MP Selection for Short Video Projects

[Murray M]

I need a Mac Pro--can't wait for the refresh [darn it]--and not sure which configuration is best for me.

What processor+ram recommendation would you recommend for a video editor who works with very short--usually around 5 min--simple video structures in 1080p with the capability of editing 4K 5 min projects?

I'm leaning towards a quad with 16GB ram.

Money I don't spend on this will go towards other important things so I want to avoid buying more than I need.

 

[derbothaus]

I need a Mac Pro--can't wait for the refresh [darn it]--and not sure which configuration is best for me.

What processor+ram recommendation would you recommend for a video editor who works with very short--usually around 5 min--simple video structures in 1080p with the capability of editing 4K 5 min projects?

I'm leaning towards a quad with 16GB ram.

Money I don't spend on this will go towards other important things so I want to avoid buying more than I need.

Why not an iMac if you only require a quad core?
Best thing right now (if tech inclined) would be to get a refurb 2.8GHz quad, upgrade the processor to W3670 or W3680 for $600.00 or less. Then get a GTX570 and use these forums to get it working. 6-core + CUDA goodness.
Otherwise, if you want all stock, try to find a refurb 3.2GHz quad or throw down for the 3.33GHz 6-core. The extra clock speed will pay off and even if you are overpaying, might as well overpay for some sort of longevity.

 

[Murray M]

Why not an iMac if you only require a quad core?
Best thing right now (if tech inclined) would be to get a refurb 2.8GHz quad, upgrade the processor to W3670 or W3680 for $600.00 or less. Then get a GTX570 and use these forums to get it working. 6-core + CUDA goodness.
Otherwise, if you want all stock, try to find a refurb 3.2GHz quad or throw down for the 3.33GHz 6-core. The extra clock speed will pay off and even if you are overpaying, might as well overpay for some sort of longevity.

I love IMacs but I need an internal raid and space for video capture cards.

 

[Zwhaler]

Best value at this point is a refurb 6 core, that will give you good processing power for your money. If you can afford the 12 core it is worth it for your line of work and will future proof the machine. I would recommend the best processor setup you can afford, because a quad will feel slow when rendering even if the rest of the computer is spec'd up. 16GB of RAM is enough for short videos like that.

edit: I forgot to ask, what program will you be using for editing?

 

[PJmac25]

Having an SSD harddrive, will cut down your rendering time by half the time, so I would have that in my MP when doing video editing

 

[Nostromo]

I need a Mac Pro--can't wait for the refresh [darn it]--and not sure which configuration is best for me.

What processor+ram recommendation would you recommend for a video editor who works with very short--usually around 5 min--simple video structures in 1080p with the capability of editing 4K 5 min projects?

I'm leaning towards a quad with 16GB ram.

Money I don't spend on this will go towards other important things so I want to avoid buying more than I need.

Wait, or you'll try to do the physically impossible when the next gen Mac Pro comes out (trying to bite into your own behind).

Short video projects - you don't need a Mac Pro for that (even though it helps).

What do you currently have?

I suggest you use what you have on this project, and become a speedmeister in a couple of months with a latest generation Mac Pro.

Or will it be half a year? Will it be? To quote Apocalypse Now: "The Horror... The Horror..."

 

[Murray M]

edit: I forgot to ask, what program will you be using for editing?

Currently: FCP7. I'll move to FCPX when it matures.

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What do you currently have?

Currently I'm on a 2.66 MBP with 8GB ram. It's getting the job done, however, we're increasingly needing a raid that is available to one user for doing most of the cutting and simultaneously available to two other users for lighter weight work. Since I've already got a nice monitor, and thunderbolt raids are priced too high, a MP is the most attractive option.