What Are the System Requirements for DaVinci Resolve?
DaVinci Resolve is a unique color correction and non-linear video editing (NLE) application that combines capabilities such as editing, color correction, visual effects, motion graphics, and audio post-production in a single suite. The software comprises class-leading image technology, including 32-bit float processing, patented YRGB color science, and a wide range of color space that can support the latest HDR workflows, in addition to the world-class Fairlight audio processing system. The professional suite is used even by professional colorists, editors, VFX artists, and sound engineers professionals in Hollywood to create films and streaming television shows. In this article, we will focus on the system requirements for DaVinci Resolve.
What Is the Hardware and Software Setup Required for DaVinci Resolve?
While DaVinci Resolve works on Mac, Linux, and Windows machines, our focus will be on the latter alone. Here are the system requirements for DaVinci Resolve on Windows machines.
Here is a summary of the minimum and recommended DaVinci Resolve 17 system requirements in 2021.
- DaVinci Resolve requires at least an Intel Core i7 processor, but Core i9, AMD Ryzen, or AMD Threadripper are better for smooth operations.
- The non-linear editing and color grading software requires at least 16GB of RAM. However, a 32GB RAM is ideal, especially if Fusion is used.
- It is almost impossible to expect real-time playback performance with heavy high-resolution media stored on a single internal or external spinning hard disk. Consequently, DaVinci Resolve requires an internal or external hard drive with at least 1 TB of storage. However, direct-attached RAID or NAS RAID storage is better suited for running DaVinci Resolve.
- GPU is more important than the CPU or RAM for DaVinci Resolve, as the software offloads intensive image processing to the GPU. While 1GB vRAM should suffice for basic HD ProRes work and checking RAW files, a 6GB vRAM can comfortably handle all projects, including 4K files.
Why Host DaVinci Resolve on Virtual Desktop?
Hosting DaVinci Resolve in the cloud can help in enabling remote production without compromising the production quality or editor productivity. Here are the advantages of using a virtual desktop for Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve.
- It can help in enabling a fully cloud-based editorial experience.
- Post-production is simplified by eliminating the need for proxy workflows and editing the full resolution RAW files.
- RAW 4K and 6K edit workflows can easily be supported with native Windows SMB file sharing with high throughput speeds.
- Remote producers and directors can review the editorial decisions in films even while working from home.
- Creative teams can focus on producing content, rather than worrying about managing their infrastructure for DaVinci Resolve.
Apps4Rent Can Help with DaVinci Resolve Virtualization
DaVinci Resolve is one of the most resource-intensive color correction and non-linear video editing applications. Although the application can be installed on an average computer that can run Premiere Pro, FCPX, or other NLE solutions, DaVinci Resolve easily consumes significantly more resources resulting in a sharp drop in performance.
Ensuring that there is sufficient scalability is critical for smooth operations with DaVinci Resolve, which in the case of desktops and laptops is both limited and expensive, especially for additional GPUs. As a Microsoft Gold Partner and a Tier 1 CSP, Apps4Rent can virtualize resource-intensive applications such as Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve on GPU-enabled servers and virtual machines in our top tier SSAE-16 datacenters, or Azure Virtual Desktop (formerly Windows Virtual Desktop) with our managed Azure services. Contact our expert application virtualization architects, available 24/7 via phone, chat, and email for assistance.
