New desktop computer -> These components good (together)? Some advice needed

[Cypsilonib]

This post turned out to be long, so I bolded parts of the text, so you can skim through it more easily and only respond to a part you happen to know about. Or just post a helpful link that clarifies some of my questions.

It's been about 12 years since I last got a desktop computer. I'm no computer expert, but I've always assembled a computer from components I've chosen myself.

There's just so much information to figure out, so I thought I'd better ask some forum for advice to clear my head. Now I've spent almost two weeks reading and figuring these things out. My head is completely clogged with all this information now.

The main purpose of this new computer is to run Cubase (12 pro) + various VST instruments and external synthesizers / drum machines. I wish the computer was as quiet as possible.

Here are the components that I now have in the 'Basket' on the website of the computer store --> verkkokauppa.com (Finnish computer store). But the links below lead to the websites of the various component manufacturers, not to verkkokauppa.com:

Motherboard: Gigabyte Z690 AORUS ELITE DDR4 LGA 1700 ATX - 274,99 €

SSD-hard drive: Samsung 980 PRO SSD 2 Tt M.2 (+ one, but 1 TB) - 254,99 €

CPU: Intel Core i9-12900KF - 649,99 €

Liquid cooling system (for the above CPU): Asus TUF GAMING LC 120 ARGB - 91,99 €

Graphics Card: Asus GeForce GT 730 2GB GDDR5 low profile -graphics card - 78,99 €

Memory Module: Kingston FURY Renegade DDR4 3200 MHz CL16 32 Gt (I will buy one more later) - 141,99 €

Power Source: EVGA 750 B5 -ATX-power source, 750 W - 95,99 €

PC Case: be quiet! Pure Base 600 -ATX-case, black - 101,99 €

Operating System: Windows 11 Pro - 244,99 €

So now I have some questions about these components...

At first, verkkokauppa.com automatically suggested another motherboard. It was Asus and much cheaper (€171.99) than this Gigabyte (274,99 €) I have chosen now. I changed it because I wanted four M.2 PCIe 4x NVMe slots on the motherboard for those fast Samsung SSD hard drives (I buy two now and two more later). There were only three M.2 slots on Asus.

I also wanted a motherboard to have more USB connections for my music gear and Gigabyte has more. But now I just wonder if I can connect the USB 2.0 wires to the USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A AND Gen 1 ports on the Gigabyte motherboard? And my synths + MIDI works nicely?

I was also happy at first about the Asus motherboard suggestion because I have had meny Asus products before and I have the impression that its products are reliable. It would be important for me that the new computer is stable and doesn't crash to 'blue screen of death'... or get stuck.. etc.

I've never had Gigabyte products, so I'd like to ask if anyone has had experience with its motherboards? And what's your impression of them? Do they work nicely with other components? Generally stable? Etc.

Since I don't play games, I was wondering if I would be fine if I didn't buy a graphics card at all? Gigabyte's motherboard has two outputs for displays and I would like to have a two display system always in use. I just don't know how this technology works in this case because I've always had a graphics card in my computers before. Does the motherboard steal computing power from the CPU to run two displays and programs (Cubase, Photoshop=in-my-case-GIMP) if I don't have a dedicated graphics card?

I don't know anything about liquid cooling systems. I already visited the physical store of verkkokauppa.com once and the customer service representative recommended that I get a standard fan for this Intel Core i9-12900KF processor. He said that I may have problems with the installation of the liquid cooling system. I do think that I have a bit of a DIY spirit and I'm quite handy and careful. What is so difficult about installing it and what could go wrong? I myself have got the impression that liquid cooling systems would be quieter and I would be happy to pay a little extra for that silence. I chose this Asus TUF GAMING LC 120 ARGB, because it's cheap. But is it a good and sufficient choice? Do you think I should get some other liquid cooling system than this? Or do you think that this CPU really doesn't need a liquid cooling system?

And what about the power source (EVGA 750 B5, 750 W)? This one is quite cheap and I hope it is fairly quiet. Is this a good choice? I don't know much about power sources.

PC case (be quiet! Pure Base 600 -ATX-case, black)... same as above, I know next to nothing about these. I chose it because maybe it's quiet and cheap. Would you get some other PC case? (note: I buy all the components from verkkokauppa.com)

What are the differences between Microsoft Windows 11 Pro and Home when it comes to music making and DAWs? Do I get any benefits from the pro? Is it a more stable OS or vice versa? Do music programs work better, faster and more reliably in either operating system?

