Processor More power at its cores. With eighth-generation Intel Core processors, MacBook Pro reaches new heights in compute performance. The 15‑inch model now features a 6‑core Intel Core i9 processor that works up to 70 percent faster than the previous generation, enabling up to 4.8GHz Turbo Boost speeds. And a quad‑core processor on the 13‑inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar now makes it up to twice as fast as the previous generation. So when you’re powering through pro‑level processing jobs like compiling code, rendering 3D models, adding special effects, layering multiple tracks, or encoding video, you’ll get everything done.
Graphics Eye-opening graphics performance. MacBook Pro features a Radeon Pro discrete GPU in every 15‑inch model, combining impressive power with remarkable power efficiency. And now we’ve paired each discrete GPU with 4GB of GDDR5 memory standard, giving you fluid, real‑time performance for pro tasks like rendering 3D titles in Final Cut Pro X.
The 13‑inch model with Touch Bar features powerful integrated graphics with 128MB of embedded DRAM — twice as much as the previous generation — which accelerates graphics tasks. That means more time for what matters most — creating amazing work. Radeon Pro Vega graphics. The 15-inch MacBook Pro now offers Radeon Pro Vega GPU options — the first discrete mobile Vega GPUs in a notebook. Featuring the same graphics architecture used in iMac Pro, Vega delivers an enhanced compute engine and utilizes High Bandwidth Memory (HBM2). HBM2 doubles the memory bandwidth to the GPU while doing so at considerably lower power, so more of the graphics power budget can be used by the GPU itself. The result is significantly faster graphics performance — up to 60 percent faster than the Radeon Pro 560X — for tackling demanding video, 3D, rendering, and compute workloads.
Blackmagic eGPU and eGPU Pro Desktop-class graphics without the desktop. Blackmagic Design has created two external GPUs (eGPUs) ideal for MacBook Pro. So you can have desktop-class graphics performance without giving up the portability of a notebook.
Reddit gives you the best of the internet in one place. Mac Is The 2016 MacBook Pro Fast Enough for Video. Yet you claim to use it for a lot of video editing.
Housed in an all-in-one aluminum enclosure, Blackmagic eGPUs are powerful yet quiet, charge your Mac using Thunderbolt 3, and have built-in I/O connections to drive both a Thunderbolt 3 display and VR accessories simultaneously. Choose the Blackmagic eGPU to accelerate pro apps and enjoy supersmooth gaming or the Blackmagic eGPU Pro for the ultimate workstation-class graphics performance for your pro app workflows and VR content creation. Apple T2 Security Chip The next generation of security. Introducing the Apple T2 Security Chip — second‑generation custom Mac silicon designed by Apple to make MacBook Pro even more secure. Featured on the 13- and 15‑inch models with Touch Bar, the Apple T2 Security Chip includes a Secure Enclave coprocessor that provides the foundation for secure boot and encrypted storage capabilities. It also consolidates many discrete controllers, including the system management controller, audio controller, and SSD controller, into one.
And the Apple T2 Security Chip brings a familiar voice to MacBook Pro — Hey Siri is always ready to open apps, find documents, play music, or answer your questions. SSD Storage Make quicker work of everything. MacBook Pro includes a solid-state drive that’s blazing fast, with sequential read speeds up to 3.2GB/s. The 15‑inch model is available with up to a 4TB SSD, and the 13‑inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar is available with up to a 2TB SSD — enough space to take even your biggest files with you, like large photo libraries or video projects.
So you can boot up, launch multiple apps, or import huge files in a flash. And with the Apple T2 Security Chip, everything is automatically encrypted on the fly. Thunderbolt 3 The most powerful and versatile port ever. Thunderbolt 3 combines ultra‑high bandwidth with the ultra‑versatility of the USB‑C industry standard to create one revved‑up universal port. It integrates data transfer, charging, and video output in a single connector, delivering up to 40Gb/s of throughput for twice the bandwidth of Thunderbolt 2. Both sizes of MacBook Pro are available with up to four ports, so you can do all of that from either side.
