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

The hardware is perfectly fine. But hardware is completely meaningless without software that will interact with. All applications access the hardware through the OS. Hardware testing without software is like running a car on a dyno. The engine's fine, but the wheels come off when you put it on the road.

I totally agree with you!

I did totally abandons it only proves to show that the hardware is more advanced software and apple would hurry up and fix everything!

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.

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.

I have been following this post for a while since I am so ready to buy the iMac with the top specs.  This makes me feel nervous, so I went into an Apple store yesterday to test out. It was so odd that the machine at the store with 680MX has no problem with FCP X.  What should I do??

quick test new project add a random back ground and use the title "pixie dust" change the text in the title and let it render... on the machine i had that made it crash every single time

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.

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. 

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

I was thinking the same thing of getting the 675 graphic card instead.  Is it that much of difference in terms of performance on FCP X?

You probably just didn't do the right combination of effects and titles to produce the result. Everyone who has tried it on an 680MX machine has been able to reproduce the problem. Either get the 675 card, wait, or brazen it out and hope a fix comes soon.

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.

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....;-)

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.

Do you think Apple is treating you poorly? Look here...