Any help and advice much appreciated!

[2DaT]

Get a 13700K (without F) or 13700, and a msi-pro-z690. You will need to do a bios flash but it's way cheaper. 12 Gen is obsolete now, 13 is better.

You also need to decide whether you use DDR4 or DDR5. DDR5 is more expensive, but it is faster. Personally, I would use DDR4 as it's cheaper.

Please, don't use 1 memory stick. Bandwidth provided by 2 channels does matter. You can add 2 more sticks later if motherboard has 4 slots.

Don't buy GPU, integrated will work fine,but don't get a processor with F index, because it does not have an integrated GPU.

Expensive storage can be a waste of money if you don't take advantage of it. Difference between "expensive" one a "cheap" one can be minimal in real world usage, but capacity is always useful.

Liquid coolers suck, it's better to use quality air cooler. More reliable and quieter. Since you shouldn't be overclocking (because it's dumb), it should be enough. Get something with a big radiator and a fine quality fan.

Don't worry about USBs too much. These motherboards have internal connectors that you can use to expand. Google "usb plate adapter".

Choose a PSU that has a passive mode for quiet operation .

[Pictus]

DDR5 is *much* better for KONTAKT stuff as you can see at
viewtopic.php?t=574244
IF you do not use KONTAKT, can go for DDR4 3600MHz.

The Asus GeForce GT 730 is crap, the CPU built-in GPU is better.
For audio workload the built-in GPU is ok.

AIO Water cooler is good IF you use a BIG radiator like this
https://www.jimms.fi/fi/Product/Show/17 ... aisu-musta
For audio workload you can use a big AIR cooler like the Noctua NH-D15

You need a case with good airflow.


Some tweaks you may like at
viewtopic.php?p=7624448#p7624448


----------------------


Motherboard MSI PRO Z690-A DDR5 €219
https://www.verkkokauppa.com/fi/product ... TX-emolevy
The first thing you must do is update the BIOS to the latest version
https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/PRO-Z690-A/support
Can update without RAM/CPU/GPU installed

You can add more USB ports with this €10
https://www.amazon.com/%EF%BC%882-Pack- ... B06XCVSPZ1
and this €10
https://www.amazon.com/Kingwin-Transfer ... B00BTYOKXO

CPU Intel Core i7-13700K €580
https://www.verkkokauppa.com/fi/product ... K-suoritin

CPU Cooler Noctua NH-D15 €115
https://www.verkkokauppa.com/fi/product ... ijaahdytin
You probably will need the Noctua NM-i7xx-MP83 LGA1700 KIT
https://noctua.at/en/noctua-announces-f ... or-lga1700
How to mount

At some point in time the CPU will bent, to prevent get this
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004204696050.html €11


RAM Kingston FURY Beast DDR5 5200 MHz CL40 64 GB €366
https://www.verkkokauppa.com/fi/product ... imodulipak

SSD Samsung 980 PRO 1TB €138
https://www.verkkokauppa.com/fi/product ... selementil
SSD Samsung 980 PRO 2TB €255
https://www.verkkokauppa.com/fi/product ... selementil

PSU Corsair RM750x White Series 80 PLUS Gold €129
https://www.verkkokauppa.com/fi/product ... lisatiedot
Review
https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/co ... y-review/2

Case DeepCool CK560 WHite €105
https://www.jimms.fi/fi/Product/Show/18 ... inen-musta

Windows 11 Pro OEM key €22
https://www.guru3d.com/news-story/ad-ha ... or-25.html

Total = 219+10+10+580+115+11+366+138+255+129+105+22 = €1.960

[ideny]

I went to an AMD 7070X on release last month and I am verry happy and was not able to oberload the CPU.

All Plugins load super fast, even though that nvme has not changend, all music programs and samples are on a diiferent nvme as the OS. Samsung 970 Pro.

RAM - I went to Kingston Fury DDR5 6000 CL36 which was 50€ more, but is the AMD sweet spot and only 10gbs, diff to the internal CPU cache.

NVME For OS I went to the crucial P5, and reuse my 970 Samsung pro for music and it rocks.

