S2E9: Mac vs PC: The Ultimate Battle for Video Editors

We dive deep into the Mac versus PC debate for video editors, analyzing which system might be better suited for different types of creative professionals.

• Apple's M-series chips offer unified memory architecture, making editing more efficient
• High-end PCs with NVIDIA or AMD GPUs provide superior performance for effects-heavy work
• Macs excel in stability and ProRes handling while PCs offer better upgradability
• Final Cut Pro remains Mac-exclusive while Adobe and DaVinci run well on both platforms
• Price considerations include Mac's higher upfront cost versus PC's customization options
• The ideal choice depends on your specific workflow needs and technical preferences

Send me a message or leave a comment about your preferred editing setup. Don't forget to check out the show notes for any links mentioned in today's episode.

Chapters

• 0:00 Introduction to Mac vs PC Debate
• 0:43 Comparing Processing Power
• 1:34 Software Compatibility Analysis
• 3:29 Price and Upgradability Factors
• 4:11 Which System Best Suits You
• 4:52 Episode Wrap and Audience Engagement

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:04

Hey, what's up? Fellow creators, welcome back to another episode of the Video Editing Guru the podcast where I dive into all things video editing to help you become a master in the art of post-production. I'm your host, dustin. Today we're going to tackle one of the biggest debates in our creative industry Apple or PC which one is better for video editing? This question is crucial, whether you're a pro editor working on big budget projects or a content creator cranking out social media videos. Today we're going to analyze performance, software compatibility, price and upgradability, breaking down which type of machine best suits your needs.

Speaker 1: 0:43

Let's kick things off with the raw power, the beating heart of any editing machine the processor, gpu, ram and storage. We're going to start by comparing Apple's M series chips, particularly the M3, m3 Pro and M3 Max, with the PC processors, specifically the Intel Core i9 and AMD Ryzen 9. Apple's newest chips are fast and efficient. They're built with unified memory, which means the RAM, gpu and CPU share the same high-speed memory pool. This setup results in quicker rendering and playback when you're working in applications like Adobe Premiere, final Cut Pro and DaVinci Resolve. But on the PC side, the powerful Intel Core i9 and AMD Ryzen 9 processors have higher core counts and better multi-threading, making them a competitive contender, especially when paired with the right GPU. But what about that GPU Graphics processing? How do Apple's integrated GPUs fare against PC's dedicated ones? Gpus fare against PCs dedicated ones? Well, apple's built-in GPU in the M series chips stands up pretty well, handling 4k and even 8k pro res editing seamlessly. But and a big but it's still not as strong as dedicated NVIDIA RTX 4090 or AMD Radeon 7900 XTX found in high-end PCs. If your work involves GPU intensive effects, 3d rendering or AI-powered tools, A PC with a robust, discrete GPU could be the better choice.

Speaker 1: 2:09

And we can't forget about RAM and storage speed. Apple's unified memory structure allows for rapid data transfer between components, making 16 gigabytes of Apple RAM feel equivalent to 32 gigabytes on a PC. Even better, if you need extensive multitasking capabilities, a PC lets you install up to 128 gigabytes of RAM perfect for handling large After Effects projects. As for SSD speeds, macs have some of the fastest in the industry, but if you're building a PC system right, high-end NVMe SSDs can definitely compete. We also need to discuss software compatibility. If you're a fan of Final Cut Pro, you can only find it on Mac, as Apple's one of the most optimized NLEs available. Macos also runs seamlessly with creative applications like DaVinci Resolve, logic Pro and Adobe Premiere Pro. However, adobe Premiere Pro After Effects and DaVinci Resolve run as well, if not better, on PC, especially with an NVIDIA GPU that can accelerate CUDA processing, while Mac's operating system is extremely stable and seldom runs into driver conflicts.

Speaker 1: 3:15

Pcs offer more control, better compatibility with specialized industry tools and customizable workflow automation scripts. But increased control also means more maintenance, like updating drivers and troubleshooting hardware. Let's not forget the price tag and opportunities for upgrades. If you glance at the upfront costs, apple computers are more expensive. The MacBook Pro 16-inch M3 Max with 128GB RAM and 4TB SSD costs over $6,000. But keep in mind Macs have a longer lifespan, maintain their resale value and require less maintenance than PCs. However, on the PC side, you can build a high-performance machine for half the price of a comparable Mac. Further, pcs can be upgraded over time, allowing you to potentially save money in the long run by swapping out parts instead of purchasing a new system every few years.

Speaker 1: 4:07

The most crucial question, though, is which one is the best option for you.

Speaker 1: 4:11

If you love Final Cut Pro, value macOS stability, need seamless ProRes performance, or prefer a plug-and-play system with no custom builds or troubleshooting, then a Mac is likely your top choice. Custom builds or troubleshooting then a Mac is likely your top choice. On the other side, if you need raw power for Adobe Premiere Pro, after Effects or DaVinci Resolve, value, upgradability and future-proof builds and want the most bang for your buck with high-end performance, then a PC may be your best bet. Remember, both Mac and PC are powerful tools and the right one for you depends on your editing needs and workflow. If you value simplicity and stability, mac may be your winner, but if you need power, customization and upgradability, pc might just be your champion. I would love to hear what you think about this debate and about your preferred editing setup. Send me a message or leave a comment. Thanks for joining me on this episode of the Video Editing Guru. As always, don't forget to check out the show notes for any links we talked about today and, until next time, keep creating.