2 Replies Latest reply: Feb 3, 2013 10:41 AM by Kirby Krieger
smartsale Level 1 Level 1 (0 points)

Iam looking at getting a new 27-inch iMac.  I have very large (300 GB) Aperture files and work in Final Cut Pro X.   What Processor and Graphics would you recommend?

  • 1. Re: New 27-inch Imac processor recommended for Aperture
    mende1 Level 10 Level 10 (89,570 points)

    As you are going to use the iMac for Final Cut Pro X and Aperture, you should get the best graphic card and processor. The processor that comes with the 27-inch iMac is powerful enough to run both without any problem, and respecting to the graphic card, the default graphic card will work properly, but you have a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 680MX that will provide a better experience.


    If you don't have enough money for those upgrades, the basic 27-inch iMac will run properly

  • 2. Re: New 27-inch Imac processor recommended for Aperture
    Kirby Krieger Level 6 Level 6 (11,945 points)

    Aperture is and will remain a resource hog demanding and appreciative of any and all resources you can make available to it.  IME, the processor speed is the ultimate performance limiter.  Get at least 8 GB of RAM, get an SSD for your system drive, and get the fastest processor that is reasonably priced.


    A more specific answer requires knowing your use of Aperture, and your tolerance for delays at different stages of your workflow.  For me, I don't see much difference between Libraries on an SSD vs. on a USB-3 drive (and lately I've been dealing with very large (10,000 x 10,000 px.) files).  Batch changes to thousands of files always takes time.  Editing is usually instantaneous.  If I could magically double _something_, it would be processor speed.


    YMMV  .


    300 GB is large.  Others will, I hope, have something to add re: FCPX.