In other words, there are no new features in FCP X that appear if it is running on an iMac Pro. Instead, Apple’s media apps take advantage of whatever technology or performance benefits are provided in the hardware. There are no optimizations in Final Cut, Motion or Compressor that focus specifically on the iMac Pro. This includes an all-64-bit architecture, optimization for core technologies including Metal, tight integration with both CPU and GPU and the ability to take advantage of faster I/O - both to the processors and storage. When Apple rebuilt Final Cut to create FCP X, they focused on upgrading its underlying architecture to take advantage of coming advances in hardware. The good news is that you don’t need to buy the top-of-the-line to get a system today that can meet your editing needs for the next several years.
But… if money IS an object, then you need to make trade-offs, balancing the performance you need with the money you have. It will be blindingly fast, it will work great and you’ll have enormous bragging rights. If money is no object, buy the top of the line.
Also, while the iMac Pro is designed for many different markets, I’m focusing here on digital media. This article is designed to help you make more informed decisions when you don’t have an unlimited budget. Ever since Apple released the iMac Pro, my inbox has been clogged with people asking advice on how to configure their system.
