Same footage runs OK in FCP 7 but not in X ?

Question

Same footage runs OK in FCP 7 but not in X ?

Hello there : I´ve been an FCP user for over decade. I´m still at 7.0.2 as X has had a bad rap over the last years. At least in here.

But with the new Mac Pro coming out I though about giving FCP X a try.

My first impression is that X is completely different and I look like a rookie on it. But that was kind of expected. What I didn´t expect was X not being able to handle the data rate 7.0.2 does.

I used a 4 min/ 7.7 GB clip (1080p24 444 prores) on both softwares and while FCP 7 runs it with no problem at best quality, FCP X keep alerting this :

"Video frames were dropped during playback.

Issues that may affect playback include available memory, disk speed, graphics performance, and processor performance.

You may be able to get better performance by doing the following:

- Change your playback quality by selecting 'Better Performance' in Playback preferences.

- Turn off A/V output (choose Window > A/V Output)".

Here´s the configuration :

Mac Pro Early 2009

Processor 2 x 2.26 GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon

Memory 6 GB 1066 MHz DDR3 ECC

Graphics NVIDIA GeForce GT 120 512 MB

Software OS X 10.8.4 (12E55)

3TB Raid disk (fast enough for 1080 444 video). In FCP 7 it works like a charm !.

AJA Kona LHi card

FCP 7.0.2

FCP X 10.0.8

OS X 10.8.4

Kona driver 10.4.4 (10.4.5 was not adviced by Kona which are also helping with this issue).

Any help will be appreciated !.

Final Cut Pro X, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.4)

Posted on Jun 28, 2013 11:11 AM

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Answer 1

Russ H

Level 7

22,432 points

Jun 28, 2013 11:52 AM in response to Rodrigo Lizana

As you know, FCP7 is 32 bit and can only access 2,5 GB RAM. Depending on the project complexity, FCPX will happily take advantage of much larger installed memory . So 6 GB is great for FCP7; not so great for FCPX. Try doubling or tripling your RAM and I think you'll notice a big performance difference.

Good luck.

Russ

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Answer 2

Jun 28, 2013 2:21 PM in response to Russ H

Hi Russ, thanks for the help. Yes I knew FCP 7 was 32 bit but I didn´t knew it could only access 2,5 GB of RAM. I can certainly try what you´re saying but I´m wondering how much RAM would be enough for FCP X ?.

Mainly I´m looking to work with Prores 2K and 1080 444 as well as Arriraw video codecs.

Been researching and for this particular model I can go all the way up to 96GB using 6x16GB modules, but at a very high cost.

Regards

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Answer 3

Jun 28, 2013 4:05 PM in response to Rodrigo Lizana

Also isn´t the graphic card a major factor on performance ?. Da Vinci Resolve, when opening, says :

User uploaded file

"Your current hardware configuration is not able to support maximun realtime performance.

For the latest performance and supported GPU configurations, please refer to the Resolve configuration guide located in the Resolve installer."

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Answer 4

Russ H

Level 7

22,432 points

Jun 28, 2013 4:53 PM in response to Rodrigo Lizana

Rodrigo Lizana wrote:

Also isn´t the graphic card a major factor on performance ?.

Absolutely!

Increasing the RAM is the cheapest and quickest way of increasing performance. But no question the GPU is a very big factor in both FCP and Resolve performance. And fast RAIDs/

Try bringing your RAM up to 16 GB and see how much that helps.

Russ

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Answer 5

Jun 28, 2013 5:53 PM in response to Russ H

Thanks again Russ !!!!. I will increase RAM as suggested. I already have a fast enought RAID so I´m OK there. But I think I´ll need I new graphic card for Resolve anyway.

Any suggestion for a graphic card that works with both FCP and Resolve ?. Now it has the NVIDIA GeForce GT 120 512 MB.

Regards

Rodrigo

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Answer 6

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,825 points

Jun 28, 2013 6:03 PM in response to Rodrigo Lizana

I'm actually surprised you could download and install the application with that graphics card.

