Need Help & Ideas for Upgrading Studio/Computer

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TheAwakened

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In a nutshell, I need to upgrade my computer internally, and my studio components externally. I have an idea of what I want for studio upgrades, but not exactly sure what I should get to cure a sick and slow computer.

Besides running slow, a couple of other issues have recently surfaced. Twice while surfing the internet, I got this Microsoft warning: "Virtual Memory Minimum Too Low." Another aggravating issue is that I can no longer get into Audio Options within CakeWalk Sonar. It boots me out of Sonar every time.

Any help or ideas will be greatly appreciated. Below is some system information that may be useful:

OS Name: Microsoft Windows XP Professional
System Type: X86-based PC
Processor: x86 Family 6 Model 7 Stepping 3 GenuineIntel ~451 Mhz
Total Physical Memory: 128.00 MB
Available Physical Memory: 11.19 MB
Total Virtual Memory: 435.26 MB
Available Virtual Memory: 59.29 MB
Page File Space: 307.73 MB
 
whoa. those specs are pretty low.

so you're looking for an upgrade right? because it's possible to build a computer with significantly better specs than that for right around $500.

I just built a brand new quad core with 4gigs of memory for $1005 including shipping (which was free, naturally) and tax.

a dell inspiron 530 with pretty much the same specs (i got a better graphics card, bigger HD, faster ram, plus the ability to overclock) comes to about $950. but there are issues to think about with dell's customer service.

did you build your computer or is it from a manufacturer?
 
My computer was built by my grandad about 3 or 4 years ago, so I guess it makes sense that it's so outdated and on the low end. At the time I thought it was hot-rodded!

So for recording purposes, am I better off upgrading what I have, or just buying a new computer? I was hoping to not spend too much, but I imagine that's impossible for what I want.

I found a recording package for $399.99 that would be a considerable upgrade to what I have currently. But it calls for these spec requirements:

Digidesign Mbox 2 Mini PC requirements:
Intel Pentium 4, Centrino, Core Duo, or AMD Athlon XP and 64-class processors and chips;
Windows XP Home or Professional, Service Pack 2 (Vista not supported);
768MB RAM;
Open USB port (USB hubs not supported);
DVD-ROM drive

I know right off that bat that I don't have a Pentium 4, 768MB of RAM, or a DVD-ROM. I'm not sure about the Open USB port, as I'm not really sure what that looks like.

I definitely have my work cut out for me...
 
Just buy a new computer. If you dont plan on building it yourself, check out offerings from Dell or HP, both still offer XP and an option
 
I posted this else where on the board a couple days ago but thought it could come in handy here as well.

==========
When it comes to content creation (meaning: 3D, 2D, Video, or Audio). Your biggest concerns are RAM, Processor, and Drive space. That goes for any of them.
==========

So, a big meaty processor, tons of RAM, and lots of drive space are what you really need. One thing you need with Audio though that the others don't need is a good interface. My advice is to go PCI or firewire. Also fast drives help a lot too. Also on the other side of things keep in mind to get started you dont need the absolute fastest machine. You can do quite a lot with 2GB of ram and a dual core 1.5Ghz processor, as long as you get an Okay or better interface. Not some crappy USB one. I personally say 2ghz dual core or more with 2GB of ram and some SATA2/3 7200 rpm drives, an M-audio PCI or better interface, and you are off to a good running start.
 
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I agree with the other posters. I'm astonished that you could do anything at all with a 451mhz processor. I remember buying my first computer around a decade ago and asking the sales guy if 450 mhz would be noticeably faster than 400mhz!

The specs hardwire posted are a very good start. You could go lower if you really wanted, but what's 200 dollars when that means a core 2 duo and 2gigs of ram instead of 512mb? That 200 dollars will make your computer last a year or two longer in terms of performance.

An Open USB port are those slots you have on the back, and sometimes the front of your computer. This requirement is moot if you get a new computer; every one comes with at least 4 USB ports these days.

But I would recommend a Firewire or PCI interface instead.
 
Thanks fellas. All of your posts have helped a lot. Now it's just up to me if I wanna tackle upgrading the computer I have, or just buy a new one. I'll compare the prices...and my knowledge. I've changed out stuff like sound cards, CD burners, and ethernet cards, but I'm not experienced with adding RAM, drives, or a processor.

If I throw in the towel and buy new, I'm currently leaning towards that Dell Inspiron 530. Surely that machine would perform up to par.

If I choose to upgrade what I have, I'm sure I'll be back here asking for ideas as to what brands I should go with!
 
The age of your old machine will mean that very little will be usable in a modern system (probably only the drive and CD) since a lot has changed and most if not all of those parts wont even work in a new system (i.e. no more, AGP, 5V PCI, atx1 psu etc)
 
Yeah, I think you guys are right. I'm starting to realize that computers outdate rather quickly. I think I'm just going to buy new and get rid of this dinosaur. I've come across a couple of bargains on the Dell Inspiron 530. Here's some specs that it offers. Are they good enough?:

Model: 530
Processor: Intel Pentium dual-core processor E2140 (1MB L2,1.60GHz,800 FSB)
Memory: 2048 MB DDR2 NON-ECC SDRAM
Hard Drive: 250 GB SATA Hard Drive (7200RPM)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic
Media Device: 16X DVD+/-RW w/dbl layer write capability
LAN: 10/100 Ethernet LAN
Video: Integrated NVIDIA GeForce 6150 LE Graphic GPU
Sound: Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio
Ports: 10 USB 2.0 ports, Sound, VGA
 
TheAwakened said:
Yeah, I think you guys are right. I'm starting to realize that computers outdate rather quickly. I think I'm just going to buy new and get rid of this dinosaur. I've come across a couple of bargains on the Dell Inspiron 530. Here's some specs that it offers. Are they good enough?:

Model: 530
Processor: Intel Pentium dual-core processor E2140 (1MB L2,1.60GHz,800 FSB)
Memory: 2048 MB DDR2 NON-ECC SDRAM
Hard Drive: 250 GB SATA Hard Drive (7200RPM)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic
Media Device: 16X DVD+/-RW w/dbl layer write capability
LAN: 10/100 Ethernet LAN
Video: Integrated NVIDIA GeForce 6150 LE Graphic GPU
Sound: Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio
Ports: 10 USB 2.0 ports, Sound, VGA
Click to expand...


That will be fine. Keep in mind that lots of people have had trouble with Vista and recording. Ive never used it so I have no input there.
 
The ony flags i see are these

Video: Integrated NVIDIA GeForce 6150 LE Graphic GPU
Processor: Intel Pentium dual-core processor E2140 (1MB L2,1.60GHz,800 FSB)

The intergrated video card will use system RAM for its video memory. So if you hvae 2GB of ram, then windows will probably alot 256, or 512 of that to the video card. That in of it self is a bottle neck you might want to a void. As far as the processor the only reason I say some thing about it is because it is a 1.6Ghz. While you can do a lot of damage with it the odds are your going to end up wanting more, so I would shoot for about a 2 Ghz.

Vista is not bad you just have to do some research on any hardware, and be sure those hardware manufactures have drivers that fully support Vista. I have been using Vista Ultimate x64 for over 8 months now and my only issue has been the crapy dirvers that Creativelabs has been writting for their E-mu line of cards, and that Rewire/Reason doesn't have x64 support.
 
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