Have had trouble understanding computers for Davinci Resolve

[drone_video]

I’m a DaVinci Resolve user who has posted on this very issue. I have also bought, paid for, used and returned the Dell XPS 15, specifically because it wouldn’t process DR well.

It’s important to remember that DaVinci Resolve has a reputation for being particularly (i.e. more than almost every other graphics package) demanding of hardware, particularly processor and graphics card (rather than RAM). When the programme loads, you get a hint as the graphics show people using banks of desk tops to achieve their results!

The UK’s “PC Specialist” website has an excellent forum, including specific builds for DR. I eventually spent over £2000 on a work station laptop. The spec is:

17.3" Matte 4K LED 60Hz 72% NTSC Widescreen (3840x2160) (No G-Sync)
Intel[emoji768] CoreTM i7 Six Core Processor i7-8700k (3.7GHz) 12MB Cache
32GB Corsair 2400MHz SODIMM DDR4 (2 x 16GB)
NVIDIA[emoji768] GeForce[emoji768] GTX 1080 - 8.0GB GDDR5 Video RAM
1 TB HDD
500 GB SSD (important)

It’s also really important to consider the editing demand you’re going to place on your system. Two track video and audio, without colour grading or complex transitions could be handled by a lesser spec. As soon as you start to colour grade, mix audio effects etc you will find bottlenecks unless you’ve got a system to cope. DR - even the free version - is immensely capable and most people won’t explore its limits. This invites the question “why not use a simpler programme, as there are heaps?”. I’m no expert, but I like DR because it does everything well and I like the interface. I’ve paid a premium for that in the hardware.

Everything yo said makes sense.

I build a pc that’s over 10k Canadian to edit with. Because I hate waiting period. So I did everything I possible could to avoid a wait.

I think this user is trying to strike a balance of costs and performance. Maybe he can clarify

You setup is excellent BTW, I think this user needs to know more about what they want to do to make the final decision.

 

[Butterland]

Everything yo said makes sense.

I build a pc that’s over 10k Canadian to edit with. Because I hate waiting period. So I did everything I possible could to avoid a wait.

I think this user is trying to strike a balance of costs and performance. Maybe he can clarify

You setup is excellent BTW, I think this user needs to know more about what they want to do to make the final decision.

I definitely am trying to strike a balance. My experience/ability is limited to an iPhone app, and resolve on a computer that not play video in resolve. It edits, but I cannot watch while working in resolve.

I’m very interested in editing, I like my iPhone app, and editing pics on the pc. I would like to improve and learn how to do videos.
It’s all for fun, no plan on making money or anything like that.

I’m not trying to buy the fastest most amazing computer. I just want to make sure that the one I buy can run resolve, or an editor with equal options. The only other thing I use my computer for is my bsn classes, which need nothing.

I just want to be confident it’ll work before I buy.

 

[Rivendell]

There's a specific thread on DR and Dell Inspiron at

Blackmagic Forum • View topic - Dell XPS 15, i7, NVIDIA GTX 1050 experience

You will note the very mixed results. I checked the spec of the computer you are considering and from what I could see it has a baseline of 256GB SSD with no additional HDD. You will eat this up very quickly with 4K editing. It also has a 1050Ti 4GB GPU RAM which is low low for DR. Personally, although I have a 4K screen, 1080 on a 15 inch screen is fine - you'll really struggle to see the difference when viewing 4K.

You can spec your proposed machine further at additional cost. However, the graphic card is fixed.

So, I am pretty certain that unless you are only doing very light editing in DR you will be disappointed. I reiterate - DR (specifically) is especially demanding of hardware.

BUT - I am equally sure that the Dell will edit perfectly well using most other graphics packages. Almost every one on the market offers advanced editing features.

I see it as a choice between what you like the most - DR or Dell!

If you really like DR, and decide to opt for a quicker machine, I wouldn't discount the custom build option. I used PC Specialist and used their forum to be guided in building the spec (I use the same username on that forum, so you can see how it went!). I ended up with a beast of a machine for two and a half grand - not much more than the XPS.

 

[Butterland]

Thanks Rivendell,
The reason I like Davinci Resolve is simply because I’ve tried it on my computer and really liked the huge amount of editing capabilities. I’d also be fine with a different computer as needed.
I’m wanting to be at a max price of about 16-1700. I’m goin to look for a pc build site in the US I could use.

I’m also gunna look at desktops, it seems they might be significantly cheaper for a powerful machine

 

[drone_video]

I don’t see this as a question between what do you like better “dell” or “DR”

I see it as a question of what specs are right.

The OP mentioned Dell in his post so that’s why we are still talking about that brand.

He can choose what brand he wants. I offered some guidance on the specs to look for, which is what he asked and I offered a model aligned to what he was looking at.