Existing devices are easily connected with a cable or adapter. And Thunderbolt 3 is reversible, so no matter how you plug in, it’s always right side up. Display and Audio Easy on the eyes.
Music to your ears. The Retina display in MacBook Pro is the best ever in a Mac notebook. It features bright LED backlighting and a high contrast ratio, delivering deep blacks and bright whites. It supports P3 wide color for even more vibrant greens and reds than with sRGB. And the 13- and 15‑inch models with Touch Bar feature True Tone technology.
The white balance automatically adjusts to match the color temperature of the light around you — for a more natural viewing experience. MacBook Pro has beautifully balanced, high‑fidelity sound that takes listening to new levels with wide dynamic range and more bass for maximum boom. And the speakers are connected directly to system power, enabling greater peak amplification. So you can mix a track on the fly, edit video on location, or enjoy a movie on the go. Personal Setup We'll show you how to get the most out of your new Mac, online or in store. Trade-in values will vary based on the condition, year, and configuration of your trade-in device. You must be at least 18 years old to be eligible to trade in for credit or for an Apple Store Gift Card.
Not all devices are eligible for credit. More details are available from Apple’s Mac trade‑in partner and Apple’s iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch trade‑in partner for trade-in and recycling of eligible devices. Restrictions and limitations may apply. Payments are based on the received device matching the description you provided when your estimate was made. Apple reserves the right to refuse or limit the quantity of any device for any reason. In the Apple Store: Offer only available on presentation of a valid, government-issued photo ID (local law may require saving this information). Value of your current device may be applied toward purchase of a new Apple device.
Offer may not be available in all stores. Some stores may have additional requirements. Testing conducted by Apple in June 2018 using preproduction 2.3GHz quad-core Intel Core i5-based 13-inch MacBook Pro systems with 8GB of RAM and 512GB SSD; and preproduction 2.6GHz 6-core Intel Core i7-based 15-inch MacBook Pro systems with 16GB of RAM and 512GB SSD. Testing conducted by Apple in May 2017 using preproduction 2.3GHz dual-core Intel Core i5-based 13-inch MacBook Pro systems with 8GB of RAM and 1TB SSD.
The wireless web test measures battery life by wirelessly browsing 25 popular websites with display brightness set to 12 clicks from bottom or 75%. The iTunes movie playback test measures battery life by playing back HD 1080p content with display brightness set to 12 clicks from bottom or 75%.
The standby test measures battery life by allowing a system, connected to a wireless network and signed in to an iCloud account, to enter standby mode with Safari and Mail applications launched and all system settings left at default. Battery life varies by use and configuration. See for more information. Testing conducted by Apple in June 2018 using preproduction 2.9GHz 6-core Intel Core i9-based 15-inch MacBook Pro systems with 32GB of RAM and 4TB SSD; and shipping 3.1GHz quad-core Intel Core i7-based 15-inch MacBook Pro systems with 16GB of RAM and 2TB SSD. Tested with Final Cut Pro 10.4.3 using a 50-second Multicam project with 9 streams of Apple ProRes RAW video, at 4096x2160 resolution and 23.98 frames per second.
Multicam playback with Angle viewer in Final Cut Pro was set to display 16 angles. Performance tests are conducted using specific computer systems and reflect the approximate performance of MacBook Pro. Testing conducted by Apple in June 2018 using preproduction 2.7GHz quad-core Intel Core i7-based 13-inch MacBook Pro systems with 16GB of RAM, and preproduction 2.9GHz 6-core Intel Core i9-based 15-inch MacBook Pro systems with 32GB of RAM; and shipping 3.5GHz dual-core Intel Core i7-based 13-inch MacBook Pro systems, as well as shipping 3.1GHz quad-core Intel Core i7-based 15-inch MacBook Pro systems, both configured with 16GB of RAM. Tested using Logic Pro X 10.4.1 with project consisting of 85 Alchemy synthesizer tracks.
