Upcoming PC Upgrade - In Need Of Suggestions.

Hi all, My 4.5 years old PC kinda died on me, and it was a limiting DAW back when it worked perfectly so I decided to upgrade my system. I'm pretty low on funds, so I figured I can stick with my 1. old case  2. PSU(520W) 3. Graphics card(Nvidia 9500GT) [or use intel graphics that will come with the new CPU] 4. Burner, Screens, Keyboard etc... and just buy a new MotherBoard, CPU, and RAM. What would you suggest to get for a budget of about 350$-400$ ?

are you tech savy/can you build your own?
ive built several daws for customers in the last few months for under 400.00 that meet the system requirments.
I havent had any complaints yet,except by one customer that insisted on a custom gaming case,which ive since replaced for an insulated model.

this is a series of 10 videos that couldnt be anymore basic.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0TVqlgQeto

its not really that hard and you can do those certain things that a store bought cant offer like customizing hardware.
theres also a book(free download for now)with 80 pages and 90+ photos
in PDF format that acompanny those videos.

did you watch the videos.?

you need:
a insulated case 80.00

a motherboard+AMD phenom 2 black edition 6 core
CPU combo 160.00

8 gigs of RAM 30 or 40 bucks 

A power supply 50.00

Your using your own hard drive:no cost
 
your looking at 330.oo right here.

keep in mind the GIGAbyte GA-78LMT-S2P mobo has onboard dual video card.

i used this same build for a while and still do know.
a 6 core cpu and 8 gb of ram is plenty of power.

no cpu cooler.

this is a very economical build that will last and more than anything is very stable.

if you want a copy of the book thats in the video let me know.

Cool man thanks, I'll get back home tomorrow and watch.

General question: how come you got with AMD when everyone else are strictly intel?

first of all someone asked me to build a daw for the cheapest possible price i could,i did it under 350(sales and rebates)
before giving the customer his computer back i bench tested it against the Quad core,I3,I5 and I7.

i was quite impressed by the results.
what was even more staggering was the price hike.
Intel is through the roof IMO.

After reading an article by Cakewalk Chief Technical Officer noel brothwick
on AMD 8 core bulldozer i was turned on by AMD and how they had changed from (only my opinion) junk to really good CPU's

the difference between the Bdozzer and the phenom 2 Blk 6 core was relitively close in comparisine.

ive also been very lucky,there are people here on the forums with real issues,im not about to go out on a limb and say ive had better luck with AMD than i have intel.
i will just say ive been fortunete with the AMD set ups

ive also used an intel I3 4 gigs of ram on sonar x1
an intel I7 with 12 gigs of ram
an AMD  phenom 4, 6 and 8 core CPU(at different times)

honestly,i havent had many issues.
but better luck with the AMD.

my problem has been more with software,never a system related issue.
when x1 was first released i was ousing an intel I3,had some problems untill ther 1st patch came out.

id be glad to give you a free copy of the book if you'd like,
it will hold your hand through the whole build of the AMD phenom-8gb.

the soundcard.youll have to chose wisely to your needs.

A real dilemma is whether to go amd or intel, most ppl suggested i5, but there's some suggesting amd. I think that's the no1 question for me to solve... I think a good L3 Cache is important for my kind of uses and I didn't see it in the specs...

I've been told AMD consume more power and create more heat and because of fan works that needs to deal with - they are more noisy. is that right?

zoobooboozoo


I've been told AMD consume more power and create more heat and because of fan works that needs to deal with - they are more noisy. is that right?

no.
but when bulding a daw you start by choosing an insulated case.
you primary concern a power supply with a noisy fan.
this vents out and will make some noise.
 
i use a few different daws,but my daw of choice is an AMD 6 core with 8 gigs of ram.
the i7 loads things a little quicker,but the AMD is solid,no hardware conflicts,nothing.
 
dont be fooled,AMD isnt what it used to be.
they're great quality now,and should be for 150.00 processor(an i7 depending on the kind,250.00+)

Charlie (chuckebaby) was kind enough to forward me a copy of his book mentioned above - it's free. I have no connection to Charlie, financial or otherwise, other than being a fellow forum member with mutual interests. 

Here's a quick review:
 
Simply put, as a newbie computer builder, I wish I had seen it before I began my first build recently. My computer works (still), but all the images, including videos, that are embedded in the book - which comes in Flipbook form but can be opened as a PDF - would have helped me figure things out faster. He also includes the gentle warning to "use your head" and "use common sense." Wise words. 

The book's full of information for a basic build - perfect for newbies. He goes through two scenarios - one where he strips down a Dell Dimension 2400 and builds from case to finish, the other a brand new build (using an AMD processor, not Intel). In the second scenario he walks you through the process from buying the parts, work area setup, installing everything, and more. Nothing mystifying about it; all straight talk. Good stuff.  

The only quibble I've got is that there are a couple of typos (I'm an editor and I suffer from an incurable spelling disease ). A glossary might be useful. But these are such minor issues compared to the wealth of information offered.  

