Which 2018 iMac for processing video files?

[Jacephoto]

Hi techies,

Need your advice.

I am gg to pick up a 2018 (new) iMac 27inch to process video 4K Raw files.

Do I pick up the lowest spec unit and add 32 GB RAM or do I pick the highest spec one and leave it at 8 GB RAM?

Thanks

 

[slogd3ad]

Max out the specs!
I'm using a max-ed out specs Mac Pro 2013 in the office and it's still awesome in 2018.

https://browser.geekbench.com/mac-benchmarks

If you're going for iMac, go max out the specs but leave it 8 gb ram later buy from outside.
I heard some issues about the heat around the forums, I dont own an iMac thou. Not sure how good iMac will be editing for 4K. At most, do work your edits on proxy.

Also why not wait for a refreshed iMac? Hopefully rumors about iMac with 6-core is true.

 

[Jacephoto]

Thanks bro!

Yes, I was using a 2013 iMac until the display failed. haha

 

[Parka]

All the iMac 27 models are very fast.

I suggest getting the lowest spec one and add more RAM.

If you want to get the highest spec one, ask yourself if you can create more work with it. Or if your work is time sensitive and you need to need deadlines. Remember, you can also export videos overnight, so you don't have to spend the extra hundreds of dollars for the max spec where you don't see it make any difference to your workflow.

More RAM will make a difference though. With more RAM, you can export larger video files. I've exported 16GB 4K video files before on my Mac Pro 2013 and Final Cut told me I ran out of RAM.

I'm assuming you're using Final Cut Pro.

 

[slogd3ad]

https://forums.adobe.com/thread/2122549

Some read for you.

 

[elendil5259]

For raw editing of 4K files I would definitely recommend the top spec with 8gb ram, and purchase some Crucial aftermarket ram. But be prepared to deal with the heat and some fan noise.

But like another poster said, if your work is not time sensitive, the i5 would do. Runs much cooler and quieter too!

 

[Jacephoto]

For raw editing of 4K files I would definitely recommend the top spec with 8gb ram, ....

Thanks for the knowledge! Thank you!

Some read for you.

Thanks for the knowledge! Thank you!

All the iMac 27 models are very fast.

I suggest getting the lowest spec one and add more RAM.

Thanks! Make sense!