I switched from an Intel 8068 with DDR 4 3600, to the new CPU and RAM, and replaced the OS disk from an SATA 600 SSD to the PCI4 SSD and all is faster also starting just programs...

Reused my old AIO, as the case I went to Fractal Design Torrent, the Meshify is as well a good case.

If you go for the Bequit case, dont make it silent. Make it open wit the mesh.

CPU are designed to become hot when you use it. A good airflow with low speed fans is better as closed.

I went to to Asrock PG Lightning XE offer 12 USB Ports and not using adapters.

My setup was choosen, as I plan to go to an AM5 12 core, when it is end ol live in 2025..By and new CPU and you have the double of speed.

[Pictus]

I went to an AMD 7070X on release last month and I am very happy and was not able to overload the CPU.

I prefer more the AMD and it is more future proof, but until Pete do a new test
viewtopic.php?t=574244
I do not know who is better for audio.

[Cypsilonib]

Get a 13700K (without F) or 13700, and a msi-pro-z690. You will need to do a bios flash but it's way cheaper. 12 Gen is obsolete now, 13 is better.

You also need to decide whether you use DDR4 or DDR5. DDR5 is more expensive, but it is faster. Personally, I would use DDR4 as it's cheaper.

Yeah, I did some rethinking and decided to go all-in and get the Intel Core i9-13900K Processor (and no GPU). I thought, if it's twelve years since I last bought a desktop computer, it would be kinda crazy if I did not get this new and the most capable processor now, wouldn't it? I've saved money for this (2300€ at the moment), so yeah, all-in! And if I'm going to go the DDR5 route, I looked at this motherboard --> MSI PRO Z790-P LGA1700 ...also because it supports 13th generation Intel. Would that be a good choice?

Please, don't use 1 memory stick. Bandwidth provided by 2 channels does matter. You can add 2 more sticks later if motherboard has 4 slots.

I will first buy one 32 Gb card and after some months another.

Liquid coolers suck, it's better to use quality air cooler. More reliable and quieter. Since you shouldn't be overclocking (because it's dumb), it should be enough. Get something with a big radiator and a fine quality fan.

Yeah, now after watching a few videos on the subject on youtube, I decided to abandon liquid cooling. Now I think I'm going for Noctua NH-D15. I'm just wondering if it's so big that all the DDR5 memory cards won't fit... on the other hand, I probably won't ever need 128 GB.
And yeah, I'm not interested in overclocking.

Don't worry about USBs too much. These motherboards have internal connectors that you can use to expand. Google "usb plate adapter".

Well, at the moment I have two 10-slot USB hubs connected to each other, which are connected to my laptop, and those hubs only have 4 USB slots free anymore. So I do worry. Thanks, I know those USB plate adapters, I have one in my old desktop computer and I'm getting them for this new machine too.

Choose a PSU that has a passive mode for quiet operation .

This PSU (EVGA 750 B5) that I currently have selected has that feature.


Thanks a lot for the help, it got me thinking!

[2DaT]

Yeah, I did some rethinking and decided to go all-in and get the Intel Core i9-13900K Processor (and no GPU). I thought, if it's twelve years since I last bought a desktop computer, it would be kinda crazy if I did not get this new and the most capable processor now, wouldn't it? I've saved money for this (2300€ at the moment), so yeah, all-in! And if I'm going to go the DDR5 route, I looked at this motherboard --> MSI PRO Z790-P LGA1700 ...also because it supports 13th generation Intel. Would that be a good choice?

i9 is super expensive and generates a LOT of heat. I'm not sure it's a good buy. i7 is same in single thread and more reasonable.

Motherboard should be okay.

Yeah, now after watching a few videos on the subject on youtube, I decided to abandon liquid cooling. Now I think I'm going for Noctua NH-D15. I'm just wondering if it's so big that all the DDR5 memory cards won't fit... on the other hand, I probably won't ever need 128 GB.
And yeah, I'm not interested in overclocking.

Well, for i9 liquid cooler is the option, because they generate a lot of heat, perhaps even more than air coolers can handle.

[apogius]

Hi

Do yourself a favor : Get yourselfa current Generation cpu.
In short AMD's new Ryzen 7950 is something you really should look and consider.Plus 4.5 base and 5.7GHz turbo is also something to consider.
I get it you might like Intel (*though there is no realistic basis for prefering it )but at least get RaptorLake.

