So everyone is getting the 6-core, why?

[SnapperUK]

So what applications use how many cores?

So I am starting to understand fewer cores might be better depending on workload.... but how do I know which applications in my work load use how many cores?
I mainly use: Photoshop CC, Lightroom 5, Premiere CC, After Effects CC.

 

[calaverasgrande]

Based on what I´ve followed on this forum and other forums, everyone is getting the 6-core, why is that? What´s wrong with the 8-core or 12-core?

Some even say the 6-core is faster than the 12-core. How can this be? 12-core is $3000 more.

Will I waste my money if I get the 12-core?

I may be going that route simply because the Barclays line of credit that I was approved for wont allow for a 12 core.

 

[michael_aos]

there are already quad-core Mac minis and iMacs (albeit the CPUs are less powerful in those cases).

I'm coming from a ~$1315 16GB Late 2012 Mini 2.6Ghz quad-core i7 w/Fusion. Geekbench ~12565.

I'd like something more powerful - more / faster CPU's, more RAM, better graphics (ability to drive at least 3x displays natively).

The iMac (3.5Ghz quad-core i7, 32GB, 512GB, 4GB GTX 780M) just doesn't seem like it's ENOUGH better to spend $3242 and I don't need or even want the display included with the iMac. Geekbench ~14712.

The new Mac Pro (3.5Ghz 6-core Xeon E5, 32GB, 512GB, 2xD500) for $4323 might be enough better to justify spending the money. Geekbench ~18K+. Especially for "only" ~$1163 (w/tax) more than the iMac.

 

[mrxak]

So I am starting to understand fewer cores might be better depending on workload.... but how do I know which applications in my work load use how many cores?
I mainly use: Photoshop CC, Lightroom 5, Premiere CC, After Effects CC.

I've read that Lightroom has no problem using 8 cores. I would assume Photoshop would as well. Not sure about Premiere or After Effects. If your workflow involves multiple CPU-hungry apps, more cores do allow you to run more than one at a time, as well, even if they can't individually use all the cores you have.

One thing to keep an eye out for is GPU benchmarks. Adobe is embracing OpenCL, so your choice of GPUs may matter a lot more in certain use cases.

 

[peabo]

After Effects can use all 12 cores, and it also benefits from as much RAM as possible. So will the new version of FCPX.

As someone who uses these programs frequently, the 12-core model will show significant benefit over any of the lower models.

Photoshop is a little more situational from what I understand, but it can also make use of all 12 cores with certain operations.