Satchmo
Level 4 (1,263 points)
Mac OS X

Q: Does my Mac have enough muscle for FCPX?

Does a 2.66 GHz core 2 duo iMac have enough muscle to properly fun FCPX?

iMac 9,1, Mac OS X (10.7)

Posted on Mar 19, 2012 1:14 PM

Close
Satchmo

Q: Does my Mac have enough muscle for FCPX?

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by andynick,

    andynick andynick Mar 19, 2012 1:23 PM in response to Satchmo
    Level 5 (4,943 points)
    Video
    Mar 19, 2012 1:23 PM in response to Satchmo

    I doubt it - but check the spec of your Mac against the system requirements:

    http://www.apple.com/finalcutpro/specs/

     

    Check the spec of your graphics card. If it's listed here, it's not suitable:

    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4664

     

    I recommend a minimum of 8 GB RAM - but some manage with 4.

    Andy

  • by Satchmo,

    Satchmo Satchmo Mar 19, 2012 1:32 PM in response to andynick
    Level 4 (1,263 points)
    Mac OS X
    Mar 19, 2012 1:32 PM in response to andynick

    This iMac complies with Apple's minimum requirement for FCPX, but that doesn't mean it would be tolerable for work. I don't mind longer rendering times, but I couldn't stand software hiccups and glitches.

  • by andynick,

    andynick andynick Mar 19, 2012 1:46 PM in response to Satchmo
    Level 5 (4,943 points)
    Video
    Mar 19, 2012 1:46 PM in response to Satchmo

    This is my pet checklist for questions regarding FCP X performance.

     

    Keep projects to 20 mins or less. If you have a long project, work on 20 min sections then paste these into a final project for export.

     

    Create Optimised media - most camera native files are highly compressed and need a great deal of processor power to play back - particularly if you add titles, filters or effects. ProRes 422 takes up much more hard drive space but is very lightly compressed. It edits and plays back superbly.

     

    If you are short of drive space, use ProRes 422 Proxy (FCP X Preferences > Playback) - but remember to select High Quality when you export your movie.

     

    Hide Audio Waveforms at all times when you don't need them (both in Browser and Storyline / Timeline). They take up a lot of processor power. (Use the switch icon at the bottom-right of your timeline to select a format without waveforms if you don't need them at the moment, then switch back when you do).

     

    Create folders in the Project and Events libraries and put any projects you are not working on currently, in those folders. This will help a lot.

     

    Move your Projects and Events to an external HD (make sure it's formatted OS Extended - with journaled on or off) and run from there.

    Andy

  • by Satchmo,

    Satchmo Satchmo Mar 19, 2012 1:52 PM in response to andynick
    Level 4 (1,263 points)
    Mac OS X
    Mar 19, 2012 1:52 PM in response to andynick

    Thanks, I'll keep your suggestions as a note.