[Cypsilonib]

i9 is super expensive and generates a LOT of heat. I'm not sure it's a good buy. i7 is same in single thread and more reasonable.

Well, now that I compared Intel's 12th gen i9-12900KF processor (€649,99) I mentioned in my opening post to the new 13th gen i7-13700K processor (€579,99)... and I bolded the winner specs...

Total Cores:

- Intel Core i9-12900K: 16 (8 x Performance-cores, 8 x Efficient-cores)
- Intel Core i7-13700K: 16 (8 x Performance-cores, 8 x Efficient-cores)


Total Threads:

- Intel Core i9-12900K: 24
- Intel Core i7-13700K: 24


Max Turbo Frequency:

- Intel Core i9-12900K: 5.20 GHz
- Intel Core i7-13700K: 5.40 GHz


Intel Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 Frequency:

- Intel Core i9-12900K: 5.20 GHz
- Intel Core i7-13700K: 5.40 GHz


Performance-core Max Turbo Frequency:

- Intel Core i9-12900K: 5.10 GHz
- Intel Core i7-13700K: 5.30 GHz


Efficient-core Max Turbo Frequency:

- Intel Core i9-12900K: 3.90 GHz
- Intel Core i7-13700K: 4.20 GHz


Performance-core Base Frequency:

- Intel Core i9-12900K: 3.20 GHz
- Intel Core i7-13700K: 3.40 GHz


Efficient-core Base Frequency:

- Intel Core i9-12900K: 2.40 GHz
- Intel Core i7-13700K: 2.50 GHz


Cache:

- Intel Core i9-12900K: 30 MB
- Intel Core i7-13700K: 30 MB


Total L2 Cache:

- Intel Core i9-12900K: 14 MB
- Intel Core i7-13700K: 24 MB


Processor Base Power:

- Intel Core i9-12900K: 125 W
- Intel Core i7-13700K: 125 W


Maximum Turbo Power:

- Intel Core i9-12900K: 241 W
- Intel Core i7-13700K: 253 W


Memory Types:

- Intel Core i9-12900K: Up to DDR5 4800 MT/s, Up to DDR4 3200 MT/s
- Intel Core i7-13700K: Up to DDR5 5600 MT/s, Up to DDR4 3200 MT/s


Max Memory Bandwidth:

- Intel Core i9-12900K: 76.8 GB/s
- Intel Core i7-13700K: 89.6 GB/s


...so what am I missing here or don't understand because the i7-13700K looks like a better processor in every way in terms of efficiency and speed and costs €70 less!? Why would anyone want to buy an i9-12900KF processor now? Or the i9-12900K? In which case there would be a saving of €100 in this comparison. So yeah, looks like I've been a bit hasty in making decisions...

I've always been a bit of an all-or-nothing personality and it's hard for me to make decisions. And now I'm supposed to be able to make a decision on 12 different components that play well together... this is a catastrophic situation for me!

But now I thought I'd be a bit more reasonable and take i7-13700K instead of the i9-13900K (that way I save €220). And then I can take a Kingston DDR5 5600 MHz 32 GB memory module with the i7-13700K. From what I understand, that would be an excellent combination.

Well, for i9 liquid cooler is the option, because they generate a lot of heat, perhaps even more than air coolers can handle.

Now I'm just wondering if the Noctua NH-D15 would be sufficient even for this new i7-13700K processor?

[Cypsilonib]

Hi

Do yourself a favor : Get yourselfa current Generation cpu.
In short AMD's new Ryzen 7950 is something you really should look and consider.Plus 4.5 base and 5.7GHz turbo is also something to consider.
I get it you might like Intel (*though there is no realistic basis for prefering it )but at least get RaptorLake.

AMD Ryzen 9 7950X is €899.99! (the only 7950 I could find on verkkokauppa.com)

So I don't think I'll go for it now. My current 12 year old desktop computer has an AMD processor.

[Cypsilonib]

DDR5 is *much* better for KONTAKT stuff as you can see at
viewtopic.php?t=574244
IF you do not use KONTAKT, can go for DDR4 3600MHz.

