- \n
- Mac<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Windows<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Linux<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- What Is a CPU?<\/a> <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- What Is a GPU?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
When compared to the other non-linear editing platforms out there, Resolve has always been a GPU-reliant program, whereas others were more “CPU” focused. However, through recent updates with Premiere and FCPX (I’m honestly not sure what FCPX is doing over there in the corner), other programs are also starting to catch up to DaVinci Resolve<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nDaVinci Resolve 18 System Requirements<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
We will explain what these components are and some of the recommended products currently on the market. But, if you’re looking for just the requirements and then dip out, let’s make that easier for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mac<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
macOS system requirements:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- macOS 11 Big Sur<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 8 GB of system memory; 16 GB when using Fusion<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Blackmagic Design Desktop Video version 12.0 or later<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Integrated GPU or discrete GPU with at least 2 GB of VRAM<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- GPU which supports Metal or OpenCL 1.2<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
With the 17.3 updates, Blackmagic included a massive improvement in Mac compatibility and rendering capabilities. For Macs with the M1 chip, Resolve will now work an apparent three times faster than before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In their press statement on the update, Blackmagic stated:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
With this massive speed increase, customers can now play back, edit, and grade 4K projects faster, and can even work on 8K projects on an Apple M1 notebook. The\u00a0new processing engine uses tile-based rendering . . . also supports a\u00a0new option on Mac computers with M1 for H.265 hardware encoding. Customers can choose to prioritize speed vs. quality when rendering, further improving render times up to 65%.<\/p>\n– Blackmagic<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Windows<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Windows system requirements:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Windows 10 Creators Update<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 16 GB of system memory; 32 GB when using Fusion<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Blackmagic Design Desktop Video 10.4.1 or later<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Integrated GPU or discrete GPU with at least 2 GB of VRAM<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- GPU which supports OpenCL 1.2 or CUDA 11<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- NVIDIA\/AMD\/Intel GPU Driver version, as required by your GPU<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Linux<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Linux system requirements:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- CentOS 7.3<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 32 GB of system memory<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Blackmagic Design Desktop Video 10.4.1 or later<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Discrete GPU with at least 2 GB of VRAM<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- GPU which supports OpenCL 1.2 or CUDA 11<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- NVIDIA\/AMD Driver version, as required by your GPU<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
There are, of course, two versions of DaVinci Resolve. The free version and the paid studio version that hosts several additional plugins as well as operational functions that you can’t utilize in the free version. While the studio version is operationally stronger, you may be pleased to know the minimum system requirements remain the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Newly](\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Davinci-Resolve-17-Cover.jpg?w=1000\")
License this image via Ismail Rajo<\/a>.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n While this isn’t exactly an article about GPUs and CPUs, it’s important to understand how these tools work in relation to what Resolve needs from your computer in order to perform to the best of its ability. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, let’s go over the basics and where to look for quality products, so you can have an idea of where to start or what you need. Then, we’ll talk about what Resolve requires from you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWhat Is a CPU? <\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"CPU](\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/CPU-Concept-1.jpg\")
<\/a>The CPU is the brains of the operation. License this image via Blue Andy<\/a>.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n A CPU (central processing unit) resides attached to your computer’s motherboard. CPUs are essentially chips that receive information from different parts of your computer, then performs somewhat of a calculation. So, it takes in information, figures out what to do with it, then does it. Still with me? It’s the brain, essentially. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the context of this specific situation, the CPU comes second when using Resolve. However, its GPU-reliant playback and rendering model still benefit from having a decent CPU. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
That being said, which CPU would ideally work best for Resolve? Let’s dive in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Best CPU Option for DaVinci Resolve<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Obviously, I haven’t personally tested each and every CPU available, but there are resources that will list how these stack up against each other. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Take, for example, this breakdown comparison of around 15 different CPUs that are currently available and compatible with Resolve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Windows<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n