Choppy playback in browser

When I import in original (H.264), optimised and/or Proxy media into FCPX 10.1.3. the playback is often choppy. I have a 2010 McBookPro, 10.9.4, 8GB of memory and have even turned all other apps etc off. Can anyone help? Also I can't tell whether I am playing in optimised or proxy media from the Inspector or anywhere else... Help appreciated!
Hemingway

Hi Hamish, welcome to the forum.

I'm afraid the 2010 MBP is notorious for not working very well with FCP X. But there are some things you can do to improve performance.

1. When you have optimized your media, or when you have created proxy media, you can see this in the Inspector > Info tab. Green bullets mean you have optimized and/or proxy media available:



When you have optimized media FCP X will always play back the optimized files and never the original H.264.
When you have proxy media FCP X will play back the proxy media if you select Proxy media playback in the Viewer:



Just remember to always switch back from Proxy media playback to Original/Optimized media whenever you share your Project.

2. Your 2010 MBP should be able to play back optimized and proxy media without any troubles. Just make sure that:

- Background rendering is always turned OFF. You can render manually whenever you wish.

- Your original media and your optimized/proxy media are NOT stored on your system drive. This can considerably slow down your system. You should keep any media on a fast external drive (NO USB2!!). You can set the location to store your media in the Library settings.

- Turn audio waveforms off if you don't need them.

- Only open FCP X windows you need. If you don't need the Inspector or the Library window, switch it off.

If you still have playback issues after this, post back.

- Ronny

Hi Ronny - many thanks for your reply. You have enabled me to understand how to playback proxy media in the ideated version of FCPX and the video is now running fine! As I can export in a better format, this is fine for the time being. In the medium-term I need to update my MBP and external hard rive (USB 2.0, unfortunately) but was baulking at the cost right at this moment... Many thanks for saving me lots of money!
Hemingway

Hi Hemingway,

Glad it works better now. Your MBP will do fine if you edit in proxy mode. Whenever you want to invest in a better workflow you can start with a faster external drive.

- Ronny