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Final Cut Pro X freezing on top spec new 27" iMac, help!

I finally received my new 27" iMac today and installed all the latest updates and then the latest versions of FCPX and compressor.


Spec of new iMac:


27" Late 2012

3.4Ghz Intel i7

8GB RAM (I also added 16GB of third party RAM to the machine to take it up to 24GB RAM but remove this later)

GeForce GTX 680MX 2048MB Graphics card

1.12TB Fusion Drive (1.09TB free)

OS X 10.8.2 Mountain Lion


Immediately I noticed performance issues and then it kept freezing whilst running FCPX - the whole OS would freeze resulting in me having to actually turn off the machine and turn it on again. It happened repeatedly so have done all the obvious things but still have the issue.


So far I've tried (with no luck):


- removing the third party RAM

- restarting the computer, multiple times

- making sure everything is up to date

- removing the FCPX preferences

- doing a PRAM and SMC reset

- fully uninstalling and reinstalling FCPX

- running the short and long Apple Hardware Tests (no problems found)


I am working with a large quantity of video files off an 8TB Thunderbolt drive but I've been using FCPX on my old 27" iMac and had no problems with that at all, the spec of that being far less powerful:


27" mid 2011

3.4Ghz Intel i7

8GB Ram

Radeon HD 6970M 1024MB

1TB hard drive


I'm thinking it could possibly be the graphics card or a software issue?


Any help or advice would be great!!!


Thanks!


Jon

iMac, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.2)

Posted on Jan 14, 2013 1:51 PM

Reply
489 replies

Mar 5, 2013 6:32 AM in response to jonuk85

hardware or software.... its plain simple both dont want to play with each other! and doesnt work!


i have a MBPR (2.6 i7,8gb, intel hd 4000 graphics) with same OSX and version of final cut and no problem it works perfectly. no crash its just "slow"


i also have a MBA (i5, 4gb, intel hd 4000 graphics) with same OSX and version of final cut and no problem it works, no crash... its jus t"slower"


prior to upgrading my imac i had an older version iMAc (dont remember the specs) but it was also working fine no crash no hang... it was just slow.


i did my share of trouble shooting, i spent the time with tech support... and it doesnt work! the tech support agent i talk to was extremely nice and knowledgable and said that at this time he has to wait for the engineering dept to come back with something so no solution available and no eta also. 😟


it was also mentionned to me that based on some research that the vast majority (99.9%) of people experiencing this issue had the same hardware configuration! it was also mention that no issues has been reported with the 675 graphics!!!.....



now all we need is someone with the 675 graphics to verify if he has the issue...


today im returning my iMac for refund.

Mar 5, 2013 10:59 AM in response to jonuk85

This is my second new machine in a month because Apple thought the issue was hardware or my added RAM.

Today I tried editing for the first time with this new iMac with 680MX and it FROZE on the vary first simple title when I tried to manually render. (background turned off) I'm really frustrated because I can't work. A wast of time and money.

Apple could not have tested these new machines with FCP X and Motion 5. I've been dealing with this for two months now and I'm really tired. I know this doesn't help but I just had to add it.

Mar 5, 2013 11:11 AM in response to Cliff Whitney

The costs associated to this issue for Apple is surely astronomical if people worldwide are asking for refunds or replacements, once, twice and sometimes three times. Obviously the right hand is not speaking to the left hand in this company. To think that employees working in customer service in the Applecare department and to wtiness that they have not been informed not to change machines if this issue comes up is beyond me. At minimum they should be telling the customer they are sorry and are working hard to fix it but ask the client if he or she wants to keep the machine, otherwise offer a plain and simple refund. This is just mind boggling.


To these direct costs of shipping, and handling and accounting and administration of replacements we can also add the hidden costs of clients abandoning FCPX and opting for other NLE software.


Common Apple you are reading these lines, wake up a smell the flowers this is really not the way to treat your clients nor your share holders for that matter. This reads INCOMPETENCE all over.

Mar 5, 2013 11:14 AM in response to yweski

If you are open minded about working with other editing software, do not hesitate one second. This machine is the best piece of hardware I have had from Apple since I change form PC to Mac many many years ago. But the combination of greatness in hardware and deficient software is a tragy-comedi at this stage.

Mar 5, 2013 11:22 AM in response to le500

i have to say in my case even if this situation is causing me problems that the customer service was top notch.


and i will precise that the technical support side was very good, the sales person i spoke last really did not care at all but the tech support agent (final cut specialist) is doing a great job! and is handling this very good, he is answering my emails and doing follow up.


i understand there is no fix available or even an eta for a fix but im sure they will eventualy find one!


i did send back my top specs imac for refund 😟 debating down grading video card to see if i will have the same issue since all info i have read so far appears to say that the 675 graphics is fine...


now have to wait a few days/week for refund and maybe ill re order wait 4 to 6 weeks to receive the other configuration... but i have to say this process is really annoying

Mar 5, 2013 11:41 AM in response to le500

In this thread you've said that you've spoken to Apple support and engineering, and they all said to you that they were aware of the problem and were working on it. Not sure what else you can expect them to do or say. It's a deep problem clearly as it effects the apps, the OS, and the hardware. What else can they do? They can offer to refund, replace the machine, or wait. Not sure what other options there are until a fix can be found.

Mar 5, 2013 11:45 AM in response to yweski

That question has been replied to in this thread. Yes it is a big difference. It's like buying a speed car that can go 280kmh but every time you go over 100 a wheel falls off. So you wanted a fast car but because the manufacturer can't give you what you paid for, you change it for a wheel-chair and you ride along on the sidewalk, while your initial intent was to get your hair uncomed....;-)


It's your decision, but I know I wouldn't change mine for a slower version. There are so many other alternatives, but if I mentione them again I'll be accused of being a troll for othe NLE software makers even if if have Apple juice running in my veins....;-)

Mar 5, 2013 11:48 AM in response to Tom Wolsky

I so much agree with you Tom, but when people on this thread tell us that Apple suggested to change the machine instead of the options you mention, I find that dishonest and incompetent on the part of Apple for not letting those nice and friendly Applecare people know that changing the machine is not an option.

Mar 5, 2013 1:42 PM in response to Hirschkorn

Holy cow, did you see the last line? It says Apple suggest to get a new iMac to solve the issue. WOW I can't beieve that not only it's still not fixed for those poor buggers but if they get a new iMac look what they're getting into!!!


This is going to end up with a class action suit for sure if these guys keep it up.

Final Cut Pro X freezing on top spec new 27" iMac, help!

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