Help with Audio System

[charles]

hi

i need to build a new computer that will be used primarily for audio

mainly vsti's and samples i need a minimum of 1 gig ram and very fast cpu

the problem is the possible choices are many can some one help me form a clear picture on how to approach buying all the neccessary parts

which mobo? which cpu? and making sure all the parts are compatable

i would appreciate any help

cheers

charles:)

[Deagle]

I'm not an expert at this but I know that Intel will beat AMD in multimedia like audio/video editing. So I say go for a P4C 2.8ghz/3.0ghz w/800mhz fsb. 1gb of Corsair/Kingston pc3200 ram or faster if you like. Motherboard would be Asus P4P800/P4C800 or Abit IC7/IS7. For sound is an Audigy 2 Platinum or M-Audio Revolution 7.1.
On second thought, maybe you should wait for an expert on this.
:cool:

[Inka]

Good morning Charles & welcome to the PC Guide.

You say that you need a minimum of 1gig memory & a 'very fast' cpu... now that is very leading! I guess you have something to substantiate that?

My initial thoughts would be that if the only thing you use it for is processing audio then yes, piles of memory is good. It can be teamed up with any processor you like. Which processor will depend largely on your budget. The mobo will depend on which processor (AMD/Intel) & whether you need any special hardware. It would probably be useful to have a separate sound card - one with more functionality than an onboard one?

Ultimately it all boils down to your budget. I assume as you are planning to build your own that you have a view with regard to some of these basics? ie you definately dont want to purchase ready built?

[charles]

Originally posted by Inka
Good morning Charles & welcome to the PC Guide.

You say that you need a minimum of 1gig memory & a 'very fast' cpu... now that is very leading! I guess you have something to substantiate that?

My initial thoughts would be that if the only thing you use it for is processing audio then yes, piles of memory is good. It can be teamed up with any processor you like. Which processor will depend largely on your budget. The mobo will depend on which processor (AMD/Intel) & whether you need any special hardware. It would probably be useful to have a separate sound card - one with more functionality than an onboard one?

Ultimately it all boils down to your budget. I assume as you are planning to build your own that you have a view with regard to some of these basics? ie you definately dont want to purchase ready built?

yeah i guess i have been pretty vague and open but

yes it will be totally AUDIO

i have already decided on a soundcard E-MU 1212M

these days for sampling especially orchestral samples 1gig is a minimum in fact most people who do this professionally would probably be using 2 to 4 computers

but my main problem is i was totally bewildered by the possibilities of RAM, CPU , MOTHERBOARD etc



i guess i was after peoples experience in how they choose their components most people recommend building your own because its cheaper and you gain experience in doing it

so here i am trying to work out what to buy and its not easy if you are not a tech person, i guess with the budget maybe medium might best describe it in Australia where i live computer parts are more expensive than USA and Europe so i dont know how to give the exact price but i guess about $2000 Australian including a monitor perhaps

i hope this makes things a bit clearer

charles:)

[pave_spectre]

If you are really after 1gig of RAM then depending on which brand you go for, you could be looking at a quarter of your $2000 budget gone just on memory, but it should still be manageable.

My usual place for purchasing online is Scorpion Technologies (http://www.scorptec.com.au/) if you're looking for somewhere to checkout some prices.

[Inka]

Ok then, & good luck!

Personally I prefer to use AMD processors as they are considerably cheaper than an equivelant Intel (as is the associated motherboard). I have been using AMD's for the last few years & in my opinion there is not really any performance difference. Others may disagree! I do a fair amount of video & picture editing with my main system which is an AMD2400.

Little thing - it would be worth getting a separate graphics card as opposed to using an on board chip. The onboard chips will eat away some of your main memory.

>> waits for the Intel fans to shoot me down! :p

[Fruss Tray Ted]

Take a look at this (http://www.digit-life.com/articles2/aopentube/). Not all users would have this for playback so what 'you' hear and 'they' do would be different. I'd sure love to sample one though (Where's my Wishlist gone, I know had it on this desk earlier :rolleyes: )...