How to Pick a Computer for ProPresenter at Church

With changing technology and software, picking a computer can seem intimidating. In reality, picking a computer to run ProPresenter can be broken down into easy-to-follow steps.

To pick a computer for ProPresenter, you first need to consider how many outputs your presentation will have and at what resolution. Next, you will need to consider ProPresenter’s system requirements. The next step is to decide between a Mac or PC and select a computer that fits these requirements.

There are many small things to consider when purchasing computers, keep reading as I guide you through the buying process.

What Are ProPresenter’s System Requirements?

ProPresenter is an incredibly powerful visual media software that allows users to make both complex and simple presentations. As a result of this freedom given to users, the system requirements needed for ProPresenter can range widely. Renewed Vision, ProPresenter’s creator, has some suggested specifications listed on their website but they are somewhat vague. The following information comes directly from Renewed Vision.

ProPresenter 7 can be run on either MacOS or Windows, sorry Linux users. MacOS 12 (Monterey) or newer is required for Apple computers and Windows 10 64-bit version 1809 (build 17763) or newer. For key/fill functionality, you’ll need to utilize a compatible Blackmagic UltraStudio or Decklink card.

In general, if you plan on running more than 4 HD outputs, Renewed Vision recommends that you have a dedicated GPU. For one HD (720p or 1080i) output and one HD stage display, Renewed Vision recommends any Mac that supports MacOS 12 (Monterey) or a PC running Windows 10 that has a minimum Intel core i3 or AMD equivalent.

For one 4k60, or four 1080p60 graphics outputs, Renewed Vision recommends any Mac that supports MacOS 12 (Monterey) or higher, 16GB of RAM, and a dedicated GPU. In terms of PCs, Windows 10 is required with an Intel i7 or i9 processor (or AMD equivalent), 16GB RAM, and a dedicated GPU with 4GB of VRAM.

Keep in mind, that these are the minimum recommended specifications for these particular ProPresenter 7 setups. If you intend on using more screens, more media, higher resolutions, or higher compression quality, you will need higher specs in your computer, but more on that later.

If you’re still on the fence about switching to ProPresenter, check out our explanation of the pros and cons of ProPresenter.

Which System To Pick: Mac vs PC

Mac versus PC is an age-old debate that ultimately narrows down to your church’s specific needs. Factors like budget, current tech setup, and the technology literacy of your staff and volunteers all play a huge role in which computer system is best for you. We at Creatives for Christ have run ProPresenter 7 on both Windows and MacOS pretty smoothly.

Keep in mind when budgeting that you will need to factor in the actual cost of the software itself. Check out our article breaking down ProPresenter’s pricing and alternatives.

A Look At Macs for ProPresenter

ProPresenter was created for Mac. Up until ProPresenter 4, for its first ten years of existence, it was a Mac-exclusive software (source). Some users over on ProPresenter’s Reddit forum are adamant that ProPresenter runs smoother and more consistently on Mac than on PC.

As a result of Apple’s ecosystem, Macs integrate incredibly well with other Apple devices. A point of interest is that a large portion of creatives tend to use Mac for its quick and easy setup as well as its excellently calibrated monitors. The actual operating system, MacOS, is typically more intuitive and easier for volunteers to learn when compared with Windows.

When it comes to problem-solving, technical issues with Macs tend to be easier to solve as they have significantly better support channels when compared to Windows. If remote troubleshooting doesn’t work for your Mac, you can bring your computer into an Apple store to find help from their Genius Bar technicians.

One drawback to Macs is the initial cost. Between a Mac and a PC of comparable specifications, the Mac will likely cost more than the PC. Macs also don’t generally have the option for future upgrades. For example, if you purchase a Mac Mini with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal SSD storage, you are stuck with that configuration. You can add extra storage externally, but RAM is generally not available for upgrade with Apple computers.

A Look At PCs for ProPresenter

As with any cross-compatible software, some users state that ProPresenter 7 doesn’t run well on a PC while others state it runs perfectly (source). If you have highly tech-literate staff or volunteers, issues on PC are solvable on your own. Otherwise, you may need to find external support from online forums or professionals if you have issues with your PC.

PCs come at a wide range of price points but, in general, you get more value for your money on PC versus Mac. You can also save money by building a PC on your own instead of buying it pre-built, but this takes some skill to complete. The PC component market has many brands competing for business meaning the prices to build a PC will be lower than buying a Mac with similar specifications.

Another benefit to PC is that it’s likely many volunteers and staff members are already familiar with the Windows operating system, helping to lessen the learning curve. Many people have grown up using Windows or it is the first operating system they have learned.

The biggest drawback to PCs is the perceived stability issues. Some users report stability issues, particularly while presenting, using ProPresenter on PC (source). System issues on the Windows operating system tend to be harder to solve without advanced technical knowledge when compared to Mac.

Choosing A Mac For ProPresenter

Choosing a Mac for ProPresenter 7 takes a lot of commitment because, in general, Macs do not have upgradeable parts. This means you will need to not only need to keep your church’s current needs in mind but also future needs, all with your current budget.

The ProPresenter Mac application can be run on any computer that runs MacOS 12 (Monterey). The minimum recommended amount of RAM to use ProPresenter 7 on a Mac is 8GB, though we recommend at least 16 GB. For a more intensive application of ProPresenter 7, Renewed Vision recommends a dedicated GPU.

