MBP Configuration for Audio Engineering

I know there are a LOT of threads about the configurations, but I wanted this one to be more tailored to audio engineering.

I'm not very knowledgable about computers, and really this is my first time buying one (my current desktop is a hand-me-down from my sister I got when left for college). I'm pretty set on buying a 17" MBP because I want the matte screen. This being the case, it's time to start upgrading (if necessary).

My initial thought is to go all out upgrade the HDD to 320GB at 7200rpm, 2.93GHz processor, and get 8GB of ram. I will be running ProTools 8 and Logic 8, and a few of my other friends have the basic older generation macbooks (not pro - and no upgrades) and they don't run into many problems when running either ProTools (earlier versions) or Logic - only if they have a considerable amount of tracks going with a few plugins.

For actual recording use, I will most likely only be using this through an mbox or an 8-track (just personal use to record new guitar ideas and band practices/demos). But with the much bigger recording projects I do at school, I would like to bring these home to work on the editing and mixes.

I'll definately upgrade the HDD since it's only $50 do to so, but I'm questioning if I should upgrade the processor to 2.93GHz ($300) and the ram to 8GB ($1200!! - WOW). What are the pros to having these upgrades? Is it really worth the additional $1500?

Posted on Jan 10, 2009 11:22 AM

33 replies

Jan 13, 2009 6:47 AM in response to syrius777

Cause if its dependent, would decrease the processor speed...

Jan 13, 2009 6:50 AM in response to syrius777

OK... 2.66 and 2.93 are the processor speeds. If the 2.66 is at a 1:1 with its cache, than the cache runs at 2.66. If the processor is 2.93, the cache is .27 slower than the cache. That doesn't mean the processor is going to be slower, it just means the cache will be a little slower compared to the processor.

Jan 13, 2009 6:53 AM in response to Community User

ok, thats a good point!

Jan 13, 2009 7:02 AM in response to syrius777

That means also in comparison with the 15 inch model, that the cache of the 17 inch model is faster at 2.66Ghz than the 15 inch model at 2,4Ghz, even if the speed can be at 2.8 for the 15 inch model.

Jan 13, 2009 7:13 AM in response to syrius777

Possibly yes. If the 15" MBP is stated at have a 1:1 ratio for the 2.4GHz, than yes.

JeffP.

Level 1

40 points

Jan 13, 2009 7:14 AM in response to syrius777

All this research is meaningless if the OP's interface is not compatible with the Firewire chipset used in the new macs. There are widespread reports of audio interfaces not working properly with the new macs, due to a faulty Firewire chipset used in the new mac laptops. Check the MOTU and RME support forums for all the gory details. Pretty much any audio forum will have multiple threads on this subject.

Do this research first!

Jan 13, 2009 7:30 AM in response to JeffP.

Maybe because you are trying to use 400 instead of 800, you need a converter from 800 to 400 maybe?greetz

Jan 13, 2009 7:33 AM in response to syrius777

Or in future maybe it will be combatible then...

Jan 13, 2009 7:39 AM in response to syrius777

The ports are entirely different. It's not like with USB 3, 2, 1.1, and 1 that were all backwards compatible.

Jan 13, 2009 8:09 AM in response to Community User

But USB 3 will also not be inside the new mac and i think also not upgradable. People say, USB 3 will be faster than Firewire, but i don't know if its true.

http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20071216-battle-of-the-next-gen-firewire-s3 200-vs-usb-3.html

http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20080731-new-3-2gbps-firewire-spec-approved -not-as-fast-as-usb-3-0.html

http://www.macobserver.com/article/2007/09/24.9.shtml

http://www.everythingusb.com/firewire-s3200-15141.html

Well as i know 6.4Gbits/s at 97 percent firewirespeed and 4.8Gbit/s master slave USB3 witch will make only the half of it. Am not sure exactly about the real USB3 speed, but i think firewire will stay the faster option...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEEE1394interface

Jan 13, 2009 8:42 AM in response to syrius777

I know. I am simply using it as an example to show that FW 400 and 800 cannot be compatible, as are the different versions of USB. USB3 is still in draft.

eww

Level 9

53,052 points

Jan 13, 2009 12:16 PM in response to Community User

Syrius and Macwiz: You two have completely hijacked this thread to carry on an interminable private debate on matters that have nothing at all to do with the question posted by the person who started the thread. How about posting your own topic or, better still, carrying on your private conversation via email?

Jan 13, 2009 12:47 PM in response to eww

Thanks eww! Amen.

Jan 13, 2009 1:40 PM in response to eww

Yeah, I realize that now. Sorry about that.

Jan 13, 2009 3:04 PM in response to Community User

yes sorry!

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MBP Configuration for Audio Engineering