Ram or Cpu?

[Rykord]

Hello mates.
I've been making tunes on cubase 5 recently and the problem I got 2 weeks ago is that the asio time is always overloading due to the amount of effects and vsts (15 tracks with NI Massive) im using. When it does, the sound starts to crackle and not all instruments play.
I dont want to feel the need to convert the midi tracks to audio because that messes with my creative process while im making tunes so i'm asking:
what should I buy? More ram or cpu?

My system specifications:
CPU: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 CPU 6420 @ 2.13GHz
Ram: 2GB

[Scab Pickens]

From the looks of your current specs you might need both for getting into more complex projects.

A quad core and 8GB RAM with a 64-bit OS is pretty much the norm anymore.

Have you tried to raise the buffer/latency of your soundcard to get a little more breathing room on the projects that are currently maxing out?

And what is your soundcard/interface? Quality devices with properly written ASIO drivers are highly recommended.

[Rykord]

I use ASIO4ALL. I've tried to raise the latency but I still get that problem. What would you recommend buying (id prefer cheap stuff as i cant waste much money)

[Scab Pickens]

If I were in your situation I would spend whatever money I had on a dedicated external soundcard with a properly written ASIO driver. Even if you are only using MIDI you will see benefits. And it's something you are going to need at some point anyway. Decent lower end USB2.0 interfaces can be had for around $100-$150USD.

Unfortunately, the DAW world is not inexpensive . However, it is amazing what can be done nowadays with just a laptop, Cubase, and a lot of creativity.

That creativity part comes into play big time when working with limited spec gear.

You are either going to have to make adjustments to your workflow or update/upgrade your machine to handle what you are looking to throw at it.

[Steve Fogal]

I agree with upgrading both ram & cpu, but at least ram is the easiest & cheapest, so I'd do that 1st. That's exactly what I did to both my DAW machines.
Not knowing your full computer specs, your motherboard, your OS, 32 bit? 64 bit? ... whether or not you even have an audio interface (sound card), I'd load it with a good quad CPU & as much ram as you need. You can sell your 2 banger CPU on ebay to help recover some costs too.

I have an intel quad Q9300 @2.5 GHz...I'm considering upgrading to a Q9650...the best my ASUS P5K-C motherboard will accept. Unfortuately I'm still using XP 32 bit so I have only 4 GB of DDR3 ram... installed.

For me, instead of building myself a totally current high spec DAW...all new hardware/software which is too expensive for me right now... I decided for myself to go another route to combat my own lack of resources...by building another 2nd quad machine, just like I've had for about 5 years with mostly used components...odd maybe, but this machine has only cost me a few hundred or so. All that's left is to install my ram when it arrives and buy some hard drives, which will bring the cost up...still, far less than the nearly $2,500 my 'everything new' machine had cost me. This machine will replace my old single core DAW machine that I've been using as a VSTi slave machine with my quad machine via 5-pin midi & audio to and from with my Aardvark audio/midi cards. Works like any other outboard midi device/instrument.