Re: [Avid-L2] CPU cores, speed, number of... diminishing returns?

Caveat, I am not up-to-date on Avid specific compatibilities so I am speaking generally.

My questions are: 

Have CPU's reached a performance point where a single is sufficient and a dual setup doesn't justify the cost in non-effects heavy post?

Yes. Cores not CPUs. Multiple CPUs were made obsolete by high core counts. Cores are more efficient so a single multi-core is faster than dual CPUs with the same total cores. CPU codec acceleration, specifically h264 and 265 acceleration are also key. Almost all modern CPUs have this, and h264 is the most common camera codec. Mac M1s also have ProRes acceleration. I do not know the specifics of Media Composer's use of these accelerations, but they are critical to Premiere and Final Cut and have changed the power equation dramatically.

Are towers even necessary any more for routine file-based editing?

No, not really. There are two major reasons for towers: cooling and customization. Towers are built to be customized. However, both of these needs are becoming less important as CPUs get much cooler and systems become fundamentally more powerful and connectable, and therefor require less modification over time.

For example, I just purchased a Mac Studio. This box can't be modified, but it has more than enough horsepower to edit 4K video with aplomb, and with thunderbolt connections, add-ons are externalized. Is this the peak of performance? No. Is it more than enough for most editors? Yes.

If you need peak power, you need a tower. Otherwise, you don't really. That doesn't mean a tower is a bad idea. Towers can be more cost effective and are upgradable, so you can spend less now and upgrade later if needed. If you have the space and sound is not an issue, a tower may still be the way to go.

Cheers,

                Tod

Cheers,

Karl Knowles
Tallahassee, FL