GREAT POINT!!!! If you are using an older operating system, it's time to upgrade that as well. For Macintosh users, the new version of the OS (MAVERICKS) is FREE!!!! It's entirely 64 and runs really fast with 64 bit apps such as REAPER 64.
For windows users, sadly, the new version of the operating system is not free. Not to mention many people despise what they have done to the way the interface/gui works. However, it does support 64 bit and all the older versions are being phased out in terms of driver support from the major vendors so.....
In short, when you upgrade ram, it may be time to upgrade your operating system as well!!
ONE CRITICAL POINT BEFORE YOU UPGRADE!!!
*MAKE SURE that whatever hardware/audio interface you are using has drivers in whatever operating systems you move to. For example, I got rid of my trust tascam mixer/interface that I LOVED since it was no longer supported and no new drivers were going to be released. I will NEVER buy another tascam product that requires drivers again. I have swithced to PRESONUS who actually support the products they make. ALESIS and MACKIE have also been slow to update the drivers for their audio interfaces. So be careful.
QUOTE (Headbanger @ Jan 16 2014, 05:23 AM)
Bear in mind that when you increase the RAM of you computer above 4GB...In order to use the extra RAM effectively...you must run 64 bit systems and programs......I'm no computer PC expert but I think its something like that!
I changed my 32 bit OS to 64 bit OS when I wanted to use my full 6GB of RAM that was available on my PC...Why they sold it with 32 bit system and 6 GB of RAM I will never know. It is faster now though. I always get 64 bit programs if necessary. Some programs can still be 32 bit if they don't need more than 4GB....I think!!
It's a very easy upgrade and well worth doing. You will notice the improvement right away
Make SURE You get ram that is approved to work in the imac. You can save wads of money buying cheaper ram but IMHO it's not worth it. I bought from OWC (other world computing) and researched it quite a bit before hand. You can buy directly from apple to but this is the most expensive option. Generic ram often (but not always) behaves oddly in the imac.
The imac can take up to 32 GB of RAM Btw!!! Even though it's oficially rated to cap @ 16. 32GB will work. So you can keep going for quite some time as ram gets cheaper
It works best in matched pairs so I'd say get at least two 4gb sticks but honestly, think about two 8 gb sticks. If you are doing lots of audio/video and use more than one app at a time it will help. I'm @ 8 GB on my main rig and am considering 16.
Todd
QUOTE (Bogdan Radovic @ Jan 16 2014, 05:56 AM)
Very good post Todd! I was thinking about the same recently and looking into prices and possibilities.
Not that I felt the direct need, but considering how easy it is to add more memory to iMacs - I was thinking of going from 4 GB to 8 GB of ram. After all, I do kill my computer with heavy video editing and audio production
Hopefully you are using plugins that have 64 bit versions
But if not, it should be seamless. The 32bit plugins will still work in bridged mode but they won't be any faster in response.
Todd
QUOTE (Taka Perry @ Jan 16 2014, 06:24 AM)
I've thought about this. My DAW is 32 bit though, unless I upgrade my DAW to the highest version. I think its great to have the extra speed, but if you're running a 64-bit host, dont you need to bridge your VSTs?
You are at GuitarMasterClass.net
Don't miss today's
free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with
free content!
I will make an acquisition in a short while.
