New Computer What to Buy

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jvkeboxHERO

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not cross-posting, just put this i nthe rack thread and decided its prob better off here....



I need to buy a new computer. I am going to use it primarily for recording, and word processing, but not for video games, or aol, or itunes, or anything like that.

Just Recording.

that being said I dont know my ass from my elbow about computers, so could anyone suggest a good basic computer system. I would prefer to buy a tower, but if I had to build one I could have a friend do that too, I just dont know what to put in it.

Right now I have an MBox 2 with Pro Tools and a ton of plug-ins. It didnt work on my last computer, which is now broken. I might sell it, and get cubase or something. That being said, what requirements would I need for Pro Tools or Cubase. I dont need anything top of the line, but I want something thats better than minimum and upgradable in the future.

I dont have a ton of cash (looking to spend $800) and Id like to stay PC, seeing as I dont have the money for a Mac.

I know i need HD space, lots of Ram, and a good sound card. I heard something about busses too but idk what that is. I also dont know the difference between amd and intel, except intel are more expensive but more people swear by amd.

any help would be appreciated.
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If you want to try to save a bit of cash you might try looking on sites like TigerDirect and look at there barebones Kits...About a month ago they had a 2 x 2.0ghz Dual core system with 2gb ram ,20x DVD-RW, 160GB HD in a case with a 450w PSU for $200 ,you just had to add a CPU Cooler and Operating system....

They even recently had a Quad Core bareboses system for $499....

Something to look into....

Cheers
 
Minion, judging by his post he probably doesn't understand much of your response.

jvkeboxHERO, have you considered Reaper? Infinatly cheaper alternative to pro tools etc.

In terms of Pc hardware, your comment about more people preferring AMD is misguided, certainly at the moment amd is the underdog by a large margin. Its pretty much always been this way especially since intel introduced their core range.

With that being said, stick with an intel dual or quad core processor.

Go for 2GB of ram, its the best compromise at the moment.

As you say plenty of HD space, 1 small to medium sized one for your OS and programs, a competly seprate high capcity drive for your working files and data.

As you say, a good sound card as well although thats worth a seperate discussion.
 
I'm not a computer expert either, but you may want to research Vista. I don't have experience with Vista to trash it personally, but a lot of people have problems with it, especially in the recording business. You can still get a PC with XP if you shop around.
 
A strong second for Xp over vista. TBH dont even think about vista.
 
I run Vista and I don't have any problems, but I can understand why people do.

XP is cheaper anyways.
 
I actually think your question is very easy to answer, because pretty much any computer you can buy these days is gonna fit your needs. Since you already own protools and an mbox, I'd just stick with that, you won't need any other soundcard (the Mbox basicly is your soundcard). Since you won't be gaming, you don't need a super video card, any will do. All you really need is some hard drive space (but really, any off-the-shelf computer these days will most likely have enough space, and if not, extra harddrives are big, cheap and easy to install later on). Ram is the only think I'd go the save way with. Buy 2 gigabytes, then you're set. That's it basicly. When you talk about "lots of hard disk space, ram etc." you're really talking about big projects with 40+ tracks. If that's the case, you're still fine with most modern computers (even in you're price range).

Just to give you an idea of what computers can handle audio-wise these days:
I have a quad-core computer with 2 gigabytes of ram (about 500 dollars anywhere). I can handle 60+ tracks with ample effects on every channel and it's not breaking a sweat. Even my 1.4ghz (nearly ancient) laptop can handle some 12 tracks with effects.
 
Hi. I see you said that your friend might be able to put one together for you. I strongly recommend that you pursue this route. Why?

1. If you look at the quality of hardware components in most mass-produced PC's (even the "big names") it is 99% cheap junk. You are not getting your money's worth there.
2. In these mass-produced machines, often manufacturers use parts only available from them. They charge you a lot of money for these because you "must" buy from them.
3. I built my own PC. I still can't believe how happy I am with it. It has been going strong now for about 4-5 years with no problems whatsoever. I paid less than I would have if I bought a machine with equivalent quality.

Although several years old, here is the list of manufacturers I put together back then based on feedback from friends of mine in the hardware field and from many websites I consulted. Things may be different now, but this should give you a very good jumping off point brand-wise:

1. Motherboard - Asus
2. Processor - AMD
3. Case - Antec
4. Hard drives - Seagate
5. Operating System - XP (do not use Vista)
6. Memory - Corsair
7. CPU fan - Zalman
8. DVD Drive - Memorex

My PC has been used/abused/worshipped/beloved and I am now a believer in these component brands.

I hope this helps you out and I hope you have great luck in your search for the best PC.

Regards,
LL
 
Oh, one last bit of advice....

Please think very seriously and do research on hardware forums for part compatibility before you buy and DO NOT go the cheap route when buying hardware.

At the same time I built my PC, my friend built one but substituted a cheaper case/power supply and cheaper hard drives and STILL regrets it. His machine never ran right - power supply died and had to be replaced, drives always had problems - even recently!

Just an FYI....

LL
 
It all really depends on your budget. If money isn't really and issue I would go for the fastest processor that you can get at the moment, because its going to last you a while and you won't have to upgrade too soon. Upgrading your DAW is not fun because just as get your setup running smoothly and you change something you can run into problems.

I would probably go for a dual core AMD or Intel as I'm not quite sure how many Sound suites accommodate more than two processors. I know the new version of samplitude has dual CPU support. I would probably get a quad-core Opteron setup if i had money to splash.

Get a reputable memory brand (like Corsair or Kingston) and no less than 2gb, 4gb cool! (32bit windows only supports up to 4gb memory).

Hard drive - I would kill for a pair of Western Digital VelociRaptors in a RAID setup. There just isn't a faster SATA drive.

Motherboard - also stick with a reputable brand (ASUS, Gigabyte, MSI, etc) and try to buy a board with as little "gadgets" as possible.

I don't know too much about pc enclosures but try and find something thats super quiet or buy or build yourself a case enclosure when you're done - this helps a lot!

Screen - I would buy a large LCD and a smaller one - I would just keep my mixer control on the smaller one and have the other screen free for tracking.

Display card - get something reputable but cheap - something that can run two or more screens and that doesn't run with a fan.

everything else is trivial, but remember to keep you pc as quiet as possible, you don't want to have spent thousands on a pc and end up with something that sounds like a generator.

happy pc shopping!
 
Go Intel over AMD at the moment. AMD is seriously flagging behind Intel these days, and in most cases Intel chips are faster and cheaper. A Q6600 is good bang for buck quad that can be easily overclocked or if you want the latest and most up to date go for the Q9XXX series.
 
timvdwest said:
(32bit windows only supports up to 4gb memory).
QUOTE]

Although this is technically true it doesn't work out like that and you end up only getting around 3 and a half gigs seen by the OS, as the memory includes everything including video memory.

As such its best to stick with 2gb in the configuration of two 1gb dimms in dual channel mode at the moment. Adding 2 512mb dimms to make 3gb would work too but you probably wouldn't notice the differance as the differant sizes will probably cause small performance diminishing.
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