OK Folks, The debate is raging in my head. iMac vs PC. Like most people I am looking for most bang for my buck. I don't mind spending the dollars, but there has to be a significant tangible and noticeable increase.
My current system as follows:
i5 - 2500T (non-overclocking and can't be)
8GB (1600) RAM
Asus - P86P67-M (mobo)
ATI 6970 1GB
1TB - 7200rpm
PSU = OCZ 700w
Sound = on motherboard.
Monitor = Samsung 2253BW (5 years later, it still has no dead pixels)(16.7M/6-bit/8000:1/300 cdm/2 0 1680x1050 / 16:10)
I also use a steelseries merc keyboard, and a Logitech mx518 gaming mouse.
The only thing is firefox can lock alot. But lately my keyboard will all of a sudden stop responding, like no typing on screen, mouse works, but keyboard doesn't. reboot system and its fine.
I'm using this system to make music (Abelton Suite 9 63GB), and Finale 2012c.
The only other real thing I do, is play games. WoW and Neverwinter if it finds its way outta the dark (LOL).
So The question I have is this. All the new iMac's use a i5 IvyBridge chip 3470/3570 or an I7 chip. With an iMac going for some 2300$. Its only really big advantage is the display, which apparently wooo's and wow's. I mean some of their systems still use a 5400 rpm hdd. (like seriously)...you can upgrade it, if you want and fusion drives (hybrid) start racking up the $$$$$.
SO What I was thinking of adding a 512GB Samsung Pro SSD ($480) to my current system, maybe adding another 8gb RAM to 16. But I don't even think I'm using the 8 fully I have. So is there a point. Would I realize the speed an harness the power of jumping cpu's from my i5 - 2500 to say an i7 -3930k. ($590), But if I jump the cpu i have to jump the mobo too. So I'm really probably looking at a total of $850 for those 2 pieces. I don't believe I would need to jump the GPU from current, although I am considering a newer display of the viewsonic VA2703 ($300). IF I do add that SSD then clearly I don't think I need to buy a hybrid drive. the 7200 (64mb cache/ S3) should do just fine. But I could replace it with a WD-Blue - 7200/64mb/S6 ($65). I have an Antec 300 series gaming mid-atx case. 1 fan front, 1 fan side, (120/140 can't remember exactly). Plus that on the PSU (top). (2 front usb's too)...so I think I can keep the case. Lastly I'd like to pull the sound OFF the mobo. But here I run into conflicting info. Asus Xonar DS 5:1 (apprently the DSX has issues), but anyway, then there's the m-audio series at $100+.
I only plan to create music with notation and midi input (Akai MPK88) it usb's into the computer. I do have any audiobox (if I do voice recording as well), but the rest of the room is not set up and the amount bounced sound that the mic could pick up will be huge (sound like your singing in the bathroom - LOL, which most of us do, whether we admit it or not).
SO what say you all? Which upgrades are worth it. Which ones to leave behind? Assuming that this rig will last another 3 - 5 yrs without significant modifications.
Thanks a bundle.
SB
My current system as follows:
i5 - 2500T (non-overclocking and can't be)
8GB (1600) RAM
Asus - P86P67-M (mobo)
ATI 6970 1GB
1TB - 7200rpm
PSU = OCZ 700w
Sound = on motherboard.
Monitor = Samsung 2253BW (5 years later, it still has no dead pixels)(16.7M/6-bit/8000:1/300 cdm/2 0 1680x1050 / 16:10)
I also use a steelseries merc keyboard, and a Logitech mx518 gaming mouse.
The only thing is firefox can lock alot. But lately my keyboard will all of a sudden stop responding, like no typing on screen, mouse works, but keyboard doesn't. reboot system and its fine.
I'm using this system to make music (Abelton Suite 9 63GB), and Finale 2012c.
The only other real thing I do, is play games. WoW and Neverwinter if it finds its way outta the dark (LOL).
So The question I have is this. All the new iMac's use a i5 IvyBridge chip 3470/3570 or an I7 chip. With an iMac going for some 2300$. Its only really big advantage is the display, which apparently wooo's and wow's. I mean some of their systems still use a 5400 rpm hdd. (like seriously)...you can upgrade it, if you want and fusion drives (hybrid) start racking up the $$$$$.
SO What I was thinking of adding a 512GB Samsung Pro SSD ($480) to my current system, maybe adding another 8gb RAM to 16. But I don't even think I'm using the 8 fully I have. So is there a point. Would I realize the speed an harness the power of jumping cpu's from my i5 - 2500 to say an i7 -3930k. ($590), But if I jump the cpu i have to jump the mobo too. So I'm really probably looking at a total of $850 for those 2 pieces. I don't believe I would need to jump the GPU from current, although I am considering a newer display of the viewsonic VA2703 ($300). IF I do add that SSD then clearly I don't think I need to buy a hybrid drive. the 7200 (64mb cache/ S3) should do just fine. But I could replace it with a WD-Blue - 7200/64mb/S6 ($65). I have an Antec 300 series gaming mid-atx case. 1 fan front, 1 fan side, (120/140 can't remember exactly). Plus that on the PSU (top). (2 front usb's too)...so I think I can keep the case. Lastly I'd like to pull the sound OFF the mobo. But here I run into conflicting info. Asus Xonar DS 5:1 (apprently the DSX has issues), but anyway, then there's the m-audio series at $100+.
I only plan to create music with notation and midi input (Akai MPK88) it usb's into the computer. I do have any audiobox (if I do voice recording as well), but the rest of the room is not set up and the amount bounced sound that the mic could pick up will be huge (sound like your singing in the bathroom - LOL, which most of us do, whether we admit it or not).
SO what say you all? Which upgrades are worth it. Which ones to leave behind? Assuming that this rig will last another 3 - 5 yrs without significant modifications.
Thanks a bundle.
SB