dr.Ru
08-05-2003, 12:39 PM
Windows XP Installation
Windows XP is our preferred Operating System on IBM compatible PCs. Therefore we decided to provide you with an installation procedure
Make sure your hard- and software is ready for use with XP before buying/installing this OS.
How to install Windows XP for Nuendo/Cubase SX/SL on a single or dual CPU mainboard?
Preparation
- Remove all PCI cards from the system. Only put the AGP graphics card in the AGP slot. Connect the monitor.
- Settings in BIOS (press delete when booting), most settings depend on the BIOS.
In general:
- Set Virus detection to "disabled"
- Set all "shadowing" features to "disable"
- Set "AGP" as boot VGA (not "PCI") (assuming you use an AGP graphics card).
- Switch off all ports except the ones you need. The parallel port is used by Nuendo?s copy protection and should be set to "bi-directional" (or "normal").
- Cubase SX/SL utilizes the USB port.
- Check if drives, processor speed and amount of RAM are recognized correctly in BIOS.
- Switch off Infrared and all USB options if these are not used.
- Switch off on-board audiocard (when present).
- Most other settings are probably ok.
- Set as first boot device the CD-rom/DVD drive to boot from the Windows XP CD. As second boot device, Hard Drive 0.
Installing Windows XP
- Boot from the CD, and go through the setup.
- When setup asks "Press [F6] for installing 3rd party scsi/raid controllers", press [F5] and set the computer role to Standard PC (see Addendum at the end of this document for details) only in case you have
a) a single processor system and
b) an older mainboard that does not have an advanced programmable interrupt controller (APIC)
With this combination Windows XP will most likely assign one IRQ to all PCI components which could result in performance problems.
Most of the current Pentium 4 and AMD Athlon XP mainboards have this API controller providing the system with 24 instead of 16 interrupts.
If this applies to your system (check the mainboard documentation) you should leave XP to install ACPI, this is done automatically.
- Then the setup screen will ask you to create a partition in the unpartitioned space. On a 30 GB drive, 6 or 7 GB is more then enough for a boot drive ("C:"). However, you can set any size you want, but make it at least 4 GB. You might want to split the drive into two partitions, but this is a choice you?ll have to make yourself. The only rule is: put audiofiles on a separate harddrive or RAID array. (either via the onboard ATA/IDE controller, a SCSI or RAID controller connected). Here I?ll presume that you install a 2nd partition, for several data, like documents or backups. However, you can also do that on a separate drive.
So press [C] to create a partition. Enter the size in MB (5000-7000), and press [enter]. Drive "C:" is created.
Press the down arrow to highlight "unpartitioned space". Press [C] again, to create drive "D:". Make sure to choose
the maximum size given (already filled in), unless you want a 3rd partition on this harddrive. Press [enter]. Boot drive "C:" will contain the OS and applications, drive "D:" contains documents and other data, backups, anything that is not streamed from any audio/video application.
- Now Win XP will ask you to select the partition to install XP on. Make sure "C:" is highlighted and press [enter].
- If the drive is not formatted yet (like new drives), you?ll be asked to format the drive, and to select a file system.
The file system handles how information is stored by Windows (or other OS?s). FAT(32) is the file system used by Windows 98 and ME. It is rather fast, and doesn?t waste too much space. However, it has no security option in case files get damaged. NTFS is the file system used by Windows NT 4, W2K and XP. It takes more disk space to store the same data, especially with small files, but it can be faster, and is more secure. Beware that Windows 98 and ME cannot read data on NTFS drives. Choose the file system you want to use. We prefer NTFS.
- Windows will format drive "C:" and start installing files. After it reboots, do NOT boot from CD (don?t touch the keyboard).
- Go through the installation, follow the instructions.
Settings for XP
When using a dual processor setup
- Verify dual processor support: open task manager ([ctrl][alt][delete]then [T]), check the "performance" tab. The
"CPU Usage History" should show two windows, NOT one, when using a dual CPU system. Make sure that View Computer History"One Graph per CPU" is checked.
Go to "control panel", "system", "hardware" tab, "Device Manager", double-click "computer", then "ACPI Multiprocessor PC" should appear in it?s tree. That is correct. If something else ("X") appears: double-click on "X", check the "driver" tab, "update driver", "next", "display a list of the known drivers...", "show all hardware".
