Worth It To Buy A DAW Desktop PC or Build Your Own?

Jim's name comes up usually within the first few posts here on this subject. I've never used him but many have happily had him build their computers. He offers a pretty good deal.
 
I would like to see some competition though. Either that or make him the officially recognized Cakewalk computer builder. I know there are others who do it as well. We just don't hear about them as much.
 
I think most of the big name daw builders are over priced for the tech they offer. JMO YMMV. They usually drop back a generation or two to assure there are no issues or offer a minimum build for your needs at a higher price. Chips and builds having been on the market awhile are proven and less of a liability for them.
 
At one time there were more fixes that could be done in software that would streamline a machine for daw work. With  more recent OS and better hardware performance many of these basic issues are now moot. At one time I think you needed to lean more on a pro computer builder who knew what needed to be done. Much of this was more software related than hardware related. I don't believe we need that as much anymore.
 
Many report great results with high spec'd mass factory built computers. Even the basic ones can record smaller projects with no problems. The hardware in mass made machines is reported to be of less quality in many cases. How this actually plays out in terms of years of reliable use is anyone's guess. Especially if you have a good replacement repair warranty in place.
 
While I would recommend you either have a better machine built or build it yourself, this isn't always mandatory all depending on your needs. Of course buying the bottom tier machines for audio work is always asking for trouble.
 
I built my own after some brief research and I saved a lot of money in doing it. For me it's just assembling parts and loading the OS. It can potentially get complicated, but much less so if you use good hardware. 
 
I don't want to be the one to tell you to build your own, because all of those who bought from Jim or another similar will say, " I told you so" if something doesn't go right. I was willing to take that chance and it payed off for me. For those not technically or mechanically mediocre a builder is probably best with a higher spec'd factory computer being a second option.

Yes I would surely check them before you look at one of the world renowned daw builders. 
In my case I think I got a slightly better machine for a little less money. A day of my time building and loading. YMMV.
I have some background in working with this. If this isn't your cuppa, spend slightly more and sleep better for it.\
 
It isn't rocket science either. If you assembled small items from Ikea, you can probably do it. 
 
It feels good to do it if you can.

hmmm... who is Jim? 

If you are technically and mechanically inclined, and don't mind troubleshooting, then building your own can be a very rewarding hobby. 
 
This website can assist you with picking out compatible parts, and assembling a parts and price list for your dream machine.  https://pcpartpicker.com/list/
 
After you do that, take a look at Jim's site and ask yourself if you build your own, can you live without the warranty and support, and making it all work together?  His prices don't look all that bad, considering the support included.
 
I have an IT background, and training in service and support, so I have been building my own for almost 20 years.  So definitely, your mileage may vary.  If you do this as a hobby, you may have the latitude to DIY, but if you're a music pro, you may want the extra assurance of dealing with a computer pro!

Jim I wasn't referring to you personally. I was actually excluding you from that group since I don't see you as one one the " big name daw builders " , see my comment here- 
 
I think most of the big name daw builders are over priced for the tech they offer
 
In comparison you're a small builder. I look at your service much like I see auto repair dealerships. The big name dealerships are more expensive. I have a mechanic locally who does great work and is MUCH less expensive. I put you in that same category. I know you're not the only good builder around. From that perspective I think some comparison shopping is in order. If I lived in the UK I might look for a similar builder there, unless I could justify the expense and seen better quality. I know you've sold to people over there, so I guess this is all subjective.
 
I've looked at what you offer and I think you're very fair. You would certainly be in the running if I were looking to buy a daw. 
 
I'm still a little stubborn I guess, I think the line between building your own and having it built is thinner than some imagine it to be. With recent advances in tech and ease in connectivity of parts, it isn't rocket science. Neither in hookup or in software configuration. There's an answer for any problem you could possibly run across online. An average computer now would have had NASA drooling even 5 years ago.
 
I am also well aware that much of sales is based on fear. "what if" this or that happens? What will I do then?? If that kind of thing scares you, then maybe go for a pre built. I don't have tight time frames and I suspect that many if not most who come here don't need to get something done immediately. If there's a failure it still needs trouble shooting online or the computer needs to be mailed to your location. It all starts to look like an apples .vs oranges comparison to other options IMO. The percentage of Sonar users who use a Jim built computer is probably very small compared to the total. What are the others using? Is this a liability? 
 
Groups tend to have favorites and you're clearly a favorite here and for good reason. Even so, if someone is asking the question- " Should I build my own computer ?" This means they have some faith in themselves to try it. If they had no faith, they wouldn't ask the question  The answer to that question shouldn't always be- Forget that> Go see Jim  
 
TBH when you get older you tend to be more apt to pay someone to do things you once did. I see that in my own life right now in some areas. And although I'm reluctant to say this, we have some real antiques here, myself included. The younger chaps might not be so easily discouraged.

Jim Roseberry

AdamGrossmanLG
hmmm... who is Jim? 

Jim is me...
I am Jim  

Too funny. After reading the OP, if you are not comfortable building your own or tweaking things (which can be painful unto itself), touch base with Jim. He is very diligent and will take care of all of the things you don't want to deal with, plus he is always around so he will look after you down the road.

