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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 265
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 265 |
On one of my computers, I'm running BIAB on an old XP system with only one Gig of RAM. BIAB works OK, with occasional glitches.
I'm planning to replace the system eventually, but I'm wondering if more RAM would speed up BIAB considerably and if it would be worth spending a hundred bucks or so on another gig of RAM at this point.
Thanks in advance for feedback...
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,825
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,825 |
If you shop around you should be able to either get another gig stick or a 2 gig stick to add on or replace the one you have for around $50
2 gig is well worth it.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
My observations with BIAB is that it's not the RAM that's at issue but the processor.Once the processor locks at 100% you're done for.I know there's a sort of relation ship between Ram/processor and speed but the generation or RTs has always been limited by the processor pegging out at 100% while the RAM use is very low.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
Quote:
My observations with BIAB is that it's not the RAM that's at issue but the processor.Once the processor locks at 100% you're done for.I know there's a sort of relation ship between Ram/processor and speed but the generation or RTs has always been limited by the processor pegging out at 100% while the RAM use is very low.
From the perspective of "bang for the buck", if you're looking at paying $100 to add a gig of ram to an old system or spending a bit more for a new low-end dual core with lots of ram, there's no question about it.
Even a cheap entry level computer from Wal Mart is likely to exceed both the RAM and processing power of an updated older system for a cost that's not much more than the RAM upgrade.
Plus, once you have an extra PC you can use your old one to display manuals or surf the PGMusic forum at the same time as you're running Real Band on the other
;-)
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,848
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,848 |
About two years ago, I spent about $250 and just upgraded my motherboard, processor, and RAM. It was like getting a new turbocharged PC. Kept the hard drives, sound card, video card, case, monitor, etc.
Lots of options to get your computer running faster and better.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
I bought this Lenovo I'm using for $399.00 ship included and it's been beyond awesome. I have not had one issue with Win7x64 with anything I use.Period. And it's as fast as lightning. Two secs to load a full RT BIAB tune!
The only bloatware To remove was:
1. ooVoo
2. McAfee
The rest is all needed in my opinion.
Getting this one on the network was a breeze as well. I now have three computers wireless adhoc networked.
1. Linux
2. XP
3. Win7x64
Last edited by silvertones; 01/03/11 03:33 PM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Quote:
On one of my computers, I'm running BIAB on an old XP system with only one Gig of RAM. BIAB works OK, with occasional glitches.
I'm planning to replace the system eventually, but I'm wondering if more RAM would speed up BIAB considerably and if it would be worth spending a hundred bucks or so on another gig of RAM at this point.
Thanks in advance for feedback...
Without knowing more about your puter, like the CPU type and speed, as well as the mobo, it is not really possible to tell you if it is worth it or not.
You can always use more RAM, but whether or not the machine would work better with RealTracks would be a matter of installing the ram to see what happens. Since you are already running 1 gig, I wouldn't expect fantastic amount of improvement. Well, some. But if, for instance, your CPU is one of the "lesser" chips, it may well be your bottleneck.
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 7
Newbie
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Newbie
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 7 |
I'm always amazed at how many folks ran WinXP on 1GB of RAM. The stuff has been so cheap for several years, it just doesn't make sense. I've been doing IT for about 14 years, and aside from upgrading the Processor (which means another motherboard), Adding RAM is the biggest boost you're going to get. Also, if the computer uses DDR memory, then you need to add the RAM sticks in pairs to get the performance out of them. Most motherboards have 4 slots. As an example, the link below is for an older DDR set of two 1GB sticks for $69 bucks. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231047Remember that XP can only address about 3.5GB total so 4GB is the practical limit in installed memory. One other thing to consider: If your C: drive is more than half full on XP, then each and every thing you add to it will slow the computer down more. It's a flaw in the operating system. Just my $.02, Charles
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 48
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 48 |
If you plan to spend $50-100 on RAM, why not just go another $100 and get a new processor and motherboard. Newegg has Athelon X2 / Gigabyte MB / RAM combos for $150-200 ... just use your existing box and peripherals and swap the old stuff out
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
Quote:
If you plan to spend $50-100 on RAM, why not just go another $100 and get a new processor and motherboard. Newegg has Athelon X2 / Gigabyte MB / RAM combos for $150-200 ... just use your existing box and peripherals and swap the old stuff out
It's not necessarilly that easy. There are many factors.Some of which:
1. Will the MOBO fit in the case. There are a lot on non standard form factor cases out there.
2. Type of drives PATA or SATA
3. Video Card?
4.Do you have the discs with the OS?
5. Very Important. Power Supply and cable config for new devices.
6. do you need PCI slots. rare these days.
Just a few things to consider.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 265
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 265 |
I'm running a Pentium 4 2.8 Mhz.
Can't see investing much in this 8-year-old system except maybe a stick of RAM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 265
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 265 |
Quote:
I bought this Lenovo I'm using for $399.00 ship included and it's been beyond awesome. I have not had one issue with Win7x64 with anything I use.Period. And it's as fast as lightning. Two secs to load a full RT BIAB tune!
The only bloatware To remove was:
1. ooVoo
2. McAfee
The rest is all needed in my opinion.
Getting this one on the network was a breeze as well. I now have three computers wireless adhoc networked.
1. Linux
2. XP
3. Win7x64
That's the point. My wife's $400 Compaq laptop is 10X faster than this 7-year old system. Trying to upgrade at this point is a waste - except maybe a sick of RAM if it would give it a bit more life...
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Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
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Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
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Holiday Weekend Hours
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202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
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- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
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- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
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- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
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- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
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