teraslasch
New member
huh, why don have such a high processor?.
Notebook DAW setup - success story
- Thread starter Cheez
- Start date
ok sorry if i know nuts about computer. but nowadays i thot all processor speed is around intel duo core 1.83 - 2.0 but cheez wrote that P4 2.8GHz i just wanna know if there is a difference or is cheez laptops is faster .
i know desktop have prcoessor speed to 3Ghz and all but i need a laptop you see
i know desktop have prcoessor speed to 3Ghz and all but i need a laptop you see
teraslasch
New member
isnt duo core X 2?.. :lol: last time no dual core i think, was last yr haha.. eh .. u makin me confused!!!! :lol:
gutturalpiss
New member
The Intel Desktop processors, Pentium 4 and Pentium D (meaning the whole Pentium line-up), have been sent to the trash after the introduction of Core 2 Duo (it's a complete overhaul, totally new architecture). For Desktop dual-core, there was only Pentium D. Xeon multi-core mainly for servers. Notebooks the current generation of dual-core is Core Duo & Core 2 Duo.
A Core 2 Duo 1.8GHz eats a Pentium 4 3GHz for breakfast, lunch and dinner :lol: And yeah the norm now is 2GB RAM. Plus the prices of RAMs rose by almost $100. Possibility will not go down.
Anyway I want to laugh at this battle of Macs & PCs. Pointless debate, coz Macs are universally known to be one of the better workstation solutions. Only the price have kept some away from it. That doesnt mean I can't get a PC to thrash a Mac either. Gimme $3,500 and put me infront of a Mac and a PC DIY hardware store, chances are i'll build a killer DAW rig instead of getting a Mac.
edit: wtf...old thread!!! :x Just to ask about the specs?
A Core 2 Duo 1.8GHz eats a Pentium 4 3GHz for breakfast, lunch and dinner :lol: And yeah the norm now is 2GB RAM. Plus the prices of RAMs rose by almost $100. Possibility will not go down.
Anyway I want to laugh at this battle of Macs & PCs. Pointless debate, coz Macs are universally known to be one of the better workstation solutions. Only the price have kept some away from it. That doesnt mean I can't get a PC to thrash a Mac either. Gimme $3,500 and put me infront of a Mac and a PC DIY hardware store, chances are i'll build a killer DAW rig instead of getting a Mac.
edit: wtf...old thread!!! :x Just to ask about the specs?
Cheez
Moderator
Zenguan, duo core does not exist at the time this thead was posted. So of course I don't have a duo core. Mine is just a P4. And as I said, mine is a desktop replacement, not a pure notebook. That's why the components can be changed by the user. The reason I got it was not because of the weight (obviously!), but because I can put in a 3/5" HD which runs much faster than a 2.5" in terms of seek and write time. I also get a larger screen - a true 17" not one of those widescreens.
I'm still running mine at 2.8GHz but I can upgrade myself (without bringing it to Acer) to upgrade to 3.2GHz. Fujitsu also got some very cool desktop replacements that lets you put in 2 HDs, although I think that's quite unecessary since we can always use firewire drives at comparable speeds. And I believe they come at quite a hefty price. Mine cost slightly over $2000, and that was more than a year ago.
I'll not be able to use a dual core since Gigastudio doesn't support that, yet. As for Mac, the argument is not about which is more powerful. A fully optimised PC can can be more powerful than the Mac, depending on specs. The point is always about software compatibility. For example, my Gigastudio cannot run on the Mac. So Mac is out of the question. And by the way, you don't need $3500 to build a PC more powerful than a Mac - DAW is more than hardware power, but also software and the presence or lack of junk software installed. My first DAW - P3 933GHZ with 512 MB RAM running Windows ME was fully optimised with IE totally removed by 98lite etc - it startup within a few seconds (less than 10 seconds), shutdowns in 3 seconds, gives me full 160 notes polyphony with Gigastudio, and records multiple audio tracks simulatneously without crashing. Latency near zero.
I'm still running mine at 2.8GHz but I can upgrade myself (without bringing it to Acer) to upgrade to 3.2GHz. Fujitsu also got some very cool desktop replacements that lets you put in 2 HDs, although I think that's quite unecessary since we can always use firewire drives at comparable speeds. And I believe they come at quite a hefty price. Mine cost slightly over $2000, and that was more than a year ago.
