Solved Fruity loops

[ste20man]

I am currently running win7 32bit and mainly use it for Floops.

I have 2GB ram in 1 slot.

If I buy another 2GB ram, will it take my ram up to 4GB?

My comp runs FL great but I just wonder if I should do this.

Cheers, Ste.

 

[Brink]

Hello Ste20man,

A 32-bit OS can actually only use about 3.44 GB of the RAM. However, since you will now have 2 2GB sticks, you will be able to run the RAM in dual channel mode instead of single channel mode for better performance if the two sticks are the same type, speed, and size.

Hope this helps,
Shawn

 

[Colonel Travis]

I use Ableton but more RAM helps if you've got memory intensive VSTs (Trilian, LASS, etc.), giant sample libraries, if you've got a ton of tracks. Do you ever notice a lag now? Ableton is 32-bit, I think FL still is, which is why 2GB has been more than adequate for years.

 

[ste20man]

Hi, thanks for getting back so quickly.

CT, I don't notice any lag at the moment but I am a relative newcomer to FL and have not yet built a track that has more than 5 audio samples and 10 VST's(have Massive - getting Trillion) and maybe 5 automations.

I am running a pentium Dual core E540 @2.7Ghz which seems to be dealing with things quite well. When running my most intensive track right now I get spikes of 25 - 30% CPU usage. I wonder if you think I should make the step and buy a 2 X 2 sticks of new RAM?

If I was to do this Shawn, you mention that you can get betterr performance if I run the RAM in dual channel mode instead of single channel mode. Would this mean I would have to do anything techy other than slot the new RAM sticks into the slots?

Also, do either of you have any advice on what RAM I should go for?

Is there a stand out quality RAM producer in a reasonable price range, say £40 - £50, something that either of youu would recommend personally?

I really appreciate your time, Ste.

 

[Brink]

Ste20man,

If you currently only have one stick of RAM, then you could just get another 2GB stick of RAM that is the same as the one you have now.


The fastest RAM that your G31M-ES2L motherboard will support is:

1. 2 x 1.8V DDR2 DIMM sockets supporting up to 4 GB of system memory
2. Dual channel memory architecture
3. Support for DDR2 1066(O.C.)/800/667 MHz memory modules
   (Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest memory support list.)

In your motherboards manual on page 16, says that you shouldn't have to do anything other than this:

Dual Channel Memory Configuration
Due to chipset limitation, read the following guidelines before installing the memory in Dual Channel mode.
1. Dual Channel mode cannot be enabled if only one DDR2 memory module is installed.
2. When enabling Dual Channel mode with two memory modules, it is recommended that memory of the same capacity, brand, speed, and chips be used.​

 

[ste20man]

Hi Shawn, thanks for getting back to me.

I don't like to ask too many questions 'cos I don't like imposing on your time but if you don't mind I'd like to ask one more.

I currently have 1 stick of 2GB KINGSTON PC2-5300(333MHZ).

I am shopping around for a match here in the UK but think that the technology might have moved on a bit. They don't seem to make it anymore. I am definately going to buy tomorrow and am wondering which of these would you choose?

Microdirect.co.uk is the UK leading retailer of quality computer components and electronics

I think I am right that my board / processor should be able to handle 800Mhz RAM(below - and thanks for finding the manual to my board. It makes everything that bit easier to understand).

*****************************************************************
Page 10.
Memory 2 x 1.8V DDR2 DIMM sockets supporting up to 4 GB of system memory (Note 1)
Dual channel memory architecture
Support for DDR2 800/667 MHz memory modules.
*****************************************************************

If you could give me your opinion on what you'd get I appreciate it,

Thanks for your help, Ste.

 

[Brink]

Out of those three, I would go with this one:

Corsair memory 4GB TwinX XMS2 6400 DDR2 Kit (2 x 2048MB) RAM- microdirect.co.uk

However, if you can find a 2x2GB DDR2 1066MHz twin pack for the same price or less, you would get a bit more better performance with them instead.

 

[ste20man]

Cheers Shawn, thanks for your help, I'm gonna head out tomorrow and pick them up. Really appreciate it mate, Ste.

 

[Brink]

You're most welcome Ste. Please let us know how it went with installing them, and if you notice much improvement in performance.

 

[ste20man]

Purchased.

Hi again,

Have just come back and installed the:

Corsair memory 4GB TwinX XMS2 6400 DDR2 Kit (2 x 2048MB) RAM- microdirect.co.uk

I'm very happy as it is really helping out my CPU when using FLoops. I noticed that although the comp 'sees' 4GB of RAM it only actually uses 3.24Gbs.

In the motherboard manual there is this:

Dual Channel Memory Configuration
This motherboard provides two DDR2 memory sockets and supports Dual Channel
Technology. After the memory is installed, the BIOS will automatically detect the
specifications and capacity of the memory. Enabling Dual Channel memory mode
will double the original memory bandwidth.



I've looked through some of the forum and found that this is due to my being on a 32bit version of windows. I did find this however which says you can use 4Gbs:

Memory Limits for Windows Releases (Windows)

It would be nice to use the whole if there was a way to do that; but with the extra 1.24Gb and the speed upgrade from 333Mhz to 800Mhz I think I'm doing ok.

If 4Gb can be done that would be great but I just want to thank you for helping me. It's great to have that bit more knowledge when your going about things. Ste.

 

[Brink]

That's great news. I'm happy to hear that you are noticing a nice improvement.

Unfortunately, that means up to 4GB where it's actually only 3.24 to 3.44 GB out of the 4GB that a 32-bit OS can use. There's no way to use the full 4GB without installing the 64-bit Windows 7.

 

[ste20man]

Thanks again Brink.

I'm happy with what I've got as it is mostly to cope with Fruityloops and it does!

Cheers mate, all the best, Ste.

 

[Brink]

Anytime mate.