m8 first of, do u have a "dodgy SX" or a proper 1? This is 1 major source of probs!!

I have a laptop.. 512 ram, M-audio USB quattro + Steiberg midex3, PIV 2,88 Ghz... my SX runs smothly......

I do not think u should rush out 2 get a brand new mac just bcause of this, 4 other more fundamental and though out reasons maybe... but not just 4 this... If u have the cash get a proper soundcard (Audiophile is like the bare minimum)... RME/ Motu/ or the high Delta range by M-Audio 4 top notch... marian/ ego-sys 4 wallet friendly...

More Ram is always a good thing...

Make sure U've got a defraged disk...

Make sure U have a fresh XP (meaning U havently installed lots of demos of games/ programs in general)...

Make a dual boot (1 of the partitions JUST for music with a different WIn XP installed)

On the music partition aply the XP tweeks 4 audio (just check around and U'll find the link 4 that on 1 or 2 of the threads)... Install here the absolute bare essencial!!! No Net, demos, nothing xcept what U need 2 bang tunes!!!

Absolute newst drivers....

Yesterday I've posted here also some small tweeks with in SX itself...

Make sure U don't have a conflict between soundcard/ midi interface, etc...

Check if yer HD is also fast and stable...

Make sure yer CPU isn't overheating..

Make absolutly sure u have good sturdy ASIO drivers running with in cubase... if these r shakey then yer mid 2 audio sync will b sh** hence probs... If u only use midi, giv it top priority over audio (or even disable audio... not sure if this is still possible with SX as was with VST) with in yer SX/ Asio Driver tweeks.

With all this U should a smooth SX..

Right hope this helpz... let us know!!

Z