Core 2 Duo T5550 1.83GHz...passable?

[Vanzetti Was Framed]

I'm getting a new laptop soon and wanted to make sure it could run a DAW and not drop the ball when I add more than 15 tracks (Pentium 4s are bad about that). I heard Core 2 Duos were pretty good about getting the job done, but the one I'm looking at only clocks at 1.83GHz...will that still be decent?

[Fishy]

1.8s not bad, but it depends on how good the multi-core support of the DAW is as to whether or not it will make a difference aswell. I have a 2.4Ghz duel that has yet to fail me under relatively heavy conditions.

1.8 is probably fine as long as you're not using several instances of cpu heavy plugins.

[Nekofrog]

Dude, I know people who are still remixing on 800MHz processors with 512MB of RAM, and use tons of tracks.

It all comes down to the VSTs.

[zircon]

The Core 2 Duos are quite powerful. ONE core of my 2.4 ghz Core 2 Duo could run about 3x as many plugins as my entire 3ghz Pentium 4.

However, laptop processors are usually underpowered (in my experience) - plus your audio drivers tend to be worse, due to onboard sound, so unless you're using an external interface you should expect diminished performance. However, overall you should see an improvement over your old processor. Just remember to heavily optimize your operating system for music, removing as much extraneous software and as many effects and settings as possible.

[Tensei]

Dude, I know people who are still remixing on 800MHz processors with 512MB of RAM, and use tons of tracks.

It all comes down to the VSTs.

<3 10chars

[Yoozer]

It all comes down to the VSTs.

and the quality of the ASIO drivers. Do not use the on-board soundcard, get yourself something decent.

[Vanzetti Was Framed]

Thanks for all the advice!

It all comes down to the VSTs.

I use FLStudio w/ Imageline VSTs, Kontakt as well whenever I need to. I am not opposed to switching DAWs if need be.

However, laptop processors are usually underpowered (in my experience)

I know laptop CPUs are relatively weak in comparison to a desktop rig, but I'll take what I can get.

plus your audio drivers tend to be worse, due to onboard sound, so unless you're using an external interface you should expect diminished performance.

and the quality of the ASIO drivers. Do not use the on-board soundcard, get yourself something decent.

Not planning on using onboard audio...any PCMCIA cards you'd recommend? I've got a $200 budget.

[OverCoat]

I know a guy who would perform live with Impulse Tracker and a 486 or thereabouts

Trust me, that's more than passable

[Legion303]

will that still be decent?

Yes.

-steve

[Vanzetti Was Framed]

That is hands down the catchiest song for a movie trailer. Ever.

[Fishy]

That is hands down the catchiest song for a movie trailer. Ever.

You're damn right it is.

[Nekofrog]

<3 10chars

Yes I was referring to you