Sounds like you need at least 4 more Gigs of Ram. Ram and your processor speed is what powers and moves your software and the Hard Drive stores everything you do. Maintenance your MAC and keep it clean of anything you don’t need. Put all your photos, music and videos on an external hard drive. So 8 gigs of RAM is better for the intense work you’re doing. I would even go as far as 16 GB if your machine can handle it and if you can afford it. Your system is stuttering because your MAC’s CPU (Central processing unit) is working too hard. So make sure you save all those big projects on an external Hard Drive with 2 terabytes of space - even while you’re working on the project, save it to your external hard drive and keep the MAC hard drive available for loading and storing your software. Your Mac will last a lot longer if you don’t push its CPU (Central processing unit) too hard. When you’re not using your MAC turn it off. This will allow your MAC to cool off so your internal hard drive and your MAC’s Mother Board don’t fry. This will also increase your monitor’s life span and save on electricity bills. Also make sure you Back Up all your apps and files on your external 2 terabyte hard drive just in case your MAC crashes. All your work will be saved and available to you on your external hard drive. Work smart…