What computer brands to consider?

[jcschild]

how about reasons NOT to buy apple..

1) more money period no if ands

If money is a deciding factor, DIY is the way to go.

and many dont want the headache so

umm no, i or other DAW builders can build a better system for less money and give support for audio.

Scott
ADK

[Uncle E]

and many dont want the headache so

umm no, i or other DAW builders can build a better system for less money and give support for audio.

Horses for courses. Anyway, when do you think we'll see a drop in prices on Intel 6 core processors?

[t3toooo]

unless you want to read forums about "every" pc component/product for weeks like i did, i would recommend a daw builder.

a standard laptop/desktop with pre-installed software is made for mainstream and not for professional audio but i'm sure you can find a good workstation even in this segment.
either it is pure luck,somebody already tested it successfully or you are searching for it,like i said ,a bunch of time to find something reliable.

the pc market is a fat hog.

[ford442]

don't buy HP..
do buy Dell, Asus, Acer, SAMSUNG..

Dell is a pretty good deal and has the best support for the home user.. They are better than the old days when you couldn't make a Dell into a DAW safely.. Now, a Dell includes the newest features at a reasonable price.. just select a mid-tower if you want to add internals - the slim case is very slim..

[Uncle E]

unless you want to read forums about "every" pc component/product for weeks like i did, i would recommend a daw builder.

There's only one thread you need to read:

http://duc.avid.com/showthread.php?t=238426

The DUC has been providing proven systems for years.

[t3toooo]

unless you want to read forums about "every" pc component/product for weeks like i did, i would recommend a daw builder.

There's only one thread you need to read:

http://duc.avid.com/showthread.php?t=238426

The DUC has been providing proven systems for years.

nah,my configuration isn't even listed.

[Uncle E]

nah,my configuration isn't even listed.

What's your configuration?

[t3toooo]

in my case i went very conservative with intel and kingston,something that is rarely mentioned in the audio world.
i designed this machine (considering pro and cons) for live performance on stage,the 3930k wasn't even released,something i never did before and it is very risky to build a machine which nobody tested beside 3-4 review sites.

i had even luck that my 2 years old gtx 460 works flawlessly,a lot of sweat.

however the op's price range is different and in the next two month ivy bridge arrives.
same game again,
you need to read about the components but you can't be sure what is working or not.
in my case i had rather luck but one quirk i have is a usb 3 bios conflict and a missing functional bios update,since i'm not using it atm i can wait.

so,if you want to buy a new computer you should choose new parts at least the motherboard and the cpu,because of bang for the bug.

now,you want to make music with a synth like diva and the case must be quiet for under 1000?

i would wait until ivy and then choose a good daw builder,maybe you spend 200-300 more but you will have a system that is satisfying.
a daw builder warrant a functionality.
i remember the endless sandy bridge threads about problems here and there,yes after month's the most problems were solved.

i would talk differently if ivy would already be on the market for 6 month's.

[jcschild]

and many dont want the headache so

umm no, i or other DAW builders can build a better system for less money and give support for audio.

Horses for courses. Anyway, when do you think we'll see a drop in prices on Intel 6 core processors?

i dont know yet. i generally get an email from Intel a few weeks to a month in advance about pricing changes. nothing yet.

it usually happens with new releases or 2nd stepping with newer releases.

the new Ivy for socket 1155 is out in April (as is mobile) (3770 and still 4 core)
i would expect the older 1155 sandy to drop a little then

the just released Socket 2011 in jan will maintain its high price until Ivy in 4th quarter or if they release another stepping and have something between the 3960 and 3930 or higher than the 3960.

they now have 3 pricing tiers 3820 quad $300 ish 3930k 6 core $600 ish and the $1000 3960K 6 core
i dont think we will see a $300 6 core for a good while

obviously the X58 is dead and is already priced at budget. (980)

Scott

[braj]

Well my wife says as soon as my old box dies I can order a new one so how do I kill it? It has issues starting up, sometimes it just sits there for 15 minutes, drive not spinning, I have to hard-shut it off and try again. I feel there is some driver conflict or something. The other day it took 4 tries to get going.

[hibidy]

IT'S ALREADY DEAD then

Come on braj's wife, you only live once!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[braj]

IT'S ALREADY DEAD then

Come on braj's wife, you only live once!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, I'm Hindu so....

[bronxsound]

my 2cents
motherboard and audio interface are very important for overall DAW PC performance. consider pci/pcie based audio interface (card plus breakout box).
intel mobos are usually simple (not too many gadgets) but they perform well in DAW setups .

[Ashe37]

Yes, unfortunately, most audio interfaces these days are Firewire or USB, not card-based.

[hibidy]

IT'S ALREADY DEAD then

Come on braj's wife, you only live once!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, I'm Hindu so....

See, you are NOT helping your situation.........