I am going to buy an Apple system primarily to run Topaz Video AI. What is the best configuration? Mostly upresing SD tapes. Mac Mini vs iMac all running new M4 chips if guess? Mac Studio? Hoping for real world feedback from users who have had success.
TY
Probably M4 Max Studio or Ultra with maximum GPU option if you can afford it. I would also get a minimum of 64Gb to future proof for large models that Topaz may develop like Project Starlight local.
Check the benchmarks of actual processing speeds.
Awesome! Thank you! Good call on future proofing!
I also see that Mac Studio has the M2 chip set and will likely be “refreshed” this year. Are the M4 chipsets in the MacMini superior in working with TVAI?
My Mac Mini M4 pro is unbearably noisy when using TVAI with the GPU cores in full use - but silent if it’s only using the Neural Engine. I’ve now moved the Mini to another room and access it via screen sharing from my Macbook Air. I never had any noise problem with my Mac Studio M1 Max which is still on my desk. So the potential noise factor is something you might want to bear in mind when considering what to buy. You can run the Mac Mini M4 in Low Power mode - which is then inaudible - but you lose 40% processing speed.
Andy
Super helpful! Thank you so much. Yes I wondered about the noise factor. My MacBook Pro goes into high-speed fan mode as soon as I begin any serious video processing. That’s why I’m wondering if the larger machines with newer chip sets might be more suited to what I’m hoping to do in the future.