I'll not be able to use a dual core since Gigastudio doesn't support that, yet. As for Mac, the argument is not about which is more powerful. A fully optimised PC can can be more powerful than the Mac, depending on specs. The point is always about software compatibility. For example, my Gigastudio cannot run on the Mac. So Mac is out of the question. And by the way, you don't need $3500 to build a PC more powerful than a Mac - DAW is more than hardware power, but also software and the presence or lack of junk software installed. My first DAW - P3 933GHZ with 512 MB RAM running Windows ME was fully optimised with IE totally removed by 98lite etc - it startup within a few seconds (less than 10 seconds), shutdowns in 3 seconds, gives me full 160 notes polyphony with Gigastudio, and records multiple audio tracks simulatneously without crashing. Latency near zero.
-ok thks guys i understand what gutturalpiss means basically its like the intel duo core 1.8ghz is actually comparable to the P4 3.0ghz in the past. wow a year and those things just change.
-sorry to dig up this old thread about this cos i don see the point of starting a new thread where there might be answer lying in past forums, just want to clarify my doubts.
-however as i need to use the laptops for long term i was worried that i might buy the wrong one.
-cheez i still do not understand alot of pple told me that the processor cannot be upgraded, which makes me ponder how come yours can
-lastly slightly over 2000 would definately be okay for me. 2 more months to my laptop
-sorry to dig up this old thread about this cos i don see the point of starting a new thread where there might be answer lying in past forums, just want to clarify my doubts.
-however as i need to use the laptops for long term i was worried that i might buy the wrong one.
-cheez i still do not understand alot of pple told me that the processor cannot be upgraded, which makes me ponder how come yours can
-lastly slightly over 2000 would definately be okay for me. 2 more months to my laptop
Cheez
Moderator
Zenguan, as I said, mine is NOT a notebook but a desktop replacement. It is different. It is basically a desktop in the shape of a notebook - or a giant notebook if you like. It weighs 8kg with the battery and case, so carrying around is quite a hassle. But if gives me the processing power I need. I can still bring it around for gigs if I need to, but most of the time it stays on my table. It's a concession for somebody who wants the power of a desktop yet retain some of the mobility of a notebook.
When thinking about core duo, make sure the software you are using is compatible. Remember that the tools we use for music is more than just hardware - software plays an equal role, if not more.
For me, I'll decide first on the software I need (which audio software/sequencer, which VSTis and other plug-ins, which softsampler etc). I wouldn't think about the hardware just as yet. After deciding what software I need to help me create music, I look at the compatibility between the softwares - and decide on the OS I need and which software to choose finally and which ones to give up. Then I would decide next on the audio interface. Then only I will look at the PC and notebook specs. Give me a PC with low processing power, and I can optimise and tweak it to give me relatively good results. Give me lousy software +/- bad audio interface, and no matter how powerful your PC is, you're stuck with what you can do. Remember you are not using it as a gaming machine, you are using it as a DAW.
When thinking about core duo, make sure the software you are using is compatible. Remember that the tools we use for music is more than just hardware - software plays an equal role, if not more.
For me, I'll decide first on the software I need (which audio software/sequencer, which VSTis and other plug-ins, which softsampler etc). I wouldn't think about the hardware just as yet. After deciding what software I need to help me create music, I look at the compatibility between the softwares - and decide on the OS I need and which software to choose finally and which ones to give up. Then I would decide next on the audio interface. Then only I will look at the PC and notebook specs. Give me a PC with low processing power, and I can optimise and tweak it to give me relatively good results. Give me lousy software +/- bad audio interface, and no matter how powerful your PC is, you're stuck with what you can do. Remember you are not using it as a gaming machine, you are using it as a DAW.
gutturalpiss
New member
hahah i stated that for the sake of analogy. coz currently the macbook pro w/ intel core duo costs 3500. and the same amt of $$ i can get a better spec-ed notebook/desktop if my main concern is power, speed & efficiency.
so for these kinda software, they cant even recognise processor 0/1? But by rule, they should recognise the first logical core..and they should atleast WORK. So they dont even install ey?
u mean somethin like >>this<<? Whole new meaning to portable desktop :lol:
Wow 0ms latency. now tht would b a winner. i always get x-crashes. mayb thts due to my lousy soundcard. Btw Cheez where did u get ur M-Audio card from then? Are the prices reasonable? I saw an EMU "import" costing $100++ more than retail price. And to think that Creative is local :x
zeng: a notebook processor cannot b upgraded. unless u know ur way ard it very well. but for mainstream consumers, no. Cheez is using a deskbook :lol:
so for these kinda software, they cant even recognise processor 0/1? But by rule, they should recognise the first logical core..and they should atleast WORK. So they dont even install ey?
