Best CPU for Hard disk Recording?

[RSM]

OK,I've heard a ton of opinions on this one and decided to bring it in here for the CPU steel cage match!Hard disk recording can be pretty demanding on a CPU and system in general.Do you think a thunderbird holds the crown over a P3?How about the 133 vs 100 ram/fsb difference?Is a Duron even a consideration for such a heavy load?I am thinking of multiple 24 bit tracks and direct x plug ins.Opinions?

 

[GaryTcs]

Tom's did a mpeg-4 decoding test (very processor intensive), and I believe the results were Athlon, P-4, P-3, Duron. (the P-4 should improve to best with sse2 optimization)None were shamefully underpowered.

 

[RSM]

I didn't see that-i'll check it out.

 

[HammondB3]

How funny...I just posted on this (see thread: Can I add to this STUPID amd vs. intel debate? ).

I run a media group and after past debacles with AMD compatibility with current (and future - VERY IMPORTANT!!) professional audio/video hardware designed for professional media content production...I HIGHLY SUGGEST YOU GO INTEL. No exceptions...it's standard issue to just do it.

There is a VERY sketchy past and future with AMD in this line of work. Learn from the big boys in this business...stay Intel for this type of production work (of course... although I don't agree with their pricing strategy - the Mac is another ace in this field as you know)

I have seen test results from newer audio boards coming out (btw: you may want to wait a bit before you decide on a DAW audio board...some great stuff is coming) and the prelims are showing once again incompatibilities with AMD based systems.

Does this mean I hate AMD? HECK NO!!! If you're a home user/gamer...THEN YES.. GO AMD and save the cash as well.
There's room in this world for both and thank God for the choices now (No bias here)...but in the media content business..the choice is clear (now and for the future).

My suggestion: before you go wading through the AMD vs. Intel muck I've read here...I would make damn sure you're talking with people in your line of work. Not just some gamer who's OC'd many systems for like purposes.

thanks,
Joe

 

[RSM]

Hammond-great commentary!Can you be more accurate on the incompatibiliies please?
I don't intend the contimuing of the intel vs amd,my stuff is cooler than your stuff debate.Just real info on which is the current best choice for this area of computing.

 

[HammondB3]

Sure brother...but I don't know how to answer your question without naming company names when lucky enough to see these prototypes (a big NO-NO right now).

In one test scenario (give you a hint: a cow goes?, and they were first in sampling) incompatibilites are related to the current AMD chipset. In this 24 in/out prototype beauty (with the most connectivity of any board sen yet)...the i/o was limited to a stereo pair requiring a changes to the boards architecture for possible compat fix. Connectivity was limited as well. Current Intel chipsets did not relay this problem.

Now - it is possible (not unheard of but rather unlikely) this company will re-design it's board at this point to accomodate this unfortunate problem. It's "THAT" early in the game (but it is unlikely because of the current user base in this field). Another factor is this "costs money".

Prototype 2: (Hint - most common "tools" in the business) will most likely fall into the same boat (chipset issues) and include a disclaimer for users of AMD chipsets. Functionality will drastically be reduced..but it will at least work in this case (not as bad as above).
Unfortunately - this will most likely stay unresolved (again...$ issues).

NOW - this doesn't mean we HATE amd...remember? What I listed applied to newer audio gear and example syou asked about (but this is hardware I think you're gonna really dig if you're into this stuff). THERE ARE PLENTY OF CURRENT PROFESSIONAL AUDIO/VIDEO HARDWARE AVAILABLE TODAY THAT WILL WORK WITH AMD TODAY. Then again..there are some that never will be compatiible.

Tell me what you're going for hardware-wise and I can better guide you.

My point is - if you're into this line of work...stay Intel. the test bed for Intel boxes vs. AMD setups is 90% Intel. A Very important factor with like hardware companies catering to such a small user base as this (media/content creation).

Good luck,
Joe

 

[HammondB3]

BTW I love this:

I felt sorry for myself that I had no shoes until I saw a man who had no feet. ..........So I took his shoes cause hell,he ain't gonna need 'em!

that's just great!

joe

 

[RSM]

Excellent-this is what i was after.I have seen too many well i like mine,so it's best for everyone arguments with no real world proof in this area.If you could mail or PM me i would like to get more in depth as far as particulars on a few items you spoke of.Stricktly off the books of courseAny thoughts on software items?The only completly incompatible,don't even try it piece i've come across is gigasampler.Anyone else?.......thoughts?

 

[RSM]

It's there to make ya smile!

 

[HammondB3]

As far as software items: Yes I can safely suggest the following (software currently available)

Trackers:

- Nuendo (steinberg) is a very powerful application that has proven (recently) to be one of the most stable (read: better coding) and functional trackers available.

- Reviewers and users also rave of Logic (which I havn't had more than a day to play with
UI is a bit hairier but I think you'll pick it up well.

- in "just a bit lower price arena ..Vegas Video/Vegas Audio seems to be catering well to it's users...providing the necessary functionality for everyday content creation and most hardware ound today.
Excellent UI btw.

- (hrd/sft) My top choice of this type of system if I had to choose hardware "today" would be the Paris system. Please go get some hands on demos of this if you can. You may want to save for this (depending on how serious this is going to be for you). It's just elegant and stable...I love it.

- (hrd/sft) of course there's the Pro Tools which i'm sure you already know about (I highly reccomend to go MAC in this scenario). I not longer agree with the pricing strategies of Digidesign

Dedicated Editors:

For PC it's pretty much your standard Wavelab (Steinberg - and yes "support is a problem) and Sforge (good support...but still waiting on 24-bit editing).
* Wavelab of course being choice among 24-bit audio file users.

ciao,
Joe