Question: Computers for Dummies Question to be Exact

[themadarchitect]

I've read through the I7 build thread for months now. I am still skeptical on jumping the gun..I am by far no computer specialist..and I have some Dummies questions for the guru's here.

Why is 64 bit necessary if I have an 8 core or however many core computer? Wasn't the point to get more out of the computer by assigning cores and scheduler to specific tasks. I know the argument about 32bit only recognizing slightly less than 4 gigs...Just don't get the point of the Cores if it still doesn't work for anything but 64 bit systems. Or am I completely wrong?

[YoRugMan]

Originally Posted by themadarchitect

I've read through the I7 build thread for months now. I am still skeptical on jumping the gun..I am by far no computer specialist..and I have some Dummies questions for the guru's here.

Why is 64 bit necessary if I have an 8 core or however many core computer? Wasn't the point to get more out of the computer by assigning cores and scheduler to specific tasks. I know the argument about 32bit only recognizing slightly less than 4 gigs...Just don't get the point of the Cores if it still doesn't work for anything but 64 bit systems. Or am I completely wrong?

You're completely wrong.

You do get the benefit multiple cores has to offer in 32bit.
Just assign PT's processing engine to one less - so, with 8 cores, set it to 7.
This way, you have one core set aside for everything else (the OS for example).


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[themadarchitect]

So in other words, until PT is compatible with a 64bit OS..building a multiple core computer for it that can do anything over 4 gigs is really just a waste of time or a hopeful investment into the future.

[YoRugMan]

Originally Posted by themadarchitect

So in other words, until PT is compatible with a 64bit OS..building a multiple core computer for it that can do anything over 4 gigs is really just a waste of time or a hopeful investment into the future.

er, no, not a complete waste - other than to wait until i9 is out, then i7 prices will start to drop....

With regards to RAM, having more than 4Gb in 64bit Windows using 32bit Pro Tools also has it's benefits.
If you had, say, 12Gb in your system, 4Gb would be allocated to PT, another 4Gb to Virtual Instruments, and the last 4 for the OS - as opposed to less than 4Gb being allocated to everything in a 32bit OS.

Having said all that, when it comes to overall stability, by all means go ahead and build your new PC but try to get your hands on Windows XP for the time being, and only update to PT 8.0.1cs1 - if you need to make music urgently.


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[themadarchitect]

yeah thats all great..but if PT isn't supported on a 64 bit system yet, having all that extra RAM to dedicate to something that you are using INSIDE of Pro Tools doesn't seem to make sense if the program will be unstable.

But thanks for the clarification.

[YoRugMan]

Originally Posted by themadarchitect

yeah thats all great..but if PT isn't supported on a 64 bit system yet, having all that extra RAM to dedicate to something that you are using INSIDE of Pro Tools doesn't seem to make sense if the program will be unstable.

But thanks for the clarification.

Happy to help.

I would advise that you join the rest of us (well, most of us) in waiting patiently to see what Digi releases.


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[themadarchitect]

Originally Posted by YoRugMan

Happy to help.

I would advise that you join the rest of us (well, most of us) in waiting patiently to see what Digi releases.


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lol, i've been waiting patiently since '98 on native to be the powerhouse that it should. Guess a couple more years won't hurt.

[Shan]

Originally Posted by themadarchitect

lol, i've been waiting patiently since '98 on native to be the powerhouse that it should. Guess a couple more years won't hurt.

Native has been a power house for a few years already.

Shane

[albee1952]

Originally Posted by Shan

Native has been a power house for a few years already.

Shane

I agree and am perfectly happy to have 6 gig in my i7 system. I call it "future proof". ^4 bits will get here eventually, but I am able to do everything I need just fine on 32 bit XP.

[Keybeeetsss]

Originally Posted by Shan

Native has been a power house for a few years already.

Shane

Rite...