I'm in the process of putting together a new DAW and I'm looking for input components on your recent builds.
First of I will probably go with an ASUS motherboard, since they've been good before. Any recommendations on a specific board? Or which to avoid?
The processor will be an I7. Now I'm trying to figure out which CPU fan to use. It has to be really quite since I'm recording in the same room as the computer is in. Also, it should not be too high because I would like to use my previous rack case (Antec Take 4). Any good suggestions?
Any memory modules you prefer?
And how about running windows on a SSD? Not only will it shut up, it should also be a fast startup.
Comments
I use a 60gb SSD drives on both my recordings laptops as te OS d
I use a 60gb SSD drives on both my recordings laptops as te OS drive. Nothing goes on them but the OS, the DAW programs, and device drivers. All other files go on a storage drive so size isn't an issue here for a purpose built machine. Especially when you could have three or more internal drives with that case easily. Get extra case fans. If roomk get 120mm fans. Big fans nove more air at slower speeds so make less dB noise. I would make sure you got a usb3 port and eSATA port as well as firewire. Keep your ram in matched pairs/triplets.
Thanks for the input! Time to show my ignorance... Why go with
Thanks for the input! Time to show my ignorance...
Why go with x58 chipset? And why 1366 socket over 1156? I will consider Gigabyte, but why UD3R?
A bit concerned that the Cooler Master won't fit in the the case though. I've been looking at Noctua NH-U9B SE2 as a possibility and it doesn't seem to build as high.
As I was looking through the your replies I realized I'd missed two things: graphic card and PSU. Any suggestions on it? I'm currently running two 19" screens with DVI inputs and is not planning to replace them.
(Firewire 800 I guess is never going to happen on PC motherboards. Currently using Fireface 800 soundcard.)
Firewire800 pcie cards are easy to come by. A 4 rack unit case i
Firewire800 pcie cards are easy to come by. A 4 rack unit case is huge isn't it?!? You have it there so only you can answer that question. I do recommend ASUS mobos. Get what you like. Check and see what the pro DAW companies are using if in doubt. PC Audiolabs, ADK, etc. As to socket, the i7 comes in two socket varieties that are not cross compatible. The first gen is one socket and the latest fastest i7's are the other. You need to pick your cpu prior to buying the mobo.
The most stable and reliable X58 motherboards have been the Giga
The most stable and reliable X58 motherboards have been the Gigabytes, UD3 is a great feature rich series for moderate cash. You could also go with Asus but you'd probably have to spend a little bit more.
For the CPU fan I'd recommend a Cooler Master V8, you can turn the fan to 5v and it is barely audible.
Memory is boring... just get a DDR3 modules 6GB or 12GB that a the best bang for the buck (i'm assuming you won't be over-clocking)
SSD is not only fast at starting up.... its way faster in everything... its also way more expensive!
Personally I think anything below 150GB is too little for a system drive.
If you are only keeping your OS and DAW and other essential programs on the SSD drive i'd still recommend buying a 120GB SSD because they become slower the more you store on them, so you should always have some space on them.