computer specs question

[70kgman]

Probably not the best place to ask this question, but easier then finding and signing up at a new forum just to ask one question. I am sure somebody here will know.

I am a musician who does a lot of demo recording on the computer. My current computer is not able to handle large multi-track sessions (i.e 12+ tracks imported into a single multi-track session). It skips and freezes when I have too many tracks it has to read simultaneously. I am pretty clueless when it comes computer tech stuff. My question is...on my next computer purchase...what kind of specs am I going to have to look for that would be ideal for multi-track recording/mixing? I am not sure what kind of specs would be responsible for that kind of performance. Memory? GHZ? Other?

[Lookingtostart]

Mainly memory and processor speed. What software are you trying to use?

[HoulihansTX]

What the above poster said.

What is your current RAM size? You may be able to upgrade, or you may have to buy a new computer.

[70kgman]

What the above poster said.

What is your current RAM size? You may be able to upgrade, or you may have to buy a new computer.

2.79GHz, 0.99 GB RAM.

[SpreadSniper]

2.79GHz, 0.99 GB RAM.

there's your problem... Audio/video editing is quite processor/memory intensive.... running that many "sessions" requires a tremendous amount of RAM in order to simultaneously process and input/output.

When purchasing a new system, ensure your motherboard can handle whatever amount of RAM you are trying to throw at it (there should be multiple banks to insert/upgrade your RAM) and that it is compatible with whatever CPU you are purchasing. Computer salesmen are worse than used car salesmen.

Your GHz rating is that of your CPU... your CPU is like the brain of your computer.... RAM can be thought of as your brains capacity to handle amounts of information at a given time. The more RAM you have, better/faster your brains ability to process it.

[70kgman]

Thanks for the response. What would you consider a good amount of RAM for a computer to have? 2GB+?

[SpreadSniper]

4GB

[kmarinouofm]

4GB

to be honest if you are serious about this "music" you want 4gb at least.. but i would go with 8 if you can afford it

[Dabeergod]

Yea, your ram is horrible. I would upgrade that to 4gb at least if I was you since you are a musician and run multiple programs at times. Ram itself is actually pretty cheap. A brand like Kingston will get the job done for a low price. You can also go with 8gb but you wouldn't notice too much difference from a 4gb if you are only working with music software.

[UZI Suicide]

What kind of processor is your computer running Intel or AMD?

Upgrading the processor can do wonders for an old computer. I had a Dell Vostro 200 from 2007 that had an Intel Pentium E2140 Dual Core processor 1.6GHz 1MB L2 Cache. I purchased an OEM version of the Intel E5800 3.2GHz 2MB L2 Cache, popped it in and the computer runs like a dream, much faster. The OEM version only cost me $59.99 (Retail is $76.99 at Newegg) which was all I needed because I reused the original heat sink and fan that came with the computer. Swapping out a processor is very easy and if you're not sure how to do it there are plenty of videos you can watch on Youtube.

[UZI Suicide]

Yea, your ram is horrible. I would upgrade that to 4gb at least if I was you since you are a musician and run multiple programs at times. Ram itself is actually pretty cheap. A brand like Kingston will get the job done for a low price. You can also go with 8gb but you wouldn't notice too much difference from a 4gb if you are only working with music software.

He would need to be running a processor with 64 bit capabilities in order for his computer to recognize 8GB of RAM and it sounds like he has an old single core running probably the 32 bit version of Windows XP.

It would help if the OP told us exactly what brand, model his computer is so we could see if it is even worth upgrading.

[70kgman]

What software are you trying to use?

Adobe Audition 2.0 is what I use most for recording/mixing.

What kind of processor is your computer running Intel or AMD?

Intel 2.8 GHz.

Is that a good processor speed? It seems like just upgrading this computer with a 4GB+ RAM would be better than buying a new computer. They seem to only be in the $50-$60 range on ebay.

[UZI Suicide]

You could try throwing more RAM in it and if it helps, problem solved. But if you have say an old Intel Pentium 4, single core, from back in the day and you are trying to run an intense music program, you might still get a skips and freezes.

[UZI Suicide]

P.S. The best place with the cheapest prices to look for RAM is at Newegg dot com, not eBay. Plus if you have to return something the Egg is easier to deal with.

[UZI Suicide]

Intel 2.8 GHz.

Is that a good processor speed?

It is if you're talking a Dual Core or a Quad Core processor.

If it's a Single Core then you are talking old school and newer intense programs will probably give you problems. Older computers like that aren't really worth putting money into.

[mojomaker11]

Need more RAM and a better processor I would say.