AMD Processors??

  • Thread starter Thread starter AddisonXI
  • Start date Start date
AddisonXI

AddisonXI

Argumentative...
I've read on multiple threads about AMD processors not being as efficient as Intel(or having many issues). What is the case of this? I've always been an avid AMD supporter and the computer I most recently built has a Phantom II x3 processor(with the option of unlocking the fourth core) I am hoping for this to be my Workstation. So, can anyone shed some light on the subject? Thanks guys

^_^
 
Well, my first dedicated DAW was based on an AMD chip and it worked flawlessly, but...

Several publishers of DAW software (Protools and Audition being two that I know of) say that their software is optimised for Intel processors and don't recommend AMD.

I did some digging and it seems this stems from the SSE instruction set incorporated in the processors. These are the multimedia instructions (basically the evolution from the old MMX instructions you may remember) that are frequently used when writing DAW software. AMD state that they are now fully SSE2 compliant but others have found fault with the AMD implementation--and I know that, at least once in the past, AMD had to do a patch for their SSE instructions.

Whether the present recommendations of Intel that you can find on the Protools and Adobe sites are based on current processors or just a hold over from past problems I can't say. I know many people who use AMD and say they're fine--but have seen one or two problems listed on the Audition forums that might be traceable to the processor.

For that reason, I've just found it easier to stick to Intel on my last two purchases--it eliminates one more variable. I suspect your AMD processor would likely be absolutely fine--but it depends a bit on the software you'll use (and what they recommend) as well as your decision whether your liking for AMD is enough to make you take what might be a very slight risk.
 
My liking to AMD and my two kids say we cannot purchase another computer for home recording lol. I will be using Reaper software(seems a good place to start).
 
Well, since you can download and try Reaper absolutely free, I'd say that eliminates the risk. Download, record a bunch of tracks and have a play.

I suspect all will be fine....
 
You the man Bobbsy. Always a big help to my silly questions ^_^
 
Another quick question. I read somewhere on here or in an article from here that you should keep your recordings/mixes/daw saved to a separate hard drive. Is there truth to this? If so, what is the reason behind it? Is it a must or a "it'd be better if you did" The system I'm using will solely be for recording. I have other computers for my daily needs of surfing and etc.
 
yea,portable drives are getting cheaper ..buy a WD 500gb external 2.5"external drive.
 
AddisonXI said:
Another quick question. I read somewhere on here or in an article from here that you should keep your recordings/mixes/daw saved to a separate hard drive. Is there truth to this? If so, what is the reason behind it? Is it a must or a "it'd be better if you did" The system I'm using will solely be for recording. I have other computers for my daily needs of surfing and etc.
Click to expand...

It's a case of "it'd be better if you did" but on this one the differences can be fairly large. Basically it's best if you can have your operating system and DAW software on one drive with your recordings stored on a different one. Working this way means that the basic operations of your computer and DAW aren't competing for bandwidth with your music.

This doesn't mean it can't work at all with everything on one disk--and if you don't push your system too hard you may never notice. However, every system has its limits and using a single disk means that you'll hit these limits sooner than if you're on two separate disks.

Frankly, in this day of external drives, this works well anyway. It's often convenient not to clutter up an internal drive with the many megs of data that make up a session--and it also means I can move data between different computers.
 
Thanks for the clarity. Guess it's another thing to add to the list of saving up for. I know external drives aren't too expensive nowadays but still it's low on the list.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top