What specs do I need for an Imac?

  • Thread starter Thread starter jimmykorea
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Get the fastest processor you can. And max out the memory (16GB but not via Apple). That being said, I have the basic 2.5GHz model and although I have not edited any hacked footage, the machine screams along with FCP X.
 
Thanks for the response. But I wonder what people who are using the hacked footage have experienced. I expect to convert all the footage into ProRes for edit. And I'm on a budget, sure I can get the most expensive powerful mac specs but I need to balance that against cost.
 
Any of the current model iMacs with a Thunderbolt LaCie hard drive- would be more than enough to work with footage from a GH2. Of course it depends with which NLE you plan to work with- be it FCPX, FCP7, Avid, Adobe, etc. FCPX is definitely best bang for buck.

Noah
 
NoahK said:
Any of the current model iMacs with a Thunderbolt LaCie hard drive- would be more than enough to work with footage from a GH2. Of course it depends with which NLE you plan to work with- be it FCPX, FCP7, Avid, Adobe, etc. FCPX is definitely best bang for buck.

Noah
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I plan to use FCPX. Asking around peiple have given me contradictory reponses maybe because of different workflows. I plan to convert everything to ProRes. Some people have told me I need to get as much memory as possible and i7 is preferable. Why do you think I need to have thunderbolt storage? Its still pretty expensive compared to other storage options.
 
jimmykorea said:
Some people have told me I need to get as much memory as possible and i7 is preferable. Why do you think I need to have thunderbolt storage? Its still pretty expensive compared to other storage options.
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Memory? Yes! Maximum - it's not that expensive these days. i7, not necessarily, it just depends on what level of work you are doing. As Noah said, any of these machines will work.

Thunderbolt? Again, depends on the demands you make on your system. I'm still using FireWire 400 drives but then I haven't done much multicam work. But for 5 to 10 minute spots with some heavy editing and effects, they seem to be fine. Get the fastest option you can afford.

And if you want to save some more money, look into a refurbished iMac. The last three machines I have gotten have all been refurbished and they are dependable and problem free. I purchased a May 2011 model in November at a $200 saving and even if the rumored new models come out tomorrow, my machine will last for quite some time. The only thing you miss is a fancy new box with graphics on it.

The only remaining question is what happens to performance when an NLE sees out of spec AVCHD footage. So long as FCP X can convert it to ProRes, you're fine. Perhaps someone working with hacked footage can chime in.
 
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I'd get a Thunderbolt iMac and not refurb. This gives you access to the latest peripherals and incredibly good performance far better than Firewire or USB. And it really screams with a decent amount of RAM. Love these systems...

apple-thunderbolt-vs-usb-3-0-speed-comparison-2.jpg


Noah
 
NoahK said:
I'd get a Thunderbolt iMac and not refurb. This gives you access to the latest peripherals and incredibly good performance far better than Firewire or USB. And it really screams with a decent amount of RAM. Love these systems...
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My May 2011 refurbished iMac has Thunderbolt. And I agree that a Thunderbolt equipped iMac (refurb or not) is the one to get. Should have been clearer about that.

And yes, much love.....
 
The short answer is: get the fastest thing you can afford.

I would prioritize getting one with an SSD hard drive and a fast graphics card. These are typically the biggest bottlenecks. Any modern CPU is plenty fast enough for 1080p, and Apple puts fairly fast CPUs on even the low end iMacs. The SSD will cost you an arm and a leg, but it's well worth it.

As for memory, buy it from a third party. Unlike the other components, upgrading RAM on the iMacs is extremely simple and you'll save a bundle by going to a third party. I prefer OWC (MacSales) memory. Adding 8 or 16gb would probably suffice for you, which in addition to the stock memory would give you 12 or 20 GB respectively.

Looking at the current line up, I would go for the 21.5-inch 2.7GHz w/ SSD upgrade (~2k). This option has a much better graphics card than the cheaper model and is very comparable with the 27-inch models. You can always add a second monitor in the future if you want more screen space.
 
Van said:
The short answer is: get the fastest thing you can afford.

I would prioritize getting one with an SSD hard drive and a fast graphics card. These are typically the biggest bottlenecks. Any modern CPU is plenty fast enough for 1080p, and Apple puts fairly fast CPUs on even the low end iMacs. The SSD will cost you an arm and a leg, but it's well worth it.

As for memory, buy it from a third party. Unlike the other components, upgrading RAM on the iMacs is extremely simple and you'll save a bundle by going to a third party. I prefer OWC (MacSales) memory. Adding 8 or 16gb would probably suffice for you, which in addition to the stock memory would give you 12 or 20 GB respectively.

Looking at the current line up, I would go for the 21.5-inch 2.7GHz w/ SSD upgrade (~2k). This option has a much better graphics card than the cheaper model and is very comparable with the 27-inch models. You can always add a second monitor in the future if you want more screen space.
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Thanks for the deatailed info, thats what I was looking for. Even though I'm not skilled with computers I might take your advice and upgrade the RAM myself. I'm not questioning it but what is the deal with SSD, whats so great about having it?, cause like you said its costs a fortune.
 
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