Huh. Did I choose the right model?

[profcutter]

Hi All, I just got my 16 inch, my first new machine since my 2015. I just downloaded Davinci Resolve, and decided to run a quick test. I've never really used it before, I'm a long time FCP user, since 3.0. I created a new project, UHD, and dropped in a couple generators, just two video tracks, one on the other. When I played back the 5 second timeline, it was pretty jerky, and the GPUs are maxed out. I got the 24 Core MAX version. I know I'm just fooling around at this point, but am I going to regret not splurging on the 32 core? I figured, based on all the ballyhoo about the new Macs, that 24 cores would blow anything I was used to out of the water. Thoughts? Is it just that Resolve is power-hungry? User error? I can easily see myself dropping a couple or three layers of 4k video on a timeline.

 

[G5isAlive]

Hi All, I just got my 16 inch, my first new machine since my 2015. I just downloaded Davinci Resolve, and decided to run a quick test. I've never really used it before, I'm a long time FCP user, since 3.0. I created a new project, UHD, and dropped in a couple generators, just two video tracks, one on the other. When I played back the 5 second timeline, it was pretty jerky, and the GPUs are maxed out. I got the 24 Core MAX version. I know I'm just fooling around at this point, but am I going to regret not splurging on the 32 core? I figured, based on all the ballyhoo about the new Macs, that 24 cores would blow anything I was used to out of the water. Thoughts? Is it just that Resolve is power-hungry? User error? I can easily see myself dropping a couple or three layers of 4k video on a timeline.

You didn’t mention if you use the free version of davinci resolve or have upgraded (paid) for davinci studio. The free version is crippled to not use the graphics cores for acceleration. My bet is you are using the free version so it’s not a real test.

 

[profcutter]

Ahh, interesting. Good to know. So even though in activity monitor, the GPU cores looked maxxed out, they’re just not being used in an optimal manner?

 

[maflynn]

I got the 24 Core MAX version. I know I'm just fooling around at this point, but am I going to regret not splurging on the 32 core?

I can't answer you on whether that particular application would be better suited for the 32 core, but if you're having questions and buyers remorse now, just as you received it. Why not see if you can easily exchange it. The upcharge for the the 32 CPU cores is 200 dollars from your 24 core model.

Even just for peace of mind, it may be worth the 200 dollars.

I generally go by the old adage buy the most computer you can afford. If you can swing the faster model, then why not?