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RE: Basic questions

Intel vs AMD

AMD CPUs implement L2 cache differently and is not preferred. AMD's L2 cache is not shared (across 2 CPU cores) as in Intel Core 2 Duo. This may have changed with there latest offerings. A shared L2 cache is important for DSP processing (esp when upsampling).

Power consumption under load matters most. TDP is a guide but more importantly setup of CPU (frequency and voltage) has most impact. Intel enjoys a strong advantage with its 45nm technology.

XP vs Vista vs 7

XP's kernel offers superior performance and scalability over Vista (haven't looked at 7). As mesmer points out, if unchanged, Vista delivers better audio quality. Less OS bloat is very important for low jitter. Customised XP with ASIO makes for a formidable platform. Vista can also be customised giving improvements.

System Sensitivity

Less bloat translates into less jitter. Try the kernel changes as well as the Minlogon implementation: these result in obvious improvements. The issue is not whether something is wrong but rather customising the OS for audio vs general purpose computing.

The design principle of reducing OS footprint makes for an ideal audio transport solution. You need to understand the system down to individual CPU cores, L1 & L2 caches, active threads, RAM traffic and mobo traffic (network, HDD, polling devices). cMP optimises for this (here's more info on why ASIO buffers must be low and a link to what cMP's software does).

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:
  Atma-Sphere Music Systems, Inc.  

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  • RE: Basic questions - cics 08:47:18 02/18/09 (0)
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