In the "manufacturers" list, set to "(standard computers)". Then, in the "Models" list, choose "ACPI Multiprocessor PC". This is for Dual CPU systems.
Complete the installation..
General settings
- Install the motherboard drivers ("VIA 4-in-1 drivers", for example) . Check the homepage of the motherboard manufacturer for the latest update. Also the chipset manufacturer can have updates/fixes online. Independent websites about computer hardware can mention bugs/fixes for motherboards. Try to keep an eye on these sites. Make sure the drivers are newer than the ones used by XP.
-Install the drivers of the AGP graphics card. After installation, make your settings. If you have a dual monitor AGP card/setup, set this up first.
-Go to start menu/my computer/right mouse click/properties/advanced/"startup & recovery settings"
-->uncheck "automatically reboot"
-start menu/my computer/right mouse click/properties/advanced/"performance settings"
-->visual effects tab: check "adjust for best performance"
-->you might want to check "show windows contents while dragging". (This might give dropouts on some systems, depending on configuration).
-->advanced tab: set "processor scheduling" to "background services".
-rightclick taskbar:
-->uncheck "autohide taskbar".
-->uncheck "hide inactive icons" (so you see what?s active).
-Start/Windows Messenger.
-->close the passport window when this opens.
-->then: tools/options/preferences:
-->uncheck everything. Close window. This will not start anymore.
-Start the "Tour de XP" when this pops up. Open one movie and close the whole show ASAP. This will not start anymore.
-open control panel/"sounds & audio devices"/"sounds" tab.
-->"sounds scheme": set to "no sounds".
-->If you do not want any MME application (browser, Windows Media Player) ever to use your ASIO card, go to the hardware tab. Doubleclick on your audiocard from the list, properties tab, audio devices. Doubleclick the the driver listed here; check "Do not map through this device".
-rightclick the desktop; properties/screensave tab:
-->screensaver: "None"
-->power: "turn off monitor" & "turn off hard disks": set to "never".
-activate "numlock" on keyboard.
- Install Raid or SCSI controller with the latest drivers. Make sure to reboot after installation and verify in device manager (control panel-->system-->hardware tab) that they?re listed without an error (red cross or yellow exclamation mark behind the controller?s name). Also verify that the SCSI/RAID controller isn?t sharing an IRQ with the graphics or audio card. Do this in "Start", "Programs", "Accessories", "System Tools", "System Information". Doubleclick the "Hardware Resources" folder, click on "IRQs". If the controller shares IRQ with the AGP card, or the audiocard, put the controller in another PCI slot. (Some motherboards can address IRQ?s to certain PCI slots)
- Attach hard drives (for audio and video) to the controllers and partition/format them. Make sure they?re listed and recognised by XP (device manager AND Windows Explorer) before going further. You can go to Control Panel/ Administrative Tools/Computer Management (Local)/Storage/ Disk Management. Here you see all harddrives attached and recognised by the system, even when not partitioned. Here you can delete, create, format and rename partitions, while continue working with other parts of XP. Forget "FDISK", it is obsolete and will not recognise NTFS partitions. Beware that a "healthy" status of a disk does not mean it is formatted properly.
- Verify the functionality of the drives by copying data from one partition to the other.
- Install the audiocard and it?s drivers. Verify that the audio card isn?t sharing an IRQ with the graphics or SCSI/ RAID card. Do this in "Start", "Programs", "Accessories", "System Tools", "System Information". Double-click the "Hardware Resources" folder, click on "IRQs". If the card shares IRQ with the AGP card, or a drive controller, put the card in another PCI slot. Connect the cables to your mixer/monitoring system.
- Setup the clock signal of the audiocard with other digital devices. One device is master, the rest is slave. When using more then two digital devices, Wordclock might be nescessary.
- Playback a file through Windows Media Player (if you haven?t disabled the MME driver previously). Verify if the signal is ok.
- Install CD burning software. Burn a CD to check if it isn?t interrupted.
Setting up Nuendo/Cubase SX/SL
- Install the latest Nuendo/Cubase SX/SL version.
- Open "Devices", "Device Setup". Choose "VST Multitrack". Choose the ASIO driver of your
audiocard. (NOT: ASIO Direct X, ASIO Direct X Full Duplex, ASIO Multimedia - these are ASIO shortcuts of the
Direct X and Multimedia drivers, and will not give the performance a well-written ASIO driver will offer).
