Questions about upgrading editing machine: Does Avid use GPU to render?

Andrew Mckee
August 17, 2011 at 7:24 am

Right now, memory won’t make any difference because Avid is 32bit. The vast majority of the effects do use the GPU however. Basically there used to be lots of non realtime effects in Avid, then each release they move more and more of the effects processing over to the GPU and make them realtime for playback, so there are very few blue-dot effects left. GPU should improve the number of effects you can playback and the speed of your renders so I would go for that and upgrade your ram when you get MC6. I believe the Nvidia Quadro line still work best with Avid, but hopefully someone can suggest a specific model for you.

Andrew McKee
Editor/Colourist
Avid Certified Instructor – MC5.5
Apple Certified Trainer – FCP7
Pixelwizard.net
Daniel Frome
August 17, 2011 at 2:45 pm

Yes, Avid uses the GPU for lots of effects and filters. Your current videocard will be a weakpoint.

I use a GTX285 896MB and most of my effects are real-time.
Edward Calabig
August 19, 2011 at 8:28 pm

Thanks for the responses! I’ll go ahead and get a GPU first.
Craig Alan
August 22, 2011 at 1:57 am

Any hints at when MC6 will arrive or does AVID keep it a secret like Apple?

OSX 10.5.8; MacBookPro4,1 Intel Core 2 Duo 2.5 GHz MacPro4,1 2.66GHz 8 core 12gigs of ram. GPU: Nvidia Geoforce GT120 with Vram 512. OS X 10.6.x; Camcorders: Sony Z7U, Canon HV30/40, Sony vx2000/PD170; FCP 6 certified; write professionally for a variety of media; teach video production in L.A.

Creative Communities of the World Forums