Hi there, I too have an i7-2600K and built a bare bones machine in July 2011 based a lot on this article: http://www.xbitlabs.com/a...re-i7-2600k-990x.html. The audio benchmarking done was performed on X1 Producer. In addition to that, I went with ASUS for the motherboard (ensure it has an 1155 socket), as they had the best bus throughput and offered USB 3.0 before anyone else (I have become a big fan of them since). I recommended this site to a coworker (http://www.googlebb.magic...moreinfo.asp?iid=4245) whose son built one. To your last question, my computer RARELY goes over 15% doing almost anything, and often only uses core 0. This setup is more than adequate to run X1/X2 Producer. I also run an ASUS GTX 580, 240Gb SSD for the OS (Win7 64 Ultimate), and 3Tb 7200 rpm Seagate drive for data. Best regards, Michael

The closing parenthesis on that second link came up as included in it, sorry. http://www.googlebb.magic...smoreinfo.asp?iid=4245

emwhy


I was looking for 4 cores with hyper threading. Thanks for the tips on Microcenter, great prices, never heard of them before. So my next question is which is better Sandy or Ivy bridge?

The new machine made eight virtual cores out of the four hardware cores. It works very well. there's barely a green line on all eight cores. Make sure you have the stats for the new boards, they're a bit a departure from the old older ones.

Contact Scott at ADK http://www.adkproaudio.com/.  They build Audio Computers, know what they're doing, have one myself, excellent tech support also.

Thanks for the info guys, I've had good luck with Gigabyte MOBOs in the past, I know some haven't, but since the late 90s I've also heard great things about ASUS as well. One of the other reasons I want to upgrade is that my current system is only SATA 2. With an SSD for my system drive and two WD 1TB drives for audio and samples, it would be nice to realize the speed boost a SATA 3 interface would offer especially for the SSD.

emwhy: consider this ...Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UP4 TH Socket 1155 Intel Z77 Chipset with a 3770k processor, il be back with correct memory !! shop this crucial kit.. 32GB kit (8GBx4) DDR3 PC3-12800 • 9-9-9-24 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR3-1600 • 1.35V • 1024Meg x 64 • Low Profile • • Part #: BLS4K8G3D1609ES2LX0

if you need more info just ask !!

I've had very good fortunes with GigaByte boards

Why limit yourself- SATA is up to 6 now-not 3. Backward compatible with SATA 3 so..................
I have an Asus P6T Se\12gb Ram, etc. It's SATA3. But I had to add a card for USB 3.0 (works great) and a nice eSata @x outputs with room for many HDs (I have 3 at the moment. I also needed a PCI slot-so watch what you get, My Echo Layla3G is PCI and I love it. I had AP2496's (ran 2 using a sync) wotked great, They are around here somewhere. @ work very well together. All you need is a short dig cable.
 
I am about ready also-I have the 3rd Gen i& in my laptop and it's pretty done quick. I7 920 in the desktop.
 
But when I upgrade I want to have at least 5 years of peace. Also a DIY'er. Always have been. I already have 3 SATA 6G Hard drives , but using them as externals until I get the right board. Asusu has been my boards of choice for ever. Some say nay but I've never had an issue.
Gigabyte Nvidea has been my videa card choices for a l,ong time also.
 

StarTekh


emwhy: consider this ...Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UP4 TH Socket 1155 Intel Z77 Chipset with a 3770k processor, il be back with correct memory !! shop this crucial kit.. 32GB kit (8GBx4) DDR3 PC3-12800 • 9-9-9-24 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR3-1600 • 1.35V • 1024Meg x 64 • Low Profile • • Part #: BLS4K8G3D1609ES2LX0

What he said. :)