Brain overload - what PC?

[Howard]

I want to buy a new Win-PC for audio (must be able to handle ACE, DIVA and other CPU hogs). Can't decide... I'd be thankful for any tips!

(BTW: got Mac )

[Shabdahbriah]

I'll repeat what I just posted elsewhere regarding this:

Ergo:

Buiding it yourself - or buying it pre-built/custom built???

DIY is easily within your budget (1500-2000$), for a pretty kick-ass dedicated "PC" machine, particularly now, as a bunch of the latest (overly hyped, IMO) technology is coming in, the stuff that is proven to work is cheaper.

After your OS, be it Xp-Pro 32-bit/Win-7 or wait for 8 ~ 32-bit or 64-bit which is more or less determined by your app choices functionality (32/64), its mainly a choice between Intel or AMD processors, RAM, and HDs, and the vitally important MOBO that supports those choices.

Some of the Vsti's you've listed will benefit (if not require) the amount of RAM available only with Win v.7 or the forecoming v.8, and 32-bit or 64-bit have different ceilings on RAM.

A little overwhelming yes, but ultimately no big deal.

[zvenx]

Howard the next iteration of the Sandy Bridge processors are supposedly coming out next month..They are suppose to provide a whole heap of bang for the buck.....I am waiting till Xmas before I upgrade my computer....if you can wait I would suggest at least waiting for a month to see what they offer.

rsp

[Kalee]

Hi,

If you are not in hurry, then building an Intel Ivy bridge PC will be good idea, but it would mean waiting for couple of months.

Currently Intel i5 2500k and i7 2600k are the value for money good performance processors.

These processors are compatible LGA1155 motherboard. I how ever can't comment what would be the best value for money motherboard.

Set of 2 4gb ram sticks should be good enough.

For the computer case, I suggest Fractal Design Define R3. That case has already applied materials to front and sides of the box to make it more silent / stop the metals from vibrating.

For the operating system. Windows 7 64-bit works fine installing a 32 bit host. I haven't touched 64-bit hosts yet, ~99% of my plugins are freeware 32 bits .,

With this i5 2500k processor ( not overclocked ) I can run 8 Zebras running patch "0 Two Point Five - HS Berlin Wallflower" holding 1 key down. With 112 Samples asio buffersize with asio4all drivers.

[Howard]

Buiding it yourself - or buying it pre-built/custom built

Pre-built. Willing to pay more for the privilege of not having to research! Must be *quiet*...

Thanks for the answers so far - at least I now know what kind of spec to look for!

[zvenx]

Buiding it yourself - or buying it pre-built/custom built

Pre-built. Willing to pay more for the privilege of not having to research! Must be *quiet*...

Thanks for the answers so far - at least I now know what kind of spec to look for!

I am so with you on that...... and the warranty also is important........so I can call one person and bitch if my system isn't running rather than trying and trace what component no longer works and to get in touch with their manufacturer on that.....
time is money for me.....

rsp

[bmrzycki]

Howard, do *not* go AMD. Their per-core power is much lower than Intel's -- most plugins aren't multi-core aware and this means clipping and audio drop-outs. Stick to Sandy or Ivy bridge. Win7 64-bit home premium is by far enough for your needs the "professional" version of Windows has features I doubt you'll ever care for or use.

If you need firewire (IEEE1394) make sure the chipset the motherboard uses is from Texas Instruments. This doesn't happen in the Mac world as much because Apple is very careful with its suppliers for these chips. It's worth asking the seller for the exact model of the motherboard and then looking for the manual, or ask them directly what chipset it has if you think they're up to the task. Furthermore, IEEE1394 ports on the PC tend to be the smaller plug type (sometimes called i.link) and it doesn't provide power. So make sure your FW devices have external power supplies.

For USB, I recommend Intel chipsets here too. While not as bad as the non-TI FW chips you might run into problems with sound devices on VIA chipsets.

Given these restrictions it's one of the reason I still prefer to build my own PCs, few manufactures can give me these requirements. You might have better luck though.

[Shabdahbriah]

Buiding it yourself - or buying it pre-built/custom built

Pre-built. Willing to pay more for the privilege of not having to research! Must be *quiet*...

Thanks for the answers so far - at least I now know what kind of spec to look for!

From that "other" thread:

Thanks whyterabbyt but What sound card should I use? I'm sure I can build a computer with the specs you just listed but if possible where can I get a computer pre-buil with those specs already?

http://www.adkproaudio.com/systems/view ... cordid=108

I kicked-up the specs a bit:

Power supply > 700 watts Cooler Master 700W Silent Pro M Pro 16DB

OS > Win-7 64 Pro

RAM > 16Gb

CPU Cooler > NH-U9B SE2 Ultra Quiet CPU Cooler

Audio interface > Focusrite Scarlett 2i2: 2x2 USB2 Audio Interface

I couldn't link to the "updated" page, but it comes in @ $2175.00

(I don't like that they don't list the MOBO or RAM manufacturer(s) brand name.)

