I am currently running an Intel i7 950 with 6 gigs of RAMM that is a few years ago.  I am considering building a new PC and would like some input on CPUs and motherboards.
 
In past years, Cakewalk and manufactures of some of my hardware recommended Intel chipsets, native PCI (not bridged) etc.  Can someone tell me what the current specs are that I should get and what I should avoid?  I want a powerful system that should last me a few years.
 
I was at a local shop yesterday and explained my needs.  What the guy recommended to me was an Intel i7-4790k with an ASUS Z97-Deluxe motherboard and 16 gig of DDR3 @ 1600 mHz.
 
Does anyone have any thoughts on this or can provide me and information?
 
Thanks
 
Joe

I'd think about getting a an i7-6700k instead, since it is a newer architecture and smaller process node and about the same price. If you are going to get a new high end system, might as well get the latest technology. It will be a bit more for the CPU and the RAM, but unless you can get a really good deal on the older stuff, I'd go for it.
 
ASUS is a good choice for motherboards. They make good hardware. They have crap support sadly, so if there is a problem it is a pain getting an RMA, but the good news is you aren't very likely to have a problem because they make solid hardware.

I'd sit out the first generation socket 1151 motherboards.
The 6700k really isn't a speed improvement over the 4790k.
If you're wanting a DDR4 based machine, I'd go socket 2011-3.
The 5820k at 4.4GHz will be faster (and has two more cores) than the 6700k... and you get quad-channel RAM.
 
The 4790k locked at 4.4Ghz is more than adequate for all but the most extreme of DAW circumstances.
Great performance, low cost, and runs cool/quiet...
 
 
 

se below

What Jim said!  He saved me money by recommending the 4790K instead of the 5820 and I rarely even push it.  It will handle what most people will throw at it for DAW use.

Jim I was reading some reviews of the 5820k and was wondering what you thought about that chip. LOL!!

5820k is a fine CPU.
FWIW, I'd want to run it at 4.4Ghz.
At that point, you'd want higher-end cooling.
 
If you're doing video editing... or you're really pushing the performance curve with audio, socket 2011-3 is a good fit. It's overkill for straight-up audio production.
 
 

I haven't had any problems with mine. It runs Cakewalk and other apps fine.
 
The only niggle I have is the Asus installer adds so much bloatware (bloatware to me anyway) but it can all be uninstalled. The onboard Realtek soundcard is lousy. It works but that is about it.

easyjoey
I am currently running an Intel i7 950 with 6 gigs of RAMM that is a few years ago.  I am considering building a new PC...

 
Funny but my DAW PC is similar spec, i.e. i7-950 and 6GB RAM. As it's now coming up to 5 years old, I keep wondering whether it's time to build a new one. But when I consider that I very rarely max it out in any Sonar project and that none of the components have shown any hint of failure yet, then I can't really justify it. I might as well hang on a bit longer.

Kev999,  that is my exact debate!  I can afford a new system but if my existing system is powerful enough, why do it?  I am having some issues with Platinum and Maschine and was curious if a new system would help but it doesn't appear so.
 
Thanks!
 
Joe