It looks like I need to upgrade my computer for live performance (my current PC laptop setup is described below).
My computer expert friend (who’s not a VJ) suggested that any laptop will probably struggle because of overheating so he suggested I check out the Mac Studio M2 Ultra and ask the opinion of my fellow VJs in the Forum.
I want to know if a top spec Mac or PC laptop is the way to go (eg Macbook Pro or a new Alienware) or if it’s better to get a Mac Studio as a compromise between the benefits of a desktop computer and the portability of a laptop?
Also, how important is RAM? Is a 64GB RAM computer of any kind plenty big enough for Resolume or is it important to stretch my budget to a 128GB RAM computer?
I currently have a Dell Alienware 15 R4 PC laptop which I've had for a few years and it's increasingly struggling to cope with the effects I'm using:
64-bit, i9 8950HK @ 2.90GHz, 32 GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 with Max-Q Design
I'm running Resolume Arena with 3 layers at 24fps, 1920x1080px, often with multiple heavy use effects such as Blur, Feedback (on its own layer with added effects), TBOT's Feedback effect, and Dilate as well as lots of other simple effects as well.
Task Manager says my power use is Very High when I’m using Resolume.
When I’m using lots of effects my frame rate can go down as low as 5fps (which I must avoid happening in a live performance) and the GPU use can frequently go up to 80, 90 even 100%.
Even when I’m barely using any effects the frames still drop a bit – this happens when the GPU use is anything above 60%.
The effects are a really important part of my artistic expression so I need a computer which will handle all the effects I can throw at it!
Can anyone advise me on the best replacement computer – or am I doing something wrong if my current Alienware should be powerful enough already?
I have a US tour coming up and I need to get my setup sorted asap.
Thanks for your help, Suzybee
