g_randybrown
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lazarous
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RE: OT: please help with PC purchase
2008/11/12 14:08:56
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Randy: Some people have great luck buying off the shelf systems. Most do not. If you want a dedicated DAW, go to StudioCats, ADK Pro Audio, or one of the many dedicated DAW manufacturers that post on this great forum. If you want a potential headache you'll never truly solve, go cheap. Just my two cents... Good luck! Corey
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g_randybrown
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RE: OT: please help with PC purchase
2008/11/12 14:12:30
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Thanks Lazarous, but I'm on a very limited budget and must choose between the two. Thanks again, Randy
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inmazevo
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RE: OT: please help with PC purchase
2008/11/12 14:12:37
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What video application do you use? - zevo
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g_randybrown
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RE: OT: please help with PC purchase
2008/11/12 14:24:43
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ORIGINAL: inmazevo What video application do you use? - zevo Sony Vegas Pro 8 (it can run in 64 bit)...I'm not HD yet but maybe in a year or so. Thanks, Randy
post edited by g_randybrown - 2008/11/12 14:25:50
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tyacko
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RE: OT: please help with PC purchase
2008/11/12 14:42:05
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Randy, I've never been much of an AMD fan, so I say go with Intel. They have been rock solid for me. I guess we should ask what you will be using on the machine. Firewire audio interface? PCI audio interface? Any UAD cards that might require PCI or PCIe? The extra RAM will also come in handy if you are loading a lot of internal soft synths. If not, 4 gigs might be more than fine for video and audio apps. Which OS are you going to run? My last two DAW machines have been from TigerDirect. If you have the drive to figure out your own problems, it is definitely a cost-effective way of building a DAW. Tom
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g_randybrown
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RE: OT: please help with PC purchase
2008/11/12 14:54:08
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Both include Windows Vista® Home Premium SP1 (64 bit) I use a Delta 1010 which is the old PCI...there'll be two available slots as soon as I chunk the modem. If cache makes a difference here's some apples to oranges for you (I don't know the difference in level 2 cache and level 3 but the Intel has more) AMD is 2MB L3 cache Intel is 2 × 4 MB L2 cache You mentioned as long as I don't run a lot of soft synths...what do you consider a lot? Thanks very much, Randy
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Kev999
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RE: OT: please help with PC purchase
2008/11/12 15:03:49
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The first model appears to have integrated graphics with analog-only out, whereas the second one has a separate graphics card with dual-monitor capability. Integrated graphics is bad news for a DAW.
SonarPlatinum∞(22.11.0.111)|Mixbus32C(4.3.19)|DigitalPerformer(9.5.1)|Reaper(5.77)FractalDesign:DefineR5|i7-6850k@4.1GHz|16GB@2666MHz-DDR4|MSI:GamingProCarbonX99a|Matrox:M9148(x2)|UAD2solo(6.5.2)|W7Ult-x64-SP1 Audient:iD22+ASP800|KRK:VXT6|+various-outboard-gear|+guitars&basses, etc. Having fun at work lately
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g_randybrown
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RE: OT: please help with PC purchase
2008/11/12 15:09:54
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ORIGINAL: Kev999 The first model appears to have integrated graphics with analog-only out, whereas the second one has a separate graphics card with dual-monitor capability. Integrated graphics is bad news for a DAW. Thanks Kev, I didn't even think about or notice that. One reason I needed two PCIs was one for the Delta and one for my dual monitor card. So one of my monitors is HDMI and the other is an antique ...so I don't even need my PCI card right. Actually I could buy another with DVI and have 3 monitors no? Thanks again, Randy EDIT: I also just noticed that the Intel has a 400 watt power supply compared to the 300 watt AMD. I'll be running 2 extra internal HDs and one external....is 100 watts difference a factor here?
