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-   -   Best Core 2 Series Desktops-Results and Specs (https://duc.avid.com/showthread.php?t=200560)

sunburst79 07-04-2007 07:16 AM

Best Core 2 Series Desktops-Results and Specs
 
It seems like yesterday that Doogz asked "Core2Duo-anybody got one working yet?" and a couple guys started builds and I began to keep track of the results. The machines themselves have proved to be extremely fast and stable and the performance from a single socket desktop processer has far exceeded everybodys expectations. Since there seems to be interest in these machines I thought I would post what we had learned. The following specs are compiled from whats working.

ASUS P5B Deluxe 185.00 Working onboard Firewire-no FireWire PCI card needed.

If you already have a working FW card than you can use the 114.00 ASUS P5B
and save more money-The only difference is the onboard Firewire.

If you need a PCI Firewire card the SIIG FireWire card is DIGI approved

While not officially approved by Digidesign yet the following P35 based boards are known to be working with no known issues. The ASUS P5K which includes FireWire so no add-in card is needed and the ASUS P5K Deluxe WiFi I doubt that theres anyone that built a P35 based board that wouldn't recommend them but it needs to be mentioned that they are currently unsupported.

Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 CPU Currently 234.00

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Currently 277.00

ATI 1600PRO fanless video card 66.00-Discontinued

2 Seagate SATA II Hard drives-79.00 bucks each for 320 GB single platter drives.

1 SATA Samsung CD/DVD burner with Lightscribe 31.00

2 GB of Corsair XMS DDR2 800 Memory 102.00 with a 40.00 rebate at newegg. Works out to 62.00 for 2 GB of 4-4-4-12 Low Latency memory.

OR

2GB of Corsair XMS DDR2 1066 Memory 104.00 with a 15.00 rebate at newegg. works out to 89.00 for 2 GB of 5-5-5-15 Low Latency Memory

XP HOME 89.00 bucks.

Total around 800.00 using the ASUS P5B-Deluxe/Q6600 This assumes you have a existing case/PSU that you can reuse which is not a big stretch of the imagination. Into the Quad game for less than 800.00. All top notch parts and you can save more by shopping harder.

All prices are newegg, all prices are approximate

If you already have a 400w or greater power supply, DDR2 667/800/1006 RAM, SATA hard drives, PCIe Video card from your existing computer these can all be recycled to save you even more money. You will have more power than you will know what to do with.

There will always be something new around the corner.

These represent a good value now and should continue to do so in the future as the prices continue to fall.


General Tips. Notes, etc.

FSB 1333: all of the P5B series boards listed above can have their BIOS updated to work with the upcoming CPU chips from Intel codenamed Penryn for a 20-40% increase in performance over the current Conroe and Kentsfeild series .

P35 and X38: P35 is here and X38 is due to ship at the end of September. Offering native 1333 FSB support for Penryn this is Intel next generation chipset with an updated soutbridge. Preliminary testing indicates that P35 IS a GO for PTLE, Doogz had a P35 based board up and running with integrated graphics and it was running fine. Some more research needs to be done here but things look good and while I can't guarentee 100% success for you it looks like you should be fine with a P35 build. For absolute compatibility stick with a combination from here or the Dverb list that follows this section.

P35 Update: I have updated the spec list with some P35 based boards. Most of the new builds since the July price drop have taken place on P35 boards and frankly I'm not seeing any reason to not recommend them other than the fact they have not yet been officially approved by Digidesign yet. You need to be comfortable running something thats not yet approved. other than that I HIGHLY recommend the P35/1066 memory combination. The P5K is also cheaper than the P5B-Deluze and includes onboard FW.

Memory: 1066 Vs 800 MHz A lot of the boards will support DDR2 1066 MHz and it looks like 1066 MHz can offer a solid 10 Dverb gain over DDR2 800, If your specing a new system then by all mean's spec DDR2 1066 with timings of 5-5-5-15 or better and you will see a worthwhile performance boost.

