New Video Editing Cards Have More Features For Mac

1. New Video Editing Cards Have More Features For Mac X
2. New Video Editing Cards Have More Features For Mac
3. New Video Editing Cards Have More Features For Mac Pro

Add an external GPU, and enjoy better graphics for gaming, video editing, and much more. Needless to say, having Thunderbolt 3 on the Mac mini 2018 is a game-changer as far as expandability. Despite a notable lack of cat facial recognition, the new Photos app does have a few interesting new features to make editing your photos and managing your photo library a little easier. Apr 6, 2018 - Most professional video editors use one or the other. By 1,080 or larger recommended); a sound card compatible with Apple Core Audio. For VR headset support, you need macOS High Sierra, and SteamVR. Adobe Premiere Pro CC: After Effects, Premiere's stablemate in Adobe Creative Cloud,.

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Posted on by Updated Dec. 16, 2018, with revisions to my recommendations based on additional personal experience.

Last week, Apple announced upgrades to the venerable Mac mini. And this upgrade turned a diminutive system into a powerhouse. So much so that I’m getting a ton of email about whether we can use the Mac mini for video editing.

New Video Editing Cards Have More Features For Mac X

The short answer is: Yes. NOTE: on using the Mac mini for video editing with Final Cut Pro X. This provides real-world performance data. Like all computers, you get the best possible performance by buying a fully-tricked out, top of the line system. And, like all computers, that may require more money than you have to spend.

So the purpose of this article is to help you prioritize balancing cost vs. SYSTEM DESCRIPTION (All images courtesy of Apple.) Based on my research, the new Mac mini is a solid machine for video editing, with the ability to configure the system with up to 64GB of RAM, a 6-core Intel i7 desktop-class processor, and a 10Gigabit Ethernet port. The I/O available on the new Mac mini allows users to connect a number of devices through its 4 Thunderbolt 3 ports, 2 USB-A ports, HDMI 2.0 port, and analog audio output jack. With these ports, you can connect a 5K display plus a separate 4K display, or up to three 4K displays. NOTE: The system offers Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports, this means that you’ll need to purchase an adapter to connect any Thunderbolt 2 devices. These adapters are readily available from a number of vendors, including Apple, for about $50. Links.

Mac mini Overview:. Mac mini Tech Specs: The system also natively supports:. Up to three 4K displays: Two displays with 4096-by-2304 resolution at 60Hz connected via Thunderbolt 3 plus one display with 4096-by-2160 resolution at 60Hz connected via HDMI 2.0. – OR –. Up to two displays: One display with 5120-by-2880 resolution at 60Hz connected via Thunderbolt 3 plus one display with 4096-by-2160 resolution at 60Hz connected via HDMI 2.0 LARRY’S PRIORITIES When it comes to optimizing a computer system for video editing, when you can’t purchase the top of the line, here are my spending priorities:. GPU.

RAM. Storage speed and capacity. CPU speed Increasingly, both Final Cut Pro X and Adobe Premiere Pro CC are leveraging the GPU for effects, rendering and export.

However, the Mac mini does not give us an internal choice for GPU. When it comes to optimizing a computer system for video compression, my priorities shift:. CPU speed.

Storage capacity and speed. RAM. GPU While some video transcoding and compressing codecs are multi-threaded (which means they take advantage of multiple cores in a CPU), many others are not. These single-threaded codecs take advantage of pure CPU speed more than the GPU. UPDATE: I’ve been using the Mac mini outlined here for about two weeks, and running a series of media compression tests with it. Based on this, I’ve changed my recommendations for both RAM and SSD capacity.

THOUGHTS ON THE GPU Here’s the key point behind deciding which GPU to get. A graphics processing unit is optimized for pixel manipulations: texturing, rendering, color grading, exporting anything that involves manipulating the colors of pixels. All you are getting when you purchase a “higher-grade” GPU is more speed.

Not better quality, just speed. If you are a student, a hobbyist, or someone with indeterminate deadlines, there’s no compelling reason to get a faster GPU; the faster speed doesn’t justify the cost. If you are someone living with constant deadlines, who does a lot of effects and color grading, and needs projects exported “yesterday or sooner,” then a faster GPU makes sense.

