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Music Production PC new build, opinions please

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  • Intel i7
  • Build Your Own
  • Music
  • Systems
  • New Build
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July 10, 2014 7:21:58 AM

Hi there,
I'm building a new music production PC, my previous one is on its last legs, so I'm wanting to buy something pretty future proof, stable, reliable, fast and powerful. I can stretch my budget to around £1000, with that in mind I've come up with the list of parts below. Can I ask more technically minded people if its:

A. A good list of parts for the cash?
B. Are all parts are compatible?
C. Are there any parts I could get better for similar costs?

PC Parts:
CPU:
Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor

CPU Cooler:
Cooler Master Seidon 120V 86.2 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler

Motherboard:
Asus Z97-PRO(Wi-Fi ac) ATX LGA1150 Motherboard

Memory:
Corsair Vengeance Pro 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory

Storage:
Crucial 512GB M550 SATA 6GB/s 2.5" 7mm Solid State Drive

Additional Storage:
Seagate 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Hybrid Internal Hard Drive

Video Card:
Asus GeForce GT 610 810MHz 2GB PCI-Express 2.0 HDMI Low Profile

Case:
Cooler Master 690 III ATX Mid Tower Case

Power Supply:
Corsair RM 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply

Optical Drive:
Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer

Once built I will be running Windows 7, with Ableton, Native Instruments Komplete 9 Ultimate and various VSTs and FX, with a vast music and sample library.

Thanks
Jason

More about : music production build opinions

July 10, 2014 7:38:10 AM

Couple questions.
- Are you overclocking?
- Do you intend to game on this thing?

General comments of the build.
- The water-cooler you dont need, though given what your doing I can understand why you aren't going for the stock cooler.
- That is a massive SSD, do you really need 512GB of SSD?
- This depends on your overclocking ambitions, but the motherboard is way overkill. If you want WiFi just get a $30 NIC
- Get rid of that GPU, I bet the integrated graphics on the CPU is stronger.
- The PSU is overkill for the rig. Without a beefy GPU, you could run that rig off a 300W just fine.
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July 10, 2014 8:20:01 AM

I'll be honest and say I don't know much about over clocking, this build is purely for music production, what I do know is that with the VSTs I use, it can soak up a lot of power. I'd rather pay a little more, and maybe be a little "over kill", than have glitching issues or have to upgrade down the line as programmes develop... I hope that makes sense?

I'll not be gaming on this, as I said I'll only have music programme's running, and be using it for music storage as I also DJ... Re: the SSD, I've already bought it, Native Instruments Komplete 9 Ultimate comes in at 370GB, so with Ableton and other programme's I thought this was a good buy?
http://www.native-instruments.com/en/products/komplete/...

Re: the water cooler, it comes with the case as a discounted bundle, so I thought why not, its only £5 more with the cooling?

Re: motherboard, wifi is useful as the PC is in a far away room so cabling isn't an option, but can you say why it may be over kill?

Re: Are you saying I don't need a graphics card?

Re: PSU, there is a 650W option, but as I've said before, I want this machine to be future proof to a point, but also run fast and efficiently, but if I can save money with cheaper parts then awesome, but I have a budget and would rather spend to get as good a machine as possible.

Thanks for your time, sorry if my questions appear silly, but I'm new to this :) 
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July 10, 2014 8:38:49 AM

If your not gaming, you dont need a GPU as the CPU has a GPU integrated into it. Its poor for gaming but it will run the desktop just fine.

- The Crucial M550 isnt the fastest SSD, but given that your going for capacity and SSD's are just in general fast, its fine.
- That motherboard is a high end gaming board, basically its good for overclocking chips pretty hard, having multiple graphics cards and looking pretty. You can get a far cheaper motherboard without compromising anything that matters. As for WiFi, something like this would suffice (though really, Ethernet is best. I recommend looking into Powerline networking)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
- You can completely forgo a graphics card in this rig.
- I would go for a 550W PSU in this machine if you want the upgrade path later to throw a graphics card at it later. The XFX Pro Series 550W is what I would recommend. Also dont bother with efficiency beyond 80+ Bronze given the amount of power this system is going to draw. Your going to spend more for the higher rating than it will ever make back in power savings over time.

