Stuart Germain
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computer speed
how do you speed up a Dell desktop computer that has 512 Mb of Ram and a 30 GB hardrive, so that it can run sonar studio 8.5 and even eventually run Sonar producer. I don't really want to put lots of money into it! can anyone help me!
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Guitarhacker
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Re:computer speed
2010/07/15 21:45:34
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sounds like a rather old computer. back in the day that was big.... Unfortunately, the best and lowest cost solution I think would be to save for a new machine. By the time you buy the right memory, upsize the drives, and make any other changes to make it run fast enough for a DAW...... you will have less aggravation just to buy a new one. I have seen some capable machines in the $600 (+/-) range.
post edited by Guitarhacker - 2010/07/15 21:47:28
My website & music: www.herbhartley.com MC4/5/6/X1e.c, on a Custom DAW Focusrite Firewire Saffire Interface BMI/NSAI "Just as the blade chooses the warrior, so too, the song chooses the writer "
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Stuart Germain
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Re:computer speed
2010/07/19 18:49:07
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what new machines would you recommend. would you recommend a used machine that is just off lease or not.
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NoKey
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Re:computer speed
2010/07/19 19:01:24
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Hi Stuart,
I think it's hard for any one to have the truth in the pocket.
One thing I would suggest is where/whom you buy it from, to be able to get a refund, or a replacement.
With most recent machines, though you would certainly find considerable differences in performance.
I am inclined personally to buy from local popular places that have means and reasons to support their sales with returns/exchanges.
Some of those places have good deals on computers...Sometimes they have demo models, or Sunday sales, or things like that.
Talk to their service department there and see if they can sell you a good one just for being open-box.
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sandman5000
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Re:computer speed
2010/07/19 19:26:50
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Stuart Germain
how do you speed up a Dell desktop computer that has 512 Mb of Ram and a 30 GB hardrive, so that it can run sonar studio 8.5 and even eventually run Sonar producer. I don't really want to put lots of money into it! can anyone help me!
it's pretty easy to add a stick or two of ram and a bigger hard drive. what type of cpu is it? are u maxing out your power on your projects? you can always freeze tracks, fx and synths if they use up too much of your cpu. There always work arounds. No need to spend more than the cost of ram and an hd if you are not really maxing it out or don't mind freezing.
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The Maillard Reaction
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Re:computer speed
2010/07/19 19:34:53
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How big a Hard drive can the boards bios see?
How many memory slots does it have? What's the bios limitation?
I'll bet you can get a bunch of parts for free that will fit in that thing.
Does it have an ISA slot? I just threw a very nice ISA Waves 4 card in the trash.
What CPU does it run? What socket? Maybe you can put a bigger CPU in as well.
Do you have a windows install disk? What version?
Any thing is possible.
Hacking on desktops is fun.
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slartabartfast
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Re:computer speed
2010/07/19 22:53:57
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would you recommend a used machine that is just off lease or not. Look, the problem with finding an off the shelf DAW is that most of the really hot machines are designed for gamers (lots of video resources and set up to rob the audio to run video) and most of the business machines are not very hot (minimal allowance for customization, few slots etc.). Most machines that have been on lease in the first place were designed for business. If the business that leased them did its homework they were old (and very unimpressive) technology when they were new and designed to never be upgraded in any way. Anything else would be a waste of money for most business applications.
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The Maillard Reaction
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Re:computer speed
2010/07/20 06:51:57
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What sort of Hard drive interface does it use?
IDE SATA etc?
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fireberd
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Re:computer speed
2010/07/20 07:08:48
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I do a lot of Dell support. What model PC?
I suspect an older entry level machine such as a Dimension 2400 or maybe even earlier like a Dimension 8200 - neither is a good candidate for what you want.
As others have suggested, it's time for a new, currrent technology machine to run Sonar. I don't recommend "off lease" as many of those are also "old technology" and probably needing refurbishing at best.
"GCSG Productions" Franklin D-10 Pedal Steel Guitar (primary instrument). Nashville Telecaster, Bass, etc. ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Hero M/B, i7 6700K CPU, 16GB Ram, SSD and conventional hard drives, Win 10 Pro and Win 10 Pro Insider Pre-Release Sonar Platinum/CbB. MOTU 896MK3 Hybrid, Tranzport, X-Touch, JBL LSR308 Monitors, Ozone 5, Studio One 4.1 ISRC Registered Member of Nashville based R.O.P.E. Assn.
