I don't know which motherboard/processor, etc., I'm an audio person(If anything?), so as I'm doing a new system, I'm letting someone else figure this stuff out - someone "local" so we can easily go back and forth over specs, devices, etc. I don't really care what's "in there", as they'll replace it - and replace it again, until it works -- believe me! I certainly wouldn't consider building my own if I couldn't(And I can't!) figure out, by looking over the specs, which "computer stuff" is best. In truth, it is said that almost any modern MB/Processor can "handle" audio pretty well - audio isn't hard, perse, for a modern computer. However, "multiple multitrack recording programs running simultaneously without breaking a sweat" would seem to be asking alot? Do you really need to do this? Have you considered going to an audio computer maker? One of the ones advertised in the audio magazines? Just looking over their specs on their sites should be helpful(What THEY use.), if you must roll your own...

Frankly, it doesn't sound like you know enough about it either to do a great job - welcome to the club. Do you want to "do" computers, or "do" audio? I choose audio.

"Glitches" come from improper set-up/ operator error/incompatible equipment, mostly, rarely from any particular computer/OS, itself(Except maybe the "TV Special" systems that include "modified" OS discs, etc. and are more appropritate for email, web-surfing and point n' shoot photos.).

Far as the soundcard/interface, something(s) in a Lynx, would be my only choice - I would need look no further - you may be different? But I don't know exactly what you do? Reading their "computer requirements" page could be instructive as well as getting on their forum site and asking about what to do AFTER describing to them EXACTLY what it is you intend to do(If you know? It can be a very hard question.).

TG

i think you may be confusing motherboard and processor. First, the processor is the most important part because it does all the work. you'll need a good one of those. I just got a computer for recording. i was going to build one, but i found an emachines computer that was cheaper than it would cost me to build one, and had everything i was going use to build mine already in it. I got a AMD athlon 64 3500+. for motherboards, you need to look for a specific motherboard that fits the processor you want (i think my AMD is socket 939) . there are ATX size motherboard (physical size) and microATX that are smaller. go for ATX because it will give you more hookups and stuff. also, get a motherboard with 4 ram slots, and look for one that uses DDR2 Ram, which is the newest and fastest type. for hard drives, you might want something like a 40 or 80gb one for programs and the OS, and a 200gb or more for files. and get atleast 1gb of ram. you'll also have to buy whatever OS you want seperate, unlike if you bought a computer from a manufacturer.

so basically, pick your processor first.... I'd recommend either AMD 64 3400 or higher or Intel Pent. 4 or higher. don't skimp on processors. dual core processors would be nice, like the pentiums or AMD 64 X2's. and remember, even though the GHz on AMD's are lower than intel, that doesn't make them slow. AMD's are rated by the numbers, so a AMD Athlon 64 3500+ is as fast as a 3.50 GHz Intel. AMDs have lower GHz rating because they don't have to work as hard as Intel to get the same speeds. That means it will take less fan power to cool the AMD than the Intel, which will make an AMD based computer usually quieter. also depends on the fans...

then find a motherboard that fits with the processor and look for fast ram capabilities and multiple slots and lots of usb/firewire hookups and equal share of PCI and PCI express.

then for case, make sure you buy one that fits the size of the motherboard (ATX or microATX)

get a powersupply thats 350 watts or more. 350 is kinda low though.

soundcard, thats up to you, whatever works with your current gear.

theres alot of stuff you need to know to build a computer. If i were you, i'd just browse the tigerdirect.com and Newegg.com sites at all the stuff. if you have anymore questions, Email me at Nirvalica (AT) earthlink.net

Hi, there are lots of factors to be considered when assembling a PC for audio. The most important of these is the speed and efficiency at which the system works. In order to obtain the optimum performance of the system, the three components (excluding audio interface) are the processor, motherboard, and ram. Each are equally important. The system will only be as good as its weakest link.

Everyone has there preference to which manufacturer thay like to use, but in my opinion go for a motherboard with fastest FSB (front side bus) your budget will allow. Get the highest spec processor that is compatible with your motherboard and the ram; the more and quicker the better. try and get the lowest CAS latency possible.

Intel chipsets all the way for me!!!

Try looking at specialist audio PC manufacturers websites and look at the spec of their machines.

system

Hi there

#1 For me is to make sure the motherboard you get is upgradble, also the front side bus is a vital part of a mobo , this acts as the roads between your CPU ,Ram ,and HD....the higher the better.

#2 Maximum Ram imput for your MOBO , also can it handle DDR2?

#3 Pci slots avaible , and even PCI-e... how many slots (min3)?....

#4 Hard drive , can It handle both Sata/sataII and Ide ,and also RAID settings can it be disabled?

I personally picked a gaming MObO for sheer speed and ability to overclock or re-alocate resources wheres its needed. IM not gonna tell you its the best , But I sure dont wait very long for anything application to load up.

Hope this helped a little...

P.S AMD is the way to go ! DOnt listen to them Pentium(intel) dinosaurs, X2 cores SMOKES !!!!!