Need advice on pre-built PC that's on sale for 1 more day

[sswenk]

I currently run Reaper x64 on a system with similar specs. I have no issues as far as track count and plug in instances. I usually average around 20-30 tracks of audio. I don't typically record or mix higher than 24/48k which helps me conserve horsepower. I don't see why you wouldnt be able to use this machine as a DAW. Get a good usb interface with ASIO drivers.

Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk

[Rust Creep]

Intel makes lasting processors... their stuff is just engineered to a higher degree

The motherboard is really the most important imo

Asus motherboard plus intel processor equals no worries.. get a big case and noctua air cooler (flattest mounting surface in the industry)

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

[Grandma Gertie]

When it comes to DAWs,
would the phenom ii x6 do better, or would an intel i3 do better ?

i found 2:
Gateway DX4870-UB20P Core i3-2120 Dual-Core 3.3GHz 6GB 1TB Gateway DT.GDDAA.003 DX4870-UB20P

Gateway DX4860-UM10P Core i3-2120 Dual-Core 3.3GHz 8GB 1.5TB Gateway PT.GCPP2.022 DX4860-UM10P



Although, as with most pre-builts, the PSU is under 500 watts.
Why is it important to have a high wattage in the PSU, from a DAW perspective ?

[Masaaki]

I would get AMD hexa core over i3 machines.

Intel CPUs are better than AMD CPUs for DAW in general, but I was also disappointed with the 'low end' Intel CPU several times. Top-of-the-line Intel CPUs are the best for sure, but between these choices, I prefer AMD phenomII x6. I have phenomIIx4 and x6 custom built rigs for moderate tasks, and they work just fine. Reaper is also a good place to start, and would do a fantastic job at a reasonable cost.

500W PSU seems all right, unless you want to add a big video card for gaming.

The price in that link seems pretty good. When you get it (no matter which one you buy), check DPC latency checker for offending spikes---that's almost 'must do' these days.

[Grandma Gertie]

So i ordered a PC,
but I canceled it before it was shipped out.


Is there something on gearslutz, that informs the reader what to look for in a DAW computer ?

I looked through the stickied thread:
the "today we build our studio pc"-thread

I read terms like DPC latency and the usual list of PC parts

What's everything I need to consider when buying a pre-built or custom build, or when putting one together at home.



for example:

CPU
---
how many cores,
does clock rate matter

motherboard
-----------
what to look for in a daw motherboard

PSU
---
whats the min to average wattage


RAM
---
whats the min to average amount

SSD
---
why is an SSD better than a HDD when it comes to a DAW environment


Case
----
what's the min size,
what about fans and is there an issue with noise and under cooling



i'm assuming, any graphics card and cd/dvd reader would do,
and as far as an HDD, 1 TB seems to be the most common



What are other factors ?

[Grandma Gertie]

Yeah, that would be the easy route

But I always hear people say, "build a PC, it's cheaper that way"

So as far as saving some money, I'd also like to know what factors play in when looking for a DAW PC, pre-built or not.



Anyone, if you can, point me towards some websites that cover this

It would be nice to get this information


Thanks

[Masaaki]

Building PC is not necesarrily cheaper. Some people just do it with cheapest parts, and get great success. Some people follow the way, and experience nightmare. Some people do it because they can choose the best parts available, and want to be able to customize down the road.

You are asking advice saying "I want to build a music computer. How? Give me some clues."

This is very difficult to respond because the question is wide open and doesn't have a focus. So, my suggestion is to read the 'today we build ...' thread, and try to assemble the parts as muc ass you can. Then, people will have some clue what you want to do. Listing parts doesn't cost money, so you can repeat until you feel comfortable.

Also provide more informaion, like type of DAW you want to use, audio interface you have (or you want to have), budget allowance, style of music, the use of machine (live/studio/tracking/editing etc). Then you get more specific answers. You need to spend significant hours to get the information, and write up what you want, but that's the 'homework' to be able to save money (or to get better machine).

Hopefully, this gets you at the start line. Good luck!

p.s. and I totally agree with Paul, that getting a custom built PC from a reputable builder is another route, if you can't spend significant hours for the learning plus trouble shooting.

p.s. once you get the parts list, then Newegg and other sites have 'how to put together'

[psycho_monkey]

Originally Posted by Grandma Gertie

Yeah, that would be the easy route

But I always hear people say, "build a PC, it's cheaper that way"

So as far as saving some money, I'd also like to know what factors play in when looking for a DAW PC, pre-built or not.



Anyone, if you can, point me towards some websites that cover this

It would be nice to get this information


Thanks

As has been said, it might be cheaper if you know what you're doing.

If you don't - well, financially it might still be cheaper. But it might cost you a lot more in time. Can you afford that, or do you just want to get on and make music?

[Grandma Gertie]

are you guys talking about daw computer builders
or
just computer builders in general


i googled daw computers, and the first result was:
Recording Computers, Pro Audio DAW Computer PC, Digital Audio Workstations

the base price for their daw computers are over $1,000

you can get a decent i7 for around 700 on newegg,
with reyniersaudio, their i3's are over 1000

thats a bit crazy


since they're a daw builder site, is it implied that their individual parts are better than what you would find in a computer from newegg ?


why go with a daw builder site over an online retailer like newegg,
or
even a general computer building site