The forum posts on black magic as you indicated all over the place in terms of opinion.

The OP in this thread doesn’t seem to be a hardcore editor making commercials or broadcasts. I don’t think he is going to mind an extra few minutes here or there when he works. I’m hoping he learns to use a proxy based workflow if he gets into complex edits.

If he can find a better spec system for a cost he wants to spend that even better. I provided what I think is a decent hardware base line from which to build out from based on how much more he wants to spend.

If he didn’t need a laptop I would suggest he buys a desktop as it’s cheaper and will be faster.

If the OP's laptop needs to be portable he will want the smallest most powerfully he can get. If he gets serious about editing, its likely he will be able to do it from a stationary place, In which case he can add an external GPU to any modern laptop for that extra power he may need from the video card.

I am not sure he wants to carry a heavy laptop all over the place. So calculated compromises is what he has to look at.

Not one of us can decide for him. And it’s going to be very hard to take the years of knowledge that’s locked up in the heads of people like you and me on this topic and guide this OP to the perfect solution for him. There has to be some self discovery on their part of what they need or want.

Our role is to share what we have learned with experience and the OPs role is to review and decide what is important to them

The workstation class laptops you suggest are better machines for video editing but also come at the price of battery life, size and Weight. The OP needs to narrow down what they want and if solutions like adding an external GPU should it be needed are suitable in exchange for portability of the laptop. (The external stuff ca always be added later and as they want to invest more and align to their growth in skills)

My preference for video editing is a desktop system. So that is what I would have encouraged if that was an option here.

I understand your giving the best advice you can and I am too. I’m not attached to this laptop. The OP really needs to understand what they want and what they can live with and then decide. I see the OP efforts to learn and wanted to add in some reasonable advice based on my understanding of how they wanted to use the system, and offer the “acceptable” solution and encourage them to buy more if they could afford it. Like I said, I spent 10k on my setup and have no regrets. I also don’t think most people need to spend that to get a suitable system if they optimize their work flow for what they can afford and use technologies like proxy editing and worst case render over night for those really long movies. Chances are however that the drone footage he is putting up will fall into the average 3 min total export length and even with heavy effects he is looking at 15 min average render time, unless he uses noise filters of course. That can add time but video card is not going to help there as that’s almost always a CPU function

If he is serious about color grading and creative LUTs then for sure there can be more of video card dependancy. But if his average video exported is 3 to 5 min we are talking about 10 to 30 min Likely export time where with a good workflow they go and eat dinner or let it render over night.

I don’t know if DR let’s you publish to YouTube direct, but that’s what I do in videos that have very long export times I need to do over night, I let premier publish it when done with media encoder as a private video so when I come back to it it’s already rendered and published. I check the uploaded video and make public if it’s perfect.

Lots of ways to accommodate with workflow and a decent base machine. The best advice we can offer him is buy the best you can afford. Your first machine will almost certainly be wrong for you ( either too much or not enough). Your second machine will likely be the opposite of what ever mistake you made on your first and it’s not until your 3rd machine where you know enough about yourself, your software, your workflow, output requirements and target audience format before you pick the right machine. The advice is is seeking now, and what the community is offering, can for sure help him avoid some mistakes...

 

[Butterland]

Buying a computer seems like a house...first one has problems, second one has different problems, third one is best.

Thanks for all this info, it really is helpful

 

[drone_video]

Buying a computer seems like a house...first one has problems, second one has different problems, third one is best.

Thanks for all this info, it really is helpful

It can all be solved if you are not sensitive to cost.

If you don’t need a laptop you should consider a desktop. Is that an option ?

 

[Rivendell]

Thanks Rivendell,
The reason I like Davinci Resolve is simply because I’ve tried it on my computer and really liked the huge amount of editing capabilities. I’d also be fine with a different computer as needed.
I’m wanting to be at a max price of about 16-1700. I’m goin to look for a pc build site in the US I could use.

I’m also gunna look at desktops, it seems they might be significantly cheaper for a powerful machine

I reckon this is a good approach. My personal experience with the XPS 15 and DR was a continuously stuttering timeline, particularly around transitions (even simple fades). Proxy editing can be a work around, but the files take time to create and are another step in the workflow.

Custom builds can be a good and cost effective option, but if portability is not an issue for you a desk top almost always provides more bang for the buck. Whatever you choose to do, good luck. For me, the search for the right thing (whatever it is, drone, TV, computer etc) is part of the fun!

 

[bushie]

I am thinking of getting a custom built desktop to use DR. My existing desktop will not run DV15. Interestingly it did run the beta version but very slow.

I currently run an old version of PP but am not keen Adobies business model.

I want to use existing screen etc and have a network NAS with heaps of space. Will just have a SSHD for operating system and software.All data goes on the backed up NAS.