post edited by g_randybrown - 2008/11/12 15:13:15
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Mooch4056
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RE: OT: please help with PC purchase
2008/11/12 15:20:37
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ORIGINAL: g_randybrown This one is AMD quad core with up to 8 GB ram for $480 http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4140524 This is the Intel quad (which I've heard is better than the AMD) but only supports up to 4 GB RAM for$550 http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4140525&SRCCODE=GOOGLEBASE&cm_mmc_o=TBBTkwCjCVyBpAgf%20mwzygtCjCVRqCjCVRq The limit on the max ram concerns me as I do video also Thanks very much, Randy I have a simlar machine with a AMD Phenom 9600 Quad ... its not the exact model ... and for the same reason as you with cash limit .. i bought it off the shelf .. although I paid Like 700 for it last year I have had great success with it. The AMD Phenom 9600 Quad isn't the best quad processor out there... but its good... and for what I do with mine..... recording me and an occasional local band... it works very well! The boot up time is pratically instant...very fast and smooth machine for the money..... Just my 2 cents Good luck with whatever machine you choose.... I might advise to take some time with the machine you choose and get ride of the bells and whiltes and things that run in the backgroud that you don't need... MAKE IT YOUR OWN ... not the company's ... I am sure your aware of the tweaking again good luck Paul
post edited by Mooch4056 - 2008/11/12 15:21:53
From Now On Call Me Conquistador! Donate to the cure Bapu Foundation Email: mooch4056@gmail.com for more info
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g_randybrown
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RE: OT: please help with PC purchase
2008/11/12 15:30:48
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MAKE IT YOUR OWN ... not the company's ... I am sure your aware of the tweaking Yessir, everyone says Vista comes with all kinds of resource hogs pre-loaded that need to be disabled. This is a tough decision for me, any other suggestions?
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tyacko
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RE: OT: please help with PC purchase
2008/11/12 15:54:14
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You mentioned as long as I don't run a lot of soft synths...what do you consider a lot? It depends on the soft synth libraries you are going to be loading up. The libraries get loaded into RAM memory. I only use Dim Pro, Superior 2, and True Piano for the most part and don't tend to run into RAM issues with 4 gigs, but our music is more progressive rock and leans more towards guitar based songs which simply require more audio than soft synths. If you are doing more audio, then hard drive performance is key in my eyes (except if you plan on loading up a lot of plug-ins on your audio tracks that are memory intensive). If you are doing more soft synths, then RAM becomes more of the key.
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91lespaulstandard
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RE: OT: please help with PC purchase
2008/11/12 15:55:14
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Hey g_, I ordered this off of eBay and should receive it in about a weeks time (see link @ bottom of page). It has dedicated video memory and a pumped up Q6600 which should serve me well in my recording needs. I did upgrade the MOBO to an 8GB for roughly $22.00 US dollars extra. My "old" computer (11mo. old) was a Dell dimension E521 that had a Duo-Core AMD 2.4 in it which didn't give me any problems to speak of. I just wanted to upgrade to something that was a little more specialized and had expandability for more DDR2. For the price, I think that I have done well. I am not a pro by an stretch and feel that this machine will give me all the necessary power that I will need for sometime. There are those that will say get a custom DAW machine from a true DAW builder, but everyones needs and finances are in different places. This is just an option as I am trying to give input to your question of a budget priced computer to use for recording/video. Randy http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=310098651532&ru=http://search.ebay.com:80/310098651532_W0QQfrppZ50QQfsopZ1QQmaxrecordsreturnedZ300QQfviZ1 Item Number: 310098651532
Sonar 7.0.2 PE, Intel Q6600 2.4 (overclocked to 3.2), Nvidia GeForce 9500GT Super +1GB, Windows Vista Ultimate 32 and 64-bit, GIGABYTE GA-EP35-DS3L w/P35 Chipset, 4GB G.Skill DDR2-800 CAS 4, Line6 UX2 Recording Interface and various VST & VSTi.
