New Build Advice (Sandybridge Audio DAW)

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suntower

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May 16, 2009
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Hi,

Not a 'pro' by any means, but I've built several Digital Audio machines but this is my first with Sandybridge. And will be my first with Win7.

I need a machine that will still allow for std. PCI cards. I really have no need for high end graphics, and in fact, the fewer fans the better. All I need is dual-head VGA. I'd -love- to be able to incorporate even a small SSD for quicker boot times.

So far my tentative shopping list:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115071

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.587913


Approximate Purchase Date: 01/20/11


Budget Range: prox. $1,000


System Usage from Most to Least Important: DAW running Cubase 5


Parts Not Required: monitor, speakers, OS


Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg.com


Country of Origin: USA


Parts Preferences: by brand or type Intel 2600. Gigabyte


Overclocking: Maybe


SLI or Crossfire: (No idea what this is.)


Monitor Resolution: (1280x1024 x 2)


Additional Comments: (I would like a quiet PC). I need at least -3- HDs. 2 need to be 1TB, the 3rd can be an SSD. The two data drives don't need to be super fast--7200RPM is fine.


QUESTIONS:
1. In the past, the CPU came with a built-in fan. It appears the 2600 does not. Is that true? If so, I need a CPU fan recommendation.
2. In the past I simply bought Antec full size cases. Is there any reason to do so, or is a mid-tower OK. The goal is -quiet- so I'm assuming I want more air to circulate.

Can you help with a detailed parts list recommendation?

THANKS!

---JC
 
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gkay09

gkay09

Splendid
Jul 28, 2008
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^ Some suggestions -
CPU + Mobo
i7 2600 + Gigabyte H67
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.575895
- You wont be needing anything powerful on the graphics department, so IMO you can stick with the Intel's onboard HD graphics, which is powerful enough for 1080p encode/ decode so I doubt you would need anything more powerful, also with the above board, they can drive 2 monitors
So no discrete graphics, hence no additional fans so less noise,...
http://www.intel.com/support/graphics/sb/CS-031040.htm#2
Also the CPU comes with stock cooler which would suffice,...

RAM -
Mushkin 8GB DDR3
$5 off with promo code HARDOCPX119A, ends 1/26
FREE GIFT: Verbatim 700MB 52X CD-R 60 Packs Spindle Disc Model 97440 (value:$9.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226095

PSU - Antec EA 430W - It can even power cards like GTX 460 768MB, HD 5770 and such so it has enough power, also it is on sale right now,...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371034

SSD - OCZ Agilit 2 60GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227542

HDD - Samsung F3 1TB x2
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Spinpoint-Cache-Desktop-HD103SJ/dp/B001U3S5S0

DVD - Has a lot of positive reviews,...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204

CASE - IMO this would be a good option - Cheap, good airflow and good thermal performance with just 1 fan
NZXT Gamma
http://www.amazon.com/GAMMA-Classic-Interior-Chassis-Black/dp/B002UDK9U6

And This would be a good option to reduce the HDD and ODD noise
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/10997/scr-162/Hard_Disk_Drive_Anti-Vibration_Screws_-_Shoulder_Black_Grommet_-_4_Pack.html?tl=g7c113s569&id=cAcYnLus

Total - ~$837
 
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S

sandybridge

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Jan 17, 2011
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I recommend an Antec case that comes with a quality psu. They're well built. I have used at least 2 of 'em. No cut fingers. Professional look. Customer service is good if you ever need it. Much quieter than most. The Sonata is almost inaudible. The more holes in the front panel, the louder the case. You're building an audio studio workstation. You need absolute silence.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007583%2050001516%20600029807%20600006302&IsNodeId=1&bop=And&Order=PRICE&PageSize=20

I loved Solo which has sound-proofing material on both side panels. The dark brownish material in the photo. No holes in both side panel. Only around the front panel for cooling.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129018

As for storage, I'd use non-RAID and the other TB drive in a eSATA dock/enclosure. Speed is the same as internal SATA. You can store it off site or in a secure location.
 
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S

suntower

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May 16, 2009
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WOW. That mobo could be -just- what I need!

So I think the final question is... perhaps late in the game...

2500 v 2500k v 2600 v 2600k ?

I'm not clear on the differences between them. I don't necessarily need to OC just for Cubase and Protools... and I'm not sure how sophisticated their hyperthread code is.

---JC


 
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S

suntower

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May 16, 2009
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18,630
WOW. That mobo could be -just- what I need!

So I think the final question is... perhaps late in the game...

2500 v 2500k v 2600 v 2600k ?

I'm not clear on the differences between them. I don't necessarily need to OC just for Cubase and Protools... and I'm not sure how sophisticated their hyperthread code is.

---JC


 
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S

sandybridge

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Jan 17, 2011
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K denotes unlocked. K overclocks much higher than vanilla. However, heat will be the ultimate limit. You won't get much out of K unless you go LN2/DICE/Phase. If you don't know any of those terms, don't bother with K. I bought it for bragging rights. :) I know how to o/c, but I don't have a good cooler. Yet.

The premium you pay for 2600's is for hyperthreading which can boost performance quite a bit. Unless you know for sure your app make full use of hyperthreading, don't bother with 2600's. Save yourself $100. Use it to buy a better hdd which WILL noticeably boost your pc overall performance. Like a Vertex 32GB for OS & app, the rest goes to a TB drive.

http://www.intel.com/consumer/products/processors/compare-processors.htm?select=desktop
http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=52214
http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=52213
http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=52210
http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=52209

The K series lack Intel® Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O (VT-d) & Intel® Trusted Execution Technology. They won't do anything for the average user. The best bang would be i5 2500. The world fastest cpu will still be limited by the disk access time.
 
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