Can I Run DaVinci Resolve 18 with an i7-7700, 24GB RAM, and R7 35 GPU?

When it comes to editing videos, especially in 4K resolution, performance requirements can be quite specific. A system like your i7-7700 processor with 24GB RAM and an AMD R7 35 GPU can certainly handle DaVinci Resolve 18 for basic editing tasks, but there are a few things to consider.

Current System Configuration

Currently, you are running a 7th gen i5-7500 processor with 16GB of RAM and a 2GB NVIDIA GTX 1030 GPU, which works well for editing video. You are also using DaVinci Resolve 16, which is an older version but gets the job done.

Your system is set up to handle 4K video editing tasks, but as you noted, you are editing on a 1080p timeline. This setup allows you to save on hardware costs and keeps your system performance manageable. However, you're thinking of shooting in 4K, but editing on a 1080p timeline as that’s all you can realistically expect.

Considering Upgrading to DaVinci Resolve 18

DaVinci Resolve 18 is the latest release and offers a host of new features, including more advanced color grading and effects. While your current hardware may not fully leverage the latest version, it still has potential for efficient 4K editing.

Performance Considerations

Processor: The i7-7700 is a 4-core/8-thread CPU, which might be a bit outdated for high-resolution editing in 2024. This processor is roughly half as powerful as ideal modern CPUs. RAM: 24GB of RAM is quite substantial and should be sufficient for most editing tasks, especially with 4K video. However, an upgrade to 32GB or higher might be beneficial for more complex projects. GPU: The AMD R7 35 GPU is relatively slow by today's standards. Modern integrated GPUs perform better and offer more efficient hardware acceleration for video editing tasks. Storage: Using an SSD is highly recommended for optimal performance, especially when dealing with large video files.

Free vs. Paid Version of DaVinci Resolve

The free version of DaVinci Resolve uses the CPU for rendering, while the paid version allows for GPU acceleration. The free version is more constrained in terms of performance, but if you're working with simpler projects, it might still be a suitable choice.

Experience with Older CPUs

While the i7-7700 is not the latest model, it still has the capability to handle 1080p video editing with special effects. However, for 4K video, it might not be as smooth. The i7-4770, which is even older, was fine for 1080p video with special effects but struggled significantly with 4K video editing.

Conclusion and Recommendations

In conclusion, your i7-7700, 24GB RAM, and R7 35 GPU should be capable of running DaVinci Resolve 18 without major issues. However, the system might not fully leverage the latest features of DaVinci Resolve 18, especially for more complex 4K projects. You might want to consider upgrading your hardware to ensure smoother performance and better handling of high-resolution clips.

Key Takeaways:

upgrading to a more modern CPU would improve overall performance. introducing an SSD for improved read/write speeds would enhance the overall editing experience. advancing to the paid version of DaVinci Resolve would allow you to take better advantage of the i7-7700's GPU capabilities.

By addressing these areas, you can make the most of your current setup while preparing for future projects.