KVR Audio

dentaku · Post by **dentaku** » Wed Feb 22, 2023 1:59 pm

Most of the benchmarks you see online run unusually big loads to find the hardware's limits so I know it's not realistic compared to what most people use their computers for.
Have any of you had problems with air cooled audio workstations and the new Intel 13th gen CPUs?

How does scan.co.uk get away with a 13700k system in a case with such restricted airflow as the bequiet! Purebase 500?
I'd rather have the Fractal Design Torrent or something else from bequiet that has a mesh front.
https://www.scan.co.uk/3xs/configurator ... ion-system
This is very close to what I was planning on building except for the case and I would like to use a Noctua NH-D15 but the be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 that Scan uses would be my next choice.

I know a 13700K when in boost can consume lots of power and create lots of heat but how does using Ableton Live with CPU hungry VSTs compare to these artificial benchmarks or even gaming?
I want to build a quiet computer but I also don't want it to thermal throttle. I'm not putting a video card in this computer either.

I've found videos of people having good results with slightly undervolting 13th gen CPUs so that's something I might try.

maanga · Post by **maanga** » Thu Feb 23, 2023 4:53 am

The AMD top level 7xxx CPUs come with included air coolers. So for music applications, even for intel, it should be sufficient to run with air cooling. Only thing is some of 3rd party air coolers are too heavy for motherboard (NH-D15 is more than 1.4 Kg) in my opinion. But they are designed for the motherboards. Once installed, will give many years of trouble free life, unlike the AIO coolers.
Regards.

legendCNCD · Post by **legendCNCD** » Fri Feb 24, 2023 4:49 am

Noctua D15 or similar, if one doesnt want to use 360 sized block. The 3rd party air coolers are not too heavy for motherboards. I have one there for 10 years now (on top of i7-4960X) and there are no problems.

I am also looking forward to get i7-13700K system, still havent decided on motherboard, but RME AiO Pro is going to be the audiocard. Noctua as fan, maybe fractal design XL as a case..

I think I'll run it a bit less than maximum too, maybe drop power level down from "unlimited"

lfm · Post by **lfm** » Fri Feb 24, 2023 9:44 am

I looked at Dark Rock Pro 4 a bit, but read some things about some memory modules are too high so does not fit. Some Corsair RGB something. And you must insert memory before cooler, and also remove cooler to fit more memory etc. Also be sure to check case handle that build height, not all did.

Another issue was that not all sure you get mounting for LGA1700 socket included. Manufactured before summer 2022 did not have it so had to order to Bequiet. A store said it would be free, but was not and delivery a couple of weeks.

This was just a month ago.

But still a bit puzzled that so many people feel the need to run all VSTi's live. Good daw would have smooth freeze options, like Cakewalk Sonar as one. One button push to freeze tracks and remove resources and one push to get all back. Most daws have more operations.

Cubase is pretty good but no visible audio anywhere of result, but StudioOne you have to disable VSTi's manually.

Cakewalk is nice in having audio on all VSTi outs in track view too, very handy compared to look at midi track to see where things happends on certain outs.

maanga · Post by **maanga** » Fri Feb 24, 2023 5:17 pm

Some air cooler manufacturers have printable template to check if the cooler fits in small motherboards.
They also mention the coolers clearance to motherboard for RAM height.
So if you are going with air cooling, get the cooler as the last item to purchase or do some research on it.
Regards.

maanga · Post by **maanga** » Fri Mar 17, 2023 6:39 pm

Tech Notice has a YT video on testing 13900K with 14 different air coolers and comparing with AIO.
Check if you are interested.
Regards.
https://youtu.be/7o74u1u642I

_leras · Post by **_leras** » Sat Mar 18, 2023 8:48 am

dentaku wrote: ↑Wed Feb 22, 2023 1:59 pm How does scan.co.uk get away with a 13700k system in a case with such restricted airflow as the bequiet! Purebase 500?
I'd rather have the Fractal Design Torrent or something else from bequiet that has a mesh front.
https://www.scan.co.uk/3xs/configurator ... ion-system

I would suggest calling them if you have any doubts.

I've had my last 2-3 audio PCs from Scan, and they've been really great and very helpful.

Jim Roseberry · Post by **Jim Roseberry** » Mon Mar 20, 2023 1:35 am

I wouldn't run anything more than ~12700k with air-cooling.
Sure, you can find videos of folks using a D15 to cool a Threadripper CPU.
It works fine at idle and light loads. Run some video rendering... and watch it thermal-throttle.
Undervolting can help a little... but don't expect miracles.

Neutering a high-end workstation CPU kind of defeats the purpose of having it.
You can get a large/quiet AIO. It's not small... and it's not cheap.

13700K for Ableton/CPU hungry VSTs... how much cooling does it realy need?