The Asus GeForce GT 730 is crap, the CPU built-in GPU is better.
For audio workload the built-in GPU is ok.

AIO Water cooler is good IF you use a BIG radiator like this
https://www.jimms.fi/fi/Product/Show/17 ... aisu-musta
For audio workload you can use a big AIR cooler like the Noctua NH-D15

You need a case with good airflow.


Some tweaks you may like at
viewtopic.php?p=7624448#p7624448


----------------------


Motherboard MSI PRO Z690-A DDR5 €219
https://www.verkkokauppa.com/fi/product ... TX-emolevy
The first thing you must do is update the BIOS to the latest version
https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/PRO-Z690-A/support
Can update without RAM/CPU/GPU installed

You can add more USB ports with this €10
https://www.amazon.com/%EF%BC%882-Pack- ... B06XCVSPZ1
and this €10
https://www.amazon.com/Kingwin-Transfer ... B00BTYOKXO

CPU Intel Core i7-13700K €580
https://www.verkkokauppa.com/fi/product ... K-suoritin

CPU Cooler Noctua NH-D15 €115
https://www.verkkokauppa.com/fi/product ... ijaahdytin
You probably will need the Noctua NM-i7xx-MP83 LGA1700 KIT
https://noctua.at/en/noctua-announces-f ... or-lga1700
How to mount

At some point in time the CPU will bent, to prevent get this
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004204696050.html €11


RAM Kingston FURY Beast DDR5 5200 MHz CL40 64 GB €366
https://www.verkkokauppa.com/fi/product ... imodulipak

SSD Samsung 980 PRO 1TB €138
https://www.verkkokauppa.com/fi/product ... selementil
SSD Samsung 980 PRO 2TB €255
https://www.verkkokauppa.com/fi/product ... selementil

PSU Corsair RM750x White Series 80 PLUS Gold €129
https://www.verkkokauppa.com/fi/product ... lisatiedot
Review
https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/co ... y-review/2

Case DeepCool CK560 WHite €105
https://www.jimms.fi/fi/Product/Show/18 ... inen-musta

Windows 11 Pro OEM key €22
https://www.guru3d.com/news-story/ad-ha ... or-25.html

Total = 219+10+10+580+115+11+366+138+255+129+105+22 = €1.960

I am definitely going to get the Kontakt. When I can afford it. I was already thinking that maybe I'll go for DDR5 and this just sealed my decision, thank you!

This has also been on my mind regarding the DDR4 vs. DDR5 issue but I haven't had time and will to check it --> Do I get a lower latency with faster DDR5 memory than DDR4? I.e. when I hit a midi key or a drum pad, do I hear the sound (from a VSTi) with shorter latency when there is DDR5 memory in use instead of DDR4?

The graphics card issue... yeah, I've decided not to get one at all, at least not right away. I did hear elsewhere that if there is no graphics card, the CPU's Integrated graphics card partially uses the memory module. It doesn't sound like a very desirable technique in this context, and I might get a graphics card at some point.

I had already decided to abandon the liquid cooling system after watching a few videos on the subject on youtube. But now I'm wondering if Noctua's NH-D15 is enough cooling for Intel's new i7-13700K processor?

My current choice for a motherboard is the MSI PRO Z790-P DDR5 (€279.99 - verkkokauppa.com). I was thinking of getting one with Processor support for 13th generation Intel Core processors.

Thanks a lot for the comprehensive advice and suggestions! Really helpful stuff!

[legendCNCD]

I'd personally wait for motherboard reviews for DPC latencies...

[Pictus]

I am definitely going to get the Kontakt. When I can afford it. I was already thinking that maybe I'll go for DDR5 and this just sealed my decision, thank you!

I am glad to help.

This has also been on my mind regarding the DDR4 vs. DDR5 issue but I haven't had time and will to check it --> Do I get a lower latency with faster DDR5 memory than DDR4? I.e. when I hit a midi key or a drum pad, do I hear the sound with shorter latency when there is DDR5 memory in use instead of DDR4?

If you are not dealing with extreme slow memory speed or bad configuration, the
memory type/speed should be of no concern for AUDIO latency.
For audio latency you should look at the audio interface, look at
viewtopic.php?p=8407438#p8407438

The graphics card issue... yeah, I've decided not to get one at all, at least not right away. I did hear elsewhere that if there is no graphics card, the CPU's Integrated graphics card partially uses the memory module. It doesn't sound like a very desirable technique in this context, and I might get a graphics card at some point.

