I use LR Classic and Pure Raw 3 to process raw files from my 20mp camera using an 8GB MacBook Air and takes just short of 4 minutes to process one file with Deep Prime Deep Prime and Standard sharpening with DNG export. My files are on an external SSD Drive and files are exported back to it. While processing the computer fan runs at 100% speed so that may be reducing performance.
Question is whether a MacMini with 16 or 24 GB memory plus 256 GB RAM would improve considerably the processing time as above ?
Using PL8, 3 seconds on my Mac mini M4 32GB / 256 for 20mpx & Deepprime 3. It’s the same on my 16GB M4 air. That’s using the neural Engine, not GPU.
It’s 3 seconds also on PL9 without any masking applied. With AI masking, it’s longer, 6 seconds for an image with an AI mask with 4 submasks for example.
It’s an Ai coprocessor. Make sure not to get m1 or m2 as from m3 onwards the neural engine is much much faster. I think pl9 requires 32gb ram, so get that if possible
If you have a MacBook Air with a fan, that’s an Intel model. (Pre-November 2020.)
Simply upgrading to an M-series Mac (anything you can buy new today) will give you a huge leap in performance.
@jeffholdgate is right about the Neural Engine cores in M3, M4. The leap from M2 to M3 was substantial. Then from M3 to M4 was significant, too. It’s going to feel like a rocket ship compared to grinding away on the limited CPU/GPU of the mobile Intel chip.
16GB of RAM is fine, though 24GB won’t hurt. You might find it better to spend the money on more SSD than more RAM. I think 256GB is bare minimum to run a Mac without needing to “manage” it. Unless you only have a handful of apps.