3GB Vs 4GB of memory under 32 bit operating systems. More is always better as far as memory goes however Windows may not recognize all for GBs of memory if you have 4GB installed. This is Nvideas explanation a more indepth look from Intel courtesy of Auxsend1.

Video Cards: You can use any brand video card you like Nvidea or ATI, For peace and quiet in your DAW you may want to pick a fanless video card. Using a card with smaller onboard memory may free up some system memory for those running 4 GB of RAM. Video gamers or those with 2 or more moniters may want to run 2 ATI cards in Crossfire mode. Keeping in mind that a PT compatible version of Vista is just around the corner you may want to specify a card that will support Vistas Aero interface.

Chip Sets: Both P965 and 975X are performing extremely well! There have only been a few builds using the Nvidia 6xx series and they have had some issues and have offered zero performance over the the Intel chipsets. My advice at this point is to stay away from Nvidia unless you absolutely must have to have SLI and at that point you are building on your own. Having said that the Nvidia chipsets have always been extremely strong performers in PTLE so some more builds in this area would be good.

PSU: Theese chips are energy efficient, if your current PSU is 400 watts are better you will probably not need to replace it even if you building the Intel Q series quad. The exception to this might be anyone trying to run dual high power video cards aka SLI.

Known Issues: There is a incompatability between the P35 Chipset and Samsung SATA II Hard disk drives. This seems to effect GigaByte brand boards and possibly MSI. The ASUS boards do not seem to be effected. The work around is to make sure that AHCI is disabled in BIOS and/or jumpering the drives into SATA 150 mode. As of right now this is seems to be limited to Samsung HDDs and possibly Hitachi which are made in the same factories. Please stick with the recommended Seagates or WD HDDs and ASUS boards. The parts list is there for a reason.

FireWire Chipsets: It has been brought to my attention that the VIA6308P Series of FW controller does not play nice with Pro Tools. The Agere And Texas Instruments FireWire Chips are known to be working so stick with a board with these chips. The other thing is that the Digi interfaces can very picky about the Firewire chipset and even ones that are known to be working can have problems. It's not a bad idea to set just enough of the budget aside for the purchase of one of the Digi approved FireWire Cards "just in case".

Vista: Since I have no current plans to run Vista I can only help XP related problems.


How to set up the BIOS on a ASUS P5K Deluxe Wi-Fi with DDR2 1066 for BIOS revision 404.

Install WindowsXP at the default BIOS settings, install all of your drivers and run Windows Update.

To enter BIOS hit the Delete key while the machine is POSTing. This will take you to the BIOS setup pages.

MAIN Page

Sata Configuration [ENHANCED]
Configure SATA as [IDE]

Advanced Page

Select [JumperFree Configuration]

And make the following changes

Dram Timing Control[1067]

Set the DRAM Timing control to Manual and verify that the following settings read

CAS# Latency [5 DRAM Clocks]
RAS# to CAS# Delay [5 DRAM Clocks]
RAS# Precharge [5 DRAM Clocks]
RAS# Active Time [15DRAM clocks]

After verifing you memory is set at the proper timing you can hit ESC and return to the JumperFree Configuration page and set the Dram Timing control back to [AUTO]

Select [CPU Configuration]

And make the following changes.

CPU Ratio Control [AUTO]
C1E Suppory [Disabled]
Max CPUID Limit [Disabled]
Vanderpool Tecnology[Disabled]
CPU TM Function [Enabled]
Execute Disable Bit [Enabled]
PECI [Enabled]
Intel SpeedStep [Disabled]

Hit ESC and return to the Advanced Page

Select Onboard Devices

And disable High Definition Audio and anything else your not going to be using... Wireless LAN, Marvell Lan, J-Micron controller ETC.

