RAM vs different hard drive for Macbook Pro

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Macbook Pro 13” i5 (2012) , iPhone5 16GB (white), iPhone4 8GB (white), iPad2 64GB 3G, Apple TV
Another issue that just popped up and is different than the previous post (about what RAM to choose).

NB: I have a Macbook Pro mid 2012 i5, 2,5 Ghz, 2x 2GB RAM, 500 MB 5400 rpm hard drive

I am using Logic Pro X quite extensively and when loading too many audio plugins (on 20+ audio tracks) I get warning messages like this (and I understand why!)

TS3834_logic-overload-1-en.png


Apple states: ”When you work with audio in Logic, several areas of your computer are put to work. When Logic records and plays back audio tracks CPU power and hard disk I/O capacity is needed. Audio DSP effects and software instruments require CPU power and RAM. No computer has infinite capacity in any of these areas, and there may be times when a Logic project will require more power than your computer is able to deliver at a given moment. When this happens, the System Overload message appears”

As I am on a budget (an SSD would not be an option really) my current options would be:

1) To add an additional 7200 rpm (500-750 GB) hard drive and add 4 GB in the first RAM slot and leave the 2GB Apple RAM in there (taking my total RAM to 6 GB)

2) not to add a 7200 rpm hard drive, but to increase RAM only and add 8GB in the first RAM slot and leave the other 2GB Apple RAM in there (taking my total RAM to 10 GB)

At the moment I don't have the funds to buy a 7200 rpm hard drive AND 8GB of additional RAM or an SSD disk.

In the scenario as mentioned, what would increase my system performance more: A) the increase in rpm speed of the hard drive + 4GB of extra RAM, or B) increase of RAM only to 10 GB (8GB + 2GB)

PS: I assumed it would it be possible to place an additional 7200 rpm hard drive in the superdrive location and making it the main drive.


Sorry for so many questions!
 

bobtomay

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15" MBP '06 2.33 C2D 4GB 10.7; 13" MBA '14 1.8 i7 8GB 10.11; 21" iMac '13 2.9 i5 8GB 10.11; 6S
Am not a Logic Pro user, but from what little I know about it, will suggest your first issue is I/O speed from the drive - I'd be upgrading the drive to a WD Black (and will further suggest you are one that needs to keep your drive defragmented for best results).

Running 20 tracks, just don't see how 4 GB RAM is going to do that for you even with the faster drive allowing for faster swap with virtual memory.
 

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