The building process...

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major240

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If I was to start from the ground up on building a computer system for DAW...what would the order of process be...i.e. do you get something and gut/replace some of it? Do you order it pre configured? Combination of both?
Suggestions please....

Thanks
 
While both of those are options available to you, when building a computer you generally buy all the components seperately. And if you're gonna go that route, then you can do all your shopping at newegg.
 
You somehow get all of the parts and then you put it all together! Seriously!

What exactly are you getting after? You can buy everything seperately, you can buy a barebones and add to it, you can do an upgrade to an existing machine, or you can mcguyver something together from parts you've already got.......

To a newbie builder I would recommend first deciding on the processor you want to build the system around, and then do about 2 weeks worth of good research to determine the best motherboard (I mean it, it can take that long!). Then try to order a barebones system with that motherboard/CPU configuration with the CPU & memory preinstalled. Adding cards and drives and getting the system up and running is challenge enough for your first go-round.

Slackmaster 2000
 
I agree with Slack. If this is a newbie experience, some research is in order first. Don't skimp either, really dig in and get good info, it may take a while. Also there needs to be a judgement of your own abilities. While building a machine from scratch is easy, some people are not comfortable with it. In that case the barebones method works well, you can even find some with CPUs already mounted. Most important is to make sure there are no compatibility issues with the components, no matter which method you decide. Good luck! :D

I just realized you posted the iMac question before. Well then you're on the right track already. Don't be afraid to ask questions here for some of your research and search through the threads of the past, there's a huge amount of info here on machines and building them and Mac vs. PC and everything you can imagine. And take your time :cool:
 
Build your system around the recording software you intend to use. I decided to go with Logic Audio and did a lot of research on what CPU, Mobo, Soundcard interface, Ram, etc.. that performed best with Logic.
 
You can build your own PC from the ground up just like I did two days ago. But beware, if you have never built one or have never seen the inside of a PC before, get someone with experience to help you, don´t take your chances. Don´t skimp on components. i did a lot of research on vendors and components, so don´t hesitate to ask.
 
I prefer using computer shops that will do the assembly for you. They usually charge about $40-60 in labor and you pick all the parts. To me it is a best of both worlds situation. There is nothing more frustrating than having to take 5 trips to the computer store replacing mobos, ram and processors when you have to troubleshoot a new system. I've built some systems that worked from day one and others that took a month to finally get up and running.

I use these guys www.tpi-us.com but there is probably somebody similar in your area.
 
another option

You can also order a motherboard/cpu/memory bundle at www.accessmicro.com and they will assemble all of that for you. Then you just have to mount it in the case and attach the front panel wires to the MB. Then you just attach the pci/agp cards and ide devices. This would be a good alternative if you're fairly comfortable with working inside the computer but a little wary of setting the processor/heatsink in place (you have to use a lot of force to clip the heatsink in there and a slip with whatever tool you use could be very very bad). Just another avenue..and newegg.com is a great site for your other peripherals.

dlv
 
You could also buy from Directron.com. I just bought some components from them, I think they also assemble PCs and if all you want is parts, they pre test them so chances are you won't have to send anything back. Plus they have great prices.
 
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