Help me choose a computer processor!

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crandallwarren
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2011/03/19 20:31:41 (permalink)

Help me choose a computer processor!

Hi Everyone,

I notoriously produce on an understated rig. Recently, I've been running X1a with many NI vsts, etc on an AMD athlon dual core toshiba satellite and it has been rock solid. However, I recently decided to sell it and combine the money with some cash and make a modest upgrade to my setup.

I was wondering if someone who knows more about what DAWs really like to have could council me on which setup to go for.
At this point, I just don't have the money to put in for an i7. So, the question I'm wresting with is...

Would it be better to have an Intel i3 3.2gHz or an AMD quad-core? (particularly the Phenom II variety)

There seem to be a lot of options in this $450-699 range. And I'm somewhat at a loss.

Thanks for your help!
post edited by crandallwarren - 2011/03/19 20:40:48
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    zArt
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    Re:Help me choose a computer processor! 2011/03/19 20:49:42 (permalink)
    Hi.
    Are you referring to mobile processors?
    If you are, mobile i3 are 2 core/ 4 thread cpus vs AMD Phenom II 4 cores.
    There's not much diference core wise between the 2 i would check TDP and the way
    they handle memory.


    #2
    crandallwarren
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    Re:Help me choose a computer processor! 2011/03/19 20:53:28 (permalink)
    Thanks zArt,

    I'm actually looking to move from a laptop to a desktop.


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    A1MixMan
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    Re:Help me choose a computer processor! 2011/03/19 21:09:17 (permalink)
    The fastest you can afford!


    A1
    #4
    daveny5
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    Re:Help me choose a computer processor! 2011/03/19 22:57:07 (permalink)
    I only use Intel processors. 

    Dave
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    zArt
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    Re:Help me choose a computer processor! 2011/03/20 07:51:12 (permalink)
    @OP: It's not so easy now to say which is faster, it's the high-end i7 for sure but IF you're thinking about price/performance and multithread then i could consider AMD, a little comparison the:
    - i5 2400 (3.1 Ghz 6Mb L2) socket 1155
    - i5 760 (2.8 Ghz 8Mb L2) socket 1156
    - Phenom II X6 1075T (3.0 Ghz 512Kb L2 per core + 6Mb L3)
    Are in the same price range but the Phenom has 6 cores the same as 6 threads over the 4core/4threads of i5. This is just an example, there are other options but multithreaded applications are the future.
    And it must be considered the motherboard, memory and it's prices.
    Hope i could help.

    #6
    Litewave
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    Re:Help me choose a computer processor! 2011/03/20 08:45:03 (permalink)
    Personally, i've used INTEL, and AMD over all the years.  I still cant tell the difference.  Maybe all the tech guru's can with slide rules, scopes, etc....  Whatever you decide upon should be based on thorough research including matching ram, mobo, video, sound, power supply etc.. Read the reviews on all the equipment as well.

    Good Luck ! 


    Sincerely,
    Litewave

    AMD 9950 Quad, Asus M3a78-T, 8gb G-Skill, 630 watt pwr, Vista Ult 64, 2 WD RE 500gb internal, 2WD 500GB MyBook EXT, Axiom 49, Cubase5.5, Sonar X1 PE, Profire 2626, Komplete 5, BFD2, Groove Agent 3.x Omnisphere
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    Litewave
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    Re:Help me choose a computer processor! 2011/03/20 08:47:21 (permalink)
    PS..

    Dont forget to be sure all your drivers will be ok with the operating system you will be using.

    Sincerely,
    Litewave

    AMD 9950 Quad, Asus M3a78-T, 8gb G-Skill, 630 watt pwr, Vista Ult 64, 2 WD RE 500gb internal, 2WD 500GB MyBook EXT, Axiom 49, Cubase5.5, Sonar X1 PE, Profire 2626, Komplete 5, BFD2, Groove Agent 3.x Omnisphere
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    Geo524
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    Re:Help me choose a computer processor! 2011/03/20 19:51:56 (permalink)
    I've used only AMD Processors. My old PC was a single core AMD 64 Athlon 3800+, 2.4 gHz running Sonar 6XL through 8.5.3 PE. New Audio PC is a Phenom II x4 Black Edition O'clocked to 3.7 gHz. Running Sonar X1a. Rock solid performance here with both.

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    DeeringAmps
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    Re:Help me choose a computer processor! 2011/03/20 19:58:17 (permalink)
    I was running an i3 530, Win 7 32bit, 4 gigs ram before my current rig.
    It ran just fine.

    Tom Deering
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    djtrailmixxx
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    Re:Help me choose a computer processor! 2011/03/20 21:01:49 (permalink)
    The more cores the merrier. I support AMD, just 'cause. If I were you, take a look at this chart and get what best fits your budget.

    http://www.cpubenchmark.net/high_end_cpus.html

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    stratman70
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    Re:Help me choose a computer processor! 2011/03/20 21:18:24 (permalink)
    never mind-oops
    post edited by stratman70 - 2011/03/20 21:20:40

     
     
    #12
    hockeyjx
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    Re:Help me choose a computer processor! 2011/03/20 22:32:55 (permalink)
    The Intel i7 950 is at a pretty good price point. Look to see where the jump is in price and buy at that last tier before the jump.

    Found that is a good rule of thumb.

    Intel i7 950 Proc, Asus Sabertooth x58 MB, 2 Crucial 128GB SSDs and Seagate 1TBGB drive, 12GB Corsair 1600mhz 8-8-8-24 Memory, Nvidia GeForece 8400 Dual Monitor vid card
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