I've built PCs for myself, and a few for others, since the early/mid 90s.

One thing I've always done is extensive, and in depth, component reseach. Identify potential motherboards, see what "the internet" thinks of them. Download the manual and see how configurable it is, what the BIOS can do etc. And, of course, check it has the right socket for a cpu that's in the performance and price range I'm working to, the ports I want etc. I stay away from "bleeding edge" hardware because I'd rather wait for the price to fall and let other people find out the problems with it, if any.

Then repeat that process for all other components.

And always bearing in mind I want a DAW to be as nearly silent as possible. Which means checking Nokia or similar quality heatsinks and fans are available, that they will fit the case etc.

Then put the PC compnents together, which is usually a pretty quick job because everything nowadays can only fit the socket intended for it.

Then configure the BIOS to suit my needs which may not be what the motherboard manufacturer ships as the "average user standard settings". Stuff like processor sleep state settings can have a significant effect on the performance of a DAW. Then, finally, install Windows and configure that then the necessary software and configure that.

I can do this stuff and I seem to be fairly capable of doing it. The downside is if a component is malfunctioning it's me who has to find out which component and replace it - which might mean replacing different things until the fault goes away.

If unhappy with taking responsibility for all that there are three options.

Buy an off-the-shelf mass market PC recommended by others who've used then as DAWs. Hopefully that will be fine for your needs, though mass market PCs tend to be rather noisy.

Or go to a specialist DAW builder and pay a possibly higher price but get a package that has support, a warranty on the PC as a whole and is put together by someone who knows what makes a PC a good DAW.

Or buy a MacBook or iMac, ideally an i7 one with as much RAM as you can afford. Which means paying more - maybe quite a lot more - and getting maybe less power per buck and no internal expansion possible, but it almost certainly will work very well as a DAW and will have one of the best displays around. It won't run Sonar under OS X, but using Apple's free "boot camp" and Windows drivers you can install Windows and boot into that.

For anyone interested in building their own.
 
I tend to write way too much, but I wrote an article awhile back with pictures when I built my last computer. You could skip right to the assembly and pictures and probably be ok. Block out all my rambling riff raff :-) or it might be helpful.
 
I have run 50 plus tracks on this build loaded with vst effects and software synths with no problems whatsoever.
If you plan to use something like Thunderbolt or high resolution video cards I would opt for a cpu with 40 lanes.
 
This spec didn't have on board video and I liked that for my purposes. There are plenty of mobos with onboard video.
 
I loose track of time but It's probably been over two years or there abouts since I built it. I run it clocked higher which is easy peasy in the bios. It never overheats and runs quiet.
 
If you use different hardware, this will still give you an idea if what's involved. There was another guy here who documented a higher end build in pictures. I don't remember who he is. Maybe someone else could post info.
 
The internal hardware I used is probably very inexpensive now two years later. I love the Noctura cooler. I also can't say enough good about the case I used. A very quiet system.
 
Might as well do someone some good if possible - [link=http://www.recordinghound.com/how-to-build-an-audio-computer-the-hardware/]http://www.recordinghound...computer-the-hardware/[/link]

There is some middle ground with DIY, where you can order a bare bones PC built and tested from a shop, that avoids RMA's for non-working components, and parts and connector incompatibilities.  Some even offer tech support after the sale.
 
Then you can install and configure the software the way that you want.
 
Here is one example.  I have not bought anything from them, but they seem to offer a few good deals, and lifetime technical support.
 
About AVADirect Custom Barebone Desktops
http://www.avadirect.com/custom-barebones-desktops
"Custom pre-configured barebones PC kits are perfect for more knowledgeable computer builders or anybody interested in a Do-It-Yourself custom computer system. Custom barebones PCs offer the ability to start a dream build from a little bit more than scratch. These systems are normally provided as just the framework and basic components, including the PSU and motherboard of your choice. We artfully craft your base configuration, and we give you the opportunity to use your own technical skills to finish your computer. At this point, you need to select compatible components and install the other hardware devices to assemble a fully operational desktop PC. When buying a barebones PC make sure you know exactly what other hardware you'll need to purchase to build a functional system. You should also find out how many input/output devices the motherboard can accommodate, including the number of memory and PCI card slots that are available. Choose your barebones computer from top manufacturers like NVIDIA®, CoolerMaster®, and Intel®. Get the best starter system in place, set up your custom computer configuration, and design the ultimate PC with all the essential components from the elite PC integrators at AVADirect."

Coming from the VS machines like the 2480 and tape before that, I came into the computer world kicking and screaming. The 2480 was awesome and could do everything I wanted back then, until people started sending me projects with more  40 tracks to work on. I wanted a computer that would work out of the box without the trial and error troubleshooting.
 
I went with a turnkey pc from Rain and I'm very happy I did. I do mixing for a living and will probably never buy a pc or laptop off the shelf again. I got a laptop from ADK and it is stronger than my studio pc. I checked out Jim's prices and find them quite reasonable (I may check him out when I need a next pc)
 
Basically for me I just want to get to work and have my machine work smooth like 2480 used to, which always did as soon as you turned on the power. I also have an awesome desk custom built, comfort and ergonomics is a big thing because you don't want to be straining anything while doing what you love or it will become stressful for you.