Put all samples on the Audio Files drive, i.e., not on the same drive as windows.

SATA has significantly faster transfer rates than IDE.

As far as drives, I'd pick up a couple of [[url=http://[/URL]="http://www.seagate…"]these[/]="http://www.seagate…"]these[/]. They are very quiet, which is a big deal for me.

Looks like you're on your way to havig a nice little DAW. I should know; I have the same thing. ;)

Thanks David.
Much of my DAW research comes from this forum and i see that this mobo serves many people well. :)
I hope to have it running next week.

If you're curious, I use a Matrox G450 as my video card and Corsair CMX512-3200C2PT as my RAM.

It is better to put your samples on drive 2 (audio drive). I have my samples stored on my DATA disc (C: drive). I do work with samples alot myself but I export the MIDI tracks of them into audio tracks and they get stored on my audio disc.

I dont worry about my drive with my samples on them crashing or deleting because they are all on CD's in the first place and every so often when I accumulate new samples they get backed up onto CD-R's as well.

The reason why I have it set-up this way is because my audio drive is only an 10,000RPM 18GB ultra160 SCSI and it would take up a significant amount of room if I stored my samples (which is around 6 GB of stuff) on the audio disc. I dont have any problems working this way so I dont want to change anything.

/me huggs his A7N8X-E Deluxe mobo. 8-)

I am currenty working with a OEM 350w psu. I'm aware this is not enough and possibly even bad for my DAW. Can anyone recommend me a nice 400 or 450 Watt psu?

I'm not too keen on lights / mega ultra silent etc. A fair psu not too expensive is basically the best for my budget ;)

Since i'm also on the lookout for a new case i see a lot of those already have psu's inside, i guess i should steer clear away from those right?

Regards,

Zeep.

Depending on what you already have installed, 350 could still very well do you fine. What kinds of devices are you powering with the PSU?

A big power draw for many people comes from:

1. Overclocking
2. Graphics-intensive 3D-accelerated cards for gaming, which usually have an additional fan

Unless you have tonnes of stuff installed into your PCI slots, chances are reasonable that 350 will still do you fine.

Greg

I was forced to purchase a replacement PS for my DAW a few months ago. I had no intentions on getting anything fancy, but when I came across this PS unit, http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0205644 I just could'nt resist making that purchase. It's the bomb for me & it should serve me well for years to come.

Never use an OEM PSU that comes with a case. They will die 9 times out of 10 and cause you nothing but problems.

I use a 500w Thermaltake its very reliable, though its quite loud. My rig is in another room so no worries there.

If you want the best, reliable and quiet as hell PSU: buy an ENERMAX.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?Manufactory=1400&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&description=&MinPrice=&MaxPrice=&SubCategory=58&Submit=Property

Thank you all. I'm keeping my eye at the enermax too.

When i use the modwheel and pitch of my usb keyboard my cpu spikes in cubase. I think the psu plays a significant role there since it powers the keyboard and also my firewire soundcard.

Just for info, i have an Ati 9800pro graphics card(*) , M-Audio FW 410, M-Audio Keystation 49es, CDrom and DVDrom/burner.

(* taken from a game rig until i have a new dual monitor gfx card. )

Final setup

Hope you're not tired of this thread yet. I've selected a new case, 2 hd's and a psu. I'm not sure if the psu is right for my rig. Please give me your opinion:

This is what i already have:
A7N8X-E Deluxe, Athlon 3200+, M-Audio FW 410, M-Audio keystation 49 es (usb)

What i'm about to buy:
Enermax Noisetaker 420 Watt psu, Mtek Midi Tower V3 with a 350W (that i'll use in another case), Maxtor SATA DiamondMax 10 120GB 7200rpm 8MB (for C) and a Maxtor SATA DiamondMax 10 200GB 7200rpm 16MB for data/wav/recording.

(links)
Mtek case , Enermax psu, C 8mb cache Maxtor and Data 12 mb cache Maxtor

Really need your opinions if it's all right. Thanks!