It also occurs to me you could make this rig tiny if you wanted too.
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July 10, 2014 9:02:40 AM

@Nuklearpuppy: I get what you're saying with getting something a bit "overkill" so you won't have problems. I also make music as a hobby (I use a different software though) and it sucks when the program lags or crashes (especially if you haven't saved).

@manofchalk: I agree with the changes. I think Nuklearpuppy threw in the GPU since he is thinking of hooking up multiple monitors (@Nuklearpuppy am I right?).

According to this https://forum.ableton.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=191549&st...
A system with I5-3570K, 8 GB RAM, 120 GB SSD, Windows 7 64bit can play 96 tracks with no audible degradation.
A system with I7-3770K, 16 GB RAM, 240 GB SSD, Windows PRO 8 64bit can play 116 tracks with audio crackling at the start.

An i5 would be ideal and if you want to, you can go for a non-K i7 for future proofing like what you said. I think RAM is crucial since loading lots of samples eats it up really fast.
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July 10, 2014 9:16:20 AM

So would the Asus Z97-A S1150 Intel Z97 DDR3 ATX suffice?

Regarding a PSU, should I be looking for modular or not, what's best for the casing?

The rig doesn't need to be compact, it staying cool and running well is of the utmost importance to me, space isn't an issue or anything... Also, will cabling come with the parts, or might I need to buy other bits?

Are the changes you're suggesting likely to see a massive saving, or upgrade in terms of performance, or is this a trimming the fat exercise as they say :) 

I want to build this once and proper, so I appreciate your help and time.

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July 10, 2014 9:26:31 AM

Still thinking a bit too big :D 
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

PSU, whether its modular or not dictates the ease of cleaning it more than anything. A fully modular PSU you can pull out without messing up cable management. Everything you need will come with either the case, motherboard or individual component.

Trimming the fat, though I would recommend sticking with an i7. These kind of applications tend to be very heavily threaded and benefit from the i7's Hyperthreading.
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July 10, 2014 9:27:04 AM

cry0g3n said:
@Nuklearpuppy: I get what you're saying with getting something a bit "overkill" so you won't have problems. I also make music as a hobby (I use a different software though) and it sucks when the program lags or crashes (especially if you haven't saved).

@manofchalk: I agree with the changes. I think Nuklearpuppy threw in the GPU since he is thinking of hooking up multiple monitors (@Nuklearpuppy am I right?).

According to this https://forum.ableton.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=191549&st...
A system with I5-3570K, 8 GB RAM, 120 GB SSD, Windows 7 64bit can play 96 tracks with no audible degradation.
A system with I7-3770K, 16 GB RAM, 240 GB SSD, Windows PRO 8 64bit can play 116 tracks with audio crackling at the start.

An i5 would be ideal and if you want to, you can go for a non-K i7 for future proofing like what you said. I think RAM is crucial since loading lots of samples eats it up really fast.


Multiple screens is something I'll want when I move from Ableton 8 - 9, which supports dual screens... My previous machine was i7 and the performance was great, I had Windows Black Screen issues, I'm told thats not anything to do with the processor or anything, so am more than happy with another i7, I don't think I'd make a massive saving moving from an i7 to i5.

Looking at it, am I likely to make much of a saving with a lesser MB, i7 to i5 and PSU, as I say, I have a budget so am happy to spend, but if I'm simply over spending then obviously I'm happy to save some cash and spend it on something else ha ha :D 

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July 10, 2014 9:34:33 AM

manofchalk said:
Still thinking a bit too big :D 
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

PSU, whether its modular or not dictates the ease of cleaning it more than anything. A fully modular PSU you can pull out without messing up cable management. Everything you need will come with either the case, motherboard or individual component.

Trimming the fat, though I would recommend sticking with an i7. These kind of applications tend to be very heavily threaded and benefit from the i7's Hyperthreading.


You can never have too big ha ha :) 

I'm still looking at MBs, but taking onboard what you're saying in terms of over kill, do I need to look for a specific MB to be compatible with my processor, which I'm pretty set on, and my RAM, I may double the RAM up with exactly the same again at a later date?

I got you regarding the modular thing, it won't affect where the PSU sits within the case?

