-
Imac G5 for FCP5(and Motion 2)
My dilemma is what is the best value in apple hardware presently that will also provide adequate performance for FCP5 and Motion 2. I believe the best value right now is the Imac G5 2ghz with 128mb 9600 with 2g ram which can be purchased for around 2k. Question is does the board think this is the best deal in terms of price/ performance and will it be able to do the job of editing/motion graphic design. I understand it is not going to render superfast but with a single G5 and 2g of ram it should still be pretty capable, yes/no?. A powerbook at 1.67 or a dual 2.7 are both at the 3k range and that is before putting ram or in the case of the tower putting a 400 dollar card in it, already at 4.5k in this case. Seems to me the Imac is the way to go before the new dual core G5s come out and/or the PB line is updated. Grateful for all your expertise. thanks.
-
4 Replies
-
Don’t screw around. Get yourself the fastest and best Mac TOWER you can afford. Stuff it with a fast Video Card and you’ll be set for Motion. Motion needs a fast video card and the iMacs is rather a slowpoke. With the iMac, you’ll be forced to daisy chain your deck and an external FW device and this has been known to be very problematic for many folks.
Get 2 GB of RAM and a separate 400 GB internal SATA and you’ll have a machine that’ll last you 2-3 years no problem.
Don’t cheap out. Get what works for a predictable and reliable FCP Workstation. FCP is more than an app, it’s a SYSTEM. And just ’cause it sorta works on iMacs, doesn’t mean you should use one if you plan to do serious work on it.
O&O-Gunner Productions
FCP-Avid-After Effects -
[michael o] “Question is does the board think this is the best deal in terms of price/ performance and will it be able to do the job of editing/motion graphic design.”
No, sorry. It’s not a question of what the board thinks. It’s a question of what you think.
Only you can tell what your needs really are. Only you know what kind of work you’re really good at, only you know what kind of work really want to do… or are willing to take on when you can’t find that work.
(music swells)
“You’re my dream come true, my one and only youuuuuuuu”Arnie
https://www.arniepix.com -
[michael o] “My dilemma is what is the best value in apple hardware presently that will also provide adequate performance for FCP5 and Motion 2. I believe the best value right now is the Imac G5 2ghz with 128mb 9600 with 2g ram which can be purchased for around 2k. Question is does the board think this is the best deal in terms of price/ performance and will it be able to do the job of editing/motion graphic design. “
Hi,
If you look around you can find a Dual G5 discontinued model or refurb (with warranty) for well under $2k. After adding one or two LCD monitors your total cost will be similar and you will have a much faster more expandable system. Here are some recent (maybe one or two current) prices:
https://dealmac.com/categories/Computer/Apple+Systems/PowerMacs/44.htmlI would get a Dual G5 with 8 RAM slots and PCI-X as a minimum.
Best Wishes,
Mitch
-
[Gunner Jones] “Don’t screw around. Get yourself the fastest and best Mac TOWER you can afford. Stuff it with a fast Video Card and you’ll be set for Motion. Motion needs a fast video card and the iMacs is rather a slowpoke. With the iMac, you’ll be forced to daisy chain your deck and an external FW device and this has been known to be very problematic for many folks.
Get 2 GB of RAM and a separate 400 GB internal SATA and you’ll have a machine that’ll last you 2-3 years no problem.
“Hi,
Another approach is to purchase a less expensive Dual G5 tower (not the best you can afford) then upgrade in a year or so for minimal outlay. Mac’s hold their value so well that its possible to upgrade for a few hundred dollars if you buy and sell intelligently. That can make more sense than keeping a system for 2 or 3 years. Your original system is a little slower but 12 to 18 months down the line when you upgrade you have a faster system and your total outlay is less.
I’m not disagreeing with your advice to get a Tower or a fast video card.
Best Wishes,
Mitch
Reply to this Discussion! Login or Sign Up