Do I need more RAM or a faster G5?

[soundscore]

HI ALL - I have a G5 dual 2.0/4gigsRam. In running Ivory/mach 5 and some plugs, it overloads the computer and the message comes up about the processor and to raise the buffer (already set to 512..1024 would have too much latency for tracking. I do have the UAD card and run that at about 1/2 useage. The normal processor performance meter shows processor activity (top bar) at up to about a 1/3'rd mostly to a half (maybe tops).

Will more RAM help this? When I freeze the ivory track, this problem goes away so it would seem that memory is involved. Thanks in advance and Frodo and a couple of other great members have been very helpful and I enjoy reading the posts.

JUD

[Frodo]

Hey Jud!

Long time no see-- always glad to *try* to help!

This may surprise you....

You already have 4GB of RAM, and that's a goodly amount. Because DP and any plugins loaded into will use a max of 4GB collectively, it would only make sense to add another 512MB or 1GB just to give OSX someplace to go. Other than that, you've encountered the limitations of 32-bit addressing with its 4GB limit.

However, if some of your plugins can be run in standalone mode, there could be some marginal benefits to having more RAM installed where these standalone instances could take advantage of it.

I would first consider whether or not I could improve my hard drive situation. Running some VIs from 10k Raptors, for example, helps data seek and transfer rates. Putting some sort of FW or (even better) eSATA host on a PCIx slot will also help take the load off the main CPU and even more a load off the internal busses.

Back to RAM, you have the Intels to thank for dropping prices of PC3200 sticks: about $150 per GB. I wouldn't add much more than that, though.

You should start thinking about just how much more money you want to put into your G5. If you think you'll be keeping your machine for another 18 months then it would clearly be worth any upgrades. If your livelihood depends upon your computer's stealth, then chances are it's time to start thinking about how a newer computer will pay for itself.

[blackcrayon]

HI ALL - I have a G5 dual 2.0/4gigsRam. In running Ivory/mach 5 and some plugs, it overloads the computer and the message comes up about the processor and to raise the buffer (already set to 512..1024 would have too much latency for tracking. I do have the UAD card and run that at about 1/2 useage. The normal processor performance meter shows processor activity (top bar) at up to about a 1/3'rd mostly to a half (maybe tops).

Will more RAM help this? When I freeze the ivory track, this problem goes away so it would seem that memory is involved. Thanks in advance and Frodo and a couple of other great members have been very helpful and I enjoy reading the posts.

JUD

Soundscore, it sounds like you might have your own answer! Why not temporarily turn the buffer up to 1024 and try the same overloaded sequence. If it plays OK, then it sounds like it is what it says -that your processor is being overloaded. Upping the buffer setting isn't going to "save" you from a lack of memory as far as i know, so it would be a good test to see where your bottleneck is.

You may have to freeze some tracks to be comfortable at the 512 buffer setting in your situation. (4 gigs of RAM sounds like plenty... You could also use Activty Monitor to see how much free RAM you have while playing a sequence too, to get a rough idea of how much memory is really in reserve...)

[BradLyons]

What kind of hard drive are you using, especially for Ivory?

[Phil Jeffers]

HI ALL - I have a G5 dual 2.0/4gigsRam. In running Ivory/mach 5 and some plugs, it overloads the computer and the message comes up about the processor and to raise the buffer (already set to 512..1024 would have too much latency for tracking. I do have the UAD card and run that at about 1/2 useage. The normal processor performance meter shows processor activity (top bar) at up to about a 1/3'rd mostly to a half (maybe tops).

Will more RAM help this? When I freeze the ivory track, this problem goes away so it would seem that memory is involved. Thanks in advance and Frodo and a couple of other great members have been very helpful and I enjoy reading the posts.

JUD

Hey, what interface are you using? I noticed a sizable drop in CPU usage when I upgraded to a PCI 424 and related interfaces. My system is pretty much the same as yours. I mainly track in Pro Tools though, so small buffers aren't really an issue for me. I use an external mixer then too to eliminate latency all together (for cue sends).

The 424 card is way cool. 2408's and 24 I/O's are very good - amazing I/O options. I love the way MOTU approach hardware. They leave pre's and even converters up to you, knowing that high end users will use pres that suit their needs. I highly recommend the 424.

[soundscore]

Frodo, Black, Brad, and all helpers!

I should have checked this sooner. I am running a 2408 and 1224 combination. I think I have hit the limit of my G5 because as soon as I start running virtual instruments it tanks. I even have UAD plugin and as soon as I hit 70% on that I am in trouble. Frodo is right, with 4 gigs ram I should now be in trouble with memory. I tried the good suggestion (thx again) of using the activity monitor to estimate real use of ram and ram isn't the problem. It is the processor.

I am using a macbook pro for my laptop, and think that maybe it is time to try some 2 computer action, taking the program stress off the g5 and just using it for VI's and UAD. I can't use the UAD plugs on my intel laptop. I am sure this isn't easy, but it might work, no? Other option is to dig down deep and get the intel machine. Problem is that I would have to get a PCIe version of both my PCI 424 card for my 2408 and my UAD plugins, unless I kept the plugins on the old g5 and settled for a 2 computer system. It's that kind of a drag though, in terms of work speed and flow? Or do they rock fast together?>

thx, JUD

soundscore

[Shooshie]

It's possible to use a Western Digital Raptor with a MacBook Pro, but it requires some work on your part. You need first to get an eSATA ExpressCard34. Sonnet makes one with two SATA ports. Next, get the Raptor, and buy an enclosure for it that accepts eSATA drives.

From a recent post in another thread, here are the things you need:
Sonnet eSATA ExpressCard 34, Adds two high-speed eSATA ports to ExpressCard slot, $109.99
http://www.cwol.com/serial-ata/sonnet-t ... ess-34.htm
150GB WD Raptor, SATA Internal Hard Drive, $247.27
http://www.macconnection.com/ProductDetail?Sku=6345739
ToughTech eSATA, TeraCard Express34 eSATA host, $115.74
http://www.macconnection.com/ProductDetail?Sku=7528035

With the extra port, you can add another SATA drive. Seagate makes one that doesn't require an enclosure; it's an external SATA drive:
Seagate 500GB eSATA, eSATA External Hard Drive, $279.95
http://www.macconnection.com/ProductDetail?Sku=6809396

The Raptor runs at 10,000 rpm, and is fantastic for Ivory. I can gliss chromatically up and down the full 88 keys with the pedal down, and you can never hear it drop a note. For intensive I/O, you need an intense drive. The Raptor is such a drive.


Shooshie