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The Maillard Reaction
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Re:computer speed
2010/07/20 08:00:01
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It seems like a brand new barebones system from someone like Mwaves is cheaper than ever.
Probably just as good a way to get started.
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Stuart Germain
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Re:computer speed
2010/07/20 17:18:06
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My biggest problem is that the computer isn't able to play or record anything except basic MIDI tracks without maxxing out.
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Stuart Germain
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Re:computer speed
2010/07/20 17:19:29
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would you recommend buying a Dell inspiron Zino HD or is it not powerful enough.
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fireberd
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Re:computer speed
2010/07/20 18:37:20
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☄ Helpful
Avoid the Zino as it is a specialized "box" and not designed for what you want to do. Same way avoid the "S" models such as an Inspiron 580S as these are slim case models and have small (limited) custom power supplies and can only use "low profile" PCIe cards (also limits you).
I would avoid the Inspiron line for recording and go with the Studio XPS 8100 or 9000 (yes it's more money) if you want a Dell.
There are other PC makers around or even build your own. Whichever way you go, buy as much as your "pocketbook" can stand and even buy "overkill" or more than you think you need as you will need it.
"GCSG Productions" Franklin D-10 Pedal Steel Guitar (primary instrument). Nashville Telecaster, Bass, etc. ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Hero M/B, i7 6700K CPU, 16GB Ram, SSD and conventional hard drives, Win 10 Pro and Win 10 Pro Insider Pre-Release Sonar Platinum/CbB. MOTU 896MK3 Hybrid, Tranzport, X-Touch, JBL LSR308 Monitors, Ozone 5, Studio One 4.1 ISRC Registered Member of Nashville based R.O.P.E. Assn.
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The Maillard Reaction
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Re:computer speed
2010/07/20 21:45:52
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One point to consider is that if you were willing to patch up an old system... you a really just few steps away from building your own.
Go look at some barebones systems built around an Intel i5 or i7 CPU.
Ask around for advice on a good motherboard... that choice is the biggest choice that will effect your happiness.
Then stick to a budget by buying a smaller hard drive, a cheap version of a brand name video card, and some memory to get started.
You may be able to reuse your case... make sure you like the power supply.
When you buy the motherboards buy a OEM version of Win7 64 bit. It will be affordable and it will work well because the install will be clean.
You'll still have plenty of tweaks to learn about and do... but at least the gear will reward you with good performance when you are.
Remember... a good motherboard is very first thing you need to select.
best regards,
mike
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Stuart Germain
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Re:computer speed
2010/07/22 19:09:52
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Is the Acer Aspire desktop with the AMD vision processor good enough for my needs or is it not good enough. Should I stick with just Intel and not AMD, or is AMD better than I have heard it is. Is the Acer with these features going to get me by: FEATURES: · An Intel Pentium Dual Core processor and 4GB of system memory give you the horsepower you need to breeze through all your day to day tasks · Store music, movies, pictures and important documents on the 640GB hard drive · Burn your own DVDs with the 16X DVD+/-R/RW SuperMulti Drive · Connect to your HDTV via the HDMI output and enjoy working, surfing or gaming on the big screen · Enjoy better listening with high-definition audio with 5.1-channel audio support · 9 USB ports allow for connectivity with a plethora of peripheral devices · Easily transfer data to and from your portable digital devices with the integrated 9-in-1 memory card reader · This model comes equipped with Windows 7 Home Premium
post edited by Stuart Germain - 2010/07/22 19:54:06
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The Maillard Reaction
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Re:computer speed
2010/07/22 20:07:19
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Go price a board and a Intel i7 920. Price and i5 as a backup plan.
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fireberd
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Re:computer speed
2010/07/23 07:27:31
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That Acer sounds like the "run of the mill" "consumer/home" user PC. Not something that I would want for a DAW.
"GCSG Productions" Franklin D-10 Pedal Steel Guitar (primary instrument). Nashville Telecaster, Bass, etc. ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Hero M/B, i7 6700K CPU, 16GB Ram, SSD and conventional hard drives, Win 10 Pro and Win 10 Pro Insider Pre-Release Sonar Platinum/CbB. MOTU 896MK3 Hybrid, Tranzport, X-Touch, JBL LSR308 Monitors, Ozone 5, Studio One 4.1 ISRC Registered Member of Nashville based R.O.P.E. Assn.
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