DAW computer builders

[shackx2]

Ok, so now I'm getting into this. I understand that it could be cheaper to build my own computer, but like somebody said earlier: I'd rather be working on music than building a computer. The other thing that I want is to know that if something isn't working I've got tech support that is really going to help me. If I build a computer myself, if something doesn't work, it's up to me to figure out the problem. Again, I'm a musician, not a computer guy!

So, I'm scouting the net for DAW computer builders and trying to find the best price/service/support. This is what I've found:

www.dawbox.com
http://www.hcs-2000.com/daw.htm
www.thestudiobox.com

and the first one I found seems to be the top contender in my mind. It seems like a stable company with the best price.

http://www.miacom.net/Store/item.asp?ID=90

Does anybody know anything about any of these companies or their products or know of someplace else I should look?

Thanks.

-shack

 

[Clark_Griswold]

Dawbox.com used to spam the hell out of the Digidesign site...but did offer alot of valuable info as far as compatability issues. So, they seem sort of obnoxious but like they know what they are doing. That is the only experience I have with them.

I guess if you are looking for a rig that is going to be less headaches(potentially) thenthey might be a valuable resource.

Good luck,
C

 

[WildFire]

Ok, so now I'm getting into this. I understand that it could be cheaper to build my own computer, but like somebody said earlier: I'd rather be working on music than building a computer. The other thing that I want is to know that if something isn't working I've got tech support that is really going to help me. If I build a computer myself, if something doesn't work, it's up to me to figure out the problem. Again, I'm a musician, not a computer guy!

So, I'm scouting the net for DAW computer builders and trying to find the best price/service/support. This is what I've found:

www.dawbox.com
http://www.hcs-2000.com/daw.htm
www.thestudiobox.com

and the first one I found seems to be the top contender in my mind. It seems like a stable company with the best price.

http://www.miacom.net/Store/item.asp?ID=90

Does anybody know anything about any of these companies or their products or know of someplace else I should look?

I haven't checked any of those sites yet, but I have to say this.

What you really should do is walk into a small computer shop somewhere... (Stay away from Best Buy, Circut City, Gateway, Future Shop, etc etc...) and see what they got there. Reasearch what you want... there really isnt much for you to decide on really. Buy that, run to the local music shop, pick up a Sound Card, install that and be on your merry way. You dont necessaraly have to Build it yourself (though, you'll learn a few things by trying)... meerly pick what you want and build it that way. I'd stay away from the super-electronics stores that are out there and find a small computer shop that sells OEM Parts.

To help you out, heres a few things you'd want to know.

1. What processor, and how fast?
Intel - Celeron, PIII, P4. AMD - Duron, Athlon, Athlon XP

I suggest a P4... some will suggest the AthlonXP


2. How much RAM and what type?
SDRAM, DDR RAM, RAMBUS RAM... 128M, 256M, 512M, 1G...

I suggest finding a board that supports DDR.. and pop in a min of 512Megs of RAM

3. Motherboard... ASUS, ABIT, MSI... Supports DDR.. research... alot to choose from. get as many PCI slots as you can! Try to stay away from boards with onboard soundcards and video.

4. Harddrive - 7200rpm or faster... Big!.. maybe 2 of em

5. CD/Burner/DVD... whatever floats your boat.. whatever you can afford.

6. VideoCard... do you want to play Games?... nVidia equipped -cards... can't go wrong.

7. Monitor?.. Get what you can afford!.. Flat screens are awesome for DAWs.... but suck for games and graphic designers.

8. Get a case that suits your needs. Make sure it comes with a good Power Supply.. 300watts or more... and from a good company like enermax.

by all means ... RESEARCH!!!!

start here.

www.tomshardware.com

the more you research, the less chances of getting burned.

.... Mind you, it would be just as wise to select a audio card before your computer just in case the card has certain requirments... (The DIGI 001 for example).