Individual tracks were enabled during playback until CPU became overloaded. Performance tests are conducted using specific computer systems and reflect the approximate performance of MacBook Pro. Testing conducted by Apple in June 2018 using preproduction 2.7GHz quad-core Intel Core i7-based 13-inch MacBook Pro systems with 16GB of RAM, and preproduction 2.9GHz 6-core Intel Core i9-based 15-inch MacBook Pro systems with 32GB of RAM; and shipping 3.5GHz dual-core Intel Core i7-based 13-inch MacBook Pro systems, as well as shipping 3.1GHz quad-core Intel Core i7-based 15-inch MacBook Pro systems, both configured with 16GB of RAM.
Tested with Xcode version 9.4 (9F1027a). Performance tests are conducted using specific computer systems and reflect the approximate performance of MacBook Pro. Testing conducted by Apple in June 2018 using preproduction 2.7GHz quad-core Intel Core i7-based 13-inch MacBook Pro systems with 16GB of RAM, and preproduction 2.9GHz 6-core Intel Core i9-based 15-inch MacBook Pro systems with 32GB of RAM; and shipping 3.5GHz dual-core Intel Core i7-based 13-inch MacBook Pro systems, as well as shipping 3.1GHz quad-core Intel Core i7-based 15-inch MacBook Pro systems, both configured with 16GB of RAM. Tested using Mathematica v11.3.0 with built-in benchmark, WolframMark. Performance tests are conducted using specific computer systems and reflect the approximate performance of MacBook Pro. Testing conducted by Apple in June 2018 using preproduction 2.7GHz quad-core Intel Core i7-based 13-inch MacBook Pro systems with 16GB of RAM, and preproduction 2.9GHz 6-core Intel Core i9-based 15-inch MacBook Pro systems with 32GB of RAM; and shipping 3.5GHz dual-core Intel Core i7-based 13-inch MacBook Pro systems, as well as shipping 3.1GHz quad-core Intel Core i7-based 15-inch MacBook Pro systems, both configured with 16GB of RAM.
Tested using NACA 0012 project with 2000 iterations. Performance tests are conducted using specific computer systems and reflect the approximate performance of MacBook Pro. Testing conducted by Apple in June 2018 using preproduction 2.7GHz quad-core Intel Core i7-based 13-inch MacBook Pro systems with 16GB of RAM, and preproduction 2.9GHz 6-core Intel Core i9-based 15-inch MacBook Pro systems with 32GB of RAM; and shipping 3.5GHz dual-core Intel Core i7-based 13-inch MacBook Pro systems, as well as shipping 3.1GHz quad-core Intel Core i7-based 15-inch MacBook Pro systems, both configured with 16GB of RAM.
Adobe Photoshop 19.1.5 tested using the crystallize, pointillize, radial blur, shape blur, dust & scratches, and median filters. Performance tests are conducted using specific computer systems and reflect the approximate performance of MacBook Pro. Testing conducted by Apple in June 2018 using preproduction 2.7GHz quad-core Intel Core i7-based 13-inch MacBook Pro systems with 16GB of RAM, and preproduction 2.9GHz 6-core Intel Core i9-based 15-inch MacBook Pro systems with 32GB of RAM; and shipping 3.5GHz dual-core Intel Core i7-based 13-inch MacBook Pro systems, as well as shipping 3.1GHz quad-core Intel Core i7-based 15-inch MacBook Pro systems, both configured with 16GB of RAM. Adobe Lightroom Classic CC 7.3.1 tested using 780 RAW images. Performance tests are conducted using specific computer systems and reflect the approximate performance of MacBook Pro. Testing conducted by Apple in June 2018 using preproduction 2.7GHz quad-core Intel Core i7-based 13-inch MacBook Pro systems with 16GB of RAM, and preproduction 2.9GHz 6-core Intel Core i9-based 15-inch MacBook Pro systems with 32GB of RAM; and shipping 3.5GHz dual-core Intel Core i7-based 13-inch MacBook Pro systems, as well as shipping 3.1GHz quad-core Intel Core i7-based 15-inch MacBook Pro systems, both configured with 16GB of RAM. Pixelmator Pro 1.1.1 tested using a 3.3GB image.