One of the big limitations of the original Mac mini was its reliance on an Intel Iris graphics card. This was woefully underpowered for any serious graphics work, such as video editing. That changed with the latest release. All configurations of the new Mac mini use the Intel UHD Graphics 630 card. For editors who are working primarily in HD with limited motion graphics and effects, or who have deadlines that are flexible, the Intel UHD Graphics 630 will work well. For users who need faster performance, for example, working at higher resolutions such as 4K, with RAW video, or with more complex graphics and effects, the Blackmagic eGPU or newly announced Blackmagic eGPU Pro are great options for these types of graphics-intensive tasks. The updated eGPU Pro includes a Radeon RX Vega 56 graphics card with 8GB of high bandwidth memory.

The card offers similar performance to the graphics card in iMac Pro. Links.

Here’s a link for more information on the Blackmagic Design eGPU:. Here’s an Apple KnowledgeBase article on how to setup FCP X in macOS Mojave for an external eGPU: My recommendation is to go with the internal GPU, until you find yourself spending too much time waiting.

A slower GPU does NOT mean you can’t edit, it simply means that tasks like rendering and exporting may take a little longer. If you need more speed, add an external GPU as your budget allows.

THOUGHTS ON RAM The Mac mini ships with a minimum of 8 GB of RAM, which can be user-upgraded to 16, 32, or 64 GB. The good news here is that you can upgrade the RAM at any time, without needing to make a decision at the time of purchase. 8 GB of RAM is fine for HD editing in both Final Cut and Premiere. 4K and above frame sizes benefit from 16 GB of RAM. I have not found a compelling reason to install more than 32 GB of RAM. While the extra RAM won’t hurt, you won’t see as big a performance boost as you will by going from 8 to 32 GB of RAM. (As a note, all my iMac systems have 32 GB of RAM.) While you can buy RAM from Apple and have it factory-installed, you can save hundreds of dollars by buying RAM from reputable third-party companies like.

UPDATE: My revised recommendation is that for a video compression system, 8 GB of RAM is fine. For video editing, more RAM is better.

To keep costs low, you can purchase the minimum 8 GB configuration, then upgrade to at least 16 GB from a third-party source as you need more. If your workflow feels fast enough, you have enough RAM. If you are spending too much time waiting – add more. THOUGHTS ON THE CPU Apple makes it hard to compare CPUs because one is an i3, another is an i5 and the third is an i7.

In looking for an understanding of the differences, I found this recent PC Magazine article: “If you want a plain and simple answer, then generally speaking, Core i7s are better than Core i5s, which are in turn better than Core i3s. Nope, Core i7 does not have seven cores nor does Core i3 have three cores. The numbers are simply indicative of their relative processing powers. “The more cores there are, the more tasks (known as threads) can be served at the same time.

The lowest number of cores can be found in Core i3 CPUs, i.e., which have only two cores. Currently, all Core i3s are dual-core processors.” i5 CPUs are quad core, but “they don’t support Hyper-Threading which is the ability of a single core to serve multiple threads. “This is one of the many reasons why Core i7 processors are the creme de la creme. Not only are they quad cores, they also support Hyper-Threading. Thus, a total of eight threads can run on them at the same time. “The upshot is that if you do a lot of things at the same time on your PC, then it might be worth forking out a bit more for an i5 or i7.

However, if you use your PC to check emails, do some banking, read the news, and download a bit of music, you might be equally served by the cheaper i3.” Here’s the link to the full article: My recommendation is to upgrade to the 6-core i7. Video editing and compression, especially at larger frame sizes, requires a beefy processor. Also, it’s important to mention that these are all Intel 8th-generation 65W desktop-class processors — not mobile processors meant for notebook computers. THOUGHTS ON STORAGE The Mac mini comes with up to 2 TB of internal SSD which, according to reports, is blindingly fast. The problem is that in today’s media environment, 2 TB is not enough storage. I regularly shoot projects that take multiple terabytes of storage.

So, even if I invested in a 2 TB SSD, I’d still need to buy external storage. Remember, also, as your frame sizes increase or you move to HDR or high-bit-depth media, a single spinning hard drive won’t be enough. You’ll either need to purchase a RAID or another SSD. Frankly, for a full suite of editing apps, plus the macOS, you really only need 100 GB of storage.

New Video Editing Cards Have More Features For Mac

So if you are on a tight budget, a 256 GB SSD will be enough. Personally, I like having a bit more space for exports and working files.

