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Egurrola
Participating Frequently
December 20, 2017
Question

Which is better for 4K editing? Windows or iMac

  • December 20, 2017
  • 1 reply
  • 1232 views

Which is better for 4K 24-bit editing? Windows with i9-7960X (2,8Ghz) or iMac with i5 (3,4Ghz). We are looking the best comfort solution for us.

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    1 reply

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    RjL190365
    Legend
    December 20, 2017

    Between those two, Windows by far. That's because the iMac with i5 that's currently available is based on a Kaby Lake CPU (only 4 cores and 4 threads), and is incapable of being upgraded to more than 32GB of DDR4 RAM. As such, that iMac will absolutely choke on 4K material, and is barely suitable for even 1080p.

    E
    EgurrolaAuthor
    Participating Frequently
    December 21, 2017

    Ok, I have got the message about performance in "preview mode". Some ppl says that the main reason why they are using iMac is a ready-to-go hardware/software platform (real colors in retina display) and better optimalization in that order. Is anyone there who can confirm what is the best for 4K editing (smooth and comfort work in preview mode).

    R
    RjL190365
    Legend
    December 22, 2017

    OK pal, according to benchmarks based on Pudget Systems Workstations vs iMac we are thinking about Windows machine. What is more efficient CPU for Premiere in 4K? Do the i9-7960X is overkill or not? 32GB of RAM is enough? And what the best 4K display We can get to beat RETINA.

    PS. As I said, working comfort (smooth or something like that I got on my mind) in preview mode is our priority.


    The 16-core/32-thread i9-7960X is a bit overkill for 4k editing, IMHO. A better match would be either a 10-core/20-thread i9-7900X or an 8-core/16-thread i7-7820K if you're going to configure a Windows workstation.

    And yes, there is a HUGE difference in processing performance between the i9-7960X in your proposed Windows workstation and the i5-7500 that's used in the iMac that you're considering.

    And if you do end up choosing an iMac, be sure you get one of the 27-inch models, especially a higher-end one that offers an optional 4-core/8-thread i7 CPU. The 21.5-inch models all have lesser GPUs that may slow down or frustrate your overall editing experience.

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