Increasing performance by increasing internal mem

[elv1s1sal1ve]

I use PTLE on my Gateway 7510GX that is equipped out of the box with 1 gig of internal memory (512 unremoveable/512 removeable). I am considering replacing the 512 removeable with 1 gig in order to increase the overall internal to 1.5 gig. Is this really worth the investment (about $120.00 USD + tax)? I do get quite a bit of CPU overload when I get to five or six tracks in a session, especially when I start throwing in effects/filters, etc. I've kind of learned to live with it, but it still kind of annoys the heck out of me. Unfortunately, this machine is not dedicated to sequencing and music only...it also doubles as my personal computer, so I know some of my limits are self-imposed. But until I build a computer to dedicate to music use only, this is what I must deal with. I figure the memory upgrade is one of my easiest ways to increase performance, but if anybody has any other tips (in light of my limitations), I would love to hear them. Thanks.

[spkguitar]

A memory upgrade on that computer is only going to help if you are using soft-samplers (BFD, Kontakt, Sampletank, etc) or other synths that load sounds into memory.

I have a very similar machine, the eMachines M6811, which I upgraded as you are asking about, but I did so because I use BFD and others and needed the power for those. If you are not using samplers in your sessions, and you are only able to get 6 tracks going, then there is definitely something wrong with either your machine, your configuration, or with the way that you are doing things. I can easily get 48 tracks (with the Music Production Toolkit) with several effects and even some softsynths without my machine crapping out, and the 6811 has a slower processor (3400+) than the Gateway you are using (3700+), so you should be getting better performance than I am.

You aren't trying to record to the internal drive, are you?

[elv1s1sal1ve]

Actually, I guess I should have added that I do use Kontakt 2, Sampletank and Reason Adapted with PTLE. I will probably purchase BFD in the next few months also, so I guess a memory upgrade would be a smart move. Also, I'm using alot of midi tracks in my sessions. Would that cause alot of CPU overload?