Newest Recommendations For Daw Components?

[rsp2rsp2]

Thanks to the pros on this site, in 2007, I built a DAW that could not be any more powerful. I did a lot of research to make sure what I bought was rock solid for audio (and not just a loaded gaming machine).

Now that more programs are supporting Vista-64-bit (and requiring yet more memory, speed & room), it is time to retire my previous DAW (turn it into an office machine) and build a newer DAW (for Cubase 5).

I am thinking of the NEWEST Intel 7i 3.2 Quad chip as the processor, 15000k speed hard drives & the fasted/biggest dual-channel memory that is advised. I would appreciate any guidance & warnings on this.

I am willing to spend more money UP FRONT in order to keep this next DAW powerful enough for yet the NEXT generation of “operating systems, soft-synths & sequencers”. Price is not an object.

If anyone here has RECENTLY built (or about to build) a DAW with the same mind set as I have now, please share your conclusions (component specs) now. I am sure others out there would value a new list!

1. Motherboard
2. Memory
3. Hard drives
4. DVD burner
5. Sound card
6. Power supply
7. CPU, Fan,
8. Other PCIe cards (effects, preamps, etc)

[swellis01]

I've been thinking the same thing. For one thing, I would first suggest going to Newegg for your components. I would also suggest maybe waiting a few months before making the i7 switch if you can. The newest MBs are still going through BIOS updates which may make your experience with them much better if you can wait.

Motherboard (MB):
So, the first thing is to choose a motherboard (MB). Many people are pretty loyal to one brand or another. I myself have only bought ASUS MBs for my past six computers, and have been happy with every purchase. A MB is probably the most important piece of the puzzle and a reputable company will provide excellent driver support, coming out with new drivers almost every month. How many PCI slots do you need? How about PCIexpressX1 slots? Do you need FireWire on-board? Is raid important? These are important questions because they will dictate what boards will work for you and which ones won't. Most of the i7 boards I have looked at are VERY oriented toward the gamer with 2, or less, PCI slots-something audio people may need for standard PCI audio interfaces-and several, up to 3 PCIexpress video slots, way more than any audio guy would need, unless he/she does any major gaming on the side. So this is where the cost comes into play. A more expensive board may not really be BETTER (faster and/or more stable), as much as it will offer more video slots for your gaming cards. Something to think about. Currently, I like the ASUS P6T, but the GIGABYTE GA-EX58-UD3R also received good reviews.

Memory:
With only the first few sets of MB drivers available, make sure you stick to the MB manufacturer's tested and recommended memory until those drivers mature and more memory is supported. I don't think you will find any i7 boards that support DDR2. All the boards I looked at were using the X58 chipset which is DDR3 Triple channel required. Typical mem manufacturers like Corsair, Kingston, and Crucial are always the first to be supported. But others like Munchkin and G.Skill are not far behind. Just check the MB manuf.'s recommendations.

Hard Drives:
A place where, these days, you almost can't go wrong. HOWEVER, I see you mentioned 15000RPM drives. None of the MBs I can see that use the i7 processor, support the interface required for 15000RPM drives. That being SCSI Ultra 320 or the new SCSI SAS interface. These drives, and their interfaces, are geared toward server-type motherboards. You would really be best served by sticking with either the latest 7200RPM or 10000RPM drives that use the i7 MBs containing SATA 3.0GB/sec interfaces. The Western digital raptors are great drives (10000RPM) for speed, but are in the 220-300 dollar range for 300GB. On the other hand, the 7200RPM Western Digital Caviar RE3, with 750GB, and 32MB of ram is almost as fast, much quieter, and the same bandwidth interface (3.0GB/sec) as the raptor, but is only 150.00. Hell, you could get a full Terabyte (1000GBs) for under 100 bucks these days!

DVD Burner:
Find whatever floats your boat. I would suggest though that it also uses the SATA interface. These drives seem to be the newest versions. Plextor drives have always gotten high marks. I have an LG and it works great. I have burned many a CD and DVD on it, no problems.

Sound card:
Wow, for recording, that's a huge question. What are you running now? Hopefully, for recording, you are not using your motherboard's sound card, (or any of the Creative consumer products like Sound Blasters). Are you using a USB or FireWire audio interface? Maybe a PCI interface? This will help answer the "which MB" question.

Power supply (PS):
The most important things here are Voltage output, stability, efficiency, and low heat/fan noise. I have a Seasonic in this machine. I like it. Antec makes some good ones, as do many others. Do some research for PSs that would fit your voltage requirements. Video cards and hard drives take a lot of voltage these days. If you have only one video card and a couple of drives, go for something in the 350-500 watt PS. Big gaming boards could require something up-wards toward 1000watts. But, something from a good manufacture is a must.

CPU/FAN:
I think you already have your eye on the i7. It requires the new Intel LGA 1366 socket. If you are not overclocking, the stock fan should work just fine. Make sure you buy the retail boxed version (stock fan included). If you decide to go with better cooling, get the "OEM" version of the CPU (fan not included) and select a cooling fan that fits the LGA 1366 socket. There aren't many yet, (only 1 at Newegg).

Case:
As for cases, choose first on what you will need (number of hard drive slots, number of internal fans, --120mm is the quietest--) then go for style and extras. A case with rubber grommets for the hard drives is great for keeping things quiet. This computer is in a Thermaltake Aguila, which I have been very happy with. I am not sure if they make them anymore.

Hope this helps. Good luck with your purchases.
Steve

[rsp2rsp2]

Good feedback & noted. Thanks!