Thanks Jose.  How do you see the core loadings?  I am using 8.3.1 and I only see one average core reading on the bottom of my screen for CPU.  Should it be rotating to the four cores of my processor (like it use to do at one time, I think?)
 
Jose7822


I'm using Vista64 so I can't comment on XP.

But I did notice an improvement in core loading once I applied this tweak.  Before, the first core would show slightly more load than the rest.  Now its all even.

eratu


I just put together a new DAW build for Sonar 8.5 x64 and I'll be updating the forum with how it goes. My main DAW is a rock-solid Win XP SP3 machine and I can't afford any downtime so I decided I'd go with a new build as I work out the kinks and *finally* transition to x64. Once I have migrated projects over to this machine (assuming it works for me) then I'll gut the other DAW and bring that into the x64 world too.

So far, I've built this new DAW based on an ASUS P6T motherboard, Core i7 920 and 12GB RAM. Your basic, run-of-the-mill i7 configuration that will no doubt be obsolete in a few years. :) Right now I'm just testing with Vista x64, but will install Win 7 x64 in a few days when it is officially released. This is my guinea pig for x64, and hopefully this attempt at a transition to x64 will finally stick. :)

First impression: Easiest build I've done in years. Ridiculously easy and smooth so far, so I decided what the hell, I'm going to overclock this baby too. It's not my main DAW (which I do not overclock) so no real risk right now. I had read so many stories of how easy the i7 is to overclock, and *OH-MY* I have been stunned at how true that is. A good power supply, a good heatsink, good airflow, and you have easy-cheesy overclocking in minutes.

I'm not a hardcore overclocker (I would like this DAW to reliably assist me in my work), but with no effort I am now running the sweet little i7 920 at 3.2 GHz. This is a pathetically low overclock in comparison to what this can handle, but more than enough to make me feel like I have a Ferrari purring under my sweaty DAW fingers. So far, it has easily passed memtest and prime95 testing with very acceptable temperatures.

I am just stunned at how powerful this thing is. My main DAW is a very decent dual Xeon (8 core), but I think this may actually trump that, once you calculate in the higher clock speed, increased memory bandwidth, supposed optimizations of Sonar 8.5 for i7, etc.

The biggest impression I have is yet another profound confirmation that we're in a new era, folks. This i7 920 CPU cost me a mere $200 at Microcenter. Think about that. This generation of chips/OS/DAW software (i.e. Sonar x64) is the GREAT EQUALIZER, folks. There are no more excuses. It's just you and your talent and skill. :)

I'm in awe of its potential... particularly at the affordable price point. Can't wait to fire up some of my big projects and the Sonar/DAW benchmarks once I've got Win 7 on here.

I'll post again as I continue my transition and get this up and running with Sonar 8.5 x64 and Win 7 x64.

Good times, my friends, good times.

...wicked


But doesn't the RAM and need for new Mobo, PSU, etc. push the upgrade cost up more than normal?

Jose7822


You should've used quick format.

Keep us posted though :-)

eratu

I had read so many stories of how easy the i7 is to overclock, and *OH-MY* I have been stunned at how true that is. A good power supply, a good heatsink, good airflow, and you have easy-cheesy overclocking in minutes.

eratu


Freddie: Yep, you're right -- worth every penny for the low noise as well. I wouldn't even bother with a stock cooler. The Noctua beats the Thermalright on the noise area, although the Thermalright is plenty quiet. Naturally, you can put whatever 120mm fans you want on either one, so in that sense, there's no issue. I don't regret the Thermalright cooler at all (in fact, the fit is perfect for the P6T and the DIMMs, but if I had my preference, I would have gone with the Noctua since it already includes the outstanding Noctua fan kit as well.