- Click on "Control Panel". In the audiocard?s control panel, you should set the clock settings, and latency. Set the latency (audiobuffers) to the highest. Close the panel, set in "VST Multitrack" 12 buffers of 256 kb. Close the dialog.
- Load a demo project. When copying project material from CD always copy this to the audio partition. Select all files/folders in this partition, rightclick, select properties. If read-only is checked (maybe grey), uncheck this. When asked, say "yes" for all files and subfolders. Now the files are not write-protected anymore, which might have given problems working with these files.
- Play back the demo project, check the performance meter. The performance meter should not be overloading, if the demo project is of moderate size.
- Press F5 and activate the first 4 inputs (8 channels). Add 8 tracks, select them, press R. Press record. Even in 96 kHz 24 bit CPU meter should not be higher then 25 % with a dual GHz machine.
Disk performance should be 0 %. The disk performance may rise when you press start , stop or locate. The buffers are flushed/filled during these actions and the performance meter shows the buffering.
- Create an empty project. Set/size every window in the project as you want it, create windows layout (and lock them), set zoom levels etc. Create a template out of this. (refer to manual for these functions.). Set your preferences. Create key commands as you like them (export them for backup).
Now you?re ready to work with Nuendo/Cubase SX/SL.
You can lower disk buffer size and amount, as well as lowering the audiocard?s latency. Beware that depending on
the system and the project load, dropouts during playback or recording will occur if these buffers are too low. When
you notice dropouts, choose reset (Open "Devices", "Device Setup". Choose "VST Multitrack"). When
the dropouts keep coming, raise latency and/or disk buffer size/amount.
Some notes to keep in mind:
- WinXPpro and XP home version have some differences. We have found no real difference in operating these versions, except for XP Home not supporting a second CPU. So make sure you use XP Pro for dual CPU systems. Another big difference is network services and remote options. If you are in doubt what you need, please refer to www.microsoft.com or a local dealer for an extensive list of the differences. For regular use with a single CPU and no networking, Xphome is sufficient.
- Never buy cheap RAM. Only known brands.
- For regular audio projects, a fast ATA 100 drive is fast enough to do the job. A RAID 0 array or SCSI might be necessary when using huge projects, or digital video is being played back. Video can best be played back from a separate SCSI drive. Always use separate hard drives for OS/applications and audio.
- If you are using Matrox graphics cards (G400/450/550 series): Powerdesk: options tab: switch off EVERYTHING.
- Install plugins and other software you NEED and USE. Betas, demos and software you know you will never use,
can best be avoided. This keeps the system faster as well.
- Do not use "Auto hide" for the taskbar. Audio will be interrupted when the taskbar moves.
- Be careful when updating the system. Service Packs and Direct X versions may not always be compatible. Ask support first if there are known problems. If everything runs smooth, there is no need to rush.
- Check different independent hardware sites when buying new hardware. Often they mention potential problems, as well as real world performance benchmarks.
- When installing (new) hardware, try to get different IRQs for all components. Swapping PCI slot is the only way to change IRQ in a plug ?n play OS. Especially graphics, audiocard and ATA/SCSI controller should not share IRQ.
- Update (flash) the motherboard BIOS, when problems arise (of course, there has to be an update available). Read the instructions carefully before performing the action. Print the instructions on paper, so you can see what to do and what not. A mistake can lead to a damaged motherboard.
- Disable all shadowing features in BIOS. Also disable ports that will not be used (serial ports, USB maybe?). Do this before installing an OS.
- Do not install tuning tools etc. We don?t know how far they have an influence on system stability. Keep the OS clean and natural, that seems to be the best.
- Do not install antivirus or office programs on this machine. These applications often run in the background and may cause audio dropouts.
- You can go to Control Panel/Administrative Tools/Computer Management (Local)/Storage/ Disk Management. Here you see all harddrives attached and recognised by the system, even when not partitioned. Here you can delete, create, format and rename partitions, while continue working with other parts of Win XP. Forget "FDISK", it is obsolete and will not recognise NTFS partitions.
- Defragment your drives every night (when editing daily). For XP, it might be interesting to install a defragging application that can defrag more drives at the same time, as well may it contain a scheduler for defragmentation.
- Do not set your SCSI adapter for 160 MB/s unless you?re actually needing it. For mid-size audio projects, 40 MB/s should be sufficient. When using too much, the SCSI adapter can use PCI bandwidth that other PCI cards might need.