Hit F10 to save your changes and reboot

MicroSoft DualCore HotFix


Thanks to MykhalC for taking over the maintenance of the Dverb list and you can find a list of working boards and their results in the following post


The Quad Dverb Test (From the original Quadzilla page)

Start the computer. Create a brand new 24bit/48k Session on your audio drive for the Dverb test. Open up the system usage window in PT. Create 32 tracks. Go to your buffer setting and select 64 and then 1024(CPU usage must be 90%). Since all your tracks are still selected, hold ALT(option) and click on the record button on one of the tracks, all 32 tracks will now be in record arm mode. Hold ALT(option) and insert the Dverb on the first insert. This will create 32 Dverbs all the way across. Repeat with the next insert. You want to be able to record with as many Dverbs as you can before your computer doesnt do it anymore for 5 minutes. Keep in mind that playback only will give you a few more Dverbs than record mode.

Please make sure that RTAS Engine Ignore Errors During Playback/Record box is unchecked

If you can make it past the 32 or 48 mono tracks, then start adding mono Aux tracks.

This is a quick benchmark stress test that can be done in a few minutes.

EDIT: IT's New, It's Exciting! It's Dverb 2.0!

Always do a Dverb test after a fresh start up of the computer with a newly created session on your audio drive. Since the 5.X days, PT always seems to keep something in some type of cache that doesnt always clear. Hard to explain, but you'll notice it. Also, only do this with the stock Digi plug-ins in the plug-in folder. Do not have any other plug-ins installed or your test will vary. If you have already installed a load of plug-ins then move them to another folder except Dverb and the stock Digi plug-ins, and then do the test.


The Dverb 2.0 Test

Start the computer. Create a brand new 24bit/48k Session on your audio drive for the Dverb test. Open up the system usage window in PT. Then, go to Setup > Playback Engine... > and make sure the RTAS engine: Ignore Errors During Playback/Record(may cause clicks and pops) is NOT checked. Set up your time line ruler for Min:Secs. You want to be in grid mode and set up your grid for Min:Secs and 1 second. Create one mono audio track. Take the selector tool, put it on the 5 minute mark in your audio track and drag this to the start of your session. You will now have 5 minutes selected in this track. Go to AudioSuite > Other > Signal Generator and click on the "process" but. You should now see a 5 minute test tone. Create another audio track and insert 5 Dverbs in all the inserts. Record arm the Dverb track. Click on the track name so it is high lighted white, and hit shift+alt+D then hit enter. Record arm the new track and continue this pattern. You want to be able to record WITHOUT THE TEST TONE BREAKING UP!! Keep adding Dverbs and recording. If the test tone starts to breakup, then delete some Dverbs until you can hear a SOLID TEST TONE for 5 MINUTES. This is VERY VERY important. The test tone has to be 100% solid!!!

mykhal c 07-04-2007 11:04 AM

Re: Best Core 2 Series Desktops-Results and Specs
 
well, i'll go on record as the first to ask DIGI to make this thread a sticky. DIGI, you could make life sooooo much easier for us CORE2 folks

EDIT: thanks for the sticky DIGI!!

*************************************************

EDIT: help sunburst maintain builds and Dverb results...updated on 01/31/09


The CORE 2 DUO Dverb results


BigBubbaj = 136 Dverbs at 24 48 1024 on a E6600 - ABIT AW9d-MAX (975X)

RecordingGuy = 110 Dverbs 24 48 1024 on a E6400 - ECS PX1 Extreme (P965)

Gonzo99 = 117 Dverbs 24 48 1024, 150 Dverbs when overclocked to 3 GHz on a E6400 - Asus P5B (P965)

Tjkili = 136 Dverbs 24 48 1024 on a E6600 - ASUS P5B (P965)

Mcpram = 120 Dverbs 24 48 1024 on a E6600 - ASUS P5B (P965)

Khatru = 121 Dverbs 24 48 1024 on a E6600 - ASUS P5W DH Deluxe (975X) 2 GB DDR2 6400, Mbox, 7.3.1

jemd = 141 Dverbs 24 48 1024 on a seriously Over Clocked E4300 - Gigabyte GA-965P-DQ6 (P965)

