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T
TLPvoice
Participant
February 26, 2020
Answered

Macbook Pro requirements for Premiere Pro

  • February 26, 2020
  • 1 reply
  • 2900 views

Hello,

 

I am looking at downloading Premiere Pro but currently own a Macbook Air. As I understand the Air will not support the system requirements for the Premiere Pro I am looking at refurbished Macbook Pros. 

 

I am new to premiere and am by no means a tech wizard. Many Pros I am looking at are 2009-2010 and have stats that read either the below or very similar:

2.26 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor 

500GB Hard Disk Drive

4 GB of Ram (I'm aware Ill need to update that)

 

Is this a computer that can handle Premiere?
If not, what should I be looking for?

 

Thank you

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Kevin J. Monahan Jr.

TLP,

If you simply cannot operate with a computer that meets system requirements, it will be nearly impossible to work with modern camera formats, including mobile phone video shot in H.264, or even worse, HEVC. 

 

I think you may be able to purchase a more modern mid-level PC laptop (new or slightly used) for the same price as one of these very used Macs. Look into it. If you are not used to PCs, it's a little daunting but not different from operating what you're used to, especially within the application. 

I wish you luck in your decision, but for the love of God, do not buy this machine for use with Premiere Pro 2020.

Cheers!

Thanks,
Kevin

 

 

1 reply

J
Community Expert
John V KnowlesCommunity Expert
Community Expert
February 26, 2020

Hi there,

Are you on a very strict budget? Reason I ask is because you're looking at very old hardware there. And to answer your question succintly: no, those models will not work for you.

 

For Macbook Pros I wouldn't look any earlier than the 2016 models -- this is the first year they moved over to new cases with Thunderbolt 3 and the Touch Bar. Anything earlier is too slow or doesn't have a powerful enough graphics card. I think the sweet spot would be a refurbished 2018 model.

 

HTH,

JVK

-------------------------------------------------------------------------JVK | Editor/Designer/Software Instructor. Pr, Ae, Ch, Ps, Ai, Id
    T
    TLPvoiceAuthor
    Participant
    February 26, 2020

    JVK,

     

    Unfortunately, I am on a very tight budget. Hence the old models. 

     

    Kevin J. Monahan Jr.
    Community Manager
    Kevin J. Monahan Jr.Community ManagerCorrect answer
    Community Manager
    February 26, 2020

    TLP,

    If you simply cannot operate with a computer that meets system requirements, it will be nearly impossible to work with modern camera formats, including mobile phone video shot in H.264, or even worse, HEVC. 

     

    I think you may be able to purchase a more modern mid-level PC laptop (new or slightly used) for the same price as one of these very used Macs. Look into it. If you are not used to PCs, it's a little daunting but not different from operating what you're used to, especially within the application. 

    I wish you luck in your decision, but for the love of God, do not buy this machine for use with Premiere Pro 2020.

    Cheers!

    Thanks,
    Kevin

     

     

    Kevin Monahan - Sr. Community and Engagement Strategist – Adobe Pro Video and Audio
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