I'm trying to configure an efficient but not overly expensive iMac Pro and in need of some advice.
My long term plans include shooting, editing and producing several green screen projects for YouTube. I'll be using Panasonic DSLRs and camcorders. The videos will range from 1 to 5 to 30 minutes. In addition, I will also be creating social media marketing content and short films.
These are the base iMac Pro specs:
Eight-core Intel® Xeon™ W 3.2 GHz
32GB DDR4 2666MHz RAM
1TB SSD
Radeon Pro Vega 56 graphics processor with 8GB of HBM2 memory
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What would be the best components to upgrade at the time of purchase and why?
Will the 3.2 GHz processor work well with 64 GB RAM and the Radeon Pro Vega 64 with 16GB of HBM2 memory?
Is there any benefit to upgrading to the 3.0GHz 10-core Intel Xeon W processor?
Is a 2 TB SSD internal drive really needed, or is 1 TB fine?
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Will the base specs suffice for green screen projects?
Could a 60 minute green screen project be edited with the base computer without any issues?
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Thank you!
I'm Windows 10, 8 cores (4.7ghz), 32gb ram, and a 4GB video card and I've pushed 4k through it (though I prefer a 1080 proxy) ... so you'll be fine if you have similar. More than enough power under the hood so to speak including working with green screen. Don't break the bank if you don't have to. If you shoot 4k you can use proxies and edit at 1080 to avoid bogging down your system. Since you'll be on YouTube and the likes you can render out at 1080 or 720 and you'll be fine. You can also render out a 4k as a master for backup once you're done.
Hi Lindbergh,
Thank you for your response. I appreciate your advice. I'm considering the iMac Pro due to the silent fan noise.
What brand PC and editing program do you use?
How quiet is the fan noise of your computer?
Do you use internal or external hard drives?
What brand of external hard drives do you recommend?
Thanks!
Cyberpower system (it's a gaming rig), liquid cool so really quiet, I have one boot drive (SSD), and three internal 1TB drives 7,200rpm. External as a back up when done - check Amazon for Seagate, WD and Samsung ...
Thanks for the drive recommendation.
What does a Cyberpower system like that run in price?
You'll have to ck their website ... you can configure their system anyway you like which affects the price. There's also iBuyPower, MSI (laptops), Dell has upped their game. Make a list of the specks you need, want, and then spend a few hours looking at systems and how much they run.
Also check into some local computer dealers in your area as they can provide recommendations. If you know a computer tech who can go with you to check computers you can get amazing systems off Craigslist (so have your computer friend go with you).
Thanks Lindbergh!
The iMac Pro will be great for you. The best part, you don't have to purchase another expensive 5K IPS monitor, it comes with the machine. A 1TB will be fine, you will edit on external drives anyway. For what you are doing I suggest 32 GB of RAM, the 8-Core will work great.
Thanks Stefan.
Howie, did you get one?