Need some advise and expertise please for configuration:
I just purchased a 2012 Mac Mini Server i7 Quad-Core 2.3MHz and want to use it to work with Final Cut Pro X.
I could not get a i7 2.6MHz - no longer on the internet new for purchase anywhere.
Like most who do amateur video stuff, I cannot afford a Mac Pro. I have been using my Mac Air 2013 i7 for video editing/rendering with a Belkin thunderbolt express dock, but don't want to burn it out and need something else. $ are now short.
Like most people, I was waiting for the new mac mini's and was disappointed... Have a 27" Cinema Display (still like it-not thunderbolt) and is why I don't get an iMac or Macbook (have a Macbook Air).
Previous setup:
1. Mac Mini 2009 (upgraded RAM to 8 gigs, upgraded stocked 350 gig HD drive to 128 SSD drive and used external drives) - still fast for general stuff (to my surprise, even with Yosemite) and used it for basic video/audio stuff, but need now more power.
2. I then used my 2013 i7 Air with external drives for rendering and worked well, but again should not use my Air for heavier FCX or Logic stuff.
Main Question:
What would be the best configuration/upgrade or whatever to maximize my configuration for video editing-rendering?
Now Current Configuration:
1. Mac Mini i7 Late-2012 Quad-core 2.3 MHz, 4 gigs. RAM, 1 TB drives (2x-500gigs - Apple stock).
2. 27" Cinema Display (not Thunderbolt) - still like it and will use it (may save and sell to get a 27" Thunderbolt display some day).
3. Belkin thunderbolt express dock (used it with the 2013 Air - worked well). Like to not use it since I just bought the Mac Mini Late 2012 server
4. 3x USB-3 3 TB drives (1x Porsche Design, 2x Seagate-s)
Thoughts for upgrade:
1. upgrade stock 4 gigs RAM to 16 gigs (no brainer).
2. Take off server and either use OS X Mavericks or Yosemite (or Mountain Lion?) - not sure.
3. Not sure - should I eventually upgrade the HD drives to SSDs when able - $
4. If I use external drives for rendering, are the 1 TB stock HD drives ok or should I upgrade to SSD when able - $?
5. Do I need to RAID my external drives or stand-alone ok..?
Issue:
Since I use a 27" Cinema Display, it will plug into the one thunderbolt port, so I cannot use a thunderbolt drive for speed (save $ to buy a thunderbolt external HD someday) unless I eventually sell my 27" Cinema Display and get a Thunderbolt display which will have another thunderbolt port. This is why I may need to use the Belkin dock station.
Thanks and appreciate responses.
I just purchased a 2012 Mac Mini Server i7 Quad-Core 2.3MHz and want to use it to work with Final Cut Pro X.
I could not get a i7 2.6MHz - no longer on the internet new for purchase anywhere.
Like most who do amateur video stuff, I cannot afford a Mac Pro. I have been using my Mac Air 2013 i7 for video editing/rendering with a Belkin thunderbolt express dock, but don't want to burn it out and need something else. $ are now short.
Like most people, I was waiting for the new mac mini's and was disappointed... Have a 27" Cinema Display (still like it-not thunderbolt) and is why I don't get an iMac or Macbook (have a Macbook Air).
Previous setup:
1. Mac Mini 2009 (upgraded RAM to 8 gigs, upgraded stocked 350 gig HD drive to 128 SSD drive and used external drives) - still fast for general stuff (to my surprise, even with Yosemite) and used it for basic video/audio stuff, but need now more power.
2. I then used my 2013 i7 Air with external drives for rendering and worked well, but again should not use my Air for heavier FCX or Logic stuff.
Main Question:
What would be the best configuration/upgrade or whatever to maximize my configuration for video editing-rendering?
Now Current Configuration:
1. Mac Mini i7 Late-2012 Quad-core 2.3 MHz, 4 gigs. RAM, 1 TB drives (2x-500gigs - Apple stock).
2. 27" Cinema Display (not Thunderbolt) - still like it and will use it (may save and sell to get a 27" Thunderbolt display some day).
3. Belkin thunderbolt express dock (used it with the 2013 Air - worked well). Like to not use it since I just bought the Mac Mini Late 2012 server
4. 3x USB-3 3 TB drives (1x Porsche Design, 2x Seagate-s)
Thoughts for upgrade:
1. upgrade stock 4 gigs RAM to 16 gigs (no brainer).
2. Take off server and either use OS X Mavericks or Yosemite (or Mountain Lion?) - not sure.
3. Not sure - should I eventually upgrade the HD drives to SSDs when able - $
4. If I use external drives for rendering, are the 1 TB stock HD drives ok or should I upgrade to SSD when able - $?
5. Do I need to RAID my external drives or stand-alone ok..?
Issue:
Since I use a 27" Cinema Display, it will plug into the one thunderbolt port, so I cannot use a thunderbolt drive for speed (save $ to buy a thunderbolt external HD someday) unless I eventually sell my 27" Cinema Display and get a Thunderbolt display which will have another thunderbolt port. This is why I may need to use the Belkin dock station.
Thanks and appreciate responses.