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July 10, 2014 9:43:15 AM

CPU/Mobo compatability comes entirely down to the socket, and on the AMD side even thats got exceptions, It will work fine.
RAM compatibility comes down to whether it and the mobo say DDR3 on it :lol: 
You can thow another identical RAM kit at the rig later on just fine so long as you have the slots.

Nope.
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July 10, 2014 9:52:11 AM

manofchalk said:
CPU/Mobo compatability comes entirely down to the socket, and on the AMD side even thats got exceptions, It will work fine.
RAM compatibility comes down to whether it and the mobo say DDR3 on it :lol: 
You can thow another identical RAM kit at the rig later on just fine so long as you have the slots.

Nope.


DDR3, got it :) 

If I did just get my list of stuff though, it would all work fine, and be all singing all dancing... But I can cut some costs by getting slightly lesser parts, without impacting on performance?

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July 10, 2014 10:05:20 AM

Hasnt this whole thread been about getting cheaper parts but the same performance?

"SSD or super silent HDD" :lol: 
Because SSD's make so much noise with their complete lack of moving parts.
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July 10, 2014 10:10:07 AM

manofchalk said:
Hasnt this whole thread been about getting cheaper parts but the same performance?

"SSD or super silent HDD" :lol: 
SSD's make so much noise with their complete lack of moving parts.


Getting cheaper parts if need be yes, but I'm happy to spend to get as good a machine as I can. I was wanting to check the list of parts would all work together, and if I was getting something that I didn't need then something just as good but cheaper is awesome... I've taken on board the suggestions for PSU, I'm now looking at MBs, but as I say, I'm happy to spend £150 on a MB if its going to stand the test of time, and do everything I'll need it to do... I'm not wanting to come across as ungreatful, just want to get my moniesworht, but performance is most important... Thanks for the time and help by the way :) 

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July 10, 2014 12:14:52 PM

PCPartPicker part list: http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/p/YpkXJx
Price breakdown by merchant: http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/p/YpkXJx/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor (£207.59 @ Aria PC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-B85M-D3H Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard (£53.08 @ Amazon UK)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory (£118.45 @ Amazon UK)
Storage: Seagate 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Hybrid Internal Hard Drive (£79.99 @ Aria PC)
Case: Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mid Tower Case (£31.44 @ Aria PC)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply (£44.11 @ CCL Computers)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer (£11.32 @ CCL Computers)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Professional SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) (£36.00 @ Amazon UK)
Total: £581.98
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Use the on-board graphics connector for display.
Get the wireless adapter that manofchalk suggested.
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July 10, 2014 8:59:52 PM

cry0g3n said:
PCPartPicker part list: http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/p/YpkXJx
Price breakdown by merchant: http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/p/YpkXJx/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor (£207.59 @ Aria PC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-B85M-D3H Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard (£53.08 @ Amazon UK)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory (£118.45 @ Amazon UK)
Storage: Seagate 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Hybrid Internal Hard Drive (£79.99 @ Aria PC)
Case: Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mid Tower Case (£31.44 @ Aria PC)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply (£44.11 @ CCL Computers)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer (£11.32 @ CCL Computers)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Professional SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) (£36.00 @ Amazon UK)
Total: £581.98
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Use the on-board graphics connector for display.
Get the wireless adapter that manofchalk suggested.


+1, this is a great build for the price! I would try getting a 650W PSU for future upgrade space if possible.
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July 11, 2014 3:43:50 AM

Taking on board what people have said about not needing to go OTT on certain bits, I was thinking maybe these might be a cheaper, but future proof option...

PSU - Corsair 600 Watt Builder Series CX 600 Modular Power Supply
MB - Asus Z97-A S1150 Intel Z97 DDR3 ATX

I'm noticing that I might not need the case and colling I've mentioned, can anyone say that I'm deffo better off without it, or will spending an extra £50 see me not having to buy a cooling unit or better case down the line, when I add more RAM and the system is taking a beating making music ha ha...

Here's the deal I'm thinking of getting re: case and cooling:
http://www.dabs.com/products/coolermaster-cm690-iii-usb...

