Computer Optimization

  • Thread starter Thread starter Spillenger
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Spillenger

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I use Sonar 3.1 on my computer (see my DAW set-up at bottom). I regularly defragment my hard drive and run Norton Windows Doctor. But I am concerned that Sonar is running at less than peak efficiency (it hangs up or takes a while to respond to commands sometimes).

What steps should I take to make my computer and Sonar get along better?

I use this computer for word-processing, Internet and email, and various music-related programs (Band-in-a-Box, for example, and MusicMatch).

Should I get an external hard drive and put my Sonar program and all my Sonar media on that drive? If so, what HD is recommended?

Thanks.

Paul S.
 
oops--system info.

oops -- forgot to post my system info. Here it is:

My system:

Dell Pentium 4 (Dimension 4600) running at 3.06 GHz, with hyperthreading technology; 1 gig RAM; 120-gig HD; Windows XP Home 5.1

Sound Cards: Soundblaster Audigy 2 for Midi; Aardvark DirectPro LX6 for audio

Mackie Micro Series 1202 12-channel mic/line mixer; Sonar 3.1.1 SE; Tapco monitors

Mics: AKG C1000S condenser; Shure SM57; Shure SM 58; Shure Beta 57S supercardioid dynamic

I/O – mixer main outs to speakers; mixer tape outs to LX6 ins; LX6 outs to mixer line ins.
 
Optimizing Sonar

I agree with Aaroncomp, why get an external drive? Your system may actually move faster if you install one internally. It's recommend that you host all operating software on one drive, and all your content/files on another (i.e. Sonar on drive c: and your Sonar project files on drive d/e/f/whatever).
 
Spillenger said:
Any recommendations on an internal hard drive? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Seagate barricuda 8Mb buffer, it has fast seek time and is very quiet.
 
I installed a Maxtor
120gb
7200rpm
8mb buffer
9.3 average seek time

The Max Blast3 software that comes with it is super easy to use for formatting and partitioning etc.

Probably nearly the same as reshp1 just a different company.
 
Yup Maxtor is good too, I would go with whatever is cheapest between that or the seagate.
 
For the second HDD, just make sure it is at least 7200rpm and has a 8mb buffer. If you have SATA available on your motherboard, get a SATA HDD. Personally, I highly recommend NOT getting a Maxtor HDD. As always, I recommend checking www.newegg.com for your purchase - they have standard OEM drives like you'd find in a store, or if you're comfortable doing it yourself without needing the fancy box they come in,etc. you can save money on the non-OEM ones. And finally, they have a refurbished section with great deals. ;)
 
aaron:Personally, I highly recommend NOT getting a Maxtor HDD.

why not?
 
Well, I've personally had 4 die on me (all within 1 1/2 years). Why did I keep buying more after the second one died? Because I acted foolishly thinking how great a deal I'm getting - thus, ignoring the you get-what-you-pay-for logic. Additionally, I've heard the same story from a number of friends and family. Again, these are my own experiences, so perhaps it was a fluke (err, several of them) - but I will never buy another again.
 
i don't blame you on that one. mine has never acted up.....or down for that matter. I try to reformat every 3-4 months or so. so i hope i'm extending the longevity.
 
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