I don't know what I'm doing... Building a Music Production PC ~$1500 max

iLeei

Honorable
Oct 26, 2013
4
0
10,510
This is my first time building a computer and need help on building a Music Production PC for around $1500. I will be composing for Film / Games / Commercial and use large sample libraries.

What I use: Cubase 7, Nuendo, Vegas Pro, MaxMSP

What I'd like to have:
1) Dual monitor supported video card? - I already have monitors
2) 32GB RAM or 64GB depending on price difference
3) I would like to test out games for auditioning surround sound, not heavy gaming.

CPU
CPU Cooler
Motherboard
Memory
Storage
Video Card
Sound Card - I will be using an audio interface
Case - Fractal Design R4 Define was recommended
Power Supply
Optical Drive
Operating System - 64bit. Still deciding on Windows 7 or 8

Thanks for your time.

 

iLeei

Honorable
Oct 26, 2013
4
0
10,510
Oh I'm sorry I forgot to mention I don't need to buy the monitors but just a video card that can support Dual Monitors

PS: Couldn't I get a motherboard that could fit 4 x 8GB RAM?
 
Here you go.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: ASRock H87 Performance ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($107.86 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($130.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Sandisk Ultra Plus 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($164.95 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 650 Ti Boost 2GB Video Card ($133.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($89.99 @ Microcenter)
Power Supply: Rosewill Capstone 750W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($95.99 @ Adorama)
Monitor: Asus VS239H-P 23.0" Monitor ($159.99 @ Microcenter)
Monitor: Asus VS239H-P 23.0" Monitor ($159.99 @ Microcenter)
Total: $1521.68
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-10-26 18:49 EDT-0400)

Oh no monitors?
Well then we can upgrade a bit parts :)

Edit.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($339.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Phanteks PH-TC12DX_BK 68.5 CFM CPU Cooler ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus Z87-PRO ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($174.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($130.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($130.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Sandisk Ultra Plus 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($164.95 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($255.66 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($89.99 @ Microcenter)
Power Supply: Rosewill Capstone 750W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($95.99 @ Adorama)
Total: $1624.51
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-10-26 18:53 EDT-0400)
 
Solution

iLeei

Honorable
Oct 26, 2013
4
0
10,510
Thanks that is right about what I was looking for.

Do you have any other Video Card recommendations under $200 if I were to cut some corners. Is the GTX650 Ti Boost you mentioned above, suitable with the build below?



 
It's weird to have a music production system without an actual sound card...
You definitely want a high end sound card in there if you're serious about producing music.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($333.98 @ Outlet PC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Extreme4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Mushkin Blackline 32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($279.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($98.99 @ Mac Mall)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon HD 7870 XT 2GB Video Card ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Sound Card: Asus Xonar Essence STX 24-bit 192 KHz Sound Card ($169.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($89.99 @ Microcenter)
Power Supply: SeaSonic M12II 850W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($95.99 @ Adorama)
Total: $1566.86
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-10-26 20:44 EDT-0400)

-CM Hyper 212 EVO is a great performing cooler at a cheap price. It can overclock the 4770k to 4.3-4.4.
-Fast ram should definitely help.
-Since you're not actually gaming, the 7870 XT should be fine. It's a broken down 7950, basically in between the 7870 and 7950. But it's on sale which is why it's on such a great price.
-A dedicated sound card. You better have some high end speakers/headset.
-Great quality psu that's on sale.
 

iLeei

Honorable
Oct 26, 2013
4
0
10,510
Thanks for your reply

I also forgot to mention I already have a UR28m audio interface as my soundcard.

Also I'm new to the concept of SSD's and I know they allow faster boot up speeds but are there any other pros that I will see over a hard drive.