RAM vs CPU

  • Thread starter Thread starter TelePaul
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TelePaul

TelePaul

J to the R O C
I have an oldish computer running 512 MB of ram with a 2.8 Ghz Celeron processor. I really like the computer -it's an emachines - because it has never given me a seconds trouble. Never had a virus, never been corrupted, never had any problems.

I was thinking of upping the RAM to 2 gigs to allow me more tracks and more plug-ins before the CPU usage meter starts to creep up. I can get e'm for about $300.

My question is really what contribution the processer makes to performance: I admit that I don't know the real difference between processor and RAM with regards to performance...would I be better off saving that $300 and putting it into something new and fancy? I'd like to upgarde my interface to a firepod or MOTU 8 pre, so it might be better waiting for a new machine with a 1934 card.
 
What software are you using, and what kind of track counts are you looking for?

that 2.8 Celly is a dog compared to modern processors. You'll get a lot of bang out of an upgrade.

I don't think you'll be able to take your current RAM with you - so adding more memory might be more of a temporary fix.
 
CPU has way more influence on how many tracks you can run than memory, I would spend that on processor first, then add memory
 
I'm running Cubase SE and I've noticed that more modern VSTis slow it down no end. Thanks, I didn't know that a processor would take precedent over RAM. Might hold off for a while so.

So what exactly is the difference between RAM and processing power?
 
if you could upgrade just the ram for 300, why not get better computer for 600?
 
The processor crunches numbers whereas RAM temporarily stores data for fast retrieval. A sampler would need a ton of RAM to hold samples, whereas more tracks would require additional processor power to process the additional data.

I hope that made sense.
 
tom18222 said:
if you could upgrade just the ram for 300, why not get better computer for 600?
Click to expand...

Valid point, but is that how much it'd cost? if I could get a decent recording computer for $600...thats like €450...I would. But that seems a little low as an estimate.
 
lol, wow i was really just about to make a thread about this

n also if if i upgrage my memory from 256 to 512 would my memory now be at 768?
 
^if you keep your existing 256 in there, yes


well, it depends on what you want. i got my hp athlon 3800 X2 1Gb ram, 250 gig harddrive for 650. it was on sale though, so. also a couple of rebates as well.


just watch the sales. ram is so expensive, and it your case, it may not get you that far.
 
TelePaul said:
and I've noticed that more modern VSTis slow it down no end.
Click to expand...

Most quality VSTi's use a bunch of RAM and very little CPU. Each WAV sample (and you know how even short WAV files can be pretty big) is stored in RAM, as opposed to being loaded from the hard drive.

This is because RAM is much faster than the hard drive and it can access/play each sample much more quickly. If samples were played from the hard drive, then chances are you would experience latency, drop-outs, clicks, pops, etc.

So if you notice that these VSTis are slowing you down then the logical thing to do would be to get more RAM. Not another processor.

So, bottom line:
VSTis use RAM.
Real-time effects (reverb, chorus, compression, etc.) use CPU.
 
danny.guitar said:
Most quality VSTi's use a bunch of RAM and very little CPU. Each WAV sample (and you know how even short WAV files can be pretty big) is stored in RAM, as opposed to being loaded from the hard drive.

This is because RAM is much faster than the hard drive and it can access/play each sample much more quickly. If samples were played from the hard drive, then chances are you would experience latency, drop-outs, clicks, pops, etc.

So if you notice that these VSTis are slowing you down then the logical thing to do would be to get more RAM. Not another processor.

So, bottom line:
VSTis use RAM.
Real-time effects (reverb, chorus, compression, etc.) use CPU.
Click to expand...


Ah that's much clearer, thanks Danny. You seem to know your computers, whattya think? Hold off for a new PC?
 
northern cali said:
lol, wow i was really just about to make a thread about this

n also if if i upgrage my memory from 256 to 512 would my memory now be at 768?
Click to expand...

Actually most computers require RAM to be installed in pairs, and if you want to go to 512MB you would get another 256MB chip, but you could install a 512MB and keep your 256MB chip in there...

there are exceptions though, most notably a lot of Dell computers allow different size chips
 
TelePaul said:
Ah that's much clearer, thanks Danny. You seem to know your computers, whattya think? Hold off for a new PC?
Click to expand...

Your procsesor seems pretty decent, it's faster than the one I'm using.

I would say, if your main problem is VSTi's, I would buy another stick of RAM. Another 512, or 1GB. It depends what VSTi's you're using.

The VSTi's should state the minimum & suggested system requirements on the website, for both RAM and CPU. Make sure you meet or beat those requirements. ;)

Also once you're done recording a MIDI track with the VSTi, render it as a WAV and remove the VSTi from the track. This will free up system resources. Save the MIDI file so you can always go back and change it when you want.

When you do decide on getting a new computer, I would get one of the Core Duo processors.

Depending on your hardware, you may just be able to get a new motherboard and CPU to put in your current computer, instead of buying everything from scratch. That could save a lot of money.
 
I suspect that your Celeron is Probably a Socket 478, It coukld be possible to Upgrade your Processor to a P-4 3.0ghz HT CPU for pretty cheaply ,Probably well under $100 and would greatly improve performance without haveing to Buy a whole new PC.....There are a Lot of used Socket 478 CPU on the Market right now so you could probably get one for really cheap....


Cheers
 
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