Performance tests are conducted using specific computer systems and reflect the approximate performance of MacBook Pro. Testing conducted by Apple in June 2018 using preproduction 2.7GHz quad-core Intel Core i7-based 13-inch MacBook Pro systems with 16GB of RAM, and preproduction 2.9GHz 6-core Intel Core i9-based 15-inch MacBook Pro systems with 32GB of RAM; and shipping 3.5GHz dual-core Intel Core i7-based 13-inch MacBook Pro systems, as well as shipping 3.1GHz quad-core Intel Core i7-based 15-inch MacBook Pro systems, both configured with 16GB of RAM. Autodesk Maya 2018 tested using a 399.6MB scene. Performance tests are conducted using specific computer systems and reflect the approximate performance of MacBook Pro.
Testing conducted by Apple in June 2018 using preproduction 2.7GHz quad-core Intel Core i7-based 13-inch MacBook Pro systems with 16GB of RAM, and preproduction 2.9GHz 6-core Intel Core i9-based 15-inch MacBook Pro systems with 32GB of RAM; and shipping 3.5GHz dual-core Intel Core i7-based 13-inch MacBook Pro systems, as well as shipping 3.1GHz quad-core Intel Core i7-based 15-inch MacBook Pro systems, both configured with 16GB of RAM. Tested with Blackmagic Fusion 9.0.2; rendered 100 frames of a project to disk in full size. Performance tests are conducted using specific computer systems and reflect the approximate performance of MacBook Pro. Testing conducted by Apple in June 2018 using preproduction 2.7GHz quad-core Intel Core i7-based 13-inch MacBook Pro systems with 16GB of RAM, and preproduction 2.9GHz 6-core Intel Core i9-based 15-inch MacBook Pro systems with 32GB of RAM; and shipping 3.5GHz dual-core Intel Core i7-based 13-inch MacBook Pro systems, as well as shipping 3.1GHz quad-core Intel Core i7-based 15-inch MacBook Pro systems, both configured with 16GB of RAM. Tested with Compressor 4.4.1 using a 60-second project with Apple ProRes 4444 video at 4096x2160 resolution and 23.98 frames per second. Performance tests are conducted using specific computer systems and reflect the approximate performance of MacBook Pro. Testing conducted by Apple in July 2018 using preproduction 2.7GHz quad-core Intel Core i7‑based 13‑inch MacBook Pro systems with 16GB of RAM, and preproduction 2.9GHz 6‑core Intel Core i9‑based 15‑inch MacBook Pro systems with 32GB of RAM; and shipping 3.5GHz dual-core Intel Core i7-based 13-inch MacBook Pro systems, as well as shipping 3.1GHz quad‑core Intel Core i7‑based 15‑inch MacBook Pro systems, both configured with 16GB of RAM.
Tested with Adobe Premiere Pro CC 12.1.2 (Build 69), using a fully color graded 5-minute Red RAW video at 23.98 frames per second. Color grading was done using LUTs from Adobe Premiere’s Lumetri Color Panel.
Performance tests are conducted using specific computer systems and reflect the approximate performance of MacBook Pro. Testing conducted by Apple in June 2018 using preproduction 2.9GHz 6-core Intel Core i9-based 15-inch MacBook Pro systems with 16GB of RAM; and preproduction 2.9GHz 6-core Intel Core i9-based 15-inch MacBook Pro systems with 32GB of RAM.
Adobe Photoshop 19.1.5 tested using a 6.25GB file and rotate, unsharp mask, auto color, and scale functions. Performance tests are conducted using specific computer systems and reflect the approximate performance of MacBook Pro. Testing conducted by Apple in October 2018 using preproduction 2.9GHz 6-core Intel Core i9-based 15-inch MacBook Pro systems with Radeon Pro Vega 20 graphics, and shipping 2.9GHz 6-core Intel Core i9-based 15-inch MacBook Pro systems with Radeon Pro 560X graphics, both configured with 32GB of RAM and 4TB SSD. Cinema 4D R20 tested using a 15.7MB scene.
