Best computer setup for Cintiq pro?
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Hello there! I was just gifted a 32” Cintiq pro after working for the last 4 years exclusively on an iPad Pro. For those of you working on cintiq style monitors, if you could purchase the ideal type of computer to use with it for the most streamlined setup, what would it be? Im a Mac user and I’m not really looking for any technical specs, but trying to decide between a MacBook, an iMac or even a Mac mini. I feel like I could get the most bang for my buck in an iMac, but a Mac mini might make for less desk clutter. I just don’t know if I need the additional screen or if it gets in the way. I have an iPad so I don’t need my computer to be mobile either so the portability is the MacBook is not really important to me. Thanks in advance for any advice or thoughts.
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@Kristin-Wauson first of all, how and who gifted you? Can they gift me? LOL Second I have no advice for you on this, I am PC lover soooo I just want to get gifted.
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@Kristin-Wauson they have their own graphics processors in them anyway so I don't think it matters too much on the computer you buy. New Mac-Mini's are pretty powerful.
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@Kristin-Wauson Why are you buying another computer? The cintiq pro is a PC. It's not just a monitor. Do they need a host computer? I don't have one so I'm not sure of the setup to be honest.
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@Kristin-Wauson Is yours just a display? If so, that's what I have and I connect it to my MacbookPro and it's worked well. The bigger the processor the better, especially if you're working on big Photoshop files.
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@Laurel-Aylesworth I was just looking at it's specs and it's got a Xeon processor in it. Can't that just run itself?
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@sigross I think you're looking at the pro 'engine' which is a computing module which slots into the cintiq. It's sold separately for, like, 3500$I think.
So unless @Kristin-Wauson is REALLY lucky, it's probably just the display
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@Braden-Hallett $3500 wow they're expensive then! $7000 cost with the Xeon module and the Cintiq. You can get a Ryzen chip that's 4X more powerful for $900.
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@sigross Yup! SUPER expensive for a saving a bit of space and cables. Built my work PC myself for I think 500 bucks. Integrated hardware is overrated unless you're building a spaceship
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@Kristin-Wauson I suppose your best computer setup depends on YOUR needs. I use corel painter so I don't even need a graphics card. Cute little i5 processor and 8 gigs of ram is fine for me. If you're 3d modelling, well, you'll need something beefier.
If you're dead set on a mac, I'd do some research on what models from what years are best. I know there was a year where mac minis were 'upgraded' with worse hardware for a higher price. Maybe that's changed, though.
If you don't need portability I wouldn't bother with a macbook.
Have fun! Shopping for new 'puters is always fun
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@Kristin-Wauson Wow, a 32"! I have a 16" pro and use it with a MacBook Pro. And no, the Cintiq Pro is not a computer in itself. For some reason the drivers are always create problems for me (I had to uninstall the recent update because it killed touch) but I'm generally happy with my computer and of course I can easily disconnect it and use it for other things. My only advice is to get all the RAM you can, because Photoshop eats RAM for breakfast! Have fun!
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@Chip-Valecek haha! My very generous and supportive mother in law surprised me with it. I will put in a good word for you.
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@Braden-Hallett thanks for your input! I didn’t know that about Mac mini’s. That’s terrible.
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@Laurel-Aylesworth yeah just the display. The engine was so expensive!
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@Kristin-Wauson yes please do, tell her I am a very nice person. That should do it LMAO Congrats by the way I am very jealous.
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@Kristin-Wauson It's not just the mac-mini that they've done that with, and it hasn't stopped. Watch this video from last week about the new iMac. Do your research. Technical specs matter.
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@SketchyArtish Wow, that gentleman does NOT like apple
@Kristin-Wauson if all else fails I'm sure you know at least one person in your life who could help you assemble a PC. There is certainly a local company that will put one together for you. My little work PC is about the size of a cinderblock and slots into the easel that holds my cintiq. Takes up no room.
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I'd recommend investing in the new Mac mini that Apple have just released. I've been using the same Mac mini since 2011 and I find them very reliable computers (I've previously owned a PC, MacBook and iMac) because with a Mac mini I'm not tied to a screen like with the iMac. I've never had an issue with it and for my Photoshop work I find it very powerful.