- When audio problems arise, verify cabling and clock settings first.
- Open Event Viewer (Control Panel, Administrative Tools) in Win XP after startup to verify the system is OK after you boot it. You can close it when everything is ok.
- After a crash (this may also be an error message, e.g. "nuendo.log was written" or similar, ALWAYS save the project under ANOTHER name (using the word "crash"). Close Nuendo/Cubase SX/SL, and maybe reboot XP (this is the safest).
Try avoiding working with the project saved after the crash. Use [ctrl][alt][s] regularly. It will save the project under the same name, but with a number after it.
This list contains no real performance improvements. The OS is quite natural, and is in the same state as how we test Nuendo/Cubase SX/SL on Win XP. If you want to optimize the system, please visit websites that explain these steps, or ask system experts. However, beware that there is always a certain risk to "optimising" a system, and we cannot guarantee that Nuendo or Cubase SX/SL will run with higher performance or stability (in fact it may be worse).
Even though this list might help you in setting up XP successfully, we still recommend audio professionals to buy a complete system from an experienced Pro Audio dealer who takes the time to select good components, install everything properly and test the complete setup. Also will he provide service directly, and in worst case may provide a system replacement. Of course, this depends on the service each dealer can or will provide.
Have fun,
The Steinberg Team.
Addendum
Here is an overview of the different possible computer configurations:
ACPI-PC
ACPI mode for mainboard (non-APIC mode) with one CPU slot / socket
Standard PC (ACPI disabled)
APM mode on mainboard (non-APIC mode) with one CPU slot / socket
ACPI multiprocessor PC
ACPI mode on dual CPU mainboard with two CPUs
ACPI uniprozessor PC
ACPI mode on dual CPU mainboard with one CPU or
ACPI mode on single CPU mainboard in APIC mode
MPS multiprocessor PC (ACPI disabled)
APM mode on dual CPU mainboard with two CPUs
MPS uniprozessor PC (ACPI disabled)
APM mode on dual CPU mainboard with one CPU or
APM mode on single CPU mainboard in APIC mode
APM = Advanced Power Management
ACPI = Advanced Configuration and Power Interface
APIC = Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller
MPS = Multi-Processor-System
Windows XP is our preferred Operating System on IBM compatible PCs. Therefore we decided to provide you with an installation procedure
Make sure your hard- and software is ready for use with XP before buying/installing this OS.
How to install Windows XP for Nuendo/Cubase SX/SL on a single or dual CPU mainboard?
Preparation
- Remove all PCI cards from the system. Only put the AGP graphics card in the AGP slot. Connect the monitor.
- Settings in BIOS (press delete when booting), most settings depend on the BIOS.
In general:
- Set Virus detection to "disabled"
- Set all "shadowing" features to "disable"
- Set "AGP" as boot VGA (not "PCI") (assuming you use an AGP graphics card).
- Switch off all ports except the ones you need. The parallel port is used by Nuendo?s copy protection and should be set to "bi-directional" (or "normal").
- Cubase SX/SL utilizes the USB port.
- Check if drives, processor speed and amount of RAM are recognized correctly in BIOS.
- Switch off Infrared and all USB options if these are not used.
- Switch off on-board audiocard (when present).
- Most other settings are probably ok.
- Set as first boot device the CD-rom/DVD drive to boot from the Windows XP CD. As second boot device, Hard Drive 0.
Installing Windows XP
- Boot from the CD, and go through the setup.
- When setup asks "Press [F6] for installing 3rd party scsi/raid controllers", press [F5] and set the computer role to Standard PC (see Addendum at the end of this document for details) only in case you have
a) a single processor system and
b) an older mainboard that does not have an advanced programmable interrupt controller (APIC)
With this combination Windows XP will most likely assign one IRQ to all PCI components which could result in performance problems.
Most of the current Pentium 4 and AMD Athlon XP mainboards have this API controller providing the system with 24 instead of 16 interrupts.
If this applies to your system (check the mainboard documentation) you should leave XP to install ACPI, this is done automatically.
- Then the setup screen will ask you to create a partition in the unpartitioned space. On a 30 GB drive, 6 or 7 GB is more then enough for a boot drive ("C:"). However, you can set any size you want, but make it at least 4 GB. You might want to split the drive into two partitions, but this is a choice you?ll have to make yourself. The only rule is: put audiofiles on a separate harddrive or RAID array. (either via the onboard ATA/IDE controller, a SCSI or RAID controller connected). Here I?ll presume that you install a 2nd partition, for several data, like documents or backups. However, you can also do that on a separate drive.
