Currently running Ableton on a PC with Windows XP, 3.4 GHz dual core processor and 2 gig of ram and an M Audio Delta 10/10 LT soundcard, started a new track yesterday and the CPU usage is hitting around 50% and there isn’t that much going on…would i be better off getting a more powerful CPU or more ram???
I’d say new pc my friend. Your computer was once good enough but not anymore. You could upgrade your ram and it’ll keep you going for a while but for how long?
Yeah it comes down to your CPU and RAM, problem is if you upgrade your CPU chances are you’ll need a new mobo too, then when you’ve done that you’ll probs find you need to get new RAM because your old RAM chips ‘may not’ fit into the new slots of your old mobo (you’ll have to check this because you may be fine, but it’s better having DDR3 now adays).
mew motherboard, cpu + ram, keep everything else. you can get good deals on bundels, u will just have to do a clean install.
Wowzers, wasn’t expecting to have to change so much!
It’s never given me so many problems up until i started working on this new track. I have also just got the internet hooked up to the pc in question also, and installed Skype to do the screen share thing…would it have anything to do with that? I paid a mate to build this PC for me about 5 years ago and all the parts he used were specifically for making music so it should be doing the job, and the last track i put together about 5 weeks ago had a lot more plugins etc going through it and the CPU peaked at about 15-20%
The complete spec is as follows…
System:
Microsoft Windows XP Professional Version 2002
Service pack 3
Computer:
Intel(R) Pentium(R) D CPU 3.4GHz
3.42GHz, 2.00 GB of Ram
Sound Card:
M-Audio Delta 10/10 LT
Would really like to not have to shell out a load as i already have lately on loads of other gear (New synths etc). I was hoping to only change the Ram as a friend took a look and said that should do the job…if i was to get some new Ram does it matter what kind i get? And how much would i be looking to pay?
Any help is greatly appreciated
Will
Edit: I’ve just downloaded a free “Upgradeable Memory Scanner” from upgradeable.com which tells you exactly what ram/cpu/motherboard you have and this may explain the problem…there is only 1.5 Gig of Ram?! Not sure why that isn’t pointed out on system preferences on my pc?
System:IntelR AWRDACPI
Motherboard: Micro-Star International Co. Ltd (MS-7246)
Installed Memory: 1536MB (1.50GB)
Slot 1: 1536MB (1.00GB) DIMM
Slot 2: 512MB (0.50GB) DIMM
Slot 3: EMPTY
Slot 4 EMPTY
mate ur only running sddr ram… which isnt even made any more. you really need a full system upgrade. are you in the UK? what your budget and I’ll point you the right way but with a system that old no matter what you do to it, its gonna be a waste of money in the long run. trust me on this one, you much better doing this the right way.
Give me budget what what you use the system for I can help with where to get the best deals, it your in the UK that is.
Alright mate i’m actually in Sydney
I literally use the PC to make music and that’s it. I also have the net on there for updates etc.
I don’t have much cash to spare as i’ve spent a fortune lately. The other thing i have been thinking of doing is switching it over to my macbook pro, i have a license left on my copy of ableton, the only problem with that is all my plug ins are for PC.
I’m in a bit of a dilemma now!
How much are we talking to get the PC up to spec?
a quick google search show me a AMD 1075T 3.0GHZ Six Core CPU & 4GB DDR3 RAM with Motherboard for £229.99 which is excellent in terms of price and its future proof, I only have an x4 but I have 8 gig DDR3 which does the trick. Intel will cost you bags more and there is really no need + AMD are commited to not changeing the sockets they use on the motherboards meaning you can upgrade the processer for a few years yet without the need to change the motherboard.
Thanks for the info i will have a look into it over here and see what kind of price i’m looking at
do a bit of research mate, might be worth spending a but more on a motherboard, remember a good motherboard will mean your overall system will last longer, make sure its has usb 3.0 at least, check the number of PCI-e slots etc etc, asus are pretty good.
i have a 3.06ghz core 2 duo with 4 gigs of ram with about 70 tracks running no problems. I dunno.
Cheers for the responses
I’m now thinking of just getting a complete new machine, was thinking of getting one of the new imacs…
iMac 24-inch - Technical Specifications - Apple
Would the lower spec model be a good choice for running Ableton with plenty of plug ins?
both!
I know bugger all abour macs mate so cant help you there