Which Spec for Final Cut Express/Pro Editing?
Currently we are using Final Cut Express to quickly churn out thousands
of short 2D videos a year. It is time to upgrade/replace our towers and I
would like your opinion on which you would prefer (similar cost) and why.
We will also be evaluating Final Cut Pro.
The question is whether to go with two slower processors and a traditional
moving part drive for the software OR one faster processor and a solid
state drive. However, any other suggestions/ideas are welcome.
OPTION ONE:
One 3.33GHz 6-Core Intel Xeon processor
16GB (4x4GB)
512GB solid-state drive
1TB 7200-rpm Serial ATA 3Gb/s hard drive
2TB 7200-rpm Serial ATA 3Gb/s hard drive
Two ATI Radeon HD 5770 1GB
One 18x SuperDrive
OPTION TWO:
Two 2.40GHz 6-Core Intel Xeon processors (12 cores)
16GB (8x2GB)
1TB 7200-rpm Serial ATA 3Gb/s hard drive
1TB 7200-rpm Serial ATA 3Gb/s hard drive
2TB 7200-rpm Serial ATA 3Gb/s hard drive
Two ATI Radeon HD 5770 1GB
One 18x SuperDrive
Comments
I'm not sure you could be needing a replacement at a worse time…
I'd go for the one that is the smallest investment, as when you see next year's Mac Pro, you'll either give up Apple altogether (or move to the iMac) or want to buy that model immediately.
Final Cut Pro X is not like the previous versions. It is a really dumbed-down version of FCP. It is actually closer to Express than to a previous FCP version. There's no reason your Macbook would not be able to use either. If you are a new or casual user and don't intend to continue your training in editing, Express is fine.