Performance tests are conducted using specific computer systems and reflect the approximate performance of MacBook Pro. Testing conducted by Apple in October 2018 using preproduction 2.9GHz 6-core Intel Core i9-based 15-inch MacBook Pro systems with Radeon Pro Vega 20 graphics, and shipping 2.9GHz 6-core Intel Core i9-based 15-inch MacBook Pro systems with Radeon Pro 560X graphics, both configured with 32GB of RAM and 4TB SSD. Tested with Unity 2018.2.0b10 using Book of the Dead demo, at 2560x1440 resolution.
Performance tests are conducted using specific computer systems and reflect the approximate performance of MacBook Pro. Testing conducted by Apple in October 2018 using preproduction 2.9GHz 6-core Intel Core i9-based 15-inch MacBook Pro systems with Radeon Pro Vega 20 graphics, and shipping 2.9GHz 6-core Intel Core i9-based 15-inch MacBook Pro systems with Radeon Pro 560X graphics, both configured with 32GB of RAM and 4TB SSD.
Cinema 4D R20 tested using a 599.4MB scene. Performance tests are conducted using specific computer systems and reflect the approximate performance of MacBook Pro. Testing conducted by Apple in October 2018 using preproduction 2.9GHz 6-core Intel Core i9-based 15-inch MacBook Pro systems with Radeon Pro Vega 20 graphics, and shipping 2.9GHz 6-core Intel Core i9-based 15-inch MacBook Pro systems with Radeon Pro 560X graphics, both configured with 32GB of RAM and 4TB SSD.
Tested with DaVinci Resolve Studio 15 using 14 common effects and a 10-second UHD project at 3840x2160 resolution and 24 frames per second. Performance tests are conducted using specific computer systems and reflect the approximate performance of MacBook Pro. Testing conducted by Apple in October 2018 using preproduction 2.9GHz 6-core Intel Core i9-based 15-inch MacBook Pro systems with Radeon Pro Vega 20 graphics, and shipping 2.9GHz 6-core Intel Core i9-based 15-inch MacBook Pro systems with Radeon Pro 560X graphics, both configured with 32GB of RAM and 4TB SSD. Tested with Rise of the Tomb Raider using the built-in benchmark, at 2304x1440 resolution, with very high settings and Vsync disabled.
Performance tests are conducted using specific computer systems and reflect the approximate performance of MacBook Pro. Testing conducted by Apple in October 2018 using preproduction 2.9GHz 6-core Intel Core i9-based 15-inch MacBook Pro systems with Radeon Pro Vega 20 graphics, and shipping 2.9GHz 6-core Intel Core i9-based 15-inch MacBook Pro systems with Radeon Pro 560X graphics, both configured with 32GB of RAM and 4TB SSD.
Tested with prerelease Final Cut Pro X using a 10-second project with Apple ProRes 422 video at 3840x2160 resolution and 30 frames per second. Performance tests are conducted using specific computer systems and reflect the approximate performance of MacBook Pro. Sold separately.
Testing conducted by Apple in October 2018 using shipping 2.7GHz quad-core Intel Core i7-based 13-inch MacBook Pro systems with Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655 with 1.5GB of VRAM, 16GB of RAM, and 2TB SSD, and shipping 2.9GHz 6-core Intel Core i9-based 15-inch MacBook Pro systems with Radeon Pro 560X graphics with 4GB of VRAM, 32GB of RAM, and 4TB SSD; and Blackmagic eGPU Pro with Radeon RX Vega 56 graphics with 8GB of VRAM, as well as Blackmagic eGPU with Radeon Pro 580 graphics with 8GB of VRAM. All testing conducted with an external 5K display. Tested with Unity 2018.2.0b10 using Book of the Dead demo, at 2560x1440 resolution. Performance tests are conducted using specific computer systems and reflect the approximate performance of MacBook Pro. Testing conducted by Apple in October 2018 using shipping 2.7GHz quad-core Intel Core i7-based 13-inch MacBook Pro systems with Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655 with 1.5GB of VRAM, 16GB of RAM, and 2TB SSD, and shipping 2.9GHz 6-core Intel Core i9-based 15-inch MacBook Pro systems with Radeon Pro 560X graphics with 4GB of VRAM, 32GB of RAM, and 4TB SSD; and Blackmagic eGPU Pro with Radeon RX Vega 56 graphics with 8GB of VRAM, as well as Blackmagic eGPU with Radeon Pro 580 graphics with 8GB of VRAM.