u mean somethin like >>this<<? Whole new meaning to portable desktop :lol:
Wow 0ms latency. now tht would b a winner. i always get x-crashes. mayb thts due to my lousy soundcard. Btw Cheez where did u get ur M-Audio card from then? Are the prices reasonable? I saw an EMU "import" costing $100++ more than retail price. And to think that Creative is local :x
zeng: a notebook processor cannot b upgraded. unless u know ur way ard it very well. but for mainstream consumers, no. Cheez is using a deskbook :lol:
Cheez
Moderator
gutturalpiss, I'm no PC expert and don't know how the software works in conjunction with the hardware wiring. But some software just don't support duo core. We had to turn off duo core etc. Some of them don't support hyperthreading either - and that had to be turned off - although this issue was solved in most software lately. Because duo core is still relatively new, software need to slowly catch up with the changes. Eventually, they should be compatible. Don't ask me why - I've got no clue.
By the way, I'm not using M-audio soundcard. I use Echo Indigo io. M-audio is my midi interface. You can get M-audio products from Sinamex. And there can never be pure zero latency. It's near zero latency! Pure perfect zero latency only exists in hardware. Near zero latency is sufficient most of the time.
The link you posted is really cool! Amazing custom made stuff!
By the way, I'm not using M-audio soundcard. I use Echo Indigo io. M-audio is my midi interface. You can get M-audio products from Sinamex. And there can never be pure zero latency. It's near zero latency! Pure perfect zero latency only exists in hardware. Near zero latency is sufficient most of the time.
The link you posted is really cool! Amazing custom made stuff!
gutturalpiss
New member
ohh..im not sure abt software, but for games, one can very easily configure em to recognise n take advantage of the cores. so im assuming the same CAN apply to software such as Gigastudio. If hardware manufacturers are releasing things which our most important software cant recognise, i dont know who are the losers.
however take a look at this >>discussion<< If u can get dual-core working, ur software would sure benefit alot.
Yeah i heard abt Sinamex..the official M-Audio dealer here. Thot there may b other places.
Sure. Mayb u could use some sorta handle like that..make 8kg easier to bring ard :lol:
Anyway zeng, major IT and Hardware sales/shows are coming soon. Should wait til then..good offers on notebooks. Specs-wise, u'll b fine w/ what u posted (get Core 2 Duo instead of just Core Duo). Just worry abt the software n sound stuff first. An old desktop p3 866 can last 8 years n longer. So theres no reason why such a new powerful notebook wont last u long enough.
however take a look at this >>discussion<< If u can get dual-core working, ur software would sure benefit alot.
Yeah i heard abt Sinamex..the official M-Audio dealer here. Thot there may b other places.
Sure. Mayb u could use some sorta handle like that..make 8kg easier to bring ard :lol:
Anyway zeng, major IT and Hardware sales/shows are coming soon. Should wait til then..good offers on notebooks. Specs-wise, u'll b fine w/ what u posted (get Core 2 Duo instead of just Core Duo). Just worry abt the software n sound stuff first. An old desktop p3 866 can last 8 years n longer. So theres no reason why such a new powerful notebook wont last u long enough.
teraslasch
New member
speaking of compability, ive got a question cheez. is Kore compatible with AMD? when i looked at their min. sepcs, i didnt see AMD there. however for other NI instuments, they all have AMD there. does this mean that i cant use kore with AMD? =x
Just an update to Cheez's thread, I'm currently using a Pentium M(1.6) as my DAW and it runs most things fine. In fact, I didn't even bother optimising stuff for DAW and just ran it as it is, with internet, games and stuff. At least for me, it works for my purposes, which essentially involves a lot of audio usually. It can choke sometimes, but rarely, especially if you use a decent USB interface.
As you can see, my notebook isn't quite an ideal DAW. Especially with the new range of notebooks, it is certainly possible to get good (if not decent) usage out of a laptop. Don't need any comparison with Mac, just use what you have, whether Mac or otherwise.
As you can see, my notebook isn't quite an ideal DAW. Especially with the new range of notebooks, it is certainly possible to get good (if not decent) usage out of a laptop. Don't need any comparison with Mac, just use what you have, whether Mac or otherwise.
gutturalpiss
New member
u can use Kore with AMD. The relationship between Processor and Software isnt really anything to do with compatibility..its the drivers n stuff. And sometimes due to unrecognised technology. My friend has Kore on an AMD Barton. No problem there. If u notice, most apps/software, they dont list AMD beside Intel in their reuirements. Some state "or AMD equivalent". Its just that an AMD 2.0GHz is not the same as an Intel one. So they skip the hassle of confusing the customers.
my thanks to gutturalpiss and cheez. yup i will wanna get a deskbook den. i got 2 weeks more b4 my exams so i will get those crap dones. read up on softwares and find my compability.
