Ram

[Carter Simcoe]

Im a musician not a computer guy so this question might seem dumb to most of you. Anyway, based on several recomendations I have heard in this forum I am considering upgrading my RAM to 256. I was wondering what this is going to do exactly. Is it going to increase my cpu power so I can apply more effects and add more tracks without dropouts??????? Any benefits you can tell me about would be greatly appreciated.

[Carter Simcoe]

come on guys I know this is a dumb question and thats why im sure at least one of the 13 of you who looked at this knows the answer. help me out.

[tubedude]

I feel bad when someones just waiting like that
RAM will decrease the amount of swap-filing that takes place on your hard drive (very good), and will increase the amount of audio that can be stored in RAM (good) for faster access and hopefully less disk activity. If you go up to 256 (at todays prices, I recommend going 512 and forgetting about it) you may be able to enable disk caching, which MIGHT improve performance(sometimes it does, depends on system). The more RAM the better, in 98% of cases. Just do it. Then, upgrade your CPU. Then, if you're real serious, upgrade your converters.
Peace,
Paul

[tubedude]

Oh, and don't feel too bad... I posted one 2 days ago, and as of yet, no replies. The manual straightened alot out for me, even found some new tricks, but I still want to know some other peoples techniques they may have carried over with them...

[a modified dog]

You didn't mention what your CPU is... P2, P3, Celeron, K2, Athlon?

It's true that more RAM will improve performance, but the ceiling is really dependent on your processor. That being said, I've got an Athlon 550 with 128 RAM right now, and my next move will be a faster CPU, then more RAM.

Denis

[Roel]

I think RAM is more important. After all, if you're not doing calculations etc, you're CPU will have alot of idle time, when it's waiting to get data from your HD. I think the HD is the bottleneck here, so decreasing the swapping will increase your performance more.

That is if you have a decent processor. Offcourse... With an Athlon 550, I would choose the RAM...

[Lambo]

It's not a dumb question and like the others have responded, there are other factors to consider. For the price of RAM right now it's a good investmnent to load up (such as adding 256). CPU speed (PIII500 plus) and hard drive speed (7200rpm ata 66-100) are key elements in addition to RAM impacting the digital recording/playback process. Many of the soundcards offer 24/96 resolution but you'll need the RAM, CPU and hard drive in order to utilize the soundcards full 24/96 potential. Personally, I've had an easier time utilizing the 24 bit depth than I have using the 96 frequency. Operating at the 24/96 will bring my system to it's knees. I bailed on the 96 frequency and haven't noticed a difference.

[Carter Simcoe]

thanks ALOT guys. I have a pent 3 (not sure of any exact specs), some of you expressed interest in what cpu I had so there you go. If anyone has anymore suggestions they will be appreciated.

[Roel]

Well.. There you go... RAM! RAM! RAM! RAM!

[DS_Sultan]

Don't neglect proper system settings to increase how the system uses that extra memory. Without them the system will see the RAM, but may not make proper use of it. And your HD settings and vmem and cache settings, swapfile usage...etc.. all play a part in keeping the system at peak performance. Even where your system temp directory is located can have an effect.

I would have answered you sooner but I have been in the midst of a cross country move and am only now getting back to reading posts. Boy have I got some catching up to do!

Let me kniow what else I can do to help you understand your system. Knowledge is power.

Good luck.

[a modified dog]

The Sultan is correct, of course. Proper configuration and maintenance is crucial when trying to squeeze out that extra mile, so to speak. I always spring for a good utility and virus package when buying a new PC, even if I have to sacrifice software I really like for a while.