A couple of days ago Apple published a support document outlining Final Cut Pro X support for external graphics. The document notes a variety of ways that Final Cut Pro X users can gain benefits from an eGPU setup.
There are two ways to enable external graphics enhancements with Final Cut Pro X. The most obvious way is to connect your Thunderbolt 3 eGPU to an external display, and run Final Cut Pro X on the external display. The second method involves using the “Prefer External GPU” setting for apps that you wish to boost with external graphics. This is a new option that made its debut in macOS Mojave.
We’ve covered how to use the Prefer External GPU feature in previous posts, and it’s as easy as performing a ‘Get Info’ (Or use Command+I keyboard shortcut) on the app that you wish to enable, and checking the Prefer External GPU box.
With macOS Mojave, Apple notes that some graphics processing in Final Cut Pro X can be handed off to the external GPU, providing benefits in the following ways:
- Improved playback of projects with color correction and video effects.
- Improved performance when working with 3D titles.
- Faster analysis for effects including stabilization and optical flow retiming.
- Faster rendering of complex project timelines.
- Faster export of complex project timelines.
That’s interesting news for Final Cut Pro X users. It means that not only will the timeline work and rendering be given an eGPU boost, but exports of complex timelines may see potential benefits as well.
The Razer Core X is one of my favorite Thunderbolt 3 eGPU chassis for Mac
We’ve covered the eGPU with Final Cut Pro X angle extensively before, and look forward to running additional tests to see what benefits can be derived from an eGPU setup when editing in FCP X.
- Blackmagic eGPU review
- Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box review
- Akitio Node Pro review
- Razer Core X review
- Gigabyte RX 580 Gaming Box review
- Using dual eGPUs
Would you consider buying an eGPU to increase performance on your Mac?
