All in machine- is it feasible?

Astral Fridge Magnet · Mon Aug 05, 2002 8:09 pm

Hello,

I am upgrading my computer soon. I would appreciate any opinions on using removable hard drives.
Of course I am into serious music making but I also enjoy playing computer games. Someone suggested I get a system with removable hard drives so one drive could contain only games which would not conflict with my music programs and another drive would contain only music related stuff. It would be too expensive buying two computers dedicated to their designated tasks.
I have heard that the socket that the hard drives clicks into is susceptible to wear and tear and can wear out after a while. Is this true? Does anyone have any experience with this?
Partitioning may be a solution, but I have heard that if you get bad sectors on your drive it is as good as dead anyway. Or should I just forget the whole idea and buy two computers designated for their own particular task, though that is an expensive option. Someone also suggested checking out http://www.hyperos2002.com

Any comments would greatly be appreciated.

Regards

Weirdo The weird

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Weirdo The Weird on 2002-08-05 23:30 ]</font>

digitalboy · Post by **digitalboy** » Wed Aug 07, 2002 4:56 am

This is definitely the most expensive route to go, but I would suggest getting a Mac for your audio stuff and keep your existing PC for games.

Just for comparison, I can get lower latencies (1-3 ms) on my 4-year-old 400 MHz G4 Mac than I can on my fully tweaked custom 2GHz PC running Windows XP Pro (using the same audio hardware on each platform).

I can of course run a few more plug-ins on the PC than I can on the Mac (but not as many as you might think). However, I am certain that a dual 1GHz (or faster) Mac would kick the crap out of my current PC for audio.

Anyway, it's something to at least think about.

Good luck!

digitalboy · Post by **digitalboy** » Wed Aug 07, 2002 5:00 am

Whoops, sorry for starting a new thread. I guess I hit the "New Thread" button by mistake rather than selecting "Reply." My apologies to everyone.

I feel really stupid right now - oh well, it's not the first time I've felt that way and it most likely won't be the last time either...

Immanuel · Post by **Immanuel** » Wed Aug 07, 2002 5:20 am

What kind of PC-games are they? Are they system demanding 3d ones? I am so glad, I finaly have parts to make 2 PCs. It feels good to have a music only PC. And I have nothing in the PCI other than my CW cards - not even a NIC. Data are transfered with CDRs.

It also depends if you use native a lot. I don't, so my music PC is based on a Celatin 1@1,3gHz on an Asus TUSL2-c. If I should upgrade this year, it would be an extra harddrive. Everything else is perfect

Immanuel

krizrox · Post by **krizrox** » Wed Aug 07, 2002 7:04 am

Having two separate systems seems like a drastic measure but ultimately, might be the best way to go if you can afford it.

The low cost solution is to buy Partition Magic and install their BootMagic software. That way you can have separate partitions and OS's for games and recording. I use it and I love it!

However, I know for a fact that some of those gaming video cards can wreak havoc on a recording app. You may have more problems with your video card/drivers than anything else.

Astral Fridge Magnet · Wed Aug 07, 2002 6:49 pm

In response to Immanuel, yes, some of my games are 3D heavy. Also excuse my ignorance but what do you mean by "native"?

For Krizrox:

Do you know any cards in particular that cause problems with music apps? If I do go for a all in one system, I am thinking of getting an ASUS V8240/DT Ti4200 128Mb video card.

While I'm here, any recommendations for a motherboard? I was thinking of getting an ASUS P4T-E. Anything better around? I have also heard about the ASUS P4B series is very good.

To everyone else who has so far responded: thank you for your efforts and time.

Post by **garyb** » Wed Aug 07, 2002 11:04 pm

get another computer.(it's so fun when they start having babies!)

at0m · Post by **at0m** » Thu Aug 08, 2002 12:03 am

I do everything on the same machine. This induces only one problem: dedication & concentration. I get distracted all the time. Cos there's so much going on...

Immanuel · Post by **Immanuel** » Fri Aug 09, 2002 6:56 pm

Native = when your CPU does the stuff, your DSPs are supposed to do. And as at0mic said - concentration can be easyer on a "clean" machine.

Maybe use a "let it pass" system like me. When I upgrade the best PC, the older one gets the left overs.

Immanuel

jupiter8 · Post by **jupiter8** » Sat Aug 10, 2002 5:14 am

If you run XP could'nt you have 2 "users"?
One gamer and one muscician setup?

mano · Post by **mano** » Sat Aug 10, 2002 11:34 am

Create 2 user profiles in Windows XP

one normal, one ultra optimized (read threads and tweak tips sites).

voila!

no need for 2 hard drives
no need to buy both a mac and a pc
no need to install windows twice
works just fine!

XP works great with SFP, no problem.