I wonder if anyone can throw open some discussion....

I'm configuring a new Mac Pro, and choosing a graphics card to edit HD, and wondered about something.

I know it's ideal, but does running 2 x Dual Link DVI eat up ram for breakfast? I've got two 19'' monitors, and wanted to run them both. I'm only having 1gig of ram.......would all the other mac boys snigger!?!

At the moment, i'm choosing this set up running Final Cut Studio...

Mac Pro
2 x 2.66GHz Processor
ATI Radion x 1900 XT 512mb (2 x Dual Link DVI)
250gig Hard Drive
(and a couple of Lacie External HD's)

What kind of set up have you all got going on? Sorry if this is kind of question gets asked all the time!!

I've got 2 GB RAM and the same video card running to two monitors with no problems editing HD. I believe it is the card that carries the load.

thanks....that's good news.

How do you think 1 gig of ram would square up? Trying to keep those costs down y'see.

I'm no expert, but the way it was put to me, depends on what you're doing. If you're using Long GOP compressions, you would do better to have high CPU speed. Otherwise, more RAM makes the NLE more efficient, especially for rendering effects, etc.

My experience on PC editors was that more RAM the better. I was going to get 4GB on the Mac and was advised that this was overkill for now. I'm just learning my FCP/Mac so can't really speak from experience for your question.