Plugins optimization ? Can't make work more than 1

[ameldabee]

Hello fellow ProTools citizens !

I'm using a Sony VAIO VGN-FJ1S PC Notebook, ProTools LE 7.0, and looks like I can't even have two plugins running at the same time (on two different tracks obviously) (battery 2 and some Native Instrument plugins like an Hammond for example).

I know I'm quite low on the Ram (could switch it to 2Go). I've read everything regarding those 'hw buffer size' errors in the other posts and checked if I was missing something obvious. Nothing popped so far. But before doing anything (buying Ram or switching to a better computer), I wanted to know whether you guys had any suggestions regarding what I should do to or try in order to avoid those really, really annoying 'increase hw buffer size' errors (in a word, I can't do anything).

My set-up :

Product Details
Key Features
Processor Intel Pentium M 1.73 GHz

Installed Memory 512 MB (DDR2 SDRAM)

Display 14.1 in. WXGA TFT Active Matrix

Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition

Mobile Technology Wi-Fi Certified
Processor
Processor Type Pentium M

Processor Manufacturer Intel

Processor Speed 1.73 GHz

Processor Number 740
Motherboard
Bus Speed 533 MHz
Memory
Installed RAM 512 MB

RAM Technology DDR2 SDRAM

Max Supported RAM 2048 MB

RAM Speed 400 MHz

Installed Cache Memory 2048 KB
Hard Drive
Hard Drive Capacity 80 GB

Hard Drive Rotation Speed 5400 RPM
CD / DVD
CD / DVD Type Dual Layer DVD±RW

Optical Drive Read Speed 24x (CD) • 8x (DVD)

Optical Drive Write Speed 24x (CD) • 8x (DVD+R) • 8x (DVD-R) • 4x (DVD+R DL)

Optical Drive ReWrite Speed 24x (CD-RW) • 8x (DVD+RW) • 6x (DVD-RW)
Display
Display Tech WXGA TFT Active Matrix

Display Size 14.1 in.

Display Max. Resolution 1280 x 800
Video
Graphic Processor Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) 900
Audio
Audio Output Type Headphones • Sound card • Speaker(s)

Audio Input Type Line In • Microphone
Operating System
Recommended Use Home Use

Platform PC
Technical Features
Expandability 1 x Memory Stick Card Slot, Docking Station/Port Replicator, 1 x Memory Stick PRO, 1 x Memory Stick DUO

Expansion Ports 3 x USB 2.0, 1 x IEEE 1394a (FireWire), VGA out, RJ-11 (modem), RJ-45 (NIC)

Special Features Integrated Video Camera

Input Method Keyboard • Touchpad
Networking
Networking Type Integrated 10/100 • Integrated Wireless LAN

Data Link Protocol Ethernet • Fast Ethernet • IEEE 802.11b • IEEE 802.11g
Modem
Modem Type Fax / Modem

Analog Modulation Protocol ITU V.90, ITU V.92 • K56Flex
Battery
Battery Run Time 3.53 Hour(s).

Battery Technology Lithium ion
Dimensions
Width 13.39 in.

Depth 9.98 in.

Height 1.3 in.

Weight 5.18 lb.
Miscellaneous
MPN VGNFJ1S

Product ID 28014980

Hope that'll be enough informations.

Thanx a lot in advance, there is some amazing knowledge dropped on this board on a daily basis.

[spkguitar]

You actually have quite a few problems going on there.

Your main problem is the RAM. You're trying to use sampling plugins, plugins that load samples into memory, and windows and Pro Tools are using most of the available RAM.

I only see one hard drive listed, and it is too slow to run sessions from. Running sessions from the system drive is not supported or recommended, and session drives are required to be 7200rpm. Check the compatibility pages for details.

Disable the modem altogether.

Disable the wireless LAN when using PT.

Your processor is a bit slow compared to newer models, so if you are looking for pure performance, you might consider a total upgrade.


Most of this information is covered in the General Troubleshooting thread and the compatibility pages (which are the first link on the troubleshooting thread).

[ameldabee]

Thanx for the quick answer.

I forgot to mention that I'm using an external hard drive Fire Wired when running ProTools (btw, what's that message saying that you may loss some plugins fonctions with your external hard drive plugged into the laptop when launching ProTools ?).

Modem and Wifi are disabled.

I'll try with 1Go Ram added to see if ProTools runs better, can't hurt anyway....

[spkguitar]

(btw, what's that message saying that you may loss some plugins fonctions with your external hard drive plugged into the laptop when launching ProTools ?).

Sounds like the name of the drive might be too long; try renaming the drive with 11 characters or less.

[ameldabee]

Yep, makes perfect sense !
I will change that drive's name.
Thanx !