Looking to build a new Daw, Opinions...

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Just Me
Member Since: Dec 13, 2008

Ok decided I need to dedicate a pc to the "studio" here. So being that is my main field I get to do some shopping.

Here is what I am thinking of building, any opinions from the pros here on it would be great..

CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 2.83GHz
MB: ASUS P5Q-E LGA 775 Intel P45
Memory: (3)GeIL 2GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667

SYBA PCI-Express 1394 FireWire Card (TI Chipset)

I was going to go with the M-Audio 1010lt card but figure with the mixers I have already this would be a better option for expansion in the future.

MSI GeForce 8800GTS 320MB 320-bit GDDR3

(2)Hanns·G Black 22" 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor

Seagate Barracuda 1TB 7200 RPM SATA (data drive)

Western Digital Caviar 160GB 7200 RPM (system drive)

COOLERMASTER Mystique Black Aluminum/ SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

ASUS 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe

Opinions?





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I tune down down...
Member
Since: Jun 11, 2007


Dec 17, 2008 12:43 am

Sounds like a good setup to me. I didn't look anything up just yet, but it seems decent at cover value.

Prince CZAR-ming
Member
Since: Apr 08, 2004


Dec 17, 2008 09:27 am

If'n it were me, I'd drop down on the video card to something a lot less agressive.

Something that has maybe 128m and no fan.

I'd also probably jump to acer monitors. Though I may be unfounded, I don't think the HG brand would be up to the same caliber as most of the acer monitors. I've 2 of the 17" flats, and they've been great.

I know there's a few people on here that have sworn off WD drives. I've no real qualm with WD, but I know dB has swapped out way more of those, than other drive brands. (or something to that regard).

I'm guessing you're going with FW interface.

Also, why the 6g? are you using a 64bit operation system? Otherwise, XP 32bit can only see 4g (of which 3.4 or so is usable to windows apps).


Just Me
Member
Since: Dec 13, 2008


Dec 17, 2008 09:55 am

Ok

I was thinking of dropping the video down but in thinking I might do some video editing as well, so I left it in there.

The HG brand isn't that bad, I have used them quite a bit in builds.

As for the WD I have only had one die on me in 10+ years. I use them exclusively in all build. (actually a WD certified partner)

and the 6 gigs for for Vista.

Something to keep in mind here, i am not a DIY guy looking to throw together a system, this is my main field so just looking for input on the DAW aspect of it. I looked around for other companies that build them and I can build the same system that most wanted 2600.00 for for about 1500.00. (the above system is right at 1455.00)

If need be I can convert the cooling on the video card to water cooling to keep noise down, but was thinking more along the lines of good ventilation in the case with ultra quiet fans and lining the case with Acoustic foam.

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Dec 17, 2008 09:57 am

Nothing wrong with a big video card, even audio apps are getting very graphical, real time wave creation and such...and if one dumbs down the video card and it needs extra memory it'll share it with the system, which isn't cool...I'd rather have a video card that can take card of itself.

Czar of Turd Polish
Member
Since: Jun 20, 2006


Dec 17, 2008 12:15 pm

A couple suggestions, on a video card I would get a smaller fab process\quiter\less power drawing card. The 9600GT is just as fast as that 8800 yet quieter and cheaper.

My only other suggestion would be on monitors. A monitor with 1920x1200 creates so much extra viewing space it's fantastic. If you can afford a couple 24" I think the screen real estate would pay for itself on those "tons of tracks" projects.

Just suggestions of course, all in all I'm pretty jealous. I've been pricing out new DAWs for the last year on newegg, just haven't clicked "checkout" yet :)


Just Me
Member
Since: Dec 13, 2008


Dec 17, 2008 12:52 pm

ASUS EN9600GT silent/HTDI/512M GeForce 9600 GT 512MB

Switched out the video for this one.

Completely silent, reviews say it runs hot during intense gaming but that is to be expected, its fanless.

As for the monitors I would love to go to a couple of 24"'s but the price differnece for what Will be doing with it for now I cant justify. I can always if I get to a point that I need more room, I can replace one at a time or just goto like a 32" model..

Czar of Turd Polish
Member
Since: Jun 20, 2006


Dec 17, 2008 01:08 pm

Fanless, nice!

That was the one I had picked for my imaginary new DAW :) Good choice.

And yes, the 30"+ monitor would be fantastic. I can't imagine how cool 2560x1600 times two would be :) I would never have to side scroll.

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Dec 17, 2008 08:30 pm

I might suggest looking into Anetek quiet cases. I use one and it is killer.

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Dec 17, 2008 11:01 pm

On the monitor's. I currently run a pair of 19" wides and 1440 x 900 and can get something like 38 channels with 8 busses and 2 masters stretched across the screen's, so 22" should be killer.

Czar of Turd Polish
Member
Since: Jun 20, 2006


Dec 18, 2008 12:27 pm

Yeah, I purchased a 24" thinking I would just get another at a later date. Well that date is much later and I still don't have it :) Maybe I should have went 20\22" :)

Just Me
Member
Since: Dec 13, 2008


Dec 18, 2008 03:17 pm

Noize2u

Took your advice and checked out the Antec's cases, decided to go with this one..

Antec Sonata III 500 Black 0.8mm cold rolled steel ATX

reviews have it ultra silent which is a great thing, will also be cooling the case with a couple 120mm fans rated at 8dB(A)


Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Dec 18, 2008 10:55 pm

Yep, I have its bigger brother and love it. It is basically the same as what I have. Everything is on suspension in those cases. I am using a huge fanless lower supply as well. I like the way all the drive mounts simply slide out the front on rails, so much easier then fighting with moving stuff out backwards.

And yes, Antec (I knew I spelled it wrong) cases from that series are super quiet. Even with the 120mm fans. I was amazed.

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