Doogz = 120 Dverbs 24 48 1024 on a E6600 - Asus P5BN-E SLI (Nvidea 650i)

Vocal VooDoo 104 Dverbs on a E6600 - ASROCK 4 core DUAL VSTA (VIA 880 Ultra) 2 GB DDR2 667, MBox2 7.3cs2

Finne = 155 Dverbs 24 48 1024 on a E6600 - Asus P5B Deluxe (P965)

SeanDerMan 132 Dverbs 24 48 1024 on a E6700 - Asus P5B Deluxe (P965) 2GB DDR2


The CORE 2 QUAD Dverb results


sureno 229 Dverbs 24 48 1024 on a QX6700 Quad - Gigabyte GA-965P-DQ6 (P965)

howlead 230 Dverbs 24 48 1024 on a Q6600 Quad - Intel DG965 OT (P965)

JamTime 250 Dverbs 24 48 1024 on a Q6600 Quad - ASUS P5B Deluxe WI-FI (P965) 2GB DDR2 1066. ASUS 1650, Mbox2, LE 7.3

NickH 259 Dverbs 24 48 1024 on a Q6600 Quad - ASUS P5B Deluxe (P965) 2 GB DDR2 1066. ASUS 7600 GS, 002R

auxsend1 252 Dverbs 24 48 1024 on a Q6600 Quad- Intel BOXDP35DPM (P35) 2 GB DDR2 667, ASUS 8600GT, MBox2 Pro LE 7.3.1 cs3

Sunburst79 288 Dverbs 24 48 1024 on a Q6600 - Asus P5K Deluxe WiFi AP (P35) 4GB DDR2 1066, Asus 1600Pro, 2 74GB Raptors (Audio and OS), 002R, 7.3cs4

77Pro 254 Dverbs 24 48 1024 on a Q6600 - Asus P5B (P965)3GB DDR2 800, 2 36 gb Raptors, 2 400 Barracudas, 003R factory, MPTK, 7.3cs4.

agonydfeet 270 Dverbs 24 48 1024 On a Q6600 - Asus P5B Deluxe(P965) 4GB of Corsair DDR2 800, XFS 7600GT 256, 2 250GB Seagate HDD, 002R Factory 7.3cs4

6969 280 Dverbs 24-48-1024 On a Q6600, ASUS P5K Deluxe WiFi AP (P35), 2GB Crucial Ballistix 2GB DDR2 8500 1066, ASUS EAX1600PRO SILENT 256M Video Card, X2 SEAGATE Barracuda 250 Gb 7200 SATA, Samsung SATA DVD Burner with lightscribe, Corsair HX520 W PSU, Zalman CNPS9500 Heatsink

Mr Joshua 279 Dverbs On a Q6600 - ASUS P5K Deluxe WiFi (P35), 2GB OCZ DDR2 800, ASUS 8500GT Silent, 80GB Seagate, 320GB Seagate, 500GB Seagate, ASUS SATA Combo drive. 003 Factory, MPTK, 7.3cs4

rossi68 317 Dverbs On a Q6600 - ASUS P5K (P35), 2GB Corsair Dominator DDR2 1066 8500C5D, GeForce 8400GS 256MB DDR2, 2 x 320GB Seagate SATA2, Samsung SATA DVD burner

spaids 260 Dverbs on a q6600 - ASUS P5K SE (P35), 2GB Crucial Ballistex DDR2 800 , ASUS EN7200GS 256MB, 80 Gb Maxtor-80GB Western Digital, Samsung SATA DVD burner, Mbox2 PTLE 7.3.1cs5

Original Min 255 Dverbs on a Q6600 - ASUS P5K E (P35), 4GB of Corsair DDR2 800, NVidea Quatro FX 1400 128MB, 320Gb Seagate, 500GB Seagate, Digi 002, PTLE 7.3, Avid Media Composer 7.2, After Effects 7