For me i am alrdy saving up to get a presonus firepod as my interface, and den a good soundcard i heaven read up alot on soundcard yet gonna do my research on that soon. most probabiliy i will save enuff and buy all in one go. rather den get the com and you don have the software and vice versa.
i hope i would be able to update you guys as i go along and please do correct me for any mistakes that i asked or comment on as this would greatly help clarify all my doubts .
thks guys
For me i am alrdy saving up to get a presonus firepod as my interface, and den a good soundcard i heaven read up alot on soundcard yet gonna do my research on that soon. most probabiliy i will save enuff and buy all in one go. rather den get the com and you don have the software and vice versa.
i hope i would be able to update you guys as i go along and please do correct me for any mistakes that i asked or comment on as this would greatly help clarify all my doubts .
thks guys
teraslasch
New member
er.. zenguan, taking Os also? or As? haha.. i taking Os! gd luck anyway.. btw, why do u still wan a soundcard after getting the audio interface, its the same thing
Cheez
Moderator
Tera, Kore should be compatible with AMD. All NI products should be. If in doubt, contact their tech support.
In the past, there are a lot of compatibility issues with DAW applications and AMD. It's basically because the older Athlon XP does not support SSE2 unlike the Pentiums. I believe this has changed now - most software should be able to run well on both platforms. The only thing to look out for is whether the software support 32 or 64 bit.
It all comes to personal preferences and how you interpret benchmarks. Either group will fight for AMD or Intel. Personally, I've always sticked with Intel.
In the past, there are a lot of compatibility issues with DAW applications and AMD. It's basically because the older Athlon XP does not support SSE2 unlike the Pentiums. I believe this has changed now - most software should be able to run well on both platforms. The only thing to look out for is whether the software support 32 or 64 bit.
It all comes to personal preferences and how you interpret benchmarks. Either group will fight for AMD or Intel. Personally, I've always sticked with Intel.
DoubleDecker
New member
molecules_sx said:
First off, pardon me if I am side-tracking. Can't help it because I saw something very intriguting in this thread.
The point being, is having illegal stuffs in your Mac and doesn't crash something that you take pride in? In a forum, typically SOFT, where we share and learn about musical knowledge... and we are talking about original music and creations. I don't think this is actually a "proud affair".
You are correct, almost 95% of our PCs may not be 100% original, but you hardly see anyone advocating a safe working arena with illegal softwares. Do you?
My PC has less than 10% of illegal softwares, and I buy my music basically from Beatport, Ministry of Sound online stores, Housemusic online store and DJ tools such as Acapella and beat loops, because fellow DJs agree the quality of a good MP3 and that of a Limewire version can be drastically different.
You'd know why I work with so little musical tools? It is because I can't afford to pay several thousands for all the original softwares, but that still doesn't mean I would be proud of using illegal softwares and my PC/Mac doesn't crash on me. I can only go for 2 or 3 programs which I can afford, like Fruityloops with tonnes of free VSTs available. Value for money that is with a unbeliveable expansion capability.
For that, less than 10% of my stuffs are pirated, that's what I am truly proud of. Not in your manner that is. I don't think that point of yours is very much valid in SOFT - the pride with your Mac and illegal softwares like you said.
You can have it in your own choice, that's perfectly alright. It is still not something that one should be feeling proud about.
My 2 cents worth,
DD
DoubleDecker
New member
zenguan88 said:
I do know overseas, there are DIY laptops specially configure to aid producers in their work. But DIY laptops are not very much available here. In fact, I was surprised there are DIY laptops because I have never ever come across one in our small little red dot.
DD
carnhartt
New member
Replying to your previous posts:
Most professional musicians uses MAC for live performances.
For example, (for the ones I've attended)lacebo and Snow Patrol.
But in the end, its always a person preference.
Im using a NEC 1.7 Gig P4, 1 gig RAM laptop to run my samples during live performances and its not a problem at all. Some softwares can adjust the rate of latency compensation and the rate of samples you want per milisecond.
I dont know much about MAC but I thought it has always been the design protocol for audio, video and imaging. I'm more comfortable to a PC though
Cheers
Most professional musicians uses MAC for live performances.
For example, (for the ones I've attended)
lacebo and Snow Patrol.But in the end, its always a person preference.
Im using a NEC 1.7 Gig P4, 1 gig RAM laptop to run my samples during live performances and its not a problem at all. Some softwares can adjust the rate of latency compensation and the rate of samples you want per milisecond.
I dont know much about MAC but I thought it has always been the design protocol for audio, video and imaging. I'm more comfortable to a PC though
Cheers
