Helpful ReplyComputer maintenance

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LongJohnBaldy
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2017/04/21 12:11:18 (permalink)

Computer maintenance

I'm getting back into music on the computer after several years away.
Does anyone have any tips for, or links to, good maintenance procedure and handy apps, please?
I'd like to check the working condition of my hardware and OS (64-bit W7). 
I'm running a pretty old machine that I've just refitted with new hard drives, more memory and 2-core processor. It a dedicated DAW with no internet etc. Running great so far, but I'd like to tweak it if possible.
 
BR
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    MarioD
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    Re: Computer maintenance 2017/04/21 13:30:24 (permalink) ☄ Helpfulby LongJohnBaldy 2017/04/21 14:44:29
    BR, this thread should help:
     
    http://forum.cakewalk.com/The-Sonar-x64Windows-7-x64-Install-Tweaks-amp-Compatibility-Thread-m1862515.aspx
     

    The reason people say the vinyl sounds better is because the music was better.
     
    Sonar Platinum, Intel i7 –2600 CPU @ 3.2 GHz, 16 GB ram, 2x2TB internal drives and 1 1TB internal drive, Radeon HD 5570 video card, HP 25" monitor,
    Roland Octa Capture, MOTU Midi Express 128, Win 10 Pro

     
    www.soundcloud.com/Mario_Guitar
    #2
    LongJohnBaldy
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    Re: Computer maintenance 2017/04/21 14:43:31 (permalink)
    Thanks very much, Mario. That's a keeper alright.
     
     
    BR
     
     
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    abacab
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    Re: Computer maintenance 2017/04/21 16:00:03 (permalink)
    Not DAW specific, but there are some handy free Windows tools in these lists.  A few of them are Win 10 specific, but many should work fine in Win 7 or 8.
     
    Using Autoruns by Sysinternals is an easy way to get unnecessary startup and scheduled tasks under control.  That, plus using the correct power scheme for performance, and turning off Windows sounds should help a lot to avoid unnecessary interruptions or glitches.
     
    The good news is that 64 bit computing is now the mainstream, and no longer bleeding edge.  As long as you use a 64-bit DAW host and stick with 64-bit plugins only, you should not have any conflicts there.
     
    http://www.infoworld.com/article/3190027/microsoft-windows/top-30-free-apps-for-windows-10.html
     
    http://www.infoworld.com/article/3112319/microsoft-windows/top-10-free-troubleshooting-tools-for-windows-10.html

    DAW: CbB; Sonar Platinum, and others ... 
    #4
    abacab
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    Re: Computer maintenance 2017/04/21 16:22:31 (permalink)
    A few handy PC test utilities ...
     
    Latency Monitor - verify real-time audio compatibility
    http://www.resplendence.com/latencymon
     
    Complete hardware identification and sensors view
    https://www.hwinfo.com/
     
    Disk performance benchmark
    http://crystalmark.info/software/CrystalDiskMark/index-e.html
     
    PassMark PerformanceTest - PC benchmarking
    http://www.passmark.com/products/pt.htm
     
     

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    highlandermak
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    Re: Computer maintenance 2017/04/21 17:15:52 (permalink)
    As I was looking over some of the posts some are very dated. Makes me wonder if it would be a good idea to section  tweaks into separate folders with the year associated to easily find what are the most relevant tips based on the year chosen.

    Computer: CYBERPOWERPC Gamer Xtreme VR GXiVR8140A Gaming PC
    OS: Genuine Windows 10 64 bit (Most current updates)
    CPU: Intel Core i7-8700K 3.7GHz 6-Core | Intel Z370 Express Chipset
    Graphic: NVIDIA GTX 1080 8GB
    USB: 6 x USB 3.1 | 2 x USB 2.0 | 1x RJ-45 Network Ethernet 10/100/1000
    Storage: 240GB SSD+2TB HDD
    Application(DAW): Studio One 3 Pro and SONAR PLATINUM - Version (Most current update)
    Audio Interfaces: PreSonus Studio 192 and Focusrite: Scarlett 6i6 (Most current updates)
    #6
    abacab
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    Re: Computer maintenance 2017/04/21 17:31:53 (permalink)
    I noticed that thread was from 2009, regarding Sonar 8 and the dawn of the 64-bit DAW on 64-bit Windows.
     
    Some of the advice in the original post is still relevant, but I don't think I would bother clicking any of the other linked posts included in the thread.

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    kitekrazy1
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    Re: Computer maintenance 2017/04/22 00:27:52 (permalink)
    I use it every week to check the health of my HDDs. 
     
    http://www.seagate.com/su...s/seatools-win-master/

    Sonar Platinum, W7 Pro 32GB Ram, Intel i7 4790, AsRock Z97 Pro 4,  NVidia 750ti, AP2496
     
    Sonar Platinum, W7 Pro, 16GB Ram, AMD FX 6300, Gigabyte GA 970 -UD3 P, nVidia 9800GT, Guitar Port, Terratec EWX 2496
    #8
    abacab
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    Re: Computer maintenance 2017/04/22 01:54:21 (permalink)
    kitekrazy1
    I use it every week to check the health of my HDDs. 
     
    http://www.seagate.com/su...s/seatools-win-master/




    Meh. Seagate is the only drive that ever failed on me.  I'll be sticking with WD!!! 

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    kitekrazy1
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    Re: Computer maintenance 2017/04/22 16:57:32 (permalink)
    abacab
    kitekrazy1
    I use it every week to check the health of my HDDs. 
     
    http://www.seagate.com/su...s/seatools-win-master/




    Meh. Seagate is the only drive that ever failed on me.  I'll be sticking with WD!!! 




     Drives that I had to RMA were WB Black.  BTW the above is a utility that scans drives for SMART testing. WD has one too.

    Sonar Platinum, W7 Pro 32GB Ram, Intel i7 4790, AsRock Z97 Pro 4,  NVidia 750ti, AP2496
     
    Sonar Platinum, W7 Pro, 16GB Ram, AMD FX 6300, Gigabyte GA 970 -UD3 P, nVidia 9800GT, Guitar Port, Terratec EWX 2496
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    abacab
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    Re: Computer maintenance 2017/04/22 18:02:12 (permalink)
    Here's a free disk checkup tool that includes Smart results.  Works with any brand drive in your PC.
     
    From the same dev that makes MemTest86.
     
    http://www.passmark.com/products/diskcheckup.htm

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    #11
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