[2c]

fwiw: I've built 100+ DAWs from the ground up over the past 16 years... for artists, Djs, pro and project recording studios, etc... just sayin'.

[Howard]

Thanks to all... useful info. Checking out ADK. Can anyone recommend other brands that deliver within Germany?

Hat irgendjemand Erfahrung mit musikcomputer.de Rechner?

[Chester Desmond]

Everyone is going to have a different success\horror story about every brand of every component. I would say just figure out what you're likely to need (horsepower-wise) and find a good price. Make sure there is room for expansion (RAM, card slots if necessary)and that it has jacks you want (firewire etc). Keep in mind that pre-built systems often have lower quality\spec components (especially power supplies).
In many cases, you can also pick components at a local store and have the store build it for you and in most cases they will handle the warranty as a full system (ie not each piece). This is, to me, the best compromise because you know exactly what's in there and also have it assembled by someone who knows what they are doing.

[Shabdahbriah]

Thanks to all... useful info. But can anyone actually recommend a brand / model, or am I forced to build it myself?

The specs, and the "brands" (where listed) above are good to excellent, though I personally prefer certain "PSUs" over their choices, and do not know what MOBO and RAM they use.

I'll give you my [2c] > though this thread has the potential to degenerate to "brand" flames... :

OS = Win-7 64-bit

Case = Antec 300 ATX Midtower

PSU = PC Power and Cooling Silencer Mk II PPCMK2S750 750W ATX12V v2.2

RAM = 16GB > Corsair XMS3 or Kingston HyperX

CPU = Intel core i7 2600K sandybridge

MOBO = ASRock P67 EXTREME4 (B3) LGA 1155 Intel P67 (onboard graphics)

HDs = Seagate 500GB (OS and apps) and a 1TB (slave)

(A 'gaming' QWERTY keyboard w/macro buttons is a plus)

Good luck

[davidka]

Thanks to all... useful info. But can anyone actually recommend a brand / model, or am I forced to build it myself?

The specs, and the "brands" (where listed) above are good to excellent, though I personally prefer certain "PSUs" over their choices, and do not know what MOBO and RAM they use.

I'll give you my [2c] > though this thread has the potential to degenerate to "brand" flames... :

OS = Win-7 64-bit

Case = Antec 300 ATX Midtower

PSU = PC Power and Cooling Silencer Mk II PPCMK2S750 750W ATX12V v2.2

RAM = 16GB > Corsair XMS3 or Kingston HyperX

CPU = Intel core i7 2600K sandybridge

MOBO = ASRock P67 EXTREME4 (B3) LGA 1155 Intel P67 (onboard graphics)

HDs = Seagate 500GB (OS and apps) and a 1TB (slave)

(A 'gaming' QWERTY keyboard w/macro buttons is a plus)

Good luck

+1! Most online computer stores offer assembly and testing for a minimum charge and a +1day on shipping. So just pick these parts, request an assembly, and there you go!

[Viktor [TUC]]

Howard, if you really don't want to build it yourself, visit the Digital AudionetworX website:

http://www.da-x.de

They're situated in Berlin/Germany, which should suit you, living in Germany yourself (right?).
They do a very good job, I've got my audio PC from them, and I've never had a problem with it.
They also received good reviews from magazines every now and then.

Cheers,

The Unshushable Coktor

[ryandfl]

Howard the next iteration of the Sandy Bridge processors are supposedly coming out next month..They are suppose to provide a whole heap of bang for the buck.....I am waiting till Xmas before I upgrade my computer....if you can wait I would suggest at least waiting for a month to see what they offer.

rsp

Yeah the next i7s are supposed to be pretty speedy. They are also all labeled as Extreme models, I believe, so the prices will be high. I'm going to bite that bullet and build a machine from one in Dec/Jan too.

The new new Intel chip structure is coming out around the end of Q1 '12, but they are rolling out the lower consume grade stuff first, from what I read. So the i7s that are coming out soon with be the fastest thing going until next summer or so.

[rlahalla]

Howard, do *not* go AMD. Their per-core power is much lower than Intel's -- most plugins aren't multi-core aware and this means clipping and audio drop-outs.

That isn't really entirely true B! I use solely AMD processors because they have always lasted me longer, run cooler, never cause me dropouts and they just plain outperform every Intel I've ever owned. In fact, I'm still running an old AMD XP 2200+ as an effects processor and it has been running for something like 10 years now. My new main processing computer is the new AMD APU A8 quad and it smoked my similarly spec'd Intel quad, which is collecting dust currently. I'd use _that_ as an effects processor, but it heats up like a dirty ol' bastard on viagra.