A Memory Question

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wst3
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2012/03/13 14:24:33 (permalink)

A Memory Question

I need a recommendation on memory size for a Windows7 system.

I am currently running WinXP on an Intel Q6600 on an Asus P5K-c with 4GB of DDR2
Various things have conspired to push off my CPU upgrade for a few months, I've successfully overclocked the system from 2.4GHz to 3.2GHz, which solves some of my issues, but I am flat out running out of memory.

So it makes sense to upgrade to Windows7 x64, if for no other reason than access to more memory! But how much more memory?

Memory prices are pretty linear, 2x4GB will set me back a little less than $50, 2x8GB will be a little more than $100, so there's no big price advantage. And it is unlikely that the memory I buy today will work on the next motherboard - since I have no idea what that will be, and choosing based on memory seems, well, sub-optimal.

So it comes down to the question "do I need 16GB of memory today?"
 
The first part of that question is can I really use most of 16GB before the CPU rolls over and plays dead? I know that Win7 x64 will address it, just wondering if the rest of the system is up to the task.
 
The second part of that questio is do I need that much memory - and is difficult to judge, since I can't get past 3GB today. Put another way, with my present libraries will I ever exceed 8GB of libraries in memory? (OK, less than that, accounting for Sonar, Kontakt, and the OS)

My libraries are modest at the moment, the biggest footprints are probably KH Diamond, CS2, and CB2; Toontrack Superior; and Cinesamples CineOrch. There are a bunch of 8Dio and SoundIron libraries that I use frequently that often push me over the limit as well.

Now I do hope to add four new libraries before I upgrade the machine - assuming they'll fit - LASS or Cinematic Strings (too soon to worry about which), CineBrass Pro, Hollywoodwinds, and a choir library to be determined when I get the rest of the stuff taken care of. I suppose I should factor these in to the equation, but as I don' town them it's difficult<G>!

So... anyone have any thoughts or advice on this? Do I just go for 16GB, which will be the max for Win7 Home anyway, or am I spending $50 on hardware for which I won't realize a benefit?

Thanks!!

-- Bill
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    Houndawg
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    Re:A Memory Question 2012/03/13 15:57:48 (permalink)
    Technology news websites continue to report memory pricing has bottomed out, so one may opt to take advantage of the low prices and max out RAM, which is amazingly affordable right now.

    Although there are several concerns with your post, the one that jumps out at me is spending money on a system that you already know is outdated. Not spending the money on upgrades now may get you into the newer system sooner. Just an observation, the "why or why not" none of my business, really.

    The next thing that jumped out was the desire to install some new sample libraries such as LASS, among others. That all just screams "RAM Intensive," so in that regard, yes, 16GB.

    However, the age of the motherboard is certainly a concern, not to mention the fact that you are overclocking. Finding RAM that the motherboard will be compatible with may be a challenge. 4GB DDR2 RAM modules were not common at all when that board was initially designed, and doubtful that ASUS ever tested any (although I could be wrong in that assumption). A BIOS update may be necessary for the motherboard to accept newer types of memory, such as 4GB modules if you plan a 4 x 4GB upgrade. I should also point out that not all BIOS updates are a good thing with regards to a stable running DAW, so have a backup plan and tread carefully.

    Furthermore, a 64-bit operating system absolutely requires 64-bit device drivers, including the components on the motherboard -- make sure those are available BEFORE you take the 64-bit plunge. Will those 64-bit drivers perform as well as your 32-bit drivers in terms of DPC latency? No way to know for sure, but on a motherboard that old, I have my doubts going in.

    Having said all of that, my best recommendation would most likely be to save yourself the potential headaches and start with a fresh system that was designed/tested with 64-bit drivers and larger memory modules. That way, you'll save the expense and only have to go through the upgrade cycle once and not twice (once with the old and again with the new system).

    I don't know if any of that helped you or not, but I do speak from many years of designing/building DAWs for myself and several clients. You may want to consult with Jim Roseberry at StudioCat.com before you decide to upgrade or not, as he has MUCH more experience than I do.
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    Houndawg
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    Re:A Memory Question 2012/03/13 16:23:53 (permalink)
    Bill,

    Out of curiosity I checked ASUS' website, and sure enough their initial memory tests (from the QVL list) did not test any 4GB modules. In fact, only 1 2GB module was tested and it did NOT pass for dual-channel mode.

    Furthermore, the last time the BIOS was updated for that motherboard that made any mention of "memory compatibility" was early 2008. 

    And finally, while there are 64-bit drivers available, they are for Vista. Windows 7 is not even listed as an OS option for this board with regards to drivers.

    I'm not suggesting that Windows 7 64-bit with 16GB (or even 8GB) won't work on this board, I'm merely cautioning that the deck is stacked against you. If you're the type who loves a challenge and not afraid of hours of troubleshooting that *may* ultimately end up just not working, or not working stably/reliably when pushed hard... then take the plunge and have fun.

    However, if you're the type who needs to get up and running as quickly/easily as possible in order to get to the task of making music, I would most likely advise against this upgrade.
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    wst3
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    Re:A Memory Question 2012/03/13 22:42:36 (permalink)
    you make some good points - I've got a bit more homework I guess. I did know that Asus hasn't done anything with the board in several years, but the Intel has, and MS has the updated drivers I need for the motherboard. nVidia has a driver for my video card, and Frontier and UA have me covered as well. The memory is another story. I need two 8GB sticks to get to 16GB, as the mobo has only two DDR3 slots. I would love to wait, but I've reached a point where I am writing stuff that I can not cram into Sonar... not with out a TON of freezing, and even then I have run into problems with memory. Back to the drawing board I guess.

    -- Bill
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