FCP speed benchmark

Let the folly of CPU benchmarks end. Let us define a use-based benchmark. The Mac is great for video editing so let us use Final Cut for defining the speed.

I don’t care if the latest model has a e.g. 20% faster CPU. I want to know how much faster I can use Final Cut. Not only against the previous model, but against a whole range of Mac’s in various configurations. Preferably dating back to the G5 era because I only upgrade once in the 3-5 years.

I have taken a late project of mine and posted all the material on the public folder of my iDisk. The project is shot in the far north of Sweden: let me introduce you to IceHotel™ number 19.

Project info:

• Link to iDisk: public.me.com/coenjeukens
• FCP project file size: 920 KB
• Media folder size: 2.51 GB
• Project length: 9 minutes and 11 seconds
• Source clips: HDV PAL 1080@50i (Sony HDR HC7e)
• FCP project file version: 6.06
• Sequence settings: HDV PAL 1080@50i
• Estimated output file size in HDV PAL 1080@50i: 1.73 Gb

Project effects:

• The clips were all shot hand held under difficult conditions. Various clips contains stabilization filters (SmoothCam)
• The white balance had a hard time with everything being white. The project contains colour corrections.
• Various clips have a time remap to quicken horizontal pans.
• Motion combined with stills
• Contains text generators and lower thirds.

Start the test:

• Download the FCP project file labelled “Benchmark” in FCP benchmark Icehotel > FCP
• Download the Media file in FCP benchmark Icehotel > Media (69 files).
• Open the FCP project file labelled “Benchmark”. FCP will report that the links need to be updated. Do so according to where you have stored the Media files.
• In FCP select the sequence called “benchmark”
• Execute File > Export > QuickTime Movie
• FCP will prompt to say it needs to process a number of files to generate the “mtdf” files (for SmoothCam). Agree.
• Set output destination and start the clock.

I have included a folder with the output files for reference purposes:

• Benchmark.mov: The file that should be generated as a result of this SpeedTest (1.73 GB).
• Benchmark.m4v: The downscaled version (iPod settings) of the output file (108.7 Mb).

Report:

• Report the time required to process the “mtdf” files and the time needed to “write audio and video”
• Add the Specs of your Mac (About this Mac – see picture
• Report your results in a post to this thread.
• Regularly I will update the results in a single xls file located at FCP benchmark Icehotel > SpeedResults

Happy testing ... and I do not have any commercial ties with the IceHotel (had fantastic holiday, even more special as this is where our first born is “created”)

Regards
Coen Jeukens

 

Let me enter the first two speed results:

1. PowerMac G5 DP 2.0GHz: 4 hours 51 minutes
2. MacBookPro 15" C2D 2.16 GHz: 1 hour 11 minutes

About This Mac details included in the attachments.

A full overview of all testing results posted in this thread will be stored in a xls file at: public.me.com/coenjeukens FCP benchmark Icehotel > SpeedResults > FCPSpeedBenchmark.xls

Regards
Coen Jeukens