Hi all, hope all is well

Since i've been using all the latest vst software, my current pc is struggling to cope, especially when i use kontakt and start adding effects, it's a quad core amd with 6gb ddr2 ram

So i'm looking at buying a used computer to try and be able to do what i want to do

I've narrowed it down to 2, but as i'm not clued up with pc's i was wondering if you'd give me your thoughts on which one out of the 2 ive narrowed it down to would be more suitable for using effects, vst synths, and kontakt instruments

Basically, which one of the 2 gives me the most bang for my buck?

Here's the first one... http://www.gumtree.com/p/desktop-workstation-pcs/very-cheap-high-spec-gaming-computer/1091915709

And the 2nd... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DELL-PRECISION-T1500-i7-8GB-QUADRO-COMPUTER-EXCELLENT-CONDITION-COST-900-/261688257841?pt=UK_Computing_DesktopPCs&hash=item3cedd5ed31

Thanks

 

Quad core, plenty of RAM. You should not need a new PC. Should be more than powerful enough, unless you are running about ten real time effects or so. lol ---What kind of driver and sound card are you using? There could be several other issues throwing a wrench in the works, too. There are better geek/nerds here than me, and don't pay any attention to the mac snobs. They usually troll the PC guys.

 

I have an edirol ua101 usb 10 in/out external soundcard

Would it be worth taking it to a pc expert and asking them to upgrade do you think?

Change the mobo to ddr3 compatible one, then load it with as much ram as possible?

 

Out of the two mentioned, don't buy the first one. For 400£ you could build much better one. As for the 2nd one, you might not need the GFX, but otherwise it's good.

 

are you using 32 or 64bit? my pc is a lot older than yours (2 core / 4gb ram) and I don't have major issues, yes certain fx plugins, vsti's, kontakt libraries can be cpu hoggers, but there are ways around that

32bit? upgrade to 64 will defo improve things

 

Hi guys, thanks for your advice

64 bit it is, It's fine usually, no problems, but on certain songs I'm using 30+ tracks, most with fx, waves, nectar, then add in programs & synths like maschine, addictive drums, nexus, then add to that the big kontakt libs on top and it just struggles, horrible crackles and all that

And that's even with some of the tracks frozen

What d'you think about just getting it upgraded?

New mobo to ddr3 compatible one, I7 processor, then load it with as much ram as possible

 

Also an option, but if you're not in hurry, wait for next year's Broadwell. Haswell has many flaws compared to Ivy and price drops with Broadwell introduction can be expected. *yes*

 

Another major speed up is obtained using a SSD for your samples.

 

Yep, SSD Drive for Samples(Kontakt), not cheap though.

 

Here is a work around to trying to run so many effects plug ins. If there are effects you are not changing at the time, go ahead and mix the tracks with effects to another track. Use that one, and turn the effects off and mute the original the original (but SAVED) track, and use the new one for working mix. I use two session versions of my projects-one with all the original stuff, and another "working" version, where things are more streamlined with temporary pre-mixed tracks and lots of sub-groups.

 

I Use Laptop CPU Core I5 (2.4Ghz x4) , 4Gb Ram DDR3, HDD 500Gb, Window 8.1 (64bit), and Headphone China.
I Use FLStudio 11.1.1 and all Vst Plugins 32bit:
Effectrix 1.4.2, Glitch2, Refx nexus 2.2, Sylenth1 and More Effect Plugins on FLSTUDIO

I Not use Vst Plugins 64bit on FL Studio (High Crash CPU and FLSTUDIO not Responded *yes* )

 

for kontakt up to 32 gb ram and the libarys on ssd ....expensive
minimum 4 gb ram but then you have to figure it out how to come to goal with only one instance of kontakt ....and not so many other channels....and on these ones of course no high or even medium cpu using instr/plugz

go to a little but good computer freak shop and let them made one for you....try to get 16gb ram , good cpu and good hdd ...1500euro and you will be ok ...i think

inteface or soundcard is another thinng but i think you have an interface, so you dont need no expensive soundcard (BUT WE ALL WANT SOME)MAKE SURE YOU HAVE AN CARDPLACE I DONT KNO THE WORD IN ENGLISH WHER YOU CAN UPGRADE WITH AN UAD CARD or something like this WHEN YOU GET SOME MONEY....

 

Thanks for all your your advice guys, much appreciated, I've still not bought anything yet, it's a bit of a minefield if I'm honest

I think I'm just going to blow all my budget on getting it upgraded, I'll take it to the local pc shop and see what they can do for me, I may as well make use of the pc I already have instead of it going to waste by buying an upgraded second hand/used one

What would you say about keeping the quad core processor I already have, and blowing my budget on a new motherboard and as much ddr3 ram as possible?

Algae: Thanks for that tip man, that sounds like a great idea on how to save power