OK, but it does not use much.

I had already decided to abandon the liquid cooling system after watching a few videos on the subject on youtube. But now I'm wondering if Noctua's NH-D15 is enough cooling for Intel's new i7-13700K processor?

For audio workloads it is enought, that is why I recommended the NH-D15 in
my first post. Pay attention if the case has enough clearance to fit the NH-D15.
The memory module height also counts for the front fan, to calculate use 140-7+RAM height, for the Kingston Fury Beast is 140-7+35 = 168mm

My current choice for a motherboard is the MSI PRO Z790-P DDR5 (€279.99 - verkkokauppa.com). I was thinking of getting one with Processor support for 13th generation Intel Core processors.

OK, but you have to update the BIOS anyway...
https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/PRO-Z790-P/support

[Cypsilonib]

If you are not dealing with extreme slow memory speed or bad configuration, the
memory type/speed should be of no concern for AUDIO latency.
For audio latency you should look at the audio interface, look at
viewtopic.php?p=8407438#p8407438

Okay, good to know (about memory type and speed / latency).

My audio interface is RME Fireface UCX II. So for that, the latency issue is being taken care of.

But the current latency on my laptop in Cubase is about 13ms with RME's Fireface UCX II buffer size set to 512 samples. Which is too much imo! If it's set on 256 samples there are easily audio dropouts even if there are not so many tracks playing at the same time. My laptop: Intel Core i7-7500U CPU @ 2.70GHz, 8 Gb RAM, Win 10 Home 64-bit.

One reason I'm interested in getting the latency as low as possible is because I started practicing playing drums 1.5 years ago by going to music studios in libraries (from next month I will join a training place / band house) and I also have a Nord Drum 3P (with kick pedal) at home, which I would like to use a bit for practicing (by playing sampled acoustic VSTi drums) and also to make MIDI recordings.

This as well explains why I'm maybe going for a bit 'overkill' with this new computer.

The graphics card issue... yeah, I've decided not to get one at all, at least not right away. I did hear elsewhere that if there is no graphics card, the CPU's Integrated graphics card partially uses the memory module. It doesn't sound like a very desirable technique in this context, and I might get a graphics card at some point.

OK, but it does not use much.

I was also thinking here that when two different things (integrated GPU and Cubase/VSTinstruments) use the memory module at the same time, could that sometimes cause issues?

For audio workloads it is enought, that is why I recommended the NH-D15 in
my first post.

Well, I have now thought about it from the angle that I would like to get a cooling system for the 13700K that enables the full capacity of that processor if such a situation comes along. It wouldn't make much sense to get a good processor if I weaken its performance with insufficient cooling. This issue is discussed in this thread.

Pay attention if the case has enough clearance to fit the NH-D15.
The memory module height also counts for the front fan, to calculate use 140-7+RAM height, for the Kingston Fury Beast is 140-7+35 = 168mm

Yeah, I was already thinking about that case size myself. The height of the NH-D15 is 165 mm, and the maximum height of the processor fan for the case I mentioned (be quiet! Pure Base 600) is exactly 165 mm. I wonder if there will be any gap (even a centimeter?) between the fan and the wall of the case? I think I'll switch to another case, even though I already liked this one.

And then there's the potential memory module issue due to the size of the NH-D15.

Hmm... all in all, I'm starting to lean towards liquid cooling again. And maybe the kind of PC case with holes in the front could keep the temperatures lower and thus the machine quieter? Oh, this is difficult!

My current choice for a motherboard is the MSI PRO Z790-P DDR5 (€279.99 - verkkokauppa.com). I was thinking of getting one with Processor support for 13th generation Intel Core processors.

OK, but you have to update the BIOS anyway...
https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/PRO-Z790-P/support

Well, this is a bit troubling. Is this something you have to do to all MSI motherboards? MSI PRO Z790-P DDR5 is supposed to already have support for 13th generation Intel Core processors. I don't get this. What about other brand's motherboards... do I need to do this? Or are they at least easier and more hassle free when it comes to updating BIOS? New task for me. I would really like to avoid this kind of things when building a new machine.

