New to windows, and need help fine tuning things

twain_x26 · Post by **twain_x26** » Sun Apr 17, 2005 4:57 am

Alright I need some help. I just recently upgraded my computer. I would have got a dual mac G5, but didn't have the money, so instead I ended up getting AMD 64 3500, with 1 gig of RAM.
I'm not getting decent performance. I was taking a look at the performance test that Adam Jay did a while back and noticed that everyone with a AMD 64 seemed to be getting about a 19-20 something cpu drain when performing the test. I tried it and am getting a 47 to 50 percent drain.
Anyone want to point me to somewhere I can learn about windows and improve my machine? I would like it to be as powerful as it should be. It's the last one I'll be getting for awhile. At the moment a bit confused about why so many people hate Macs and love windows. I'm personally beginning to think I made a bad move getting a pc.
help? please?

funkster1 · Post by **funkster1** » Sun Apr 17, 2005 5:46 am

Since you didn't specify if you're using other music apps then LIVE,
there are quite some sites to look at for hardware & software tweaking and getting the best out of your system for music production:

http://home.earthlink.net/~rongonz/home ... e.html#TOC
http://g33kflat.skankyflat.net/articles ... l#preamble (though not specifically for audio recording, this site still has some useful info)
http://www.cakewalk.com/forum/tm.asp?m=45491&mpage=1 (not only for SONAR users, but tips on use of SATA HDD's)
http://www.geocities.com/phileosophos/t ... tency.html (also related to SATA)
http://www.jay.fm/miditime/ (some thoughts about MIDI timing under Cubase SX/Nuendo)
http://forum.cubase.net/phpbb2/viewtopi ... =8292#8292
http://forum.cubase.net/phpbb2/viewtopi ... =8291#8291
http://www.pcmus.com/ (not only for ST Audio product users, but general advice)
http://www.musicxp.net/ (hurry up, the owner is selling the domain and it's one of the most specialised tips and tricks section for setting up WinXP for musicians)

Well, ther's a lot of stuff to read/learn already. I think some very important info's you'll find with your Audiocard manufacturer too, as far as compatibility with certain other hardware goes, or for tips on configuring certain things to make your experience smooth sailing.

Hope you'll find what you need somewhere in there.

Regards
Raphael

Martyn · Post by **Martyn** » Sun Apr 17, 2005 9:30 am

I know Funkser already mentioned this one in his list but this one is probably the best place to start.

http://www.musicxp.net/tuning_tips.php

I think it'll take you a while to get to like windows (if you ever do) coming from a Mac, its a bit like hot rodding a family saloon, those tweaks do make a big difference.

Best of luck.

btw, keep it well defragged, especially after installing anything or recording lots of audio. Doing this regularly gives your drive heads far less work to do and aids audio throughput considerably.

AdamJay · Post by **AdamJay** » Sun Apr 17, 2005 9:32 am

here's the problem

control panel power management
set it to "ALWAYS ON"

and make this a sticky please ableton.

twain_x26 · Post by **twain_x26** » Sun Apr 17, 2005 5:12 pm

Good God! I just set the power management to always on, and the cpu dropped to 20-22! From 47-50! that's a big jump! What exactly did I just do? And why did it affect everything so much?

Rx · Post by Rx » Mon Apr 18, 2005 1:41 am

if Power Management is not Always On, Windows is checking constantly to determine if the monitor or hard drives need to be shut down or not.

AdamJay · Post by **AdamJay** » Mon Apr 18, 2005 2:20 am

leave it at always on.

man this issue really needs to be a sticky.