Hi Guys

I've been using Final Cut Express for quite a while and recently got FCPx after having the trial version for a month. Even though my old iMac didn't meet the system requirements (older video card) it worked fine throughout the trial month and has been working fine for the last 2 weeks since I purchased it...until today!

The screen goes almost totally pixelated and the computer can no longer be used so I have to switch it off and on again to get back to normal.

I have a photo of the screen if that helps but I'm assuming my iMac is just not up to the task, is that right?

If so why did it work for a while, is it just the video card and whats the answer to resolve it...new machine?

Cheers

Definitely sounds like overheating. Summer can be a bummer with the older iMacs.

Use a utility to crank your fans up, or simply use the iMac in a cool location.

Thanks guys, I suspected it was the video card but thought maybe it was just too old and passed it, didn't think it could have been a heat issue. I've reloaded FC Express and it seems to be fine but clearly I need to make some changes....What would be easier, convince the wife we need ducted air con or I need a shiny new Mac?

I was looking at the Mac Mini Server with i7 as a cheaper alternative for just over $1000 as a dedicated FCP machine...any thoughts?

currently base model imac on refurb store for 1059. i run express on the same machine for church.
capable of running pro too

Sounds good but I'm not after a quick fix and although we all want to save money I'd rather pay more and get a long term machine that will do what I need for a while...if the Mini can compete with the iMac then its a good option!

Am I making compromises on performance by getting the Mini or will it be as good (or close) as the iMac?

Thanks for the link, will have a good look through that...Ivy Bridge? What's that?

Not a hobby but not using it every day either. My wife is a photographer and does a few weddings that I also video, so its paid work and something I'm slowly increasing, hence the step up to FCP X! So I want a good set up that will work well for sometime...

Ivy Bridge is the next set of Intel Chips, we are currently on Sandy Bridge.

There will be improvements on motherboards as well, such as USB 3.0 inclusion and probably Thunderbolt for PCs.

Choosing Macs can be an unfortunate compromise in all directions. The Mac mini is quite limited, although it currently has decent processors the graphics is still weak. The iMac is a good general computer but has limited expandability and you are in deep #$%@ when ultimately the hardware fails. The Mac Pro has not been upgraded in ages and may even get the chop as it is no longer selling well, mainly due to Apple's massive overpricing and general neglect.

Programs like Final Cut do benefit from more RAM, better processors and better graphics cards. The later is the hard to get option in Macs which is why I shall be building a Hackintosh to add to my stable of 8 Macs. It is not to save money (which it definitely does) but to get two things: a much better graphics card and the ability to easily upgrade and repair. As a bonus I will include at least 4 internal hard drives and run multiple operating systems.

I have gone through 6 faulty iMacs in a row and whilst I like Macs, Apple seems to be rather self obsessed and growing ever more overbearing these days, whilst resting on rather old laurels. I will be exploring alternatives.

After the last repairs my 27" iMac should be good till 2016. I took out protracted 3rd party support as insurance given the iMacs' track record.

Jeez, not sure where that leaves me now!

I did flirt with the idea of a PC as I use one for my real job (audio editing) but as we have Macs throughout the house I stuck with them and got FCP X, and to be honest I prefer it to the other NLE's although I'd have to go a different route if I went PC, probably Adobe or maybe Vegas as it shares the same/similar interface as the audio editor I use, Reaper!

However I'm now in a state of not sure...FC Express is back up and running and frankly going quite well to be honest...bloody computers!

Originally Posted by Alchroma

My 2 cents:

If FCExpress does the job then all is well.
FCP X needs the correct Mac specs as it is an all new app that has very little relationship to the now older FCE and FCP applications.

If it's not broken no need to change anything.
I'd be happy to drive around in a two or three year old Rolls Royce.

Its a fair point, I was just trying to move forward and upgrade to the latest software. A new machine was on the agenda anyway but I thought the new FCP would work OK for a bit longer. My confusion is now whether to wait and see what options are available in the coming months and get by on Express or just go and get a new machine (second hand Mac Pro or latest iMac) and a PC is still a consideration...

Cheers