Any 6 core AMD users & Cakewalk Sonar users here?

Hi,
 
I've been looking at the new 6 core AMD CPU's and am thinking of grabbing one of those and to build a system around this CPU. Any users of the 6 core Phenom II here? You like it?

I'm on a quad-core, and AMD works fine for me. I've always used AMD. There are configurations for the intel chips that work fine, but if you look around here on the forum, you'll see that the people having problems are using intel. One real advantage of AMD is that the chips run on a lower voltage, so they're easier to overclock without problems. I have my rig running fully stable with 3.0ghz upped to 3.45, and my 1333 DDR3 ram set to 1533. A significant improvement. If I switched out my ram, I could easily o/c it to 4.0ghz. It's definitely a bang for the buck scenario in my case. I just can't see paying twice as much for a computer for maybe ten percent more performance. AMD is cheap, and they seem to last. All six of the machines I've build over the last decade are still running in top form, and I think that has to do with the lower voltage and less heat generated by the cpu.

Resonant Order


I'm on a quad-core, and AMD works fine for me. I've always used AMD. There are configurations for the intel chips that work fine, but if you look around here on the forum, you'll see that the people having problems are using intel. One real advantage of AMD is that the chips run on a lower voltage, so they're easier to overclock without problems. I have my rig running fully stable with 3.0ghz upped to 3.45, and my 1333 DDR3 ram set to 1533. A significant improvement. If I switched out my ram, I could easily o/c it to 4.0ghz. It's definitely a bang for the buck scenario in my case. I just can't see paying twice as much for a computer for maybe ten percent more performance. AMD is cheap, and they seem to last. All six of the machines I've build over the last decade are still running in top form, and I think that has to do with the lower voltage and less heat generated by the cpu.

I'm running my 2.93 i7 at 3.7 and my RAM has been as high as 1900ish with no problems. I always owned AMD, but the i core stuff is too damn powerful to ignore. However, if you have a bunch of DDR2 and a board that will support the 6 core, it is the way to go.

Resonant Order


There are configurations for the intel chips that work fine, but if you look around here on the forum, you'll see that the people having problems are using intel.  

Are you really serious ? That's the first time i hear about this but now i'm thinking about my experience, years ago i used to make music on amd computers and everything worked fine, but now i'm on intel, i get a lot of problems... That's simply amazing, i'll keep an eye on this.

Excuse me, but if you already have it all figured out, why are you here asking about it?

Intel also has a history of shady business practices, and I'd rather go with a company like AMD that publicly states that they support the free market. If and when I spend even a dollar, I prefer that it go to the more ethical companies.

http://www.amd.com/us/abo...-open-competition.aspx

Intel has a checkered history:

http://www.electronista.c...lation.in.ftc.lawsuit/

"Leibowitz said in the press conference that Intel also engaged in predatory design practices, which didn't improve the performance of its chips but did thwart the ability of competitors to integrate with Intel's chips. The settled lawsuit also alleged that Intel's CPU compilers were designed expressly to make AMD's chips perform badly."

http://www.theregister.co...tc_settles_with_intel/

I'm also not thrilled at Intel's stance on HDCP. If I buy something, I should have every right to back up what I own instead of having to buy it again. Also, it's another case of Intel purposely steering away from open/free standards, and making their wares incompatible with the competition.

http://www.wired.com/thre...%28Top+Stories+2%29%29

http://boingboing.net/201...el-threatens-laws.html

10Ten,
 
I have not yet figured everything out. Choosing a CPU is one thing. Knowing the MOBO and CPU play nice is a second. This I have not yet verified. As stated I'd love to have a mobo that offers 4 pci slots...
 
It is very assuring severall people here use that cpu and are satisfied...
 
I do value Scotts opinion. But I just like (if performance is not really an issue with this enormous power available (it's like 10 times the power of my x2?) 6 cpu's. Allso because multicore usage isn't optimized, so a 6 core could perform way different with servicepack 4 of w7 than it does with servicepack 1

daveny5


Read the July issue of Maximum PC. They ran an article on the AMD hexacores and the verdict was that Intel Hyper-threaded Quad cores have the edge unless you're just looking to save money or you need a CPU that's compatible with the mobo you have.

Exactly. Now AMD may get into the game when Bulldozer (new cpu) comes out. But right now Intel has best bang for buck.

I am and AMD guy. Always have been. They always gave me great service. But before I lay down my hard earned cash, I will get the best bang for the buck no matter who makes it. My music PC is AMD (look at sig). This one I'm typing on is Intel that I got for $600.

edit: MaximumPC is a great mag!!! go to www.maximumpc.com

Muziekschuur at home


Scott,

I still use a dualcore wich suits my needs. I am quite sure a 6 core will be more than I need. So other things matter more. Stability is offcourse the main thing. I allso need a mobo with at least 3 or 4 pci slots.... And around 4GB memory would suffice...

You know two years ago most DAW's were not able to take advantage of more then 2 cores. Now to be able to own 6 on one chip is exiting. I still am not sure (seen proof of) that DAW's know how to benefit fully from 4/8 or 12 core's. So one chip & 6 cores for such a low price is exiting...

Just have to investigate some more.

Recently I went from XP to Vista64 to W7 64. And my DAW gained responsiveness. So my X2 is now I think 10% faster. With 20 tracks & alot of plugins this matters. Within the limitations of this system. & it is still very reliable and so on. So that 6 core will probably blow my mind.

1) good luck finding a board with 3-4 PCI. its nearly a dead slot. and will be very shortly.
i would not be surprised to see the next tech (Sandy Bridge) drop them completely.
i recall seeing a few 1156 boards that had 3-4. X58 forget it.
 
2) 6 core of AMD still do not outperform 4 cores if intel.
3) yes most Hosts can handle 4-12 or more cores Sonar included.
effects/VSTis on the other hand... howver windows 7 does a great job of core management.
 

I've been using the Intel 970 hexcore i7, and it has been stable for me.  The last time I had an AMD cpu, I seemed to have more hardware compatibility issues.  Definitely NOT the case with my current Intel chip.

+1 for staying away from the m-Audio lightbridge. or any other adat aside from RME.

Here in the States the RME is $700, don't know about the MOTU.
But the RME works! No experience with the MOTU.

Tom

wow, a lot has changed this thread, AMD phenom 2 6 core CPU's have dropped to almost a buck / 120.00 depending on if you go with a combo or not.
I am finding the AMD 4 core and 6 core phenoms play beautifully with sonar.

and im also hearing people having just as good luck with they're phenom 4/6 cores.
you can say all you want about the domination of the I series, the i3-i5 and i7 but
some of tests I have done are closer than imagined.
I will get into more specifics later but as of right now I have been persuading more clients to go the route of AMD. over Intel.
and yes for cost purposes but also performance.
im telling you, side by side, its amazing.
benching is one thing but what about the intangible's ?
what about the things that aren't tested, like direct usage in digital audio recording.
wanna see some of those results?

stay tuned.