abc123 said:
What specifically should I look for when shopping for my desktop to enable me to use it for recording?
Although you didn't specify, it sounds like you're talking about a Wintel platform and not a Mac, though you could very well go either way. As my experience is with Wintel I'll talk about that and leave the Mac specs to somebody who knows more about those than I. In no specific order...
First, you'll want to get the fastest processor and most memory you can afford in your budget. I'd say a minimum spec of what's avaialable these days would be a 2GHz processor with 512MB RAM. While not idea, this is quite doable (I've done a lot with a lot less.) Though if you can afford it, you'd be better served with 3GHz processing and 1GB RAM. Anything above that would be gravy on the potatos.
There may be disagreement in some circles on this next one, but I'd personally recommend going with a full-Intel motherboard (versus something like an Aseus motherboard with an AMD processor.) By "full Intel" I'm referring not only to a Pentium 4 (not Celeron) CPU, but also an Intel "chipset" for the CPU support functions, Intel/Phoenix BIOS, and (though this is more optional) an actual Intel motherboard. While some other motherboards/CPUs/chipsets may sport better data thruput bu a couple of percentage points, unless you're buying a machine for pro gaming or something like that, the performance difference will not be all that noticable. But with the Intel/Phoenix configuration you
in general run across less in the way of compatability problems with add-on cards and some of the more sophisticated software packages.
Third, get a mobo with plenty of USB I/O and PCI expansion slots. The more you have, the more breathing room for expansion and add-ons you'll have. I have 6 PCI slots on my motherboard and they are all used up. Though some of mine are for video capture, extra USB and other stuff that an average newer DAW may not need, it's better to have too many than too few slots.
Fourth, get a large (AT-class) chassis with the largest power supply you can find amd as many drive bays as you can. Either a rack mount or full tower-style case will do, though the rack-mounts are usually quite a bit more expensive.
Fifth, get a chassis configuration (or whole computer) that's been designed with aerodynamics in mind. This means that the layout of the inside and the fans and such have been designed for maximum airflow across the motherboard and the CPU in particular to keep it cool. I've seen some homemade systems with aftermarket cases that have burnt out the CPU because the ventilation on the case was inadequate or poorly placed, especially after a truckload of expansion cards and drives were added in.
Sixth, when given the choice between finalist systems, pick one that generates the lowest amount of fan and disc drive noise. You don;t want a computer where you can't hear your mixes well because of the amount of noise it makes.
Seventh, start out with at least two hard drives. The first one, Drive C:, will, as usual, act as your boot and system drive as well as your application drive (where your Program Files are located). The second, Drive D: should be reserved as your data drive, where all your actual WAV files and porject files and such are stored. The D: drive should be at least 80GB these days, I would say. Extra drives can be added at the start or at any other time, but starting with the two is a good idea.
G.
) end.
