Can I "prop" up my old computer for a while?

[35chevy]

Hey guys, first off, I am not a computer guru, I just learn as I go. I really hate to sound dumb here. And, I really appreciate all the help I can get. I've been messing around with Pro tools off and on for a while, just trying to learn. I've been recording different instruments and messing around with different plugins. Everything has been going well up to this point, as I've only had three or four tracks going at once. I've started getting serious lately, and I created a template, with 24 or so tracks and several buses, plugins, and a couple midi instruments. My machine went on strike. It's having a difficult time just running the template, and just sitting idle with the template open, CPU usage is hitting 100%. I'm seeing less than 3% usage with PT closed. I would really love a new machine, but for now I need to "prop" this thing up for a while, if possible, so I can keep learning. Here's what I have, and yes, I know it's not much.

I'm running Pro Tools 8.0.5 and a M-Audio Profire 2626 firewire interface
Dell Dimension 8300
XP home SP 3
Pentium 4 3.00 Ghz
2.5 GB Ram...This machine can hold a maximum of 4 GB. It has has 2 256MB, and 2 1GB sticks in it now.
120GB 7200rpm hard drive
NVIDIA FX 5200 graphics card and Dual 17" monitors
Lacie firewire 400 PCI card

I've got a lot of clutter that has accumulated over the years that I'm trying to remove. Currently the available memory is 54%, and I am working on freeing up a lot more. It has a TV tuner that will be removed, and I have toyed with the idea of cleaning house, and reinstalling windows XP along with Pro Tools to eliminate everything else on this computer, but I am not sure if it would help my situation. I believe the processor is my main problem here, but some have claimed that it has worked for them. I just read recently that I am not supposed to be recording to the system memory. I have read several places that using a second drive dedicated for audio helps the system performance, and helps keep the system drive from bogging down as bad. I'm looking at the Lacie d2 Quadra 2TB external drive that many claim to work well with PT. My thoughts are that I need this hard drive anyway, and even if it doesn't help my current issue, and I still have to upgrade my PC, it will still be a wise investment. Does this thinking even make sence? Some have said that adding another internal hard drive works better. I can go this route for less money, but I can see where the external would be more versatile. Do you guys think I'll see any difference at all adding another hard drive? Thanks.

 

[Bobbsy]

Your processor IS old (but so is your software) and you're lacking a bit of memory.

First thing I'd do is OPTIMISE YOUR WINDOWS FOR AUDIO as per this SOS article. Some of the things in there will make quite a large difference.

Certainly going to an external HDD is a good idea but I don't know how obvious any improvement will be. However, I'd go for it anyway, if only because it will mean all your files are instantly transferable when you DO buy another computer.

 

[35chevy]

Your processor IS old (but so is your software) and you're lacking a bit of memory.

First thing I'd do is OPTIMISE YOUR WINDOWS FOR AUDIO as per this SOS article. Some of the things in there will make quite a large difference.

Certainly going to an external HDD is a good idea but I don't know how obvious any improvement will be. However, I'd go for it anyway, if only because it will mean all your files are instantly transferable when you DO buy another computer.

The bad thing is I bought it new and I told them I wanted "overkill" on all the specs so I wouldn't have to upgrade any time soon. Years have passed and "any time soon" has arrived LOL. Thanks for the link, I'll take a look at it.