So press [C] to create a partition. Enter the size in MB (5000-7000), and press [enter]. Drive "C:" is created.
Press the down arrow to highlight "unpartitioned space". Press [C] again, to create drive "D:". Make sure to choose
the maximum size given (already filled in), unless you want a 3rd partition on this harddrive. Press [enter]. Boot drive "C:" will contain the OS and applications, drive "D:" contains documents and other data, backups, anything that is not streamed from any audio/video application.
- Now Win XP will ask you to select the partition to install XP on. Make sure "C:" is highlighted and press [enter].
- If the drive is not formatted yet (like new drives), you?ll be asked to format the drive, and to select a file system.
The file system handles how information is stored by Windows (or other OS?s). FAT(32) is the file system used by Windows 98 and ME. It is rather fast, and doesn?t waste too much space. However, it has no security option in case files get damaged. NTFS is the file system used by Windows NT 4, W2K and XP. It takes more disk space to store the same data, especially with small files, but it can be faster, and is more secure. Beware that Windows 98 and ME cannot read data on NTFS drives. Choose the file system you want to use. We prefer NTFS.
- Windows will format drive "C:" and start installing files. After it reboots, do NOT boot from CD (don?t touch the keyboard).
- Go through the installation, follow the instructions.
Settings for XP
When using a dual processor setup
- Verify dual processor support: open task manager ([ctrl][alt][delete]then [T]), check the "performance" tab. The
"CPU Usage History" should show two windows, NOT one, when using a dual CPU system. Make sure that View Computer History"One Graph per CPU" is checked.
Go to "control panel", "system", "hardware" tab, "Device Manager", double-click "computer", then "ACPI Multiprocessor PC" should appear in it?s tree. That is correct. If something else ("X") appears: double-click on "X", check the "driver" tab, "update driver", "next", "display a list of the known drivers...", "show all hardware".
In the "manufacturers" list, set to "(standard computers)". Then, in the "Models" list, choose "ACPI Multiprocessor PC". This is for Dual CPU systems.
Complete the installation..
General settings
- Install the motherboard drivers ("VIA 4-in-1 drivers", for example) . Check the homepage of the motherboard manufacturer for the latest update. Also the chipset manufacturer can have updates/fixes online. Independent websites about computer hardware can mention bugs/fixes for motherboards. Try to keep an eye on these sites. Make sure the drivers are newer than the ones used by XP.
-Install the drivers of the AGP graphics card. After installation, make your settings. If you have a dual monitor AGP card/setup, set this up first.
-Go to start menu/my computer/right mouse click/properties/advanced/"startup & recovery settings"
-->uncheck "automatically reboot"
-start menu/my computer/right mouse click/properties/advanced/"performance settings"
-->visual effects tab: check "adjust for best performance"
-->you might want to check "show windows contents while dragging". (This might give dropouts on some systems, depending on configuration).
-->advanced tab: set "processor scheduling" to "background services".
-rightclick taskbar:
-->uncheck "autohide taskbar".
-->uncheck "hide inactive icons" (so you see what?s active).
-Start/Windows Messenger.
-->close the passport window when this opens.
-->then: tools/options/preferences:
-->uncheck everything. Close window. This will not start anymore.
-Start the "Tour de XP" when this pops up. Open one movie and close the whole show ASAP. This will not start anymore.
-open control panel/"sounds & audio devices"/"sounds" tab.
-->"sounds scheme": set to "no sounds".
-->If you do not want any MME application (browser, Windows Media Player) ever to use your ASIO card, go to the hardware tab. Doubleclick on your audiocard from the list, properties tab, audio devices. Doubleclick the the driver listed here; check "Do not map through this device".
-rightclick the desktop; properties/screensave tab:
-->screensaver: "None"
-->power: "turn off monitor" & "turn off hard disks": set to "never".
-activate "numlock" on keyboard.
