[mma] random CPU spikes with multicore support?

[smocksturr]

Hello,

I'm running Live 8.1.1 on an AMD Phenom II X4 940 3.0 GHz processor with 4 GB 800 mhz RAM. I just installed Windows 7 64 bit (I used to run Hackintosh on this computer). OSX was not quite stable enough for me, so I decided to switch to windows.

When running a Live 8 performance test with multicore on, I get around 28% CPU usage, a good score. When I turn off multicore, I get around 130%. That's fine. However, when running any real projects with audio, effects and Reason rewired in, I get spike all over the place. For example, on one project, when I have multicore off, the CPU usage stays at 26% even. With multicore on, it jumps around like crazy from 20% to 45%. I'm not running any VSTs, just two instances of a Vocoder, some effects and about 4 audio tracks (including a rather large Reason file).

Any advice? Should I switch to Windows XP or something?



Thanks,
Drew

[smocksturr]

It's worth mentioning that I'm using a Presonus Firebox, and that my 1394 card is running in Legacy mode to do so.

[smocksturr]

Actually, I've just noticed that it's happening regardless of multicore support.

Is this a Windows 7 64/AMD Phenom II bug or something?

[Matthias]

Hi smocksturr,

To help you I'd like to ask you the following things:

- Do you experience drop-outs with the CPU spikes?
- What warp mode do you use to play audio clips if you have audio clips?
- Do the experience the cpu spikes also if you do not rewire Reason?
- Do you experience the cpu spikes also when using a direct-x output device instead of, I guess, ASIO?
- How big is your buffer size set-up in the preferences for your Presonus Firebox?

best wishes,
matthias

[smocksturr]

Thanks for the reply, but I just fixed it - the cause was AMD Cool n' Quiet. Just disabled it in the bios and everything runs buttery smooth. Thanks! (maybe this is a known issue already)

[made in live]

Hello, I am experiencing the similar problem I have CPU spikes when launching scenes and when I push stop button - CPU goes crazy, Its not about ram - I have MacBook pro with 2Gb ram and activity monitor shows about 700mb of free ram after launching big project, also it is not about plugins - I tried turn off VST and AU, the only thing that helps is not using more than 3 audio tracks( I am able to use as much midi tracks as I whant), or setting the buffer over 300 samples - for me is too much as I am using audio fx in real time in my live acts, I was mailing with Ableton support but nothing helped, maybe some one here can help me to solve the problem?
best regards
nade in live