All testing conducted with an external 5K display. Tested with Rise of the Tomb Raider using the built-in benchmark, at 2560x1440 resolution, with very high settings and Vsync disabled. Performance tests are conducted using specific computer systems and reflect the approximate performance of MacBook Pro. Testing conducted by Apple in October 2018 using shipping 2.7GHz quad-core Intel Core i7-based 13-inch MacBook Pro systems with Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655 with 1.5GB of VRAM, 16GB of RAM, and 2TB SSD, and shipping 2.9GHz 6-core Intel Core i9-based 15-inch MacBook Pro systems with Radeon Pro 560X graphics with 4GB of VRAM, 32GB of RAM, and 4TB SSD; and Blackmagic eGPU Pro with Radeon RX Vega 56 graphics with 8GB of VRAM, as well as Blackmagic eGPU with Radeon Pro 580 graphics with 8GB of VRAM.
All testing conducted with an external 5K display. Tested with DaVinci Resolve Studio 15 using 14 common effects and a 10-second UHD project at 3840x2160 resolution and 24 frames per second. Performance tests are conducted using specific computer systems and reflect the approximate performance of MacBook Pro. Testing conducted by Apple in October 2018 using shipping 2.9GHz 6-core Intel Core i9-based 15-inch MacBook Pro systems with Radeon Pro 560X graphics with 4GB of VRAM, 32GB of RAM, and 4TB SSD; and Blackmagic eGPU Pro with Radeon RX Vega 56 graphics with 8GB of VRAM, as well as Blackmagic eGPU with Radeon Pro 580 graphics with 8GB of VRAM. All testing conducted with an external 5K display. Cinema 4D R20 tested using a 15.7MB scene.
Performance tests are conducted using specific computer systems and reflect the approximate performance of MacBook Pro. Testing conducted by Apple in October 2018 using shipping 2.7GHz quad-core Intel Core i7-based 13-inch MacBook Pro systems with Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655 with 1.5GB of VRAM, 16GB of RAM, and 2TB SSD, and shipping 2.9GHz 6-core Intel Core i9-based 15-inch MacBook Pro systems with Radeon Pro 560X graphics with 4GB of VRAM, 32GB of RAM, and 4TB SSD; and Blackmagic eGPU Pro with Radeon RX Vega 56 graphics with 8GB of VRAM, as well as Blackmagic eGPU with Radeon Pro 580 graphics with 8GB of VRAM. All testing conducted with an external 5K display. Tested with prerelease Final Cut Pro X using a 20-second project with Apple ProRes 422 video at 4096x2304 resolution and 59.94 frames per second.
Performance tests are conducted using specific computer systems and reflect the approximate performance of MacBook Pro. Testing conducted by Apple in June 2018 using preproduction 2.3GHz quad-core Intel Core i5-based 13-inch MacBook Pro systems with 8GB of RAM and 1TB SSD, and preproduction 2.6GHz 6-core Intel Core i7-based 15-inch MacBook Pro systems with 16GB of RAM and 1TB SSD. Tested with FIO 3.7, 1024KB request size, 150GB test file and IO depth=8. Performance tests are conducted using specific computer systems and reflect the approximate performance of MacBook Pro.
Available on select models. Software and content may be sold separately. Title availability is subject to change.