UPDATE My recommendation is the 512 GB SSD and reserve it for the macOS, applications and general workspace. Then, store all your and projects on externally connected media using Thunderbolt 3; preferably a RAID.

After using this system for two weeks specifically for video compression, I find that the 512 SSD is the sweet spot for storage. 256 GB is acceptable, but very limiting when you need to create high-quality work files. THOUGHTS ON INTERCONNECTION For the first time since the iMac Pro, the new Mac mini includes the option to install 10 Gb Ethernet port. This option is especially useful for users who keep media on shared storage or for configurations that require high-bandwidth networking today or in the future. For comparison, a 1 Gb Ethernet connection can transfer data up to 128 MB/second. A 10 Gb Ethernet connection can transfer data up to 1.25 GB/second; ten times faster.

New Video Editing Cards Have More Features For Mac Pro

However, there are several “gotchas” here, because to take full advantage of this high-speed connection you will also need:. Servers that attach to the switch using 10 Gb Ethernet or faster. A data switch capable of processing data at 10 Gb speeds. Cat 6 or 6e cabling between the switch and your computer. I fully applaud Apple for adding this connection – it is valuable and needed!

However, unless the rest of your network also supports 10 Gb Ethernet – or will be upgraded to do so – adding this option won’t make any difference in your data transfer speeds. HERE’S MY RECOMMENDED CONFIGURATION This screen shot illustrates what I recommend. Regardless of which Mac mini you start with, you’ll end up at the same configuration for the same price: $1,499 (US). Also, remember that the Mac mini is just the computer, you’ll also need to purchase a monitor, keyboard and mouse. UPDATE: This is the system I purchased and I’m very happy with the system. It is a workhorse for media compression – which is my principle reason for buying the unit. I only use it as a back-up system for video editing.

I’m also planning on using it as a media asset management server, I’ll have more on that after the first of the year. EXTRA CREDIT Here are two relevant articles that may also be of interest to you:. Dear Larry, Thanks, in advance for any assistance or clarity you can provide. At the moment, I’ve got a mid-2014 iMac (21.5″), with a 1.4Ghz Intel Core i% and 8 GB 1600 Mhz DDR3.

The graphics chip, according to the machine, is an Intel HD Graphics 5000 1536MB. My problem is that I find the computer unbearably slow when trying to edit and create in FCPX. That said, I find it confusing almost to the point of desperation when I try to figure out whether I’d be better off with a new mac mini, or a new imac. If, as I suspect, I’d be better off with either one, in which direction would you lean, and, if it’s not too much to ask, why? Cheers, in advance, Tufty.

Gav: First, given your description, I recommend the 27″ iMac. Here’s an article with more details: Why?

The answer is specific to your case:. You currently have an iMac, with a Mac mini you would need to purchase a separate monitor and keyboard. Your current 2014 iMac is “too slow” – speed, with FCP X, is GPU dependent. The iMac has better GPU options than the Mac mini So, read my article, look at your budget, tell your heart to slow down, then configure a 27″ iMac to optimize it for FCP X. Thank you Larry if for me, and i already owned imac 21″ or 27″ mostly the 27″ (that is a good and ok machine for most task one can trow at it.) then wait to see if apple will come out with new refresh imac, i guess that must have be one of the reasons apple sterve the new mac mini of dedicate GPU, i dont do a lot of 4k video, but i do up to 3 to 5 hrs video in 1080, and thats a lot for not having at least ok GPU. Also to consider the resolution of the 27″ imac!

Then add up to 8GB of GPU, the imac 2017 will still be a best buy if you’re considering buying 5k monitor with the mac mini. Saurabh: Well, it depends. Given the difference in price, I can’t see any advantage to getting an i5 chip; especially because you can’t upgrade to the i7 later. The amount of RAM you need is not dependent upon the amount of storage space your images take (300 GB) but the resolution of the images.

Images are loaded into RAM for editing – so, if you are editing lots of images at the same time, or very large images, more RAM will help. It is NOT that the less RAM won’t work, but that the system won’t work as fast. On the other hand, you can add more RAM later, which you can’t do with storage or CPU. So, if you have the money, get 16 GB. If budgets are tight, start with 8 GB and add more RAM as money become available.