Determine whether adding more processing cores or increasing GPU VRAM is better for video rendering.
Determine whether adding more processing cores or increasing GPU VRAM is better for video rendering.
Sure thing! Here’s a rephrased version of your message:
So I started exploring AI-powered video enhancement tools, but it takes quite some time—over 20 hours for a short 30-minute clip on my current setup. I’m using an i7 with 4 cores and 4GHz clock speed, paired with an AMD M395 chipset and 2GB RAM. I also have a 2015 27-inch iMac 5K for personal projects. I occasionally work with video editing and use HandBrake for conversions. It’s mostly for personal use—like tweaking old home videos or saving space through format changes.
I’m trying to decide between upgrading to a newer model with more RAM and better performance, or sticking with the older 2017 iMac that has 8GB VRAM and an i7 processor. The prices are similar, but I might save more money on the older one. On the flip side, the newer model could retain its value longer.
Also, just a note—was this post meant for the GPU forum or should I move it there?
They'll run significantly quicker on a PC equipped with a 3070 if you utilize it properly. Alternatively, consider using an eGPU for your Mac. How does the CPU utilization look? Since these applications rely heavily on the GPU, CPU cores aren't critical, but I want more than four cores.
It seems you're looking at the AMD 580X Pro or similar, focusing on VRAM versus GPU cores. You mentioned needing 8GB of VRAM for larger files, which is a common consideration. There aren't many GPU choices available, so you might need to explore options like a Vega board with HBM2 memory, though that could mean getting a T2 chip—something you'd likely want to avoid. An eGPU is another option, but it would probably cost as much or more than upgrading your iMac. You're also thinking about the CPU upgrades and other details.
They don't seem to need a T2 iMac anymore—they appear to be the preferred choice these days. I'm hoping for an ARM-based iMac next. It's faster and likely costs the same as the current Intel models. What GPU is your current Mac running? The GPU core affects performance more than VRAM. How much VRAM are you currently using?
T2 presents several issues that can be quite frustrating. It becomes extremely difficult (almost impossible) to recover your data if hardware fails, which is just unreasonable. ARM processors and the present macOS feel more like specialized devices than general-purpose computers, making me hesitant about purchasing a desktop—even a 27-inch one. There are numerous aspects that need fixing before I even think about it. I clung to my 2011 iMac for a few years before switching to thinner models for similar reasons. The GPU I’m considering is the AMD 395M 2GB, and I can play games with it on Windows-BootCamp because I don’t mind AAA titles. That’s the only real reason I’d return to Windows, which would be if there were no alternatives for a short time and I didn’t need to use the operating system at all. Still, let's avoid comparing PCs and Macs here—it isn’t my aim.