stateofjermaine
[H]ard|Gawd
- Joined
- Jul 22, 2009
- Messages
- 1,256
Update: Thought I would resurrect this blog, as it looks like I may be asked to build something similar very soon (the next two weeks). I know a lot has changed since I originally posted, but I'm really curious about what new thoughts you all have (esp. regarding Sandy Bridge) for a workstation. Are there any Sandy Bridge dual-socket options? If not, would an i7-2600 work better than a dual socket option? To summarize my old post, we will be using large VST instruments, and processing requirements will be very heavy. Also, it would ideally work as a Hac Pro, so compatible parts would be best. But any suggestions or info would be greatly appreciated.
--
1) What will you be doing with this PC?
This is a very unique build for me. It's for a digital audio workstation, and we will be using virtual instruments and plug-ins pretty much exclusively.
2) What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included?
Budget is definitely secondary for this build. Within reason, consider the budget unlimited.
3) Where do you live?
Germantown, MD
4) What exact parts do you need for that budget? CPU, RAM, case, etc. Please be very specific.
This will be a complete scratch build.
5) If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. List make and model.
We will be reusing a wall-mounted 48-inch plasma screen monitor.
6) Will you be overclocking?
Not sure. I don't mind overclocking if it will be beneficial. Open to recommendations on this.
7) What size monitor do you have and/or plan to have?
48" plasma screen; 1920x1080, I believe. I didn't purchase it, so I don't remember the details.
8) When do you plan on building/buying the PC?
Sometime in the next 3 months, most likely.
9) What features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Firewire? Crossfire or SLI support?
This will be my first DAW build, so I'm not sure. I imagine CrossFire would be wholly unnecessary, though.
10) Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license
Yes.
We have been running our studio on a Mac Pro we purchased in 2007, I believe (I have not been in charge of tech until very recently). It's been hard for me to find the exact specs, but I believe it is a dual-processor system, running a pair of Intel Xeon dual-core chips at 2.66GHz. I suspect they may have been Xeon 3075's or possibly 5150's. That aside, processing power has been a major nuisance in our recording sessions. Fraught with pop-ups and cautions about processing load, we have tried everything to work around the issue, but it is just not happening with our current setup. To give an idea of the processing scope, I believe one of our piano plug-ins utilizes a 200GB sample library. Since Digital Performer seems to be exclusive to Macs, I am not opposed to switching to Pro Tools (we were probably going to do so eventually, anyway). I would love to build a monster rig to finally put these plug-ins in their place.
Thanks in advance!
Updated 12/29/09
Hard|PC
765.98 Intel Xeon E5520 1366 Server Processor [X2]
509.98 6GB Patriot DDR3-1333 ECC Registered RAM [X2]
799.95 1TB Western Digital RE3 Hard Drive [X5]
289.99 Corsair Obsidian 800D Full Tower Case
449.99 SuperMicro Dual LGA 1366 EATX Server Motherboard
239.99 Corsair 1000HX Modular Power Supply
539.00 Intel X25-M 160GB Solid State Disk
31.99 Sony Optiarc 24X DVD/CD Rewritable Drive
109.99 Samsung Blu-ray Combo
169.99 XFX Radeon HD 5770 1GB
SUB 3904.85
Note: It was fun setting up the Mac equivalent on the Apple site. It would now run me a shade over $6000. No SSD, no Blu-ray, and not a reliable brand name in sight.
--
1) What will you be doing with this PC?
This is a very unique build for me. It's for a digital audio workstation, and we will be using virtual instruments and plug-ins pretty much exclusively.
2) What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included?
Budget is definitely secondary for this build. Within reason, consider the budget unlimited.
3) Where do you live?
Germantown, MD
4) What exact parts do you need for that budget? CPU, RAM, case, etc. Please be very specific.
This will be a complete scratch build.
5) If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. List make and model.
We will be reusing a wall-mounted 48-inch plasma screen monitor.
6) Will you be overclocking?
Not sure. I don't mind overclocking if it will be beneficial. Open to recommendations on this.
7) What size monitor do you have and/or plan to have?
48" plasma screen; 1920x1080, I believe. I didn't purchase it, so I don't remember the details.
8) When do you plan on building/buying the PC?
Sometime in the next 3 months, most likely.
9) What features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Firewire? Crossfire or SLI support?
This will be my first DAW build, so I'm not sure. I imagine CrossFire would be wholly unnecessary, though.
10) Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license
Yes.
We have been running our studio on a Mac Pro we purchased in 2007, I believe (I have not been in charge of tech until very recently). It's been hard for me to find the exact specs, but I believe it is a dual-processor system, running a pair of Intel Xeon dual-core chips at 2.66GHz. I suspect they may have been Xeon 3075's or possibly 5150's. That aside, processing power has been a major nuisance in our recording sessions. Fraught with pop-ups and cautions about processing load, we have tried everything to work around the issue, but it is just not happening with our current setup. To give an idea of the processing scope, I believe one of our piano plug-ins utilizes a 200GB sample library. Since Digital Performer seems to be exclusive to Macs, I am not opposed to switching to Pro Tools (we were probably going to do so eventually, anyway). I would love to build a monster rig to finally put these plug-ins in their place.
Thanks in advance!
Updated 12/29/09
Hard|PC
765.98 Intel Xeon E5520 1366 Server Processor [X2]
509.98 6GB Patriot DDR3-1333 ECC Registered RAM [X2]
799.95 1TB Western Digital RE3 Hard Drive [X5]
289.99 Corsair Obsidian 800D Full Tower Case
449.99 SuperMicro Dual LGA 1366 EATX Server Motherboard
239.99 Corsair 1000HX Modular Power Supply
539.00 Intel X25-M 160GB Solid State Disk
31.99 Sony Optiarc 24X DVD/CD Rewritable Drive
109.99 Samsung Blu-ray Combo
169.99 XFX Radeon HD 5770 1GB
SUB 3904.85
Note: It was fun setting up the Mac equivalent on the Apple site. It would now run me a shade over $6000. No SSD, no Blu-ray, and not a reliable brand name in sight.
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