-
buying new mac for FCP please comment on specs
I’m looking to buy a new Mac for FCP and I was looking at the Mac pro;
Two 2.8GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon “Harpertown” processors
2GB memory (800MHz DDR2 fully-buffered DIMM ECC)
ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT graphics with 256MB memory
320GB Serial ATA 3Gb/s 7200-rpm hard drive1
16x double-layer SuperDriveThese are the standard specs it comes with, I’m assuming this is more than adequate or maybe not? Comments much appreciated.
-
9 Replies
-
4GB RAM minimum, go with 8GB if you can.
What hard drive array are you connecting to?
If possible work with a VAR to set up your entire system. WH Platts is an excellent company on the east coast if you’re in the U.S. whplatts.com
Walter Biscardi, Jr.
Biscardi Creative Media
HD and SD Production for Broadcast and Independent Productions.STOP STARING AND START GRADING WITH APPLE COLOR Apple Color Training DVD available now!
-
Thanks for that, I’m not sure what you mean by; what hard drive array I’m connecting to, could you please elaborate.
Also don’t know what a VAR is and I’m in the UK.
Once again many thanks.
rr.
-
Hi
A VAR is a specialist (re)seller, who can give you advice – there are some in the UK, so it depends where you are based.To edit DVCProHD you need additional hard drives – you can fit 3 more inside a Mac Pro, so buy them at the same time as your additional RAM (ie not from Apple).
You should also have an external backup hard drive – a big FW one (or more) will do nicely.
-
[Roli Rivelino] “Thanks for that, I’m not sure what you mean by; what hard drive array I’m connecting to, could you please elaborate. “
What are you using for your media (video and audio) storage. You will require a separate drive, preferrably a multi-drive media array like the ones in the banner ads on this page.
A VAR is a Value Added Reseller. They sell complete FCP systems ready to run and, even better, they provide technical support and assistance as you get the system up and running. For instance I purchase just about everything for our shop through WH Platts here in Atlanta. I could go direct on-line, but these guys take care of anything and everything that can go wrong. They also save me money in the long run.
Walter Biscardi, Jr.
Biscardi Creative Media
HD and SD Production for Broadcast and Independent Productions.STOP STARING AND START GRADING WITH APPLE COLOR Apple Color Training DVD available now!
-
Wicked thanks guys, I’ve just looked up and seen there’s an Apple VAR just round the corner from me here in London, I’ll be calling them up tomorrow morning :-).
-
[Roli Rivelino] “Wicked thanks guys, I’ve just looked up and seen there’s an Apple VAR just round the corner from me here in London, I’ll be calling them up tomorrow morning :-).
“Ok, now be sure they are FCP centric as well. A lot of people are Apple VAR’s and that means they sell Apple computers and related accessories. Most of these guys are general retailers. For instance here in the U.S. Best Buy is an Apple VAR, but they’re just an electronics chain and would not have the first clue how to assemble a Final Cut Pro editing system.
What you’re looking for an Apple VAR that specializes in FCP editing systems. Most of these guys sell broadcast equipment such as cameras, VTRs and such.
Walter Biscardi, Jr.
Biscardi Creative Media
HD and SD Production for Broadcast and Independent Productions.STOP STARING AND START GRADING WITH APPLE COLOR Apple Color Training DVD available now!
-
Hi Roli,
Feel free to give me a call on 0870 730 6969 or mail jamie at jigsaw24.com to discuss your needs, I work in the broadcast department at Jigsaw – we’re the biggest UK Apple reseller and our department specialises in NLE, Digital workflow, HD Camera systems, system integrations and SAN systems. We’re a Video Solutions Expert for apple and do most of their representation at media trade shows and events in the UK (Apart from BVE where we have our own stand) I can happily tlak with you about every aspect of the system you require 🙂
Regards,
Jamie
Jigsaw Systems Ltd. – IT & Broadcast specialists for the UK
https://www.jigsaw24.com
https://www.jigsawbroadcast.com -
OK, I’ll check that out, thanks for the info.
-
OK below are the specs I think I’m going to go for, I’m trying to save money so I’ve only gone for the one 2.8GHz processor.
I was wondering if it was OK to use the 320 hard drive and an external 1Tb drive; bearing in mind that I’m an amatuer user looking to become professional, so therefore my early usage of the system; even though it’ll be used to edit HD footage, will be quite light
One 2.8GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon “Harpertown” processors
4GB memory (800MHz DDR2 fully-buffered DIMM ECC)
ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT graphics with 256MB memory
320GB Serial ATA 3Gb/s 7200-rpm hard drive1
16x double-layer SuperDrive
Reply to this Discussion! Login or Sign Up