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g_randybrown
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RE: OT: please help with PC purchase
2008/11/12 16:07:31
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Looks tempting amigo but there's no OS and considering it's already $600 I would be over budget buying the OS. Thanks very much, Randy ORIGINAL: 91lespaulstandard Hey g_, I ordered this off of eBay and should receive it in about a weeks time (see link @ bottom of page). It has dedicated video memory and a pumped up Q6600 which should serve me well in my recording needs. I did upgrade the MOBO to an 8GB for roughly $22.00 US dollars extra. My "old" computer (11mo. old) was a Dell dimension E521 that had a Duo-Core AMD 2.4 in it which didn't give me any problems to speak of. I just wanted to upgrade to something that was a little more specialized and had expandability for more DDR2. For the price, I think that I have done well. I am not a pro by an stretch and feel that this machine will give me all the necessary power that I will need for sometime. There are those that will say get a custom DAW machine from a true DAW builder, but everyones needs and finances are in different places. This is just an option as I am trying to give input to your question of a budget priced computer to use for recording/video. Randy http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=310098651532&ru=http://search.ebay.com:80/310098651532_W0QQfrppZ50QQfsopZ1QQmaxrecordsreturnedZ300QQfviZ1 Item Number: 310098651532
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91lespaulstandard
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RE: OT: please help with PC purchase
2008/11/12 16:09:44
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My fault....didn't notice that you were in need of an OS. Randy
Sonar 7.0.2 PE, Intel Q6600 2.4 (overclocked to 3.2), Nvidia GeForce 9500GT Super +1GB, Windows Vista Ultimate 32 and 64-bit, GIGABYTE GA-EP35-DS3L w/P35 Chipset, 4GB G.Skill DDR2-800 CAS 4, Line6 UX2 Recording Interface and various VST & VSTi.
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91lespaulstandard
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RE: OT: please help with PC purchase
2008/11/12 16:14:32
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I would go with the Intel, as CJ, John, and some other heavy hitters on this forum have stated that the cache on the Intel is better as far as recording goes (not exactly their words, but....). Randy
Sonar 7.0.2 PE, Intel Q6600 2.4 (overclocked to 3.2), Nvidia GeForce 9500GT Super +1GB, Windows Vista Ultimate 32 and 64-bit, GIGABYTE GA-EP35-DS3L w/P35 Chipset, 4GB G.Skill DDR2-800 CAS 4, Line6 UX2 Recording Interface and various VST & VSTi.
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g_randybrown
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RE: OT: please help with PC purchase
2008/11/12 16:28:44
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That's the way I've been leaning ...only thing keeping me from already buying it is the RAM limit...but then again I don't know what I'll need. I would guess that I would never run more than 4 soft synths at a time and maybe GigaStudio. I also edit video on Sony Vegas Pro 8 (will be running the 64 bit version with the new PC) BUT I don't think I'll be going HD (a $10K investment )for at least another year so to buy another $500-600 PC would be a drop in the bucket. Thanks again, Randy Another quick (maybe dumb) question: the Intel has 7.1 surround and my surround speakers are 5.1...I would still be able to use them no?
post edited by g_randybrown - 2008/11/12 16:40:26
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Fog
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RE: OT: please help with PC purchase
2008/11/12 16:49:25
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although I run a amd x2 cpu.. .if I had to go back I'd have gone with the intel.. some of the programs I use seem to work far better and are optimised on / for intel rigs moreso. errm reason / cubase besides sonar... the benchmark song for reason won't even play on my AMD. cakewalk have intel as errm a business partner.. who could forget 64 bitness.hehe I remember steinberg , on an earlier version of cubase said, their stuff was coded with intel chips in mind.. pity , as in the past I've had good success with AMD chips, but unless they up their game, the next chip/machine I'll buy is intel based.. I do use an intel laptop as well.. so I'm not loyal to either company. http://www.cpubenchmark.net/ might be of interest also.. the delta 1010 works fine with the AMD that I use. As for 64 bit, well you'll need that to access more than 3 or so GB.. and the delta drivers for 64 bit are still in private beta.
