i7 @ 3.4Ghz, or i7 @ 4Ghz. Big difference?

I'd say go for the 4Ghz.  You don't need a GeForce to run Splat.

abacab
You don't need a GeForce to run Splat.

That depends on your plugins.

Some plugins can specifically use the GPU to display it's graphic information.  As an example, I know Meldaproductions Plugins can.  Takes the load off your main CPU, allowing it to concentrate on audio tasks.

Hey everybody,
I bought this :  http://www.microcenter.com/product/472170/G404_Desktop_Computer
 
I decided not to build my own.  I'm not convinced it saves any money.
But, I took your advice and went processor over graphics.
 
I didn't need any more storage, just a ss drive for the OS.
I may upgrade the RAM if there are any performance issues.
So far, WOW!.  I didn't realize what I was missing.
Although my last machine was a beast, it was probably over 5 years old.  Where did the time go?
I only recently even heard of Microcenter- what a great place!  I wish there were one closer.
 
It's worth mentioning that I've been having a problem with both my usb interfaces- they lose connectivity often, and sometimes still don't recognize the device when it's power cycled and re-plugged in.  It was getting worse and worse.  I thought it related to a recent windows update, but it's increasingly clear that something was going wrong in my PC.  All the usb ports behaved the same way.  It was making me sad.
 
My Audient ID22, ASP880, and and my Focusrite 18i20 are all functioning beautifully so far.  Impressive latency even in big projects.  Let's hope the honeymoon lasts.  
 
At the moment, I'm working at getting all the plugins I need onto the new system without copying the whole folder.  Some of those plugs were suspect and I don't want to bring over more than I need.  At this point, I use Waves and Sonar plugs exclusively.

I think I could live with that one. 

chuckebaby
you would probably receive a better answer in the computer section of the forum. where people may specialize in the questions you are asking.
But I will give you the same advise I gave you on your last PC thread incase you missed it:
 

chuckebaby 
 
My advise is to build one. They are very easy to assemble. Its like building a model car (easier)
I built an Intel I7 4700k 1150 LGA with 16 GB of RAM for under 600 (not including windows 10)
The Mobo is an ASRock Z97 Pro. Its not touch screen but its a solid build.
 
I buy all my parts from a store here in Boston but they do ship.
Here's an even better Intel I7 with a Mobo bundled/included in the price together for 269.00
http://cart.microcenter.com/cart.aspx?RedirectUrl=http://www.microcenter.com
 
Now your left buying a case, RAM, PSU and HD.
See what I mean ? Its ludicrous the prices charged for pre assembled PC's. 
 

 
Your basically throwing money away by having someone else ensemble it. and not a little bit of money.. a lot.
I used my Windows 8 OS from my previous install and my old case (which was 60 bucks) and ended paying 500 for:
 
Intel I7 4790K with an Asrock z97 1150LGA (CPU / Motherboard Combo)  =279.00
750 PSU = 50.00
256 SSD Drive. 69.00
16GB of RAM = 79.00
 
that's actually 477.00 I use onboard graphics (Dual DVI)

I agree that building yourself is the way to go for the ultimate value, however some people don't have the time or the inclination to do all of the research, shopping around learning that's required to put together a high performance PC. There are so many pitfalls and potential problems (just looking at any PC building forum is enough to give you an idea of some of the complications and baffling problems that first time builders face). I know I didn't have the patience for it, which is why I decided to spend a little extra on a Studio Cat rig. 

As for the USB ports - they may be going to sleep.
Check the power plan settings:

arachnaut
I've been building my own PC (and for others) for quite some time, at least since XP days.
 
It keeps getting easier.
 
You should do your homework, for example, checking Tom's Hardware guides for motherboards and some of the overclocking sites.
 
I would get the fastest possible motherboard PCI lanes, memory chips and unlocked CPU. Use water cooling and a good power supply.
 
Gets lots of memory, at least 16 GB or more.
 
I use some really power hungry VSTs (Reaktor, in particular), I run at 4.3 GHz and wish I had more.
 
 

totally agree. I can relate to what Sharke (James) is saying as well but building computers now a days isn't like it was even 5 or 6 years ago. they are so simple to assemble. and info is widely spread every where in videos and forums all over the internet. not to mention it takes literally sometimes less an hour to build.
 
I can understand where your coming from James but the only time involved is research so it all depends on how you choose to throw your money away. Not for nothing but this same research is crucial when problems arise.
With knowledge you can track down hardware problems in minutes when you have built your own PC.
and it gives you a feeling like.. "I have more control over what's going on". vs "I don't know, I bought it like this".

Thanks for posting ... I've added this to my short list for later this year

I'm not sure you wasted money with that price without watching for bargains and sales on the components but I am too lazy to price all that stuff out right now.
 
The other plus for a DIY system is you control *exactly* what is put in the box, where with an off the shelf PC or even a customizable one your choices for sizes and brands may (extremely) limited.