Highly recommended. 

Ben


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Win 7 Pro; i7 3770k; 16 GB RAM; Sonar Producer X2a; Roland Quad Capture

A few typos I can live with - as well as dodgy spelling, 'there' when they mean 'their', but this book sounds just the ticket.

bent4life


Charlie (chuckebaby) was kind enough to forward me a copy of his book mentioned above - it's free. I have no connection to Charlie, financial or otherwise, other than being a fellow forum member with mutual interests. 

Here's a quick review:

Simply put, as a newbie computer builder, I wish I had seen it before I began my first build recently. My computer works (still), but all the images, including videos, that are embedded in the book - which comes in Flipbook form but can be opened as a PDF - would have helped me figure things out faster. He also includes the gentle warning to "use your head" and "use common sense." Wise words. 

The book's full of information for a basic build - perfect for newbies. He goes through two scenarios - one where he strips down a Dell Dimension 2400 and builds from case to finish, the other a brand new build (using an AMD processor, not Intel). In the second scenario he walks you through the process from buying the parts, work area setup, installing everything, and more. Nothing mystifying about it; all straight talk. Good stuff.  

The only quibble I've got is that there are a couple of typos (I'm an editor and I suffer from an incurable spelling disease ). A glossary might be useful. But these are such minor issues compared to the wealth of information offered.  

Highly recommended. 

Ben


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Win 7 Pro; i7 3770k; 16 GB RAM; Sonar Producer X2a; Roland Quad Capture

Thank you so much for the kind words ben.
im very happy you liked it and you built yourself a great computer there.
cant wait to hear some music out of it.
I'll be watching song forums.
 
thanks again.
 
Charlie

chuckebaby

LordElpus


A few typos I can live with - as well as dodgy spelling, 'there' when they mean 'their', but this book sounds just the ticket.

yes the book is still in its beta stages(one of the reasons its free right now)
 
the motherboard" Asus M5A78L-M/USB3 Motherboard "thats a pretty decent board.
just keep in mind with that perticular mobo,im pretty sure you can only max out with 8 gigs of ram,it might be 12 but i dont think so,what this means is if you decide to upgrade your processor later on,youll still only be able to go as high as 8 gigs.
no matter how much ram you put in it.
 
this combo deal is a very good deal though i would spend the extra 40 dollars american and get the AMD phenom 2 blk "6 core"
it will still work with the  Asus M5A78L-M/USB3 Motherboard .
 
let me know if you want a copy of my book and i will send you a download link.
this same build you are talking to me about is built in the second part of the book.
with probably over 20 illustartion on "how to".

Well, sad to say I shouldn't need the book now ... as, after a dodgy start, I have built the system and it is up and running, thanks mainly to your videos! I am pleased you agree the Asus M5A78L-M/USB3 Motherboard is a good one.  I saw your post just before I committed myself to it but glad to say your info. is not quite right as it does accept up to 16Gb Ram (which it now has). I stuck with the 4 core AMD CPU. Only time will tell if I will regret that decision over the 6 core.  I like the built in 'Touch-n-boost' facility whereby the power button can be an over-clocking button without interrupting ongoing work.  Cool!  It also has a core unlocker facility which means the extra cores can be used without having to resort to the BIOS.


I will probably stick with the integrated graphics for now as it supports 1080p & HDMI at 1920 X 1200.  If I go for DVI-D it will support a resolution up to 2560 X 1600, although DVI-D monitors tend to be a bit expensive.  If things change I can always install a decent graphics card.  The good thing is the mobo also has 6 X SATA connectors so it will be easy to add more storage if necessary.  It has 10 X USB 2.0 ports and 2 X USB 3.0 ports so future 'additions' should be catered for too.  Although I have an external audio card (VS-100) the mobo has 8 channel High-Definition Audio, so fine for those occasions when I am not using it as a DAW!


As well as a standard DVD drive (couldn't see the need for a blu-Ray) I went for a Samsung 120Gb SSD and a Seagate 1TB 3.5 inch 7200RPM 64MB Cache SATA3 HDD.  I also stayed with Windows 7 Home Premium as I don't fancy getting to grips with a new OS and I have no need for a touch screen at the moment.


So there you have it, it's done.  I know I have been a bit impetuous but that's just me.  Now all I have to do is install my software!!


Gary

Hi Wildman

I have never disabled the internal soundcard before and I didn't think it was necessary?  
When using Sonar I just de-select the soundcard and direct all the audio through the audio interface.  When I finish with Sonar, the system just defaults to using the internal soundcard again.  When I fire up Sonar again it takes no time to re-set everything and saves me having to have the VS-100 and monitors powered up all the time.  The soundcard is connected to my PC Speakers and the VS-100 to my monitors.

Your thoughts?

