Quick opinion sought about this Scan Audio laptop's specs (vs Scan workstation PC and custom build options), thanks

[dark water]

Hi everyone,

I'm weighing up whether to buy a Scan Audio audio laptop or workstation computer within the next 2 months, and I was wondering if these specs for their prices seem pretty decent to those of you with more technical knowledge than me about the current computer outlook please:

https://www.scan.co.uk/3xs/configurator ... dia-laptop

laptop.jpg

https://www.scan.co.uk/3xs/configurator/rx670-4u

workstation.JPG

The reason that I'm interested in Scan Audio builds is that I'm still happily using a Scan Audio laptop from 2011, and I live in the UK.
(I realize that Scan Audio have their critics and supporters nowadays, but at least I have had a good experience with them).

I'm probably veering towards that Scan laptop option, as although it's irritating that it cannot operate Thunderbolt connectivity (needed for my ancient Focusrite Liquid Mix device) unlike the Scan workstation option, it does look like a cheaper option overall and also, frankly, I have better software EQs and compressors now than my Liquid Mix ever was capable of.


I realize from reading similar KVR threads from 2021-2023 that many of you prefer custom designs, so if you think that Scan laptop and/or that Scan workstation designs are flawed or very over-priced, please let me know.


I'd be using the PC (I don't want an Apple Mac) for medium-level DAW editing requirements (running about 20 to 30 track projects in Reaper and Ableton) and performance of sample libraries and plugins.
I'd also like to create mandelbot and moderate 3D visual designs, as well as play some PC games to a 'medium-level' which were developed in the last couple of years (such as 'Manor Lords' etc).

I'm not looking for 'blistering cutting edge' performance, as I have pretty much all the software (music / art / games) already that I would like.


FWIW, I'd change the most basic configurations of those Scan laptop and workstation options to give myself 64GB of RAM instead of 32GB RAM, a 2TB OS drive instead of 1TB drive, and an additonal DVD-rw drive.

Many thanks in advance,

[uOpt]

Those 8-core AMD mobile chips are awesome.

How much will the laptop be with 64 GB and 2 TB? Looks good basically.

[BertKoor]

I'd say 64 GB memory is total overkill for what you're planning to do with it. Perhaps even 4GB would fit (one task)

[uOpt]

I'd say 64 GB memory is total overkill for what you're planning to do with it. Perhaps even 4GB would fit (one task)

But if you get 32 GB you get 2x16 GB modules. Might be better to go for the big modules right away. Large memory computers are pleasant to use.

[T-CM11]

Why do you want a laptop (in stead of a desktop)?

[dark water]

Hi everyone - many thanks for the replies

Thanks uOpt, I agree with your comment about the 64GB vs 32GB RAM.
And with the 64GB RAM and 2TB drive and DVD-RW, it costs about £1750 (inc VAT) compared to about £1620, which I think is definitely within my price range.

You're probably right Bert about 64GB being overkill, but (I think) the Scan basic model comes with a minimum of 32GB anyway, so I figured for about £50 more I would double it.

TBH T-CM11, I don't really know why I have the preference for laptops other than they are, of course, a hell of a lot more portable rather than tower desktops (and I've also had laptops for 15 years) .
I somewhat fancy that Scan workstation PC instead of a laptop because I should be able to get better cooling and more powerful components in a workstation PC rather than in a laptop for roughly the same price, and a workstation PC is also probably less bulky than a tower desktop PC.
But equally, there are some times when I want to travel with a laptop, and so I think I'll plump for that Scan laptop instead.
If I owned my own house, I'd probably go for a workstation PC (or even a tower desktop PC), but as I am currently renting a flat and can't store many items here (and also I might have to move a few more times in the future), I think that I'll avoid a desktop definitely, and probably avoid a workstation PC for now too, in favour of a laptop which should last me a few good years.

Many thanks again everyone