And again, thanks for your time peeps, as a novice I hope I'm not coming across as an idiot and asking silly questions or questioning you too much :) 
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July 11, 2014 4:34:48 AM

Case:
Recommending cases can be tricky since it is usually up to the person's budget and personal preferences (looks/style, size, color, etc). With regards to the case you linked, it is really good. It will offer you lots more features than the one I linked and provide better airflow. You won't need the liquid cooling but what's us stopping you from going for it (plus it will keep your CPU cooler). ^_^

Motherboard:
The one you linked is good for overclocking and for SLI/Crossfire (installing more than one of the same graphics cards). These features, however, will be of no use if you're not going to overclock and/or SLI/Crossfire. You can save money by picking a motherboard that has the specifications that you are going to use.

We are recommending you what we think is the best for what you are going to do (which is music production). Since you are not going to use it for games then there is no need for a powerful graphics card and going for SLI/Crossfire. If you are going to overclock and go for SLI/Crossfire, then the one you linked is a motherboard for that.

PSU:
A lot of people here don't recommend that PSU. Seems like it is not good. I would suggest that you pick a high tier power supply from this list http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-1804779/power-su....

Hope this helps.
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July 11, 2014 4:55:57 AM

cry0g3n said:
Case:
Recommending cases can be tricky since it is usually up to the person's budget and personal preferences (looks/style, size, color, etc). With regards to the case you linked, it is really good. It will offer you lots more features than the one I linked and provide better airflow. You won't need the liquid cooling but what's us stopping you from going for it (plus it will keep your CPU cooler). ^_^

Motherboard:
The one you linked is good for overclocking and for SLI/Crossfire (installing more than one of the same graphics cards). These features, however, will be of no use if you're not going to overclock and/or SLI/Crossfire. You can save money by picking a motherboard that has the specifications that you are going to use.

We are recommending you what we think is the best for what you are going to do (which is music production). Since you are not going to use it for games then there is no need for a powerful graphics card and going for SLI/Crossfire. If you are going to overclock and go for SLI/Crossfire, then the one you linked is a motherboard for that.

PSU:
A lot of people here don't recommend that PSU. Seems like it is not good. I would suggest that you pick a high tier power supply from this list http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-1804779/power-su....

Hope this helps.


Right, that case and cooling is agreed or settled on ha ha, if it has good airflow and stuff, then I'm happy with that, and keeping my CPU nice and cool :) 

I'll look at those PSU... Can I ask, in laymen's terms, what is SLI/Crossfire, and if I did it how would it affect performance? I have no idea what it is or does :( 

I'm glad we're getting somewhere ha ha :D 

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July 11, 2014 6:29:58 AM

So I'm thinking...

Corsair RM 650W Fully Modular 80+ Gold Power Supply
or
Coolermaster VS-Series 650W Semi Modular 80+ Gold Power Supply
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July 11, 2014 8:08:24 AM

I would pick the Corsair RM 650w since it is a good quality PSU. You don't need to worry about cabling, all the connectors needed to power the computer are included with the PSU (you were asking about this in your previous post).

You might ask about this so...
A non-modular PSU http://images.anandtech.com/doci/4311/x4_575px.PNG has fixed cables, whether you use it or not, connected to the PSU.
Modular PSUs, like the RM 650w, would look like this http://76.my/Malaysia/corsair-rm-series-rm650-80-plus-g.... Cables are removable and you have the ability to only use the connectors that you need for your PC which would lessen the amount of wires inside the case.
A semi modular PSU like the Cooler Master http://www.coolermaster.com/powersupply/modular-v-sm-se... is somewhat between a non-modular and modular PSU. It has cables that you can remove and others that you cannot.

With regards to SLI/Crossfire, they are for people who use more than one GPU in their computer. Nvidia (a graphics card brand) calls their multi-GPU technology as SLI while AMD (another brand) calls theirs CrossfireX. It is used if you need a large amount of graphics processing power. In your case, since you will only be using your computer for music production, you don't need it since most of the work being done is by the CPU (it is also what manofchalk was trying to tell you in one of his posts with regards to the Z97 motherboard).

If you like, you can buy additional fan (or fans) for your case to improve airflow. If you also find that the included case fans are loud, you can replace them with "silent" fans. You can go to this site, http://www.coolermaster.com/case/mid-tower-cm690-series..., to check on the specs of the case. ^_^
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July 11, 2014 8:21:56 AM

Corsair it is, decided :) 

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