Memory Usage and Dynamic Ram Preview Question

[Rob Franks]

If you actually use dynamic preview (SHIFT B) then go ahead and increase to suit your needs. But if you don’t use SHIFT B then it’s just a waste of memory and you should leave it where it is.

[Nigel O’neill]

Mark

What O/S are you using and version of Vegas? 64 bit versions of windows and Vegas Pro 64 do take advantage of the additional memory.

If you are running 32 bit versions of Windows XP or Windows 7, the maximum memory addressable is 4GB.

If you are still running Vista, the best patch you can apply for it is Windows 7 🙂

My system specs: Intel i7 970, 12GB RAM, ASUS P6T, Vegas Pro 10e (x32/x64), Windows 7 x64 Ultimate, Vegas Production Assistant 1.0, VASST Ultimate S Pro 4.1, Neat Video Pro 2.6

[Jeff Schroeder]

Nigel,

I like your system. It’s a lot like mine. Did you build it?
Can you tell me more specs?

Jeff

http://www.narrowroadmedia.com

[Stephen Mann]

[Mark Prebonich] “I just upgraded my memory from 4 to 8GB. I previously had been using only around 2.5 GB when rendering. I see that I am still using only about that same amount even after the upgrade (not really any difference noticed?).”

I’ll assume that you are not using XP which limits you to 4Gb.

Vegas, all Windows programs for that matter, use whatever RAM they need. If you don’t have enough RAM then pagefiles come into play, but that’s another discussion. The operative is “use whatever they need”. (You can lead a horse to water…). What you are seeing is that Vegas doesn’t *need* more RAM, so it isn’t going to use it.

But having more RAM is never a bad idea because it allows background tasks to stay in RAM, making everything run a little smoother.

That said – you get the most bang for the buck with a faster processor. What’s your CPU usage look like? if it’s near 100% while you run Vegas, then you simply need a faster or more processors.

Steve Mann
MannMade Digital Video
http://www.mmdv.com

[Nigel O’neill]

Jeff

Yes, it is a custom build. I stopped physically assembling systems after I blew up my 80286 years ago. The business I deal with does not charge for assembly. I just research the components. We have a magazine here called Atomic (I think they have a web site too with lots of online content) that does a lot of bench testing. Although their focus is mainly aimed at gamers and PC enthusiasts, the stresses they put on their systems are very similar to video in some respects.

I don’t know what other specs you are interested in. What do you want to know?

My system specs: Intel i7 970, 12GB RAM, ASUS P6T, Vegas Pro 10e (x32/x64), Windows 7 x64 Ultimate, Vegas Production Assistant 1.0, VASST Ultimate S Pro 4.1, Neat Video Pro 2.6

[Jeff Schroeder]

Nigel,

I use Tom’s hardware for benchmarks and buy almost exclusively from Newegg.com. I was just wondering what arrangement of hard drives you have, video card, memory specs, how many watts power supply you chose. Stuff like that. Did you build your computer because it was for video editing? Sony Vegas in particular? I am editing on a system built for Sony Vegas as the primary application. It is the third system I built for myself in 6 years. I’ve built probably 40-50 in the last 10 years.

If you find a piece of hardware (MB, Video card, etc.) that has a marked effect on rendering, let me know. I’m always looking for good tips and advice.

Jeff

http://www.narrowroadmedia.com

[Nigel O’neill]

Tom

My system is purpose built for video editing.

· Intel S1366 Core i7 970 3.2 GHz Six Core CPU
· ASUS S1366 P6T Deluxe Motherboard v2
· DDR3 6GB Corsair 1600MHz PC12800 RAM Kit
· DDR3 6GB Corsair 1600MHz PC12800 RAM Kit
· 500GB Seagate 7200rpm 32M Serial ATA HDD 24×7
· 500GB Seagate 7200rpm 32M Serial ATA HDD 24×7
· 500GB Seagate 7200rpm 32M Serial ATA HDD 24×7
· 500GB Seagate 7200rpm 32M Serial ATA HDD 24×7
· 500GB Seagate 7200rpm 32M Serial ATA HDD 24×7
· ASUS 9800GT 512MB PCIe Video Card
· Antec Titan 650 Server Case Black with 650 Watt PSU
· ASUS 20x Lightscribe DVD Burner IDE Black
· ASUS 20x Lightscribe DVD Burner IDE Black
. LG GGW-H20N/L Blu-Ray Writer
· Integrated Sound Card
· Integrated Gigabit Network Connection
· MS Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit OEM
· Zalman 92mm Case Fan
· Zalman 92mm Case Fan
· Generic 120mm Case Fan

I also added my own Promise 200 SATA controller and hooked it up to an external drive caddy. It runs using Vista drivers!

The board also has an eSATA controller which is hooked up to a 1.5TB external drive for backing up purposes.

Drive configuration is:

C: 500GB
D: 2 x 500 GB (mirror)
E: 2 x 500 GB (stripe)

The drives are undersized, but at the time they were what was available and affordable. I primarily edit in HDV, so this config allows me to have about 5 projects on the go.

The PSU may seem a tad underpowered, but it is a good quality PSU. The business I purchase from a very clued up and check for incompatible parts and underpowered components.

Regarding performance boost tips, buy the fastest CPU on the planet if you want silky smooth previews in Vegas.

I no longer edit to try and make a living. It is a professional hobby now. I make enough dough to keep paying for new toys and computers, that’s it. If I get a decent offer for a paying gig, I’ll do it. I am not retired, just don’t do video for a living anymore. I still do a lot of volunteer camera work and editing to keep my skills up to date.

My system specs: Intel i7 970, 12GB RAM, ASUS P6T, Vegas Pro 10e (x32/x64), Windows 7 x64 Ultimate, Vegas Production Assistant 1.0, VASST Ultimate S Pro 4.1, Neat Video Pro 2.6

[Mark Prebonich]

After doing a bit more reading, (I should have been able to figure this out on my own but do appreciate your responses) it appears that I really don’t have much use for dynamic ram preview so I’m just going to leave it at default.

I have a QX9770 processor which was great a couple of years ago. It is still working quite well at present. I have a 160 GB Intel G2 SSD for the operating system and programs. The CPU is overclocked to 3.6 GHz. I use Windows 7 64-bit. I am planning on my next build to include the 6-core Sandy Bridge Extreme with the X79 motherboard. I am also planning to get a couple of Sata III SSDs. This board has 2 DIMM slots on each side of the CPU so I plan on 8 GB of RAM. It should be able to handle much faster RAM given the increased bandwidth capabilities.

-Mark