CPU performance is measured by the number of cores and clock speed.
Therefore, more cores often mean better performance in apps that support multithreading.
The higher the clock speed, the faster your processor can execute instructions.
Anything above 3.0GHz should provide enough juice to help the CPU retrieve and interpret instructions quickly.
The number of cores you need for music production depends on what your DAW is optimized for.
Many DAWs recommend a multicore processor as the minimum requirement.
Image Credit: Khunkorn Laowisit/Vecteezy
Note that adding cores increases processing power, but more isn’t necessarily better past a certain point.
The more programs you have running at once, the more RAM you need.
Aim for a laptop with at least 16GB of RAM to run most music production software efficiently.
It’s the amount recommended by developers of the popular DAW, ProTools.
It will also help to investigate whether your laptop supports RAM upgrades.
Many Windows and Linux laptopslet you upgrade your RAM.
On the other hand, the latest Macs don’t allow you to upgrade the RAM yourself.
Even then, you canadd or upgrade the RAM on some Macs.
Some good contenders include the latest, stable versions of Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Image Credit: Khunkorn Laowisit/Vecteezy
Your favorite OS should also be compatible with your music production software.
A key advantage of a 64-bit processor over a 32-bit version is its ability to access more RAM.
Besides, the most popular DAWs, includingAvid Pro Tools and Logic Pro X, support it.
Storage
Lossless and high-res audio files take up a lot of storage.
If your laptop has a single drive, ensure it’s an SSD.
Laptops with SSD can read and write data faster and are more reliable than an older HDD.
However, they are more expensive than their HDD equivalents.
Laptops with 17-inch displays should provide a great overview of your timeline for quicker workflow.
Ideally, get a laptop with high brightness and an anti-glare screen to protect your eyes.
it’s possible for you to always add more ports to your laptop by usinga USB-C hub or adapter.
USB-C is a small and versatile port with various uses, including connecting displays and peripherals.
Weight
Laptops vary in weight depending on their design and materials.
Battery Life
And finally, be sure to check out the machine’s battery life.
You don’t want to be stranded with a dead laptop during a recording session.
A good rule of thumb is to aim for at least eight hours of battery life.
What Laptop Do You Use for Music Production?
Some key factors to remember when shopping include CPU, RAM, and storage.
Now that you know the important specs, it’s time to decide which laptop you need.