- Install Raid or SCSI controller with the latest drivers. Make sure to reboot after installation and verify in device manager (control panel-->system-->hardware tab) that they?re listed without an error (red cross or yellow exclamation mark behind the controller?s name). Also verify that the SCSI/RAID controller isn?t sharing an IRQ with the graphics or audio card. Do this in "Start", "Programs", "Accessories", "System Tools", "System Information". Doubleclick the "Hardware Resources" folder, click on "IRQs". If the controller shares IRQ with the AGP card, or the audiocard, put the controller in another PCI slot. (Some motherboards can address IRQ?s to certain PCI slots)
- Attach hard drives (for audio and video) to the controllers and partition/format them. Make sure they?re listed and recognised by XP (device manager AND Windows Explorer) before going further. You can go to Control Panel/ Administrative Tools/Computer Management (Local)/Storage/ Disk Management. Here you see all harddrives attached and recognised by the system, even when not partitioned. Here you can delete, create, format and rename partitions, while continue working with other parts of XP. Forget "FDISK", it is obsolete and will not recognise NTFS partitions. Beware that a "healthy" status of a disk does not mean it is formatted properly.
- Verify the functionality of the drives by copying data from one partition to the other.
- Install the audiocard and it?s drivers. Verify that the audio card isn?t sharing an IRQ with the graphics or SCSI/ RAID card. Do this in "Start", "Programs", "Accessories", "System Tools", "System Information". Double-click the "Hardware Resources" folder, click on "IRQs". If the card shares IRQ with the AGP card, or a drive controller, put the card in another PCI slot. Connect the cables to your mixer/monitoring system.
- Setup the clock signal of the audiocard with other digital devices. One device is master, the rest is slave. When using more then two digital devices, Wordclock might be nescessary.
- Playback a file through Windows Media Player (if you haven?t disabled the MME driver previously). Verify if the signal is ok.
- Install CD burning software. Burn a CD to check if it isn?t interrupted.
Setting up Nuendo/Cubase SX/SL
- Install the latest Nuendo/Cubase SX/SL version.
- Open "Devices", "Device Setup". Choose "VST Multitrack". Choose the ASIO driver of your
audiocard. (NOT: ASIO Direct X, ASIO Direct X Full Duplex, ASIO Multimedia - these are ASIO shortcuts of the
Direct X and Multimedia drivers, and will not give the performance a well-written ASIO driver will offer).
- Click on "Control Panel". In the audiocard?s control panel, you should set the clock settings, and latency. Set the latency (audiobuffers) to the highest. Close the panel, set in "VST Multitrack" 12 buffers of 256 kb. Close the dialog.
- Load a demo project. When copying project material from CD always copy this to the audio partition. Select all files/folders in this partition, rightclick, select properties. If read-only is checked (maybe grey), uncheck this. When asked, say "yes" for all files and subfolders. Now the files are not write-protected anymore, which might have given problems working with these files.
- Play back the demo project, check the performance meter. The performance meter should not be overloading, if the demo project is of moderate size.
- Press F5 and activate the first 4 inputs (8 channels). Add 8 tracks, select them, press R. Press record. Even in 96 kHz 24 bit CPU meter should not be higher then 25 % with a dual GHz machine.
Disk performance should be 0 %. The disk performance may rise when you press start , stop or locate. The buffers are flushed/filled during these actions and the performance meter shows the buffering.
- Create an empty project. Set/size every window in the project as you want it, create windows layout (and lock them), set zoom levels etc. Create a template out of this. (refer to manual for these functions.). Set your preferences. Create key commands as you like them (export them for backup).
Now you?re ready to work with Nuendo/Cubase SX/SL.
You can lower disk buffer size and amount, as well as lowering the audiocard?s latency. Beware that depending on
the system and the project load, dropouts during playback or recording will occur if these buffers are too low. When
you notice dropouts, choose reset (Open "Devices", "Device Setup". Choose "VST Multitrack"). When
the dropouts keep coming, raise latency and/or disk buffer size/amount.
Some notes to keep in mind:
- WinXPpro and XP home version have some differences. We have found no real difference in operating these versions, except for XP Home not supporting a second CPU. So make sure you use XP Pro for dual CPU systems. Another big difference is network services and remote options. If you are in doubt what you need, please refer to www.microsoft.com or a local dealer for an extensive list of the differences. For regular use with a single CPU and no networking, Xphome is sufficient.
- Never buy cheap RAM. Only known brands.
- For regular audio projects, a fast ATA 100 drive is fast enough to do the job. A RAID 0 array or SCSI might be necessary when using huge projects, or digital video is being played back. Video can best be played back from a separate SCSI drive. Always use separate hard drives for OS/applications and audio.