Thank you for all the help!

[Pictus]

Okay, good to know (about memory type and speed / latency).

My audio interface is RME Fireface UCX II. So for that, the latency issue is being taken care of.

But the current latency on my laptop in Cubase is about 13ms with RME's Fireface UCX II buffer size set to 512 samples. Which is too much imo! If it's set on 256 samples there are easily audio dropouts even if there are not so many tracks playing at the same time. My laptop: Intel Core i7-7500U CPU @ 2.70GHz, 8 Gb RAM, Win 10 Home 64-bit.

Laptop/notebook are made/tweaked to economize battery, not low latency real time audio processing...
The tweaks may help viewtopic.php?p=7624448#p7624448

One reason I'm interested in getting the latency as low as possible is because I started practicing playing drums 1.5 years ago by going to music studios in libraries (from next month I will join a training place / band house) and I also have a Nord Drum 3P (with kick pedal) at home, which I would like to use a bit for practicing (by playing sampled acoustic VSTi drums) and also to make MIDI recordings.

This as well explains why I'm maybe going for a bit 'overkill' with this new computer.

With more powerful CPU you can use 96kHz or more and will have lower the latency.

I was also thinking here that when two different things (integrated GPU and Cubase/VSTinstruments) use the memory module at the same time, could that sometimes cause issues?

No issues.

Well, I have now thought about it from the angle that I would like to get a cooling system for the 13700K that enables the full capacity of that processor if such a situation comes along. It wouldn't make much sense to get a good processor if I weaken its performance with insufficient cooling. This issue is discussed in this thread.

I do not see that much loss of performance by limiting the wattage...
https://www.club386.com/intel-core-i9-1 ... w-and-65w/
But for full potential, water...
But audio workflow does not need full potential...

Pay attention if the case has enough clearance to fit the NH-D15.
The memory module height also counts for the front fan, to calculate use 140-7+RAM height, for the Kingston Fury Beast is 140-7+35 = 168mm

Yeah, I was already thinking about that case size myself. The height of the NH-D15 is 165 mm, and the maximum height of the processor fan for the case I mentioned (be quiet! Pure Base 600) is exactly 165 mm. I wonder if there will be any gap (even a centimeter?) between the fan and the wall of the case? I think I'll switch to another case, even though I already liked this one.

I have no idea, probably no gap, you should buy another case.
The DeepCool CK560 I mentioned in the first post is not expensive
and have 175mm for CPU clearance.
Want some top of the line case with even better airflow for the NH-d15?
Check the Fractal Design Torrent (188mm CPU clearance)
https://fi.pcpartpicker.com/product/4sv ... c-tor1a-05

And then there's the potential memory module issue due to the size of the NH-D15.

Hmm... all in all, I'm starting to lean towards liquid cooling again. And maybe the kind of PC case with holes in the front could keep the temperatures lower and thus the machine quieter? Oh, this is difficult!

IF you want AIO water, go BIG or nothing...
Phanteks P500a with Arctic 420mm in the front
https://fi.pcpartpicker.com/product/NkK ... 00atg_bk01
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420 RGB
https://fi.pcpartpicker.com/product/mhZ ... cfre00110a
or
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420 A-RGB.
The fans from the RGB/A-RGB versions are MUCH better.
https://fi.pcpartpicker.com/product/83v ... cfre00109a

Depending on the serial number, it may be necessary


The proper way to install


And do not forget this or later you will regret...
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004204696050.html

My current choice for a motherboard is the MSI PRO Z790-P DDR5 (€279.99 - verkkokauppa.com). I was thinking of getting one with Processor support for 13th generation Intel Core processors.

OK, but you have to update the BIOS anyway...
https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/PRO-Z790-P/support

Well, this is a bit troubling. Is this something you have to do to all MSI motherboards? MSI PRO Z790-P DDR5 is supposed to already have support for 13th generation Intel Core processors. I don't get this. What about other brand's motherboards... do I need to do this? Or are they at least easier and more hassle free when it comes to updating BIOS? New task for me. I would really like to avoid this kind of things when building a new machine.

Thank you for all the help!

I am glad to help, but there is no escape, you must update the BIOS for all brands.
I am an ex IT guy, built hundreds of PCs/ETC and never had any problem with BIOS update.