Here is the list of supported card

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

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Answer 7

Jun 28, 2013 6:10 PM in response to Tom Wolsky

Hi Tom, I´ve already looked that list and the Geforce GT 120 is on it !. Resolve is the one complaining about the card !.

I´m getting the idea that I need more RAM for FCP X and a better card for Resolve. Just not sure what card would be good for both applications. Actually 3 applications in case a decide to go back to FCP 7 !!.

Regards

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Answer 8

Jun 28, 2013 6:54 PM in response to Rodrigo Lizana

Wow, the more I research, the more confused I get. So far I thought the Geforce GTX 680MX was the one for Resolve. But Apple says the Quadro 4000, which is expensive as ****. Do I need to keep the GT 120 and install the new one on another slot or do I have to replace it with the new card ?.

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Answer 9

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,825 points

Jun 28, 2013 7:05 PM in response to Rodrigo Lizana

Replace it. You can't use two graphics cards with FCP. It'll hang up the application. That might change, but at the moment you have to have only one card installed.

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Answer 10

Jun 28, 2013 7:13 PM in response to Tom Wolsky

Thanks Tom, I appreciaste you´re taking the time to help me, specially at this hour, specially on friday !!!. Now I just need to find out what card !!!. So back to step 1 !.

Thanks again

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Answer 11

Jun 29, 2013 11:00 AM in response to Rodrigo Lizana

Take a look at this http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Apple/6615718/

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Answer 12

Jul 2, 2013 12:14 PM in response to innocentius

Hi guys. Here´s where I´m at so far.....

Upgraded the RAM up to 32 GB. Just did a small test. Footage was Prores 444 1080p24.

A/V output ON :

Hi quality : dropped frames

Better performance and A/V output on : dropped frames

A/V output OFF :

Better performance : Basic playback OK. 10 sec cross dissolve Ok. Apllied one Tiffen Film Stock 1.5 filter and and got the dropped frames message again right away. Also when rendering in the background, computer goes slows as an iphone 1st gen !!!. So just have to sit down and wait.

Hi quality : Basic playback Ok. 10 sec cross dissolve : Drop frames messages almost instantly.

So more RAM really didn´t help at all. I´getting the same results with 32GB as with 6 GB. FCP 7 would have done this test with 6 GB of RAM no problem and with the A/V output on !!!.

Only thing left to try is a better video card but can´t really imagine it would get that much better in order to work with A/V out ON and at Hi Quality...

Regards

Rodrigo

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Answer 13

Jul 2, 2013 12:25 PM in response to Tom Wolsky

Tom Wolsky wrote:

I'm actually surprised you could download and install the application with that graphics card.

Here is the list of supported card

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

Hi Tom : You mean downloading and istalling FCP X or Resolve with the GeForce GT 120 ?. The GeForce GT 120 does appear (13th on the Apple list you linked) as an OpenCL compatible card.

Regards

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Answer 14

Russ H

Level 7

22,432 points

Jul 2, 2013 5:59 PM in response to Rodrigo Lizana

Rodrigo Lizana wrote:

So more RAM really didn´t help at all. I´getting the same results with 32GB as with 6 GB. FCP 7 would have done this test with 6 GB of RAM no problem and with the A/V output on !!!.

Sorry it didn't solve your specific problem but it woild make a big difference in yoir FCP editing experioence going forward,. Most reputable retailers will accept a return and give you a refund for the purchase amount.

Russ

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Answer 15

Jul 2, 2013 7:17 PM in response to Russ H

It´s OK Russ, don´t worry. I appreciate the help and also...you can never have enough RAM !!!. I just want to give FCP X a real try. But it´s hard to get your feet wet with the App. when you are getting the same message over and over. You can´t work like that. On the other hand the graphic card is much more expensive than the RAM and I´m not really sure if it´s going to make a difference or not.

Rodrigo

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