With some of my vsts, Tru Pianos comes to mind, there is an option to enable multi-threading. Should I do this, or let SONAR handle things, does SONAR even handle that with certain plug-ins. Also I read on this forum, quite possibly from Jim Rosenberry, who I trust implicitly that using on-board graphics can cause the first core on multi core system to work harder than the other cores even though SONAR is not the most graphics intensive program. Is it a good idea to go with a PCI express graphics card as opposed to on-board with desk top? Thanks in advance.

emwhy


With some of my vsts, Tru Pianos comes to mind, there is an option to enable multi-threading. Should I do this, or let SONAR handle things, does SONAR even handle that with certain plug-ins. Also I read on this forum, quite possibly from Jim Rosenberry, who I trust implicitly that using on-board graphics can cause the first core on multi core system to work harder than the other cores even though SONAR is not the most graphics intensive program. Is it a good idea to go with a PCI express graphics card as opposed to on-board with desk top? Thanks in advance.

I was running True Pianos with the multi-thread option enabled.  As for graphics, it depends on what type of onboard graphics chip you have.   If it is an Intel Chipset, then definitely do yourself a favor and get an ATI or NVidia based PCIe card.  If you have an ATI or NVidia chipset onboard, this may not be an issue, but perhaps someone can offer a more informed opinion.  I know you probably don't want to be using any video card that utilizes DVMT or host-memory for the video.




EDIT: Here's a really nice card at amazon:http://www.amazon.com/EVG...-2631-KR/dp/B0085MPDJ8 I'm running it's younger brother and it's pretty smokin.

It's an Intel chip. I have an older Nvidia card that I can drop in to see if it will help bring that first core down a bit.

emwhy


It's an Intel chip. I have an older Nvidia card that I can drop in to see if it will help bring that first core down a bit.

I'm sure that would do wonders for you.  Even the crappiest nvidia card is usually better than most intel built-ins.

If you buy a new video card, stick with Nvidia. ATI's are good but I experience issues from time to time with it.

Also, if you do buy a new graphics card, get a passively cooled one - you don't want any more fans contributing to the noise floor

Just a quick follow-up, I will be getting a new card, but two tweaks I did helped the situation a lot. This is a new build on Gigabyte MB and their 3D BIOS display made it difficult to navigate at first. Anyway, I was finally able to locate and disable Speedstep and that has evened the cores out. The first core still works harder, but it's not pegging like it as. I also disabled core parking and that has helped. I know these are basic tweaks, but it's been 6 years since I did new build and you tend to forget things!