Will one of these new imacs make a capable edit machine?

[Walter Biscardi]

All current iMacs are capable editing machines.

The issue that I raised was the lack of support for Jumbo Frames on the i5 and i7 iMacs that preclude you from using a mass storage device that runs on an Ethernet based SAN.

In our case, our iMacs can access and edit from our 32TB Shared Storage array allowing them to edit absolutely anything up to 1080i ProRes HQ material. Or, pretty much everything we edit here in the shop.

This is only possible by running Jumbo Frames. The i5 and i7 models did not support Jumbo Frames.

If you don’t require mass storage and are only planning to edit with local Firewire based storage, then any machine will work. But if you want to use this system with an Ethernet based SAN, you have to ensure the ethernet controller support Jumbo Frames.

Walter Biscardi, Jr.
Editor, Colorist, Director, Writer, Consultant, Author, Chef.
HD Post and Production
Biscardi Creative Media

“Foul Water, Fiery Serpent” featuring Sigourney Weaver coming soon.

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[Andrew David]

Thanks for your reply, Walter. Informative as always.

How can I ensure the ethernet controller supports Jumbo Frames on these new iMacs — what should I look for in the tech specs?

ADC

[Zane Barker]

“If you don’t require mass storage and are only planning to edit with local Firewire based storage, then any machine will work.”

True however the new 27″ imac can go a step better, but still not as much as a Mac Pro. The new 27″ iMac has the option for 2 hard drives. One regular one and one solid state one. Meaning you can have one for system drive and one for media drive. Both using SATA speeds.

**Hindsight is always 1080p**

[Dylan Murphy]

Hi Walt,

been following your imac issues with some interest as I have to purchase some new hardware for the next big project (requires shared storage) any word on the new imacs? Same controller? Same problem?

I’ve been searching but haven’t found out yet.

[Andrew David]

Hey Dylan,
did you check this link?

https://www.macworld.co.uk/mac/news/?newsid=3233370

or more specs on t’Apple site. Or is your question not answered there?

I too would like to know of any potential issues these new machines might provide.
As far as I know, the SSD only goes to 250Gb — not much help to me.

ADC

[Walter Biscardi]

[Dylan Murphy] “been following your imac issues with some interest as I have to purchase some new hardware for the next big project (requires shared storage) any word on the new imacs? Same controller? Same problem?”

Don’t know. The Tech Specs on the Apple site don’t answer the question. It says it supports Gigabit but on the Mac Pro it does mention support for “Jumbo Frames.” On the iMac Tech Specs there is no mention of Jumbo Frames.

Still searching around to find out exactly what model controller is in there and then we’ll have our answer. Apple is very vague on their page at the moment.

Walter Biscardi, Jr.
Editor, Colorist, Director, Writer, Consultant, Author, Chef.
HD Post and Production
Biscardi Creative Media

“Foul Water, Fiery Serpent” featuring Sigourney Weaver coming soon.

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