Best Mac Pro graphics card for RED work

[Steve Sherrick]

So you're finding that standard processing holds up pretty well? I'm looking for the best method to get to 1080P which is what I'll be chopping most footage in. I've been putting together specs for a better storage system. All I need is local storage. Here is my current buy list.

Areca ARC-1680x PCIe SAS Raid Controller
8 Bay External SAS HD enclosure
Seagate SAS 300GB 15K RPM HD Mfg # ST3300655SS (8 of them)

Grand total is $5500

Other option is Caldigit HDOne 4TB system $3895

 

[Filipo]

The NVIDIA Quadro FX 5600 1.5GB is the best !!!

 

[Jeff Kilgroe]

So you're finding that standard processing holds up pretty well? I'm looking for the best method to get to 1080P which is what I'll be chopping most footage in.

If you're looking for the *best* quality, 1080p ProRes isn't it. But it's still pretty good. Actually most of my projects thus far, have been given a one light in RC and output to ProRes for editing / finishing through FCS. I've been dabbling with Crimson Workflow since Ian released it, just pulled the trigger and bought it the other day, I have a project coming up that can't use ProRes and needs a 2K finish. Looks like I'm going for 2K DPX sequences out of RC based on rough edit with the proxies on and then will use GlueTools to get the sequences in place for final edit, run them through Color, etc.. The standard processing seems to give good results for me. For 1080p output, I have to really look close to see much difference between that and full processing. Using a difference comparison in Photoshop will show differences. But so far, my eyes have been happy with it and clients usually have to pick their jaws up from the floor when they see the final product compared to what they're used to seeing with HVX, Varicam, SDX900, etc..

I've been putting together specs for a better storage system. All I need is local storage. Here is my current buy list.

I recommend the CalDigit HDPRO. Very nice. Although that SAS option you have priced out looks pretty good, provided the card plays nice with OSX. For a ProRes workflow, that sort of RAID is overkill. Would be great for DPX sequences. You may want to consider using 1TB HDDs instead of those 300GB SAS ones... You will sacrifice a bit of performance, but will gain 3X the capacity and save a bit of money. 8 drives in a RAID-5 on a good host controller is still plenty fast enough for crashing through DPX / Cineon sequences, you can probably get 2 streams of 2K DPX. 450GB 15Krpm SAS drives are hitting the market too, haven't checked prices though as they weren't available just yet, last time I looked about 2 months back.

The NVIDIA Quadro FX 5600 1.5GB is the best !!!

True, it is... But it essentially does nothing for RC in its current form and does essentially nothing for FCS (compared to the 8800GT). I would rather go with the 8800GT and put the money toward another system to aid in processing -- much bigger performance boost that route. I would definitely recommend the Quadro card for those who use other applications that benefit. If you spend 20+ hours per week in Maya, you want the Quadro.

 

[nevinstyre]

http://www.amd.com/us-en/Corporate/VirtualPressRoom/0,,51_104_543~126569,00.html

New ati mac graphics card announced. 3870, $219
Seems like it would be a nice cheap upgrade for the x1900s in our 2 stations.