I'm running FCP 5.1.2 through an intel iMac core duo 20" with 2gb of RAM. I got an external drive today. Here are the specs:

Maxtor 160gb IDE
7200 RPM
8mb buffer

I was wondering... will it be fast enough to use as a scratch disk and edit videos from it in real time? Or should I use it as a storage disk only?
It's connected through Firewire 400.


Thanks in advance.

I have the exact same iMac setup and use my external to capture to and store all of my clips with no problem. I use a Seagate, though 300gb 7200

So you don't notice any difference in speed?

7200 rpm with an 8meg buffer is fine for DV editing.

Nice, and what about HDV?

HDV has the exact same datarate as DV. It's more taxing on the computer, but not on the drives.

Gunleik

Okay, thanks for the replies everyone.

In fact, its generally a better idea to keep your system drives, and media drives seperate.

I see you guys are running the same setup that I just purchased. Imac Intel 20inch, with final cut studio. I only have 1gb of memory and I've been trying to decide to go with 2 or 3gb. I spoke to an apple/final cut rep at the Photo plus Expo show in NY last week. He said 1gb is a problem, 2gb is okay, and 3gb is even better (best)

Have you had any problems running with 2gb of memory?

I haven't had any issues with two gigs usually running FCP editing dv and a bunch of other apps at the same time, but as he says the more ram the better :)

I, too, have an Intel iMac (20", 2GHz) with 2MB of RAM and two external harddisks. Practically all my work is with HDV, and I have had no problem at all. Just wish there were more FireWire ports on the iMac.

- Martin

You'll always be happier with more RAM if you have the option...


Gunleik

Thanks for the replies. I'm only editing dv, I've actually been able to edit fine with 1gb. I was able to lock up final cut once, but I had live type, dvd studio, and final cut running. Suprisingly, only final cut stopped responding, the rest worked fine.

I've been running a little widget monitoring memory, and I'm pretty much down to about 15-60 megs available when I'm running Live type and final cut.

I'm probably going to go with the 2gb, it s a pretty large price difference for the extra gig. If there was going to be a major difference in performance, I could justify the price difference. If its only marginal, then I'll stick with 2gb.

Here's another question, if I purchased (1) 2gb, could I leave one of the original 512mb in place, and have 2.5gb of memory?

Thats correct 2.5