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PC Hardware for Creative Pros – Conversation with Puget Systems

June 10, 2025

What specification should you use to build a custom PC that can handle demanding color grading workflows? Puget Systems has the answer...

Tutorials  /  Office Hours  /  PC Hardware for Creative Pros – Conversation with Puget Systems
Series

April 29, 2025 Office Hours LIVE: Which PC is best for colorists today?

“One of the biggest things with Mac and PC is just Mac is easy. You can just go buy it, and you know you’re fine.

With PC, it’s kind of Wild West. There are so many different variables to account for, it’s hard not to get yourself into trouble.

That’s where we come in.”

– Matt Bach, Puget Systems
Matt Bach, Labs Supervisor and PugetBench Product Manager at Puget Systems
Matt Bach, Labs Supervisor and PugetBench Product Manager at Puget Systems

In this edition of Office Hours Live, host and Mixing Light CEO Patrick Inhofer is joined by colorists Joey D’Anna, Neil Haugen, Peder Morgenthaler, and Matt Bach from Puget Systems. The group shares their perspectives on building professional-grade workstations on either PC, Linux, or Mac that can reliably deliver for demanding creative color workflows.

Key takeaways from this Insight

By the end of this Insight, you should understand how to:

  • Choose between Apple, PC, and Linux systems for post-production.
  • Compare GPU and CPU performance for editing tasks.
  • Weigh the pros and cons of Windows, macOS, and Linux.
  • Budget and plan for hardware upgrades effectively.
  • Right-size systems for virtual production needs.

Chapters

  • 00:00 – Introduction
  • 01:21 – Meet Matt Bach from Puget Systems and Matt’s Lab Team Role
  • 05:07 – What’s Changed in Hardware Over the Last 4-5 Years
  • 09:15 – Multiple GPU Limitations Due to Power and Heat
  • 11:02 – Nvidia Dominance and GeForce vs RTX Pro Cards
  • 13:14 – Why Most Professionals Use GeForce Cards
  • 16:14 – When You Might Need RTX Pro Cards – Three Key Reasons
  • 18:35 – Thermal Design Challenges in Modern GPUs
  • 22:18 – ProRes Rendering Changes Everything for PC Users
  • 26:58 – Performance Comparison – Apple vs PC Strengths
  • 29:18 – The Wild West of PC Configuration vs Apple Simplicity
  • 32:08 – Linux vs Windows Considerations for Resolve
  • 38:00 – Linux as a Dedicated Tool vs Multi-Purpose System
  • 42:12 – Performance Gains from 3-4 Generation GPU Upgrades
  • 47:13 – Puget Bench Testing for Different Codecs
  • 48:19 – Pricing Discussion – What to Expect for New Systems
  • 52:20 – AMD vs Intel CPUs for Resolve Rackmount Workstations
  • 55:50 – Dual GPU Cooling Challenges with 50 Series Cards
  • 58:34 – Optimal Configuration – 32 Core CPU, 256GB RAM, 5090
  • 59:59 – Current Pricing Includes Tariff Adjustments
  • 01:02:39 – Now is a Good Time to Buy
  • 01:04:12 – Thunderbolt Challenges on PC Platforms
  • 01:06:51 – Virtual Production and Render Node Solutions

Questions or comments? Leave a comment!

Are you in the process of considering your next upgrade? What system spec are you most interested in? What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced in building your own custom PC workstation? Hit the comments and let us know.

— Patrick

Prev Next
Patrick Inhofer
Joey D'Anna
R Neil Haugen
Peder Morgenthaler
Insight # ML 1395
Type Video
Duration 72:04
Skill Level Beginner
Skills Business DaVinci Resolve Hardware & Gear
Categories Business Hardware Suite Design
Series Office Hours

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