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Joined: Nov 2010
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I don't know much about computers. All I really need is a new one to search the internet, and MOST of all to run BAIB 2011 Ultra Pack 312 do I have to worry about what type of Processor is in the new one to run BIAB? I'm thinking about buying one from Best Buy $279.00 Compaq-Presario Desktop/AMD E-Series Processor/3 GB memory/500GB Hard Drive. Will that do?
Thanks Frank
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It certainly should. I don't use AMD processors, but any new computer on the market should have a processor sufficient to run BIAB. There's more to it, of course, so if you are concerned, you could have the store download and run Geekbench on it and report your score here. And just about any PC of the last ten years should browse the Internet well enough.
The more important question will be, what will you use for sound? If you use just RealDrums and RealTracks, the included soundcard (or it may be built-in to the motherboard) may be fine. If you want to do MIDI tracks, or live recording, you will want to come back here for advice.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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most off-the-shelf computers will run biab just fine. like matt so wisely stated, the on-board sound chip will dictate the sound quality you'll get. that need not be a big concern because you can always upgrade your card. if you expect to need multiple ins/outs then this forum is the right place to discuss your options. another immediate consideration is your choice of os (operating system). besides mac vs: pc, you have a confusing plethora (a 25 loony word) options in windows alone. i'm using win 7/64-bit and i am thrilled with it, you will still find win xp systems on the shelf, but i'd go for win 7 either 32 or 64 bit.
just my dos centavos.
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Frank, love the ring of that.
I have 3 AMD systems. Based on old Tech Tv cable show recommendations purchased an AMD 3000 system with XP. About 7 years ago. It currently operates nicely. Dont use it much right now.
After looking at benchmark testing and success of my old HP Compaq XP AMD system. Studied processor speeds and benchmarks of a AMD X 64 Dual-Core 5200+ Vista based HP system. Price also entered decision. Purchased it. Have had it over 3 years with a Nvidia 9600 graphics card added, just love the system. Do a little video work and the rendering takes a lot of time, but whiz's thru with this system. Couple of glitches with the VISTA (32bit windows) *&^%$# software abandoning a lot of legacy software. All in all was and still is a very fast system. Primary Desktop right now. Also have my old XT Audigy 2ZS card in the vista. You need a decent soundcard with sufficient inputs/outputs. Would not necessarily make this a primary part of your decision. Many folks here are using M-Audio which has economical and high quality abilities.
Also purchased an ACER Aspire 7535-5320 bout 1 1/2 years ago. Has AMD Athlon with 64X2 QL65 processor. It has Win7 64 bit software. Purchased this for the portability features. Only have maybe 100 hours on it, dont like laptops, but it seems to be a good system. Its BenchMark speeds even tho 2 years newer than my Vista is only 3/4 or even less in its speed.
There you have it, not an AMD fan as opposed to Intel, but based on pricing, speed, and function. Both of my 2 Desktops are HP...one HP Pavilion...one HP Compaq. Generally speaking believe the Compaq is the smaller sister of the Pavilion.
Do not discount purchasing a system from Wally world(Walmart), then have 3 year extension contract for about 80 bucks. The also are excellent in the honoring of this contract. Look online at their site. My Acer on black friday 2009 was almost 300 bucks lower in price. ACER is popular in Europe.
Keep in mind Black Friday is about a month away so all the primary retailers will have some fantastic sales coming up.
Good luck, not easy to decide these days,
Seeker
FWIW, Wally world, have no connection, just happy camper with several TV's and DVD recorders.
Last edited by seeker; 10/28/11 06:27 PM.
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Matt, Don and Seeker thank you for your replies. I have to read them over a few time to take it all in.
Frank
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I guess the main point I would like to leave you with is that BIAB runs on just about any computer.
It is only when you start using many RealTracks in the same song that you might even have a problem based on the computer's specs, but I don't think that is likely on any computer that is sold new.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Matt thanks for that last reply that was part of my question but I did'nt know how to express it. I remember people posting on here that you needed x amount of room on ur computer to load all the real tracks and such and that to save room u should only load what u think u would be useing. On this computer I loaded all the stuff that came with the Ultra Pack 312 and I know I'll never use most of the real track and other things. I guess my concern was will I be able to load that much on the computer I'am thinking of buying. But my eyes are opened now and I'll problaly wait till black friday.
Frank
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Black Friday, sounds like some kind of "Horror" show, and with our one experience 2009, its borderline. There is a lot of info out on the net prior to this. I found it very helpful in our shopping. http://www.google.com/#hl=en&sugexp=...l=&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=250116ba2d339486&biw=1124&bih=776
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