Welcome to the Summer 2016 version of this guide. We get asked all the time about what laptops we recommend for video editing and live video streaming. In the past we would only get asked about editing, but today more and more people want to start producing live video streaming to YouTube Live, Ustream, Twitch etc. They want to create productions with lots of on screen value like graphics, lower thirds, transitions and multiple camera angles. The good news is that you need the same power, performance and features for live streaming as you do for editing. Picking and recommending the right laptop is a more difficult question to answer than finding the right desktop. Unlike a desktop, when you buy a laptop you are more limited in what upgrades and changes you can make after your purchase.
In this guide we will recommend some specific models (the Videoguys’ Tech Selects) and some additional brands and model families that would fit the bill. Before we get into that, let’s go into the key configuration parts you are going to want to make sure your laptop gives you. Key Configuration Parts.
Quad Core i7 or Quad Core Intel Xeon processor Your processor is the most important feature that will have the biggest impact on your ability to smoothly work with and edit HD footage. Today’s advanced video editing apps all tap into multiple CPU cores. Without 4 or more cores, you’re simply not going to have a good time editing HD footage, especially footage from DSLR cameras, GoPros or AVCHD. These video files are super compressed and you need multiple cores to share the load of the CODECs. If you plan on using your Laptop for live video streaming using software like or vMix, you’ll need 4 or more cores as well. These apps run significantly better with 4 cores vs. Fortunately HP and Dell are doing more to build quad core machines into smaller, lighter machines.
In fact, the is the world’s first quad-core workstation Ultrabook. This is HP’s thinnest and lightest full-performance workstation ever!. Quadro Mobile GPUs All of today’s NLEs tap into the GPU for additional performance.
Think of the GPU as a secondary computer within your computer that can be sent specific tasks to offline them from the CPU. We strongly recommend NVIDIA GPUs with CUDA technology. NVIDIA just launched a new line of mobile Quadro GPUs, the M Series. You can see a quick comparison chart of them here:. These are a must have if you are going to be running your NLE on Windows. No NLE taps into GPU performance more than Adobe. Trying to run Premiere Pro without a powerful GPU is a recipe for disaster.
Avid recommends an NVIDIA Quadro card for use with as well. For, we recommend you select a GPU with at least 2GB of memory and 500+ CUDA cores.
Hi-Res 15″ or 17 ” screen size If you are going to edit on a laptop, you need the screen real-estate for your timeline, preview windows and tools. When you go with a 17″ screen you get more real estate, but you also get a machine that is heavier and less portable to lug around. Fortunately you can get 15″ screens that are incredibly sharp and you can run them at resolutions that deliver the real estate you need for editing within a limited screen size.
So for us, it’s a trade off that is your personal decision. We do not recommend getting a 17″ laptop with lower resolution screen vs a 15″ with higher res. While we like touchscreens we don’t want to trade off resolution to get it. If you can afford a 17″ with hi-res screen, plus a touchscreen and you don’t mind the extra bulk, go for it.
You won’t regret it. I think touch screens will become much more popular in the next year or two. You are going to see content creation and live production software become more and more touch screen friendly. Eventually I think you’ll even see them optimized for touch screens.
Something to keep in mind for your next laptop. All are available with optional touchscreens and the 17″ models are also available with HP for advanced color correction capabilities. Call the Videoguys at 800-323-2325 to customize your next mobile workstation with these options. Get as much RAM as possible Today’s NLEs need RAM, the more the better. While most laptops come with 4GB by default, this is not nearly enough for video editing. You want a bare minimum or 8GB, and you’ll get dramatically improved performance when editing on a laptop with 16GB.
For us we recommend going with 32GB if you can afford it. USB 3 is mandatory!
Make sure your new laptop has at least 1 USB 3 connection for your external storage. For the fastest possible connectivity for your external storage, we recommend Thunderbolt, but the next best choice is USB 3. USB 3.1 is a dual purpose connection that supports both USB 3 and Thunderbolt! Unlike USB 2, the new USB 3 is a very reliable and stable connection that is 100% up to the demands of post production work. Many of our customers want to use their laptop for live streaming and video editing. You want to make sure your laptop has multiple USB 3 ports and that they are more than one bus.