According to Apple, the oldest computers to support MacOS Monterey are the early 2015 MacBook Pro/Air, the late 2014 Mac Mini, and the late 2013 Mac Pro (source).

If you’re on a tight budget, the M1 Mac Mini is a solid option. The M1 chip is the first of Apple silicon, Apple-made CPUs. I recommend looking on the refurbished or used market for a model with upgraded RAM.

Though MacBooks (laptops) can be convenient, I recommend using a desktop like a Mac Mini or Mac Studio. MacBooks are more prone to overheating than Apple Desktop computers. Taking a look at Geekbench scores (source), the Mac Studio with the M2 Max ranked the highest for single-core performance. Between the Mac Mini and MacBook Pro both with the M2 Pro, the Mac Mini had a slight edge over the MacBook Pro.

A great option when it comes to desktop Macs is an M2 Mac Mini. For smaller churches running a single HD display, the base 8GB of RAM included is plenty. If you’re looking to save your budget, consider buying from Apple’s refurbished selection. If you’re looking to run multiple displays and use more media in your presentations, consider upgrading to 16GB of RAM on the M2 Mac Mini.

If your church plans to run multiple displays and have media-intensive projects, I recommend the M2 Max Mac Studio. The M2 Max Mac Studio is a significant financial investment but will run ProPresenter 7 smoothly and allow for some breathing room when it comes to processing power. The base model comes with 32GB unified memory, which Apple claims is faster and more efficient than traditional RAM (source), and 512GB of SSD storage.

Stressing about budget? Check out our article answering the question: Is ProPresenter worth the cost?

Choosing a PC For ProPresenter

When it comes to choosing a PC for ProPresenter 7, it’s important to consider the individual components that make up the computer. I recommend a PC tower as opposed to a laptop, this will allow you to choose your peripherals, your monitor for example. To reiterate, for a single HD output, Renewed Vision recommends a minimum Intel core i3 or AMD equivalent. For one 4k60 or four 1080p60 outputs Renewed Vision recommends an Intel core i7 or i9 (or AMD equivalent) with 16GB of RAM and a dedicated GPU with 4GB of VRAM.

Processor (CPU)

A computer’s processor, or CPU, is like its brain. For simple applications of ProPresenter, you won’t need much brain power or processing power. For more intensive uses of ProPresenter, you will need a brain with the ability to handle multiple complex tasks simultaneously.

For a more tamed ProPresenter 7 setup like a single HD output with one stage monitor, you will need a minimum Intel Core i3. An AMD processor similar to the Intel Core i3 is the Ryzen 3 processor.

For heavier usage, like 4k or multiple HD outputs, Renewed Vision recommends at least an Intel Core i7 or i9 processor. An example of an AMD processor equivalent to these intel CPUs is the AMD Ryzen 7 and Ryzen 9 processors. It is important to note that if you are using ProPresenter – and by extension, your PC – to live stream your church services, this uses significant CPU processing power.

RAM

If a computer’s CPU is its brain, then RAM can be thought of as the part of its brain that stores short-term memory. RAM is used to quickly access data so your computer can multitask and run more intensive applications. In this sense, RAM and CPU go hand-in-hand.

The minimum amount of RAM recommended for ProPresenter 7 is 8GB, but I recommend a minimum of 16GB of RAM. A solid option for 16GB of RAM is the Corsair Vengence LPX 16GB. It comes with two sticks of 8GB RAM and is an affordable option from a reliable brand. If you’re looking for higher performance, consider springing for the higher-capacity RAM from this lineup. The Corsair Vengence LPX 32GB comes as either 2x16GB or 4x32GB.

Storage

Your computer’s internal storage handles its long-term memory. This means it stores applications, media, system files, and anything you can download to your computer. When it comes to internal storage, you want storage fast enough that it can read and write and high enough speeds. This enables you to implement media in your projects without interruptions. You also want enough storage that you don’t have to constantly delete files to clear room for new ones.

For internal storage, I recommend a solid-state drive (SSD). SSDs have fast read and write speeds and are very reliable. A solid SSD choice for running ProPresenter 7 and storing your media is the Samsung 970 EVO Plus. This drive comes in 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB capacities. I recommend at the very least springing for the 500GB option, but 1TB will give you more breathing room. Remember, storage is always expandable.

Graphics Card (GPU)

Graphics cards, also called GPUs, have two main forms; integrated and dedicated. An integrated GPU is built into the computer’s CPU and can only complete tasks of low intensity like web browsing or day-to-day usage of the computer. Dedicated GPUs are separate computer components that specialize in handling graphics and visuals, like the output from ProPresenter. Remember, the CPU is the brain of the computer which makes a graphics card (GPU) an extension of that brain.

Integrated GPUs utilize your computer’s RAM, while dedicated GPUs have what’s called VRAM which is specifically for graphics and visuals. Graphics cards can vary in price, and the market is somewhat volatile, especially in recent years.

A solid entry-level dedicated GPU to run ProPresenter 7 is the Intel Arc A380. This GPU is budget-friendly and can handle basic HD ProPresenter usage. A good mid-priced option is the GeForce RTX 4060. For a high-end ProPresenter 7 computer setup, the GeForce RTX 4090 will allow you to run multiple outputs with high-quality graphics.

Still not sold on ProPresenter? Check out our article outlining 17 reasons your church should switch to ProPresenter.