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g_randybrown
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RE: OT: please help with PC purchase
2008/11/12 16:54:39
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ORIGINAL: Fog although I run a amd x2 cpu.. .if I had to go back I'd have gone with the intel.. some of the programs I use seem to work far better and are optimised on / for intel rigs moreso. errm reason / cubase besides sonar... the benchmark song for reason won't even play on my AMD. cakewalk have intel as errm a business partner.. who could forget 64 bitness.hehe I remember steinberg , on an earlier version of cubase said, their stuff was coded with intel chips in mind.. pity , as in the past I've had good success with AMD chips, but unless they up their game, the next chip/machine I'll buy is intel based.. I do use an intel laptop as well.. so I'm not loyal to either company. http://www.cpubenchmark.net/ might be of interest also.. the delta 1010 works fine with the AMD that I use. As for 64 bit, well you'll need that to access more than 3 or so GB.. and the delta drivers for 64 bit are still in private beta. Actually the Delta 1010 64 bit drivers recently went public beta. As for 64 bit, well you'll need that to access more than 3 or so GB I don't know what you mean by that Fog...unless you mean just to run 64 bit one may need to have more than 4 GB RAM?
post edited by g_randybrown - 2008/11/12 16:56:52
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Jim Roseberry
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RE: OT: please help with PC purchase
2008/11/12 17:43:06
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Fog
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RE: OT: please help with PC purchase
2008/11/12 17:56:44
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As for 64 bit, well you'll need that to access more than 3 or so GB I don't know what you mean by that Fog...unless you mean just to run 64 bit one may need to have more than 4 GB RAM? I mean if your running more than 3 gb, it's pointless to run a 32 bit OS as that's all it will see, some say it's under 4GB but it's more just over the 3gb side. hopefully that makes sense.. the drivers must have been made public for the 1010 rather recently (within a week) as I checked the other day when someone else asked something. Since I don't run 64 bit version of windows, it's not like I'd visit to check a lot.
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g_randybrown
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RE: OT: please help with PC purchase
2008/11/12 18:24:52
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Based on all of your most helpful input I think I will go for the Intel....my only hesitation being the RAM limitation. BTW are any of you running 64 bit? Thanks again everyone! Randy
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91lespaulstandard
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RE: OT: please help with PC purchase
2008/11/12 18:49:04
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I was running tri-boot with XP Pro, X64, and Vista 64 on the AMD platform with no problem running 4GB DDR2 677. I plan to run the Oc'ed Q6600 in Vista 32-bit as some here state that it runs flawlesly. Randy
Sonar 7.0.2 PE, Intel Q6600 2.4 (overclocked to 3.2), Nvidia GeForce 9500GT Super +1GB, Windows Vista Ultimate 32 and 64-bit, GIGABYTE GA-EP35-DS3L w/P35 Chipset, 4GB G.Skill DDR2-800 CAS 4, Line6 UX2 Recording Interface and various VST & VSTi.
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...wicked
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RE: OT: please help with PC purchase
2008/11/12 18:50:41
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I'll second what someone else said about rolling your own. If you spec our your parts you can design exactly for your needs. Believe you me, you guy one of these systems and when you get you'll realize something about it that you didn't realize looking at the specs that'll muck yup your plans somehow. Motherboards in particular can really frak your day if you get them and there's something odd about them that doesn't jibe with wanting to use your existing gear.
