DECISIONS DECISIONS

[minimi1]

I edit on a MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009), 3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 8 GB 1067 MHz DDR3, NVIDIA GeForce 9400M 256 MB. When adding effects and doing color correction play back in FCPX isn't smooth, my laptop struggles a bit. I just need something thats better than what I have now that will just make my work flow run smoothly when I start adding effects and colors.

WOULD THIS HELP??

Apple iMac 21.5" mid-2011
2.7ghz Intel Core i5
1TB HD
4GB (1333MHz) DDR3 RAM
AMD Radeon HD 6770 graphics with 512MB

 

[bartvk]

adding effects and doing color correction play back in FCPX isn't smooth

Not sure if FCPX uses GPU or CPU for these processes.

If I assume CPU, it's somewhat better, yes. From 2011, you leave behind the old Core 2 Duo, and go to the more modern i5 CPUs.

If I assume GPUs, it might actually be even better. That 9400M is a mobile thingy. See also:
http://gpuboss.com/gpus/Radeon-HD-6770-vs-GeForce-GT-9400