- If you are using Matrox graphics cards (G400/450/550 series): Powerdesk: options tab: switch off EVERYTHING.
- Install plugins and other software you NEED and USE. Betas, demos and software you know you will never use,
can best be avoided. This keeps the system faster as well.
- Do not use "Auto hide" for the taskbar. Audio will be interrupted when the taskbar moves.
- Be careful when updating the system. Service Packs and Direct X versions may not always be compatible. Ask support first if there are known problems. If everything runs smooth, there is no need to rush.
- Check different independent hardware sites when buying new hardware. Often they mention potential problems, as well as real world performance benchmarks.
- When installing (new) hardware, try to get different IRQs for all components. Swapping PCI slot is the only way to change IRQ in a plug ?n play OS. Especially graphics, audiocard and ATA/SCSI controller should not share IRQ.
- Update (flash) the motherboard BIOS, when problems arise (of course, there has to be an update available). Read the instructions carefully before performing the action. Print the instructions on paper, so you can see what to do and what not. A mistake can lead to a damaged motherboard.
- Disable all shadowing features in BIOS. Also disable ports that will not be used (serial ports, USB maybe?). Do this before installing an OS.
- Do not install tuning tools etc. We don?t know how far they have an influence on system stability. Keep the OS clean and natural, that seems to be the best.
- Do not install antivirus or office programs on this machine. These applications often run in the background and may cause audio dropouts.
- You can go to Control Panel/Administrative Tools/Computer Management (Local)/Storage/ Disk Management. Here you see all harddrives attached and recognised by the system, even when not partitioned. Here you can delete, create, format and rename partitions, while continue working with other parts of Win XP. Forget "FDISK", it is obsolete and will not recognise NTFS partitions.
- Defragment your drives every night (when editing daily). For XP, it might be interesting to install a defragging application that can defrag more drives at the same time, as well may it contain a scheduler for defragmentation.
- Do not set your SCSI adapter for 160 MB/s unless you?re actually needing it. For mid-size audio projects, 40 MB/s should be sufficient. When using too much, the SCSI adapter can use PCI bandwidth that other PCI cards might need.
- When audio problems arise, verify cabling and clock settings first.
- Open Event Viewer (Control Panel, Administrative Tools) in Win XP after startup to verify the system is OK after you boot it. You can close it when everything is ok.
- After a crash (this may also be an error message, e.g. "nuendo.log was written" or similar, ALWAYS save the project under ANOTHER name (using the word "crash"). Close Nuendo/Cubase SX/SL, and maybe reboot XP (this is the safest).
Try avoiding working with the project saved after the crash. Use [ctrl][alt][s] regularly. It will save the project under the same name, but with a number after it.
This list contains no real performance improvements. The OS is quite natural, and is in the same state as how we test Nuendo/Cubase SX/SL on Win XP. If you want to optimize the system, please visit websites that explain these steps, or ask system experts. However, beware that there is always a certain risk to "optimising" a system, and we cannot guarantee that Nuendo or Cubase SX/SL will run with higher performance or stability (in fact it may be worse).
Even though this list might help you in setting up XP successfully, we still recommend audio professionals to buy a complete system from an experienced Pro Audio dealer who takes the time to select good components, install everything properly and test the complete setup. Also will he provide service directly, and in worst case may provide a system replacement. Of course, this depends on the service each dealer can or will provide.
Have fun,
The Steinberg Team.
Addendum
Here is an overview of the different possible computer configurations:
ACPI-PC
ACPI mode for mainboard (non-APIC mode) with one CPU slot / socket
Standard PC (ACPI disabled)
APM mode on mainboard (non-APIC mode) with one CPU slot / socket
ACPI multiprocessor PC
ACPI mode on dual CPU mainboard with two CPUs
ACPI uniprozessor PC
ACPI mode on dual CPU mainboard with one CPU or
ACPI mode on single CPU mainboard in APIC mode
MPS multiprocessor PC (ACPI disabled)
APM mode on dual CPU mainboard with two CPUs
MPS uniprozessor PC (ACPI disabled)
APM mode on dual CPU mainboard with one CPU or
APM mode on single CPU mainboard in APIC mode
APM = Advanced Power Management
ACPI = Advanced Configuration and Power Interface
APIC = Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller
MPS = Multi-Processor-System