Matchbox Man - 233 Dverbs(2.0) 24 48 1024 On a Q6600 - Asus P5K-e, 2GB of Corsair DDR2 667, Nforce 8500GT 256Mb, 2 74GB WD Raptor HDD, 1 500Gb WD HDD, Firewire 410, 7.4

wakebrdr549 - 280 Dverbs on a Q6600 - ASUS P5K LGA 775 Intel P35, CORSAIR Dominator 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 , MSI NX8600GT-T2D256EZ GeForce 8600GT 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 , Seagate ST3300631AS-RK 300GB 7200 RPM Serial ATA150 , Digi 002 Rack, PTLE 7.31

mykhal c - 257 Dverbs On a Q6600 - ASUS P5K Deluxe WiFi (P35) bios 0603, 4GB Patriot DDR2 1066, ASUS EN8500GT Silent 256mb, (3) 320GB Seagate SATA, 400GB Seagate PATA, (2) Samsung SATA Combo drive DVD/CD, Artic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro HSF, 002 console,
7.4cs4 w/all plugins loaded and /3gb patch
***OC'ed at 2.8GHz: 311 D-Verbs
***OC'ed at 3.10GHz: 340 D-Verbs (with headroom ) (OC tweaks on pages 128, 130, and 131)

Sunburst79 - 306 Dverbs 24 48 1024 on a Q9450 - Asus P5K Deluxe WiFi AP (P35) 4GB DDR2 1066, Asus 1600Pro, 2 Seagates 7200.11 (Audio and OS), 002R, 7.4cs4

POLEN - 260 Dverbs on a Q6600 - ASUS Maximus Formula 775 Intel X38, CORSAIR Dominator 4GB (4 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 , Nvidea XFX 8500GT 512MB PCI Express x16 ,2 x Seagate 500GB 7200.11 RPM Serial ATA150 32mb (AHCI) , Digi 002 Rack, PTLE 7.4 cs4

mano111 - 234 Dverbs, INTEL Q6600, ASUS P5K SE, 2GB DDR2/800, DIGI003 RACK 7.4cs3+MPTK

mlickliss - 250 DVERBS on a Q9450, Asus P5k, 4 GB Corsair Dominator 1066, Sony Optiarc DVD/CD Ligthscribe, Seagate barracuda Sata 250GB - System, Seagate barracuda Sata500 Gb - Audio, Biostar GE force 8400 256MB, Rosewill Tower w/ 450W power

guitardom - 239 dverbs on a Q6600, asus p5k-e, mushkin ddr2 800 pc2 6400 4 GB, asus en7300gt silent 256mb, arctic cooling freezer pro 7, corsair 620hx psu,seagate 80GB system drive sata 3.0, wd raptor 10,000 rpm 74GB audio drive, seagate 500GB samples drive sata 3.0,p link 4 space rackmount case, 7.4 cs4 w/mptk, 002

SixChurchStreet - 237 D-Verbs on a Q6600, Asus P5K, G.Skill DDR2 800 Ram 4GB (2x2GB) Timings:5-5-5-15, Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro, Thermaltake TR2-430W 430watt PSU, 160GB SATA system drive, 250GB IDE audio drive running on Promise PCI/IDE controller, LG DVD Burner running on Motherboard IDE controller, nVidia 7300LE video card, Win XP Pro SP2; PTMP 7.4; M-Audio 1814
***OC'ed at 3.0GHz: 279 D-Verbs

Braveheart - 248 Dverbs 24 48 1024 on a Q6600 ASUS P5K DELUXE/WIFI, 4GB G. Skill DDR2 1066, GeForce 7300GT 256MB, Seagate Barracuda 500GB internal SATA sys drive, Glyph 250GB FW external audio drive, PTLe 7.4 003 Rack

