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Will external GPU improve performance

scott fairbairn
Hi,

I don't know if this is the correct place to post this question. But here goes, I am holding off on buying a new Apple machine, but I would like to improve raw file rendering and so on in CaptureOne 20. I currently do my entire workflow in Capture One, and when editing thousands of images and every second waiting adds up.
I currently have a 2017 iMac 5K, i7, 1TB fusion drive, 40GB Ram, 4.2GHz, Radeon Pro 575 with 4GB. Cameras used are 24megapixels to 60 megapixels Sony. Most files will sit in the 24-26 megapixel range(A9 and A7R4 in crop mode).
So I'm considering an external GPU, which as I understand, is upgradeable and will have added benefit of being helpful with future machines. The unit I'm considering is this one.
https://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/HELFX6RX580/
Any help or comments are appreciated.
Cheers,
Scott
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Comments

6 comments

Date Votes
  • Paul Steunebrink
    I can not help you with the external GPU question. What I can share is that a Fusion drive seems to work counter-effective with Capture One. At least that is what I was told during the last Phase One Certified Professional training that I attended.
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  • scott fairbairn
    Ok, that might be part of my performance issues. I'll see if anyone chimes in on the GPU question and then decide. Maybe I'd be better off to swap it out with an SSD, although all the software licensing issues I'll have to deal with is a deterrent to going that route.
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  • Paul Steunebrink
    NN105813UL wrote:
    ... although all the software licensing issues I'll have to deal with is a deterrent to going that route.

    Yes, make a list of all software that you can/must deactivate. And a list of all license keys. I have been there, done that. Multiple times. 😉
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  • Richard Irecky
    https://egpu.io/best-external-graphics-card-builds/

    Most of the builds are with Win10 on your machine and in general it's not great improvement. TB2 machines have a big perfomance penalty when internal screen is used with GPU (iMacs or laptops), so you'd have to use external screen with your iMac. Honestly I wouldn't bother if it's for C1, you'll see better performance when you upgrade your internal drive to SSD
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  • scott fairbairn
    Ok, thanks to everyone, it looks like upgrading to SSD is a better use of my money for now.
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  • Permanently deleted user
    NN105813UL wrote:
    Ok, thanks to everyone, it looks like upgrading to SSD is a better use of my money for now.


    Be careful to check if your iMac is already equipped with the infamous "T2 chip" (I am afraid it is).
    It could brick your machine if you use non-Apple parts/install parts without going to an Apple dealer.
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