The best cpu for music production around 200$ *help*

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Volcomskater2

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Hi, I'm looking to upgrade my current CPU the Intel i3 530 2.93 GHz to improve my computer's ability to handle programs such as Pro tools 9-10, virtual instruments, and plug-ins. I'd like to be able to hook my midi keyboard up to my computer and record music without any lag or problems. I was looking at the Intel Core i5-3570K which looks pretty promising, but would upgrading my cpu really make a big difference in performance as far as music recording goes? My budget for a new cpu and whatever else I need is around 300$.
-Thanks
 
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jb6684
Win 7/8 : $99 (need 64 bit version)
16Gb DDR3 RAM ($120): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148600
Motherboard ($115) (could get cheaper but this has all the latest & fastest I/O connections): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131874
CPU ($130): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819113285

I recommend a Big & reasonably fast hard drive... 3TB WD Red series is their most reliable ($135)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822236344
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Volcomskater2

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Oh, sorry about that.
CPU: Intel i3 530 2.93 GHz
RAM: 6GB (don't know what type of RAM)
Motherboard: not sure how to find this out
Hard drive: 1TB hard drive (not sure the speed) (no SSD drive)
That's the main stuff I believe.
 
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suteck

suteck

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It will make a difference when you add multiple cores and hyperthreading. If it's anything like video editing, which it is without the graphics, the more cores the better, and don't forget more memory. You don't mention how much you are using but today's boards with 4 slots and a 4 gb stick in each one(16 GB) is the norm for high output workhorse computers. I think you're going to want something more than the 3570K since it also only has 4 cores. You're gonna get some improvement but not much since one is 2 cores/2 hyperthread and the other is 4 cores which work out to ABOUT the same thing.

You mention the budget being around $200 for cpu, did that count the motherboard also? The ones you mentioned are different sockets so even with that little upgrade it will require a new motherboard. Where would you like to go from here?
 
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aevm

aevm

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Since you are running an i5-530, you have an LGA1156 motherboard. You can't put an i5-3570K in an LGA1156 motherboard, it's an LGA1155 CPU. Also, since you only have $200, you can't afford a new motherboard and a decent CPU. So, within your budget, the only solution I see is to buy a better CPU that works with LGA1156. Unfortunately, that will be tough. For example Newegg doesn't ave any CPUs for LGA1156 any more.

I suggest you wait until you have saved $400, then get an i7-4770K (currently $300), a Z87 motherboard (say, $100) and 16 GB of RAM.
It will be 4 times faster than what you have, or even better if your software is multithreaded.
 
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Volcomskater2

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Okay, as of now I actually have 300$ to spend on upgrading so I could buy a new motherboard as needed or get an AMD. I have heard a lot of good things about Intel's CPUs and that they tend to run cooler, but if there is an AMD CPU that would be better which one would you recommend?
 
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Volcomskater2

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Thanks for the advice. I'm actually running the Intel i3 530 2.93 GHz currently and my budget for upgrading is 300$ overall as of now. Could I upgrade my cpu and motherboard for that price range or should I just upgrade my RAM for now? I'm not looking for the absolute best performance money can buy as of now, (although that would be nice) I'd just like my computer to work smoothly without problems while I play and record virtual instruments and record music.
 
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jb6684

jb6684

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Yeah, might be time for a fresh build....
- You'll also need a new copy of Window 7 or 8 (with motherboard and CPU swap you can re-use old copy...)

For $200, best you can do is Max out the RAM in your system. That may help a bit (it does Wonders in Photo Editing). AND, the DDR3 RAM will be re-usable in your next system when budget permits....

Just open up the computer case and read off the mainboard (motherboard's) brand and model numbers. Also, take a look how many open DIMM slots you have. With 6Gb list, I'm assuming just one (1) of the four....
 
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Volcomskater2

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Alright, thanks for the help. I'll try and open my computer up later and see how many slots of DIMM slots I have open. I do a bit of photo editing myself so that would help a lot with that. I'm hoping it would help with other programs such as Pro Tools or video editing as well, but I guess I'll find out soon enough.
 
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jb6684

jb6684

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Win 7/8 : $99 (need 64 bit version)
16Gb DDR3 RAM ($120): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148600
Motherboard ($115) (could get cheaper but this has all the latest & fastest I/O connections): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131874
CPU ($130): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819113285

I recommend a Big & reasonably fast hard drive... 3TB WD Red series is their most reliable ($135)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822236344
 
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Volcomskater2

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Sep 21, 2012
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Thank you sir, I might just end up buying what you recommended.
 
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