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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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I have an Intel Core i3 Windows computer with 8GB of RAM, which I purchased back in 2020. The main thing I use the computer for is running RealBand to generate RealDrums and RealTracks backing tracks for songs I write and sing and play guitar with. I do this as a hobby, not as a professional, though I take the hobby rather seriously.

I'm considering buying a new PC that has the latest generation Core i7 processor and 32 GB of RAM. Clearly this is a more powerful machine than the one I currently own. However, the BIAB/RealBand system requirement imply that my existing i3/8GB RAM setup will suffice.

My question: if I get the new i7/32GB RAM system, would the performance of RealBand be noticeably better than what I've experience on the i3/8GB RAM system? Or would it feel/perform more-or-less the same?

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Yes, you should feel BIAB is more ‘peppy’ feeling. If you get an M.3 SSD drive for BIAB, that will make an amazing difference in file and RealTrack loading. Next to that is the CPU speed for regeneration of songs.

Just knowing i3 versus i7 doesn’t guarantee a performance increase. There are lots of speed levels and number of cores in each line. I’ve seen an i5 blow the doors off a lower spec 17. So, compare the processor speed ex. 3.7 GHz and then look at the number of cores. Sites by Intel and third parties like Geekbench can compare CPUs you might buy.

I just went from an i7 that was good seven years ago to a mid-spec i9. It does feel faster overall in everything I do.


BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Thank you, Matt. Here is my old/existing unit and the new one I'm looking at. Does the difference between these two strike you as ones that would make a noticeable difference in the performance of BIAB/RealBand?

Old/existing system:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07M6JYWXX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

New/proposed system:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C4F56BBG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

Many thanks in advance!

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I'm not Matt but, if these are standard on the version you intend to buy, yes it *should be noticeably faster.

Quote
The MINISFORUM NPB7 Mini PC is equipped with Intel 13th Gen Core i7-13700H(14 cores/20 threads/up to 5.0GHz) Processor. With Intel Iris Xe Graphics eligible (the graphics frequency up to 1.50GHz), it offers an excellent performance of Internet and Office applications, Monitors, Projects and TVs.
This Mini Computer comes with DDR5 16GBx2 memory + M.2 2280 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD storage (up to 2TB).

Though your previous computer did have an SSD hard drive (which is fast), M.2 is supposed to be even faster .. plus you appear to be getting 8X as much hard drive space and many more processor cores/threads and better speed ..
It doesn't specify NVMe (which makes these M.2 drives even faster), just how much faster could be arguable .. could be marketing not mentioning it or intentionally hiding it .. but still likely faster and larger storage than previous machine

Oh wait! it does mention PCIe 4 .. so yes, it should be a fast machine for your intent .. NVMe might be overkill for your needs (and cost more)


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Cool, thank you!

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Yes, what Bob said.


BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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