Thinking about upgrading RAM so I can do some music stuff (dabbling in home studio, Pro Tools etc). I have a mixer and turntables but also want to use samplers (software mostly), and a few progs like Cool Edit Pro, Acid Pro, Fruity Loops etc, but the main reason for looking at upgrading is Pro Tools. Apparently it's system hungry like a bitch.

My question is this:

I have a Gigabyte GA-EP35 DS3 mobo http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=2741#ov I know it's not the best mobo but I am not to keen to rebuild my entire system just now.

I currently have 4g of RAM (4x1G stix). Amd I going to be able to chuck in say, 16g (4x4G, 2x8G or whatever) or is there going to be issues?

Looking at quality RAM without going nuts ($100ish budget but prepared to pay a little extra if need be). My quick browse on MSY says this is ballpark.

Also any recommendations on soundcards? MSY just have what look sto be "gamimng" oriented SCs, whereas I am looking for a decent card that I can record on etc for <$300

Also currently running XP (if that helps) but probably upgrade to Windows 7 soonish.

What are you going to be recording?

I don't know if you saw my other thread but I've had massive problems with delays while recording, which really hurts the ability to stay on beat.

Was going to upgrade sound card as well but went into a music store yesterday; they suggested using an M-Audio interface instead. They have a pretty nice one on special for $200, I bought the $130 one because I'm only recording vocals.

It works a treat. Can record full length songs without it going off time or with a noticeable delay.

Not sure about the RAM question, but I think processor might be more important for recording, unless you're recording massive tracks that are going to require a lot of RAM. That said, I only use Cool Edit and FL Studio, haven't tried ProTools yet.

You should give Ableton Live a shot, easier to use than pro tools imo.

Bodgie - I've got the Fast Track Ultra, tis awesome, but it took some getting used to re power on sequences.