4K Slow - FCPX

Using Final Cut Pro X, Version 10.2.3, I've started using 4K footage, and never before has FCPX worked this slow.

I'm running OS El Capitan Verzion 10.11.5 on a 13 inch Macbook Pro with a 2.8 GHz Intel Core i7 processor, with 16 GB 1333 MHz DDR3 memory, with Intel HD Graphics 3000 512 MB.

Do I need a new computer, or new software, or a new update, or new memory or what? I can't run FCPX this slow if I'm only shooting on 4K footage from now on.

MacBook Pro, OS X El Capitan (10.11.5), 16 GB 1333 MHz DDR3 memory

Posted on Jun 30, 2016 6:46 PM

25 replies

Jul 3, 2016 3:36 AM in response to FilmMaker8706

You obviously need to keep original media. Once you are done with the proxies, you can delete them. Select the library, and do File->Delete Generated Library Files, and check the boxes that you want. You can always delete render files, too. The key word here is "generated" - these files can be generated again, if needed, so no point in archiving them, as they use a lot of drive space. You can also delete just the proxies for an event or project.

Jul 3, 2016 3:42 AM in response to FilmMaker8706

FilmMaker8706 wrote:

Copy on the graphics card.

Can you give me a step by step (or link to one) on checking the video quality whether playback is set to Better Performance or not?

And the same for transcoding my clips to proxy and switching to proxy in the media section?

In the View menu, at the top right of the menu bar, you can choose the quality, and switch to proxy or original.

To transcode, control-click the relevant clips and choose Transcode Media...

Jul 10, 2016 4:28 PM in response to Tom Wolsky

Any particular brand you recommend? When googling a 2 Gb VRAM Graphics Card, I'm not exactly sure what I'm looking to buy for a macbook.

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,816 points

Jul 10, 2016 4:35 PM in response to FilmMaker8706

YOu should check an Apple Store. I don't know if you can even swap out the graphics card on a MacBook.

Jul 10, 2016 4:36 PM in response to Alchroma

Any particular brand you recommend? When googling a 2 Gb VRAM Graphics Card, I'm not exactly sure what I'm looking to buy for a macbook.

Alchroma

Level 7

23,918 points

Jul 11, 2016 12:13 AM in response to FilmMaker8706

FilmMaker8706 wrote:

Copy on the graphics card.

Can you give me a step by step (or link to one) on checking the video quality whether playback is set to Better Performance or not?

And the same for transcoding my clips to proxy and switching to proxy in the media section?

Open the View options in the Viewer:

Better Quality means the picture looks better but makes the computer work harder.

Better Performance means the computer works less and the picture looks softer.

Optimised/Original and Proxy playback is actually as simple as placing a tick mark on one or the other.

Proxy for when you are editing (if playback is suffering).

Optimised/Original when it's time for Export/Sharing/Outputting.

Jul 11, 2016 2:01 AM in response to FilmMaker8706

FilmMaker8706 wrote:

Any particular brand you recommend? When googling a 2 Gb VRAM Graphics Card, I'm not exactly sure what I'm looking to buy for a macbook.

You can't install another graphics card in a macbook (or any of the current macs).

Jul 11, 2016 1:40 PM in response to Luis Sequeira1

Ok. So when I eventually get a new macbook, I have to make sure it has a 2GB graphics card. Anything else it should have for best possible performance in using FCPX?

Nov 25, 2016 9:59 AM in response to Alchroma

I'm buying a new MacBook. I need to know EXACTLY what I need to have installed to be able to support 4K footage in FCPX. So far a 2GB graphics card, anything else? What kind of MacBook?

Nov 25, 2016 10:00 AM in response to Russ H

So, I'm finally buying a new MacBook. I need to know EXACTLY what I need to have installed to be able to support 4K footage in FCPX. So far a 2GB graphics card

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4K Slow - FCPX