nMP vs 5K iMac - different thread

[Keebler]

Hi folks,

I saw theMoleman's thread, but didn't want to hijack as my needs are different than his.

I’m hoping for some feedback on either the Mac Pro 8-core with D700s or a souped up iMac.

My current machine is a 2010 12 core 32 GB ram Mac Pro

Here’s what I do:

Workwise:

-transfer SD videos (from analog tapes) plus film reels for clients.
- some photo editing work in Photoshop for slides and regular photographs
rarely, AVCHD transfers

Personally:
- my RAW photo editing in Aperture
- my own AVCHD files (which are all backed up a few times, but I’m 4 years behind editing
- Idea is to (eventually) edit, burn blu rays and H.264 streaming files

For the work files, the workflow is as such after the transfer is complete from tape to my Macs:

1. export full uncompress dv .mov file from FCX to another internal HD (most clients want a full archive copy for self editing later on external hard drives)

2. take those files and run in DVD files in Bitvice (great 3rd party m2v software). Recognizes & utilizes ALL cores instantly and I can multiple instances. I’ve had real battles with Compressor in the past so BV is my go to. However, full disclosure that I have NOT tried Compressor 4.1 for DVD compression as of yet.

3. Once files are done, I hop into DVD Studio Pro for DVD creation & burning (I have an external BR player which I could connect to a new machine if I decide to sell my 2010. I like having 2 main machines running so I can multi-task)

4. I then take those .mov files from earlier and using Compressor, send to my Matrox CompressHD card for processing. I usually stick with a multi-pass to ensure quality as these are older analog family tapes and there’s almost always plenty of movement.

So for me, there are 2 bottlenecks in my business:

1. the transfer of tapes for which I can do nothing about. If a tape is 2 hours, it takes 2 hours.
but
2. the export of files out of FCX and file compression is where I can save time (and money).

Any help would be huge. I’ve read the articles and I’m leaning towards the Mac Pro, but the cost differences are huge between it and an iMac. For video compression single pass, the iMac seems to win, but I'll most likely be doing multiple.

Cheers,
Keebler

 

[VirtualRain]

Sorry, I can't comment on what system would help your specific workflow but a couple of questions pop to mind...

Why the 8-core nMP? With the 2013 CPU pricing, it's way up the diminishing returns curve in price/performance ratio. The 6-core is much better bang-for-the-buck and probably makes the nMP a lot more palatable cost wise.

Also, you don't mention anything about what your display preference is... this is a critical consideration in my mind whenever an iMac comes into consideration. If you're happy with or only have room for a single display, the iMac is a no-brainer, but if you prefer multiple (4K?) displays, it's probably disqualified.

Is there some way you can leverage both your existing Mac Pro and a new computer to spread the workflow out across two machines doing things in parallel? For example, your 2010 might be better at multi-threaded CPU tasks while a nMP might be ideal for GPU related tasks.

 

[Keebler]

Sorry, I can't comment on what system would help your specific workflow but a couple of questions pop to mind...

Why the 8-core nMP? With the 2013 CPU pricing, it's way up the diminishing returns curve in price/performance ratio. The 6-core is much better bang-for-the-buck and probably makes the nMP a lot more palatable cost wise.

Also, you don't mention anything about what your display preference is... this is a critical consideration in my mind whenever an iMac comes into consideration. If you're happy with or only have room for a single display, the iMac is a no-brainer, but if you prefer multiple (4K?) displays, it's probably disqualified.

Is there some way you can leverage both your existing Mac Pro and a new computer to spread the workflow out across two machines doing things in parallel? For example, your 2010 might be better at multi-threaded CPU tasks while a nMP might be ideal for GPU related tasks.

Thanks Virtual. Some good questions.

I did look at the 6 core nMP, but if I want (or need) to run multiple instance of Compressor, I can have more instances with the 8. Same thing with BitVice if I continue to use that software because it grabs all cores automatically (pretty sweet watching it roar with a batch and all 24 cores are humming That said, I'm not dead set against a 6 core. Just thinking the 8 is the sweet spot for price/productivity.

Displays - good point - I currently have 2 Dell 24's. Not against upgrading those at all. If I do go with an iMac, I'll definitely add the accompanying 24" Apple display beside it. In fact, I'd probably keep the Dells and get some extension arms and keep those running as well to keep certain programs up at once. Although, they do run hot not being LEDs.

Using both the old and a new Mac is definitely a huge possibility. I'm currently operating with a 2009 as my 2ndary machine and the 2010 as the main machine. The 2009 is for transferring and then I edit/output with the 2010 because of it's power. Multi-tasking is really the only way for me to be profitable so I'm all for it. The idea is to keep the 2010 and see how things go later in the year and maybe sell it if I'm fully functional with a new one or keep it if the workflow is seamless.

Cheers,
Keebler