FCP optimization
by Gordon DeBever
on
Sep 21, 2009 at 12:05:23 am
I am preparing to build a new FCP video editing system. I dont' have the money to go high end with all the options on the computer. Where is your money best spent hardware wise for the purpose of optimizing FCPro's performance? Is it in the RAM, higher CPU or IO of the computer. Can anyone fill me in on the answer?
Re: FCP optimization by Gordon DeBever on Sep 23, 2009 at 11:34:02 pm
I will use Adobe After After Effects at a ratio of about 5-7% in relation to my overall video editing time. I do a moderate amount of work in Motion, Photoshop, Color and a little bit in Shake. About 65% of my work is straight forward HD 1080i and HDV editing. About half of this percentage involves multi layers of video.
Re: FCP optimization by Alan Okey on Sep 21, 2009 at 7:08:07 pm
The best investment for optimizing performance on an FCP workstation is to make sure you have a balanced system, i,e. don't overspend in any one area to the detriment of another. Fast, reliable storage is of critical importance to FCP's performance. And don't skimp on equipment for proper monitoring.
Consider the following:
- Fast RAID 5 external storage from a reputable vendor (CalDigit, Dulce Systems, etc.). Storage speed is the single most critical factor influencing general system responsiveness in editing, and directly impacts RT and multicam performance more than any other factor.
- For the new Mac Pros, the ideal RAM configuration is for 3 (not 4 ) slots to be filled. Configure your RAM accordingly , i.e. 3x2GB or 3x4GB DIMMs.
- Rendering speed in FCP is CPU-bound. If your main concern is how fast FCP renders, then buy the fastest CPUs you can afford.
- Choice of graphics card is not critical for Final Cut Pro, but it is critical for Motion and Color. If you plan on using Motion and Color to any great extent, choose the ATI Radeon HD 4870, not the nVidia cards. Apple's Pro Apps perform better on ATI cards due to driver optimization.
- Invest in a proper I/O card like the AJA Kona series, and use an external broadcast monitor to monitor your work, not a computer LCD. A proper broadcast monitor would be a Sony PVM or BVM series CRT or a broadcast-quality LCD from a company like Flanders Scientific.
Re: FCP optimization by Gordon DeBever on Sep 23, 2009 at 11:38:40 pm
Thank you for your technical insights! How does BlackMagic's Decklink compare to Kona 3 in performance? Kona 3 card is considerably more expensive the Decklink Card.
Re: FCP optimization by rudy montoya on Oct 9, 2009 at 8:45:41 am
you say the new mac pros actually prefer 2 slots on card A and 1 on card B? thats interesting. does this apply to older mac pros like my 2006 intel 2 x 2.6 dual core?
-rudy
