a smoother transition when working on the same project on 2 different computers. I have a screenshot of our primary setup but no photo attachment option here... I'll try posting it as a reply.

Thanks so much for your input!!

    This topic has been closed for replies.

    4 replies

    L
    lysiac46077766Author
    Known Participant
    June 3, 2017

    So whether I stick with Mac or switch to PC, what are the minimum specs I could get away with? And by that I mean function effectively (as described in OP). From what I've read, 16GB RAM should be good but I can't find a concensus on processor. So on MacBook Pro for instance, is the Intel i5 enough or would I really need the i7? And GHz? Any input is super appreciated!

    awgovers
    awgovers
    Participating Frequently
    June 3, 2017

    That would totally depend on your workflow. To edit and work with 4k footage real-time would take a more powerful machine in comparison to 1080

    As for the Macbooks and RAM, 16GB should suffice in general. I would strongly recommend you look into RAM replacement, Apple even has tutorials on their site on this. You should buy the Macbook with the least amount of RAM available, and buy the higher RAM from a 3rd party seller. This could easily save you a few hundred of dollars if you want to max it out And on the newer models it's just opening the case and swapping the ram, a "no-risk"/"5-minute" job. This saved me nearly 400 bucks on my last iMac. Link to the official Apple thread.

    For the processor i would recommend the i7 over i5. It costs a bit more but it will be worth your while.

    For the storage you definitely want to go SSD or flash. Don't get the older HDD's of Fusion Drives, they will slow everything down. The disk should be large enough to hold your OS, your software and ideally your render files and cache. You could also move the last ones to an external USB3 or Thunderbolt drive (TB even better)

    Another important spec is your graphics card, don't cheap out on this one.

    If it fits your needs i would recommend you consider the iMac as well. A fully maxed out 27" 5k Retina iMac would set your back at roughly $4000 (Maxed processor, RAM, SSD disks, Graphic card.) while the brand new Macbook Pro would cost you $2800 without any upgrades.

    You could also check out one of the resellers that deal out refurbished Apple products. I've bought several and i can;t complain about the machines. You're not getting a brand new product, but with the greatly reduced prices i could settle for that.

    Hope this helps!
    Bas

      L
      lysiac46077766Author
      Known Participant
      June 22, 2017

      Sorry for the lagtime Had to put things on hold for a bit. So it's been decided that it'd be best for me to get a laptop for flexibility. I was just looking over the specs for the 2017 Macbook Pro and it looks like the improvements they made to the processor and graphics may be worthwhile (MacBook Pro 2017 vs MacBook Pro 2016: what’s changed? | TechRadar and The 15-inch MacBook Pro: What's changed?). I definitely want the 15" and within that there are 2 options with applicable differences being processor, graphics and price.

      Storage doesn't much matter since this is my secondary computer so will only store active projects on it. Currently I'm mostly working with 1080p but I may be working with more 4K down the road so good to be prepared for that. I had to do lots of resizing, color editing, time remapping, etc on my last project (drone footage) and may have similar projects upcoming. Do you have an opinion on whether the slightly cheaper model would be sufficient for my needs? Would obviously love to save the $ if possible but not compromise being able to work efficiently...

      Thanks again for all the input, it's REALLY appreciated!!!

      Peru Bob
      Community Expert
      Peru BobCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      June 1, 2017

      I'm moving this to the Hardware Forum where the hardware experts might have more answers.

        E
        excited_Genie16B8
        Legend
        May 31, 2017

        I do think Mac is the best way to go

        You should rethink that.

        $2,000 Custom PC vs $4,000 Mac Pro - YouTube

        L
        lysiac46077766Author
        Known Participant
        June 1, 2017

        I meant because I'll be working on the same project, moving back and forth between the 2 computers. So I thought it would be smoother, less potential glitches, to do this on the same platform. I do know there are awesome PCs great for video editing.

        awgovers
        awgovers
        Participating Frequently
        June 1, 2017

        While Mac has my personal preference any day, i don't think you should run in too many trouble while trying to swap out Adobe project files between Windows and Mac. If you're only using software that runs on both Mac and PC (Like Premiere Pro, Photoshop and After Effects) then sure, lysiac46077766​ makes a very valid point. PC will be much cheaper for better specs!

        Do keep in mind that many 3rd party plugins and effects are based on your operating system though, you might have to buy some of the plugins again to get them running on Windows versions of Adobe.

        If you need a stationary work station your should definitely go for a desktop instead of a laptop. Again this should get you much more power for a lower price tag. If you also need to work outside of your office, laptop might be the way to go.

        A third option, i don't know if we're allowed to say this here, is buying these "cheap" PC parts and install OSX on it. I won't go into too much detail, but it takes some tech and computer skills to pull it off. Google is your friend

        Hope this helps! All the best,
        Bas

          L
          lysiac46077766Author
          Known Participant
          May 31, 2017

          Well apparently there's no photo option on mobile??  Thank goodness for voice text! Here goes…

          iMac 5K retina 27 inch late 2015

          4 GHz Intel core i7

          32 GB 1867 MHz DDR3

          3 TB fusion drive

          AMD Radeon R9 M395X 4096 MB

          Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
          Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices