I have been using the Giga Model:7AD-1800U dual processor for the past two weeks. Below are some before and after #s for comparison:
Digital Performer
Stock dp533 processor: VintageWarmer (5 stereo, 10 mono inserts)
Audio Performance Meter: 95% resting, "Stop Playback" when...playing.
Giga 1800U: VintageWarmer (5 stereo, 38 mono).
Audio Performance Meter: 95% resting, "Stop Plackback". 40 instances would put the meter in the red but playback was ok.
Impression:
Mach 5
Stock dp533 processor:1 instance, 8 level A (largest file size) voices.
Audio Performance Meter: 95% resting. "Stop Playback".
Giga 1800U: 1 instance, 12 level A voices.
Audio Performance Meter: 85% resting. "Stop Playback.
If I reduced the voices to 11, the performance meter was mostly red but playback was ok.
Impression: Underwhelming improvement. But, I am accustomed to routinely using about 4 M5 voices when experimenting (composing, whatever), so the extra headroom is appreciated.
For those who may interested in upgrading their aging machine for whatever reason, I would suggest spending time at this site http://forums.xlr8yourmac.com/cpureview.lasso. Make a checklist of the processor(s) that you're interested in. Track installer reviews with either a "+" for successful, relatively hassle-free, and "-" for unsuccessful, frustrating, whatever. Go with the best performer for peace of mind. (I used this approach in the past with my legacy machines and had years of problem-free performance).
Before installing, back up your current system. After installing the cpu upgrade, I would suggest erasing your hard drive, performing a New (clean) install of your operating system and apps to ensure stability. (Repair those permissions every step of the way at least 2 time each). (My Tiger install was the easy, "Upgrade" that I was testing out on an empty partition because I was skeptical that it would work. I restored my 10.3.9 system on the blank volume, did the Tiger upgrade, and was amazed. So I CCC Tiger, restored to my main drive, and "keep on going" until the cpu upgrade caused some instability i.e. applications would crash. The New installs took care of that problem.)
FYI
Cheers!!!
