I'm running windows 7 and using Pro Tools for audio/visual post production etc. I'm finding that my Processor can't really handle the work load when I use things like Omnisphere in conjunction with video. So I'm updating my ram from 2GB to 4GB and trying to find the best possible processor that's compatible with my system. I've looked around for advice and information on this but found no clear answers. can any one help me?
Here's my specs:
operating system: Windows 7 professional 32-bit (service pack 1)
Processor: Intel Pentium Dual CPU e2180 @ 2.00GHz
installed memory: 4.00GB
Graphics Card:Intel G33/G31 Express Chipset Family
motherboard: Giga-Byte GA-G31MF-S2
Comments
You're talking about rolling your own computer. I7 is the way to
You're talking about rolling your own computer. I7 is the way to go. You'll want a new mobo with at least an x58 chipset. 8 gb ram should be the goal. You will then need to get a 64 bit version of win7. The oem versions are available at reasonable prices.
You will not be able to upgrade your current mobo as the cpu socket isn't compatible and the memory controller is not sufficient.
64 bit might be a problem as a lot of the plugins and additional
64 bit might be a problem as a lot of the plugins and additional software I use aren't 64 bit compatible. Ideally I would upgrade to 64 bit but I'm a very small business at the moment and cant really justify spending that amount of money. Would getting the best processor my current system could handle be worth it?
The operating system itself won't be bothered by 32 bit plugins.
The operating system itself won't be bothered by 32 bit plugins. You just need to be sure that your plugins are compatible with the version of your DAW program. Eg: 32 bit plugs for a 32 bit DAW or 64 bit plugs for a 64 bit DAW (very few out there but Reaper is one of them). Some 64 bit DAW versions will handle 32 bit plugs just fine but I haven't done an exhaustive research on which will. Any 32 bit app will install in Win7 64 bit if it supports Win7 at all.
Your big issue is the video editing and rendering as well as VST instruments. These two processes really suck up ram. True video editing junkies would rather see you have 16gb ram but 8 seems to do it just fine for most things I think.
What do you mean by "best processor?" A DSP interface or the act
What do you mean by "best processor?" A DSP interface or the actual computer processor?