Mac mini 7,1

Hello!

I have installed DaVinci Resolve (free version) and I have this configuration with macOS Mojave 10.14.6:

Model name: Mac mini
Model identification: Macmini7,1
CPU name: Intel Core i7
CPU speed: 3 GHz
Number of processors: 1
Total Core number: 2
L2 Cache (per Core): 256 KB
L3 Cache: 4 MB
Hyper-Threading Technology: Enabled
Memory: 16 GB
Boot ROM Version: 428.0.0.0.0
SMC Version (system): 2.24f32

I come from Premiere Pro, where I could render a specific transition or timeline area and still have to understand how to do this in DaVinci, but while in Premiere I could playback quite normally most of the times, in DaVinci I have to set playback to a quarter resolution and I have severe laggy issues, especially on transitions, speed changes, titles. Also, often times when I try to move a keyframe (edit page, clip keyframe icon) the system crashes and it crashes in other situations, too (I am using full HD video).

I was wondering if this configuration is not good at all for DaVinci, or if using the Studio version something could change. I basically need to understand if, in order to use DaVinci, I have to buy a new computer...

Thank you,

Chris

Resolve relies heavily on the GPU and the Mac mini has a very weak one. You could add an eGPU, which works well for me (see my sig). But with the extreme shortage of GPUs these days (virtual mining, blocked freighters, pandemic) I don't know if it's the best solution.

Might be better to wait for the next round of M1 Macs.

Thank you for your kind reply Uli, I am really disappointed as of course I know Resolve is a big beast, but I thought I could use it at least basically (without the use of special effects but just filters and transitions) on my old machine where I still can use Adobe Premiere Pro CC 2018 (cannot edit 4K, but it's ok for Full HD).

As eGPUs are surely not cheap, I think a new M1 would be a better solution. You say it would be better to wait for the next round: do you mean the actual M1s are not powerful enough?

Thank you

Chris

They are perfectly fine for editing and grading in HD. Some complex effects which rely on the GPU will be slow, though.
It all depends on your needs.

Perfectly clear, thank you! I am actually also considering to get back to a PC as they are less expensive.

Chris

Currently, you may have the same problem: getting a good GPU for a reasonable price.