That way you can use a pair of frame grabbers like the for multi-camera streaming. Thunderbolt If you plan on editing 4K footage or working with VR footage down the road then you are really going to want at least one Thunderbolt port on you laptop for adding the fastest possible storage possible. You also need Thunderbolt if you intend to attach HD or 4K I/O for wither ingest or playback. USB 3.1 is a dual purpose connection that supports both USB3 and Thunderbolt! Videoguys recommends for HD editing. Windows 10 Professional Videoguys recommends that any new Windows based laptop you purchase is running Windows 10 Professional.
Windows 10 is designed for mobile devices as much as desktops and for your screaming-fast new laptop, it’s the right choice to deliver the features, performance and stability you demand. Especially if you go for a touchscreen. Videoguys Top Laptop Recommendations When it comes to getting the best possible laptop for video editing and streaming, we have 3 brands that stand out above all others. HP zBook Mobile Workstations, Dell Precision Mobile Workstations and the Apple MacBook Pro. The machines listed below are all capable of handling HD and up to 4K editing, as long as you configure them correctly. There are also some high-end gaming machines that will have more than enough horsepower to handle your video editing needs but you need to carefully review all of the specs before settling on one of these machines from Asus, Toshiba or others. # 1 – HP zBook Mobile Workstations What sets these puppies apart from all others and puts them at the top of our list?
The combination of performance, reliability and configuration flexibility. We worked with HP to come up with configurations that are optimized for video editing, live production and streaming. They all include Intel Xeon Quad Core processors, NVIDIA Quadro M series GPU, 16GB of RAM or more, and the HP zTurbo PCIe boot drives for the very fastest operation. Videoguys Tech Select ZBook Mobile Workstations The iconic 15.6″ diagonal HP ZBook Studio is HP’s thinnest, lightest, and most attractive full performance mobile workstation. $2,999.00 HP ZBook 15 Mobile Workstation is a powerful mix of style, features, and portability in a thin, light, 15.6″ diagonal form factor. $2,999.00 The HP ZBook 17 offers HP’s ultimate in power plus portability with a 17.3″ diagonal screen, massive scalability and configurability, and all the latest power-packed features. $3,299.00 Push the boundaries of performance without pushing the boundaries of portability.
Take productivity up a notch with the ability to do more thanks to NVIDIA® Quadro® M4000M 3D graphics. $3,999.00 #2 – Dell Precision Mobile Workstations With the introduction of the Precision 5510 (and the 3310) Dell has leap-frogged other laptop vendors and we proudly recommend them along with HP. They really did their homework here, delivering incredible configurations and performance in a sleek, sexy and lightweight configuration.
Once you take a good look at one of these, from all angles, you’ll quickly realize that they look as good as a MacBook Pro, but they deliver the performance of a customized Windows laptop. #3 – Apple MacBook Pro In the past we recommended the MacBook Pro at the top of the list but we don’t anymore, unless you are an FCPX editor. FCPX and the MacBook Pro are each optimized for each other and they are a super combination. Unfortunately the reality is that Apple isn’t making the effort to help Adobe or Avid optimize for their hardware, and when it comes to laptops this really shows.
Avid and Adobe will run significantly better, with far more power, zip, and stability on a similarly configured and costing or Dell Precision Laptop. If you are in a Mac shop, production house, or school, or are simply loyal to Apple computers, then the minimum recommended configuration available on the Apple store (as of June, 2016) is:.
15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display. 2.5GHz Quad-core Intel Core i7, Turbo Boost up to 3.7GHz. 16GB 1600MHz DDR3L SDRAM. 512GB PCIe-based Flash Storage. Intel Iris Pro Graphics + AMD Radeon R9 M370X with 2GB GDDR5 memory.
Force Touch trackpad Looking for a Desktop Solution? Check out our newly configured.