As i am a pensioner budget is tight.

 

[Butterland]

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/msi-15...-drive-aluminum-black/6211744.p?skuId=6211744

1600$

It has i7, 16gb ram, 256 ssd plus 1tb hdd, and gtx GeForce 1060


For 300$ more I can get the gtx 1070. Been spending time learning about it all and I think that’s a fairly good setup?


A desktop comparative is this one
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/cyberp...0gb-ssd-3tb-hdd-white/6128520.p?skuId=6128520
$1779
i7 32gb ram, NVIDIA 1080 480gb ssd and 3tb hdd

 

[Butterland]

So far I have not really understood the build your own sites, or how I would actually build it?

 

[Rivendell]

There is quite a significant difference in these computers and the desktop will provide the better service for intensive video editing.

The significance between the laptop 8750H chip and the 8700K is the letter. “K” marks a flagship chip, whereas “H” is lower ranking. The 8700K is more of a desktop chip, whereas the 8750H is designed primarily for laptops, where space and heat distribution are at a premium. Put simply, it’s not as fast but is still a very good chip and is already very common in high end gaming machines.

The 1080 8GB is about the best gaming graphics driver out there. The 1070 is inherently slower, but also has less dedicated RAM of 6GB. Again, the desktop wins.

Double the RAM and the extra SSD and HDD space and the desktop is a clear winner on spec. However, it’s $200 more and it doesn’t seem to come with a monitor (the screen on the laptop looks fine).

The desktop will run DR well. I would expect the laptop to also provide decent results for general DR use falling below extensive colour grading and complex audio. I would upgun to the 1070 if you can stretch that far.

 

[Butterland]

I’ve decided to go for a laptop- Id have to put a desktop in a room, don’t think I’d use a desktop enough to justify the purchase.

A laptop I will use much more due to the mobility- which will just be around the house so size or weight is irrelevant. The important part is just that I can move from bedroom desk to kitchen table to recliner.

This is the one I think will match my need.
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/alienw...-1tb-hard-drive-black/6228319.p?skuId=6228319

It’s alienware 17.3inch 1920x1080
i7-8750H (6core) 3.9 ghz
16gb RAM
Nvidia 1070 8gb
256ssd 1TB hd

I understand the limits of laptops and the screen, for a 4K screen with similar specs the prices jumps significantly.
And I assume I will have to do most of my editing with optimized media.

There is one with 32gb ram but only 1060 Nvidia. I think the gpu is more important?

Am I correct to assume I can edit with optimized media with this one? I’m thinking about purchasing in the next few days to a week. Thanks again all.

 

[Rivendell]

This looks like a nice machine and the better GPU is a good call (extra RAM is relatively cheap). I would think that basic editing with DR will be fine without using proxy/optimised files. More complex stuff may challenge it, so proxy media would then be an option. I for one would be interested to know how you get on.

We all love our MP because of the 4K ability it brings. However, the quality of the camera extends well beyond the resolution it can deliver. It shoots beautifully in 1080, which on smaller screens still looks fabulous and will be easier for DR to handle (if it stutters etc, which it may not).

Good luck and enjoy it.

 

[Butterland]

That’s the best laptop for that price I have been able to find. Hopefully I’ll be getting it this week.

I’ll update on its performance either way- hopefully with positive news.
And thanks y’all for dealing with very newbie questions and giving good info, I know how frustrating it can be!

 

[drone_video]

Here is a decent YouTube video that explains what we have all been talking about.

 

[Butterland]

I’ve found the laptop I’d prefer, and that video made me feel comfortable it will work more than well.
I think I’d qualify as hardcore beginner. My preference on resolve is likely mostly because I want to think I’m farther along than I am. And it lets me accept that but leave more doors open to become the video editor I like to think i am.

Now I’m just trying to get the price to where I won’t be on the run from my wife

 

[Butterland]

I’m still very much after the Alienware one with Nvidia 1070 but am open to a 1060 I think

 

[drone_video]

I’m still very much after the Alienware one with Nvidia 1070 but am open to a 1060 I think

If the cost of the 1070 upgrade is possible, its worth doing. only you can decide that.

That laptop is pretty big... have you been down to the bestbuy to see it in person, if not go see one in person if you have any concerns about size or weight.

A this point, I think the decision in yours to make....

 

[bushie]

I have been going through this. My existing desktop is 10 years old and defiantly showing the strain so I have decided to get a new one built to run Devinci Resolve. Costing me $A3K. Hope it is worth it.

Spec includes
Intel Core i7 8700K 3.7GHz Coffee Lake 12MB No HSF Retail Box (BX80684I78700K)

Gigabyte GeForce GTX1080Ti Gaming OC 11GB GDDR5X HDMI 3xDisplayPort (GV-N108TGAMINGOC-11GD)