=========== The Fog People =========== Intel i7-4790 16GB RAM ASUS Z97 Roland OctaCapture Win10/64 SONAR Platinum 64-bit billions VSTs, some of which work
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g_randybrown
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RE: OT: please help with PC purchase
2008/11/12 19:13:11
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ORIGINAL: ...wicked I'll second what someone else said about rolling your own. If you spec our your parts you can design exactly for your needs. Believe you me, you guy one of these systems and when you get you'll realize something about it that you didn't realize looking at the specs that'll muck yup your plans somehow. Motherboards in particular can really frak your day if you get them and there's something odd about them that doesn't jibe with wanting to use your existing gear. I don't think I could build this system for 3 reasons: 1) buying everything separately would cost substantially more 2) I'm an idiot and wouldn't trust myself to do so. 3) I'm tired of waiting That said, my existing gear should be cool; it has the PCIs I need for my Delta 1010 and I'll finally be able to plug in my decent monitor into an HMDI port...plus I can use my second monitor without having to use my old PCI dual monitor card and even add a 3rd monitor if need be ). I'm going to wait until the morning to order anything just in case someone posts tonight and says "oh hell no you need more RAM!" Thanks VERY MUCH everyone, Randy
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91lespaulstandard
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RE: OT: please help with PC purchase
2008/11/12 19:45:05
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Hey Randy, I'm not trying to push the system that I purchased minus a MOBO upgrade, but it is $501.00 US dollars. The $600.00 price is Canadian dollars. Randy
Sonar 7.0.2 PE, Intel Q6600 2.4 (overclocked to 3.2), Nvidia GeForce 9500GT Super +1GB, Windows Vista Ultimate 32 and 64-bit, GIGABYTE GA-EP35-DS3L w/P35 Chipset, 4GB G.Skill DDR2-800 CAS 4, Line6 UX2 Recording Interface and various VST & VSTi.
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WDI
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RE: OT: please help with PC purchase
2008/11/12 20:50:57
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These are supposed to be very reliable and fast....
post edited by WDI - 2008/11/12 20:55:10
Sonar 7 PE Windows XP Pofessional (SP3) MSI K8N Neo4-F AMD Athlon 64 3500+ 2 GB PC 3200 Ram RME Fireface 800 Edirol FA-66 CM Labs MotorMix Old stuff: ARJO
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91lespaulstandard
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RE: OT: please help with PC purchase
2008/11/12 21:14:41
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LOL...WDI you are funny (wonder if it is actually usable?)! Randy
Sonar 7.0.2 PE, Intel Q6600 2.4 (overclocked to 3.2), Nvidia GeForce 9500GT Super +1GB, Windows Vista Ultimate 32 and 64-bit, GIGABYTE GA-EP35-DS3L w/P35 Chipset, 4GB G.Skill DDR2-800 CAS 4, Line6 UX2 Recording Interface and various VST & VSTi.
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g_randybrown
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RE: OT: please help with PC purchase
2008/11/12 22:29:39
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ORIGINAL: WDI These are supposed to be very reliable and fast.... Perfect!!!! It even matches my studio's decor!!! Can you send a link please? Thanks, Randy
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mtn_rocker
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RE: OT: please help with PC purchase
2008/11/12 22:41:30
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+1 here for ADK ProAudio... but I understand your budget limitations... I have a couple 3 AMD based machines (two laptops and my main music-box 2x AMD dual core Opterons).... no problems with them. One downside of "off the shelf" is that you get lots and lots of "helpful" software that mostly just slows the machine down when you're trying to get something done. You might want to be careful on adding to an "off the shelf" machine (if you plan on doing that later) because often the power supply is sized to basically run the machine as-built with not alot of extra power available. I think today the Intel CPU's have gained the upper hand relative to the AMD's.... Whichever way you go with the "off the shelf", you'll want to tweak the system to get rid of CPU-burning cutesy apps... Having capability to dual monitors is a plus with eh ATI video card... Regards, Paul
S8.02PE on XP SP2, ADK Dual 2.2GHz Dual core Opteron 275s, SuperMicro H8DCi, 1010LT, Dual LCD monitors on Nvidia GeForce 7600 GT Ozone3, JBL 4408A & 4412A My SoundClick Page
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