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Film/Video Computer Guidelines
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I was really concerned about the computer thing, and asked about it when I got my phone call after my acceptance. I was told that you should still double-check and ask before you buy anything, because these specifications are subject to change, but this was the general specs sheet I was given, for anyone who wants to check and see if they're due for an update.
MAC COMPUTER SPECIFICATIONS
These are minimum recommendations based on recent models. General rule of thumb: you can never have too much speed, RAM or storage.
Important: Always check the system requirements of the software you plan to use before buying any computer.
Time Machine, Retrospect or other back-up software is also recommended for backing up files. Time Machine requires an external hard drive, or a second internal hard drive for backing up.
Please be sure when purchasing an external hard drive to check the Film/Video School’s Hard Drive Guide beforehand, and to reformat your drive for use with Mac OS X.
Special notes regarding older models
As Apple has updated to newer processors, there are a few points to consider before buying a Mac:
1) G4, G5 and Core Duo Intel Macs can no longer run the current version of Mac OS X, so we do not recommend them.
2) In order to run Adobe software at full speed on Intel Macs, you must be running version CS3 or later of their software. Always check system requirements before purchasing. We recommend running CS5 or later.
3) Final Cut Pro is not supported on any Intel-based Mac with an integrated Intel graphics processor (some models of iMac, Mac Mini and MacBook). Again, always check system requirements before purchasing.
iMacs2.5 GHz or faster i5 or i7 processor
minimum of 4 GB RAM (more is better)
internal 500 GB hard drive (for OS and applications)
external 500 GB 7200 RPM FireWire 800 hard drive (video storage)
internal CD-R/DVD-R Superdrive
AMD graphics processor w/512 MB memory
FireWire 800
USB 2.0
10/100/1000 BaseT (Gigabit) Ethernet
OS X 10.6.8 (or later)
21.5” or larger LCD display (built-in)Desktop Macs (Mac Mini)
2.5 GHz or faster i5 or i7 processor
minimum of 4 GB RAM (more is better)
internal 500 GB hard drive (for OS and applications)external 500 GB 7200 RPM FireWire 800 hard drive (video storage)
external CD-R/DVD-R Superdrive (mid-2011 Mac Mini)
AMD graphics processor w/256 MB memory
FireWire 800
USB 2.0
10/100/1000 BaseT (Gigabit) Ethernet
OS X 10.6.8 (or later)
1920 x 1080 or higher resolution display
Desktop Macs (Mac Pro)2.4 GHz or faster Intel Xeon processor(s)
minimum of 6 GB RAM (more is better)
internal 1TB hard drive (for OS and applications)
secondary internal 1TB Serial ATA hard drive (video storage)
internal CD-R/DVD-R Superdrive
AMD graphics card w/1 GB memory
FireWire 800
USB 2.0
10/100/1000 BaseT (Gigabit) Ethernet
OS X 10.6.8 (or later)
1920 x 1080 or higher resolution display
Laptop Mac (MacBook Pro)2.0 GHz or faster i5 or i7 processor
minimum of 4 GB RAM (more is better)
internal 500 GB hard drive (for OS and applications)
external 500 GB 7200 RPM FireWire 800 hard drive (video storage)
internal CD-R/DVD-R Superdrive
AMD graphics processor w/256 MB memory
FireWire 800
USB 2.0
10/100/1000 BaseT (Gigabit) Ethernet
OS X 10.6.8 (or later)
1440 x 900 or higher resolution displayComputer specifications can change on a monthly basis so be sure to do additional research when you are ready to purchase a system.
PC COMPUTER SPECIFICATIONS
Minimum system requirements for a desktop PC:
Intel Core Duo 2.0GHz (or faster) Central Processing Unit
A minimum of 2.0GB DDR memory (main system memory, more is better)
250GB 7200rpm hard drive (Main boot and storage, again, larger and faster
is better especially for video)
Nvidia GeForce 8800 GTS 320mb video display card (more video memory is better. The other option for this card is 640Mb)
Intel DP965LT Mother Board (includes network interface, USB ports, and
sound on board)
Sony floppy drive
Sony AW-Q170A DVD +/-RW, +/-R, CD (internal DVD and CD Burner)
SCSI Card with external port (optional)
Firewire Card (if the mother board does not include this option)
ATX Case (housing for all of the components)
Microsoft keyboard
Microsoft optical mouse
USB speaker
Windows XP PRO (operating system)
17" or larger SVGA CRT or LCD flat panel monitor
Minimum requirements for a Laptop PC system:
Intel Core Duo 2.0GHz Central Processing Unit (minimum speed, faster is better)
A minimum of 2GB system Memory (more is better)
200GB 7200rpm Hard drive (larger and faster is better)
An active matrix LCD display of 15" or larger (again, bigger is better)
Floppy drive
CDRW drive (CD Burner, A DVD-CD burner can be substituted at extra cost)
Firewire (usually built in as part of the mother board)
Network port
Modem port
Windows XP Pro operating system
Sound capabilities, USB Ports, keyboard, and mouse are standard items for a laptop.
Computer specifications can change on a monthly basis so be sure to do additional research when you are ready to purchase a system.
This post was edited by Victoria Van Patten at March 28, 2012 12:37 AM PDT -
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Yeah it seems like they're asking for anything, basically, that didn't come out of the bargain bin at WalMart. I'm still going to ask, when I go there, what their idea of an ideal computer for a student would be. Just because these guidelines can suffice, doesn't mean they're the best option.
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Wow, I haven't even thought about the kind of computer required for a film/animation major. I'm assuming it'd have to be well beyond these specs to run smoothly for massive video projects. Good thing I still have a year before I apply-- time to start saving up! :)
@Jessica: What's funny is my old pc was 6 years old too, and I JUST rebuilt a computer! I went a little over-board and got more than I needed (including an insane graphics card) just so I could run the Adobe suite and some other video software. At least now Photoshop opens in 2 seconds.
Wish I could just lug around this big desktop PC to college, haha. Do people even do that? If so... -
@Jane-- Creepy. Maybe we are computer twins, and if we ever meet, one of our computers will explode. Anyway... on my old pc I sometimes have to wait a second or two for my brushstrokes to show up on a high dpi document. D: Pretty awful. I'm glad there even are minimum computer requirements, it makes me feel like upgrading is more of an investment than a selfish purchase. :)
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@Jessica: I really didn't read the fine print of having a computer twin. What a terrible side-effect. Anywho, Waiting for a brushstroke to appear in Photoshop? How did you survive that torture? How did you even get anything done! I understand your pain, though; when I had a large project going in Flash, if I pressed ctrl-z, it nearly exploded (unless that was your doing). So glad I upgraded! And yes, minimum requirements is an excellent excuse to spoil yourself. My excuse was so that I could get my "work" done, which IS partially true I guess. :P Well, good luck building that computer, and if you need any help I may or may not know the answer!