LordElpus

chuckebaby

LordElpus


A few typos I can live with - as well as dodgy spelling, 'there' when they mean 'their', but this book sounds just the ticket.

yes the book is still in its beta stages(one of the reasons its free right now)

the motherboard" Asus M5A78L-M/USB3 Motherboard "thats a pretty decent board.
just keep in mind with that perticular mobo,im pretty sure you can only max out with 8 gigs of ram,it might be 12 but i dont think so,what this means is if you decide to upgrade your processor later on,youll still only be able to go as high as 8 gigs.
no matter how much ram you put in it.
 
this combo deal is a very good deal though i would spend the extra 40 dollars american and get the AMD phenom 2 blk "6 core"
it will still work with the  Asus M5A78L-M/USB3 Motherboard .
 
let me know if you want a copy of my book and i will send you a download link.
this same build you are talking to me about is built in the second part of the book.
with probably over 20 illustartion on "how to".

Well, sad to say I shouldn't need the book now ... as, after a dodgy start, I have built the system and it is up and running, thanks mainly to your videos! I am pleased you agree the Asus M5A78L-M/USB3 Motherboard is a good one.  I saw your post just before I committed myself to it but glad to say your info. is not quite right as it does accept up to 16Gb Ram (which it now has). I stuck with the 4 core AMD CPU. Only time will tell if I will regret that decision over the 6 core.  I like the built in 'Touch-n-boost' facility whereby the power button can be an over-clocking button without interrupting ongoing work.  Cool!  It also has a core unlocker facility which means the extra cores can be used without having to resort to the BIOS.


I will probably stick with the integrated graphics for now as it supports 1080p & HDMI at 1920 X 1200.  If I go for DVI-D it will support a resolution up to 2560 X 1600, although DVI-D monitors tend to be a bit expensive.  If things change I can always install a decent graphics card.  The good thing is the mobo also has 6 X SATA connectors so it will be easy to add more storage if necessary.  It has 10 X USB 2.0 ports and 2 X USB 3.0 ports so future 'additions' should be catered for too.  Although I have an external audio card (VS-100) the mobo has 8 channel High-Definition Audio, so fine for those occasions when I am not using it as a DAW!


As well as a standard DVD drive (couldn't see the need for a blu-Ray) I went for a Samsung 120Gb SSD and a Seagate 1TB 3.5 inch 7200RPM 64MB Cache SATA3 HDD.  I also stayed with Windows 7 Home Premium as I don't fancy getting to grips with a new OS and I have no need for a touch screen at the moment.


So there you have it, it's done.  I know I have been a bit impetuous but that's just me.  Now all I have to do is install my software!!


Gary

Gary,so glad you had no probs doing this man.
im also sorry about the info i gave you on your mobo,i was almost 90% positive that board maxed at 8 gigs.
but as long as its showing up in system properties than that is auesome.
 
also dont worry about the difference between the 4 core and the 6 core phenom,ive used both,tested both and the sonar stress test i did with the 4 core was:
 
(8 gigs of ram)
Win 7 x64
Sonar x2 64
4-soft synths/equiling 16 midi tracks
16 audio tracks/with prochannel engaged
20-of sonars misc.effects.
 
core load was at 24%
 
keep me posted on a nice large project you do,im curious what you can push it to with 16 gb of ram.
 
im really glad my book and videos helped you out man.
 
Thanks again,
 
Charlie Roy
 
 

chuckebaby

Gary,so glad you had no probs doing this man. 

im also sorry about the info i gave you on your mobo,i was almost 90% positive that board maxed at 8 gigs.
but as long as its showing up in system properties than that is auesome.
 
also dont worry about the difference between the 4 core and the 6 core phenom,ive used both,tested both and the sonar stress test i did with the 4 core was:
 
(8 gigs of ram)
Win 7 x64
Sonar x2 64
4-soft synths/equiling 16 midi tracks
16 audio tracks/with prochannel engaged
20-of sonars misc.effects.
 
core load was at 24%
 
keep me posted on a nice large project you do,im curious what you can push it to with 16 gb of ram.
 
im really glad my book and videos helped you out man.
 
Thanks again,
 
Charlie Roy
 
 

Hey Charlie Roy,

You and me both, but credit where credit's due!!!!  
I must say I was a bit nervous and I did have an issue with it not firing up at first, so I just took it all out and started again.  I did a test re-build of just the mobo & cpu and connected the monitor and made sure I got a POST - which I did, then I installed the RAM and tested again and only when everything was okay did I put it all in the case.  I feel more confident now about doing this again in the future, as it was relatively painless, and I will have no qualms about opening her up to do an upgrade.
Anyway, no apologies necessary my friend - I was sure when I viewed the mobo it was 16Gb so I re-checked.  Maybe they have given the board a tweak or two since?  Anyways all 16Gb shows up no probs!


That stress test is very comforting - I can't see me having a much bigger project than that but I'll have a go and see how I get on.  24% should give me a lot of room to play with!


Anyway, thanks for taking the time to do the videos & the book


Gary