Unable to make a decision

[zgreen91]

Okay, recently got into aerial photography and quickly found out my 5 year old laptop isnt up to the task to edit 4k video and photos. So now im looking at buying a desktop that can handle my needs. Im seriously considering buying an iMac, but a few friends want me to go the custom route.

I am still very new to editing and videography. Basically i am just making youtube videos right now and starting to get into real estate. Been using lumafusion on my ipad and its been okay but want a more dedicated machine. I have no intentions of making movies or anything and right now is mainly just a hobby. Im kinda stuck looking at what to buy and was hoping to get some incite.

So which would you buy,

New/used 2017 Imac 27 3.4GHz 16gb ram
2019 Imac 27 3.1GHz i5 16gb
2019 iMac 21.5 3,2 6 core i7, 16 GB, Pro vega 20

Or custom windows pc
RTX 2080
32gb ram
i7 9700k 8 core
1TB SSD
on Windows 10

Going with the 2017 is obviously the most cost effective option but want to make sure it wont be outdated in a year. The 2019 27 inch has my eyes but i only have a max budget of about $2100 so the base model would be my choice then upgrade ram later on.

Footage will be from a Mavic 2 Pro and Hero 7 and i would like to be able to learn and grow with this setup.

Also the idea of having my iphone, ipad and computer all sync up is very enticing

TIA

 

[fathergll]

What software will you be using? Given that budget it makes more sense to go for a Windows build assuming you don't need MacOS.

 

[Apple Mac Daz]

And remember if going 2017 the i7 can be nosey with the fans kicking in

 

[zgreen91]

Noise doesnt bother me a ton, and right now i have only been using lightroom and lumafusion on my ipad. My laptop cant handle really anything.

 

[mcnallym]

3.4 2017 won’t be an i7.

For lightroom ( or any other adobe software ) then I don’t know why people still on Mac OS.

You might also find the rtx2080 a bit overkill. The beauty of custom pc’s and windows is that much easier to upgrade at a later date.

Puget Systems ( who I think are pretty good and seem to have an excellent rep ) say that even a 1060 is fine, and no point above an 8 core/8 thread cpu so the 7900 would be good choice there.

Could save money there and upgrade the gpu when can make use of it.

Of course if also gaming ( you didn’t mention that would be ) then the 2080 has the advantage there.

 

[zgreen91]

Would like to be able to use Devinti Resolve or Final cut pro smoothly if possible, i am just using what i can with my ipad at the time, will look further into software to match my hardware after i decide what to get.

No gaming, this would be used as a home computer that can also handle editing, no gaming at all.

 

[Jamers99]

Hi ZGreen, I sent you a PM with some info that might be helpful.

 

[AppleFan360]

I have that windows PC with those exact specs. I use it as my gaming machine. It runs VR like a champ and just about any other game I throw at it. It should do video and photography just fine.

If you do go with the Mac, I would recommend at least an i7. Either in the 21.5 or 27 inch versions.

 

[velocityg4]

Going with a custom Windows box will certainly give you more bang for your buck. Bear in mind you'll also need a nice 4K monitor and I would recommend a good quality keyboard and mouse. Number of CPU cores is generally more important for video editing than your GPU. While a GPU accelerates some tasks. There doesn't seem to be much if any difference between a mid range and high end GPU for those tasks.
https://www.pugetsystems.com/labs/articles/Premiere-Pro-CC-2018-Workstation-GPU-Performance-1116/

With your budget something like this would be excellent for video editing. It has plenty of power, fast storage for current projects and a lot of storage for completed work and other media. If you don't need a 4K monitor. I'd consider moving up to a 16 Core Threadripper. AMD just gives you more for your money than Intel.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 7 2700X 3.7 GHz 8-Core Processor ($294.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Scythe - Mugen 5 Rev. B 51.17 CFM CPU Cooler ($51.89 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte - B450 AORUS ELITE ATX AM4 Motherboard ($109.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Crucial - Ballistix Sport LT 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($188.05 @ Amazon)
Storage: Intel - 660p Series 1 TB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Toshiba - X300 4 TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($107.89 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Asus - GeForce RTX 2060 6 GB DUAL OC Video Card ($349.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT - H500i (Black/Red) ATX Mid Tower Case ($94.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: EVGA - SuperNOVA G3 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft - Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit ($99.39 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: LG - 27UD68-W 27.0" 3840x2160 60 Hz Monitor ($499.77 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Cooler Master - MasterKeys L Wired Gaming Keyboard ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Mouse: Logitech - G403 Prodigy Wired Optical Mouse ($41.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $2118.91
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-04-05 15:54 EDT-0400