FlowDenny - 252 Dverbs 24 48 1024 on a Q6600, Gigabyte EP35C-DS3R (BIOS F3g. DPC latency Fixed), 4 X 1GB Mushkin DDR2 800Mhz RAM 4-4-4-12 @1.9V, EVGA 7600GS w/ 256MB RAM, Seagate SATA II 80GB 16MB Cache, Seagate SATA II 320GB 16MB Cache, Seagate SATA II 500GB 32MB Cache (all models 7200.10), Lite-On 20x DVD RW-IDE, Corsair 620HX 620W Modular PSU, Adaptec FireConnect 8300
**282 Dverbs PTLE 7.3 CS6 2.4 Ghz 1066FSB
**320 Dverbs PTLE 7.3 CS6 OC'ed @2.71 Ghz FSB 1200
**285 Dverbs PTLE 7.4 CS5 OC'ed @2.71 Ghz FSB 1200

bladesg - 320+ Dverbs on Q6600 G0 SLACR , Maximus Formula SE (with Rampage Formula 0403 BIOS), Noctua NH-U12P, 2Gb Mushkin XP2-8500, 512Mb BFG Geforce 8800GT OC (G92), ADS Pyro 64 (onboard firewire does work too), Pioneer 215 DVD-RW - SATA, Corsair HX520, WD 74Gb Raptor (OS)/WD 500Gb, AAKS/Seagate 320Gb/ WD 200Gb - All SATA, Win XP Pro SP3 - PT LE 7.4cs5/MP Toolkit/Digi 003R
**blade provided 4 different OC specs (see page 52 for details). all OC's yielded 320+ dverbs with plenty of headroom.

JPS - 235 Dverbs on Q6600 G0 SLACR, Gibabyte GA-EP35-DS3P (F4c bios), Xigmatek S1283 Cooler, LIANLI|PC-7B PLUS II BLK, GSkill DDR2 1056 2GB, PSU CORSAIR|CMPSU-450VX, VGA ASUS EAH3450/HTP/512M RT, DVD BURN LITE-ON|LH-20A1L-06, Western Digital HD 320G SATA2 WD3200AAKS
**325 Dverbs PTLE 7.4 OC'ed @3.42Ghz

mlange - 323 Dverbs On a QX9650 3.0GHz - ASUS P5K SE/EPU, 4GB Corsair DDR2 1066, ASUS EN8500GT Silent 256mb, (2) 320GB WD3200AAKS SATA HD, HP PATA DVR/CDR, Artic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro HSF, Corsair HX Series CMPSU-520HX PS, M-Audio ProFire 2626, 7.4cs5
**349 Dverbs overclocked to 3.33 GHz CPU@50*C / MB@40*C in "silent" pc config

Paulreed - 334 D-verbs on a Q9650, Asus P5Q Deluxe P45, 4 gigs 1066 corsair dominator RAM, Scythe Ninja2 cooler, two Asus EAH 3450 ATI fanless video cards for 3 monitors, Istar 400 series Quiet case, Three W.D. 3200KSRTL sata drives, sony DRU-865S lightscribe sata DVD drive, 2 noctua NF-R8 80mm fans in the back and one noctua NF-S12 120 mm pulling from the ninja heatsink. Pro Tools 7.4 C.S.8, Waves Platnium, Auto Tune 5 and Evo, Reason 4, Sony's Acid 6.

eviani - 271 Dverbs on a Q9400 2.66GHz, Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R (F5 Bios), G.Skill 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2 1066 Ram, 2x Western Digital Caviar 250 GB 7200RPM Hard Drives (one of these is my PT Drive), 1x Western Digital Caviar 500 GB 7200RPM Hard Drive, running Pro Tools 7.4 M-Powered (fresh install) with a project at 24/48/1024 and M-Audio Firewire 410, **Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 SP3 (** FYI...Media Center is not approved by DIGI)

Tom@Metro - 295 Dverbs on a [email protected], Asus P5Q Deluxe, FSB 1333, 4GB Patriot PDC24G8500ELKR2 1066@5-5-5-15, 2X ATI 550X. three monitors, MPTK2, PT8 w/ plugins loaded

bblue - 350+ D-verbs on a Q9550 OC'd to 3.61Ghz, Asus P5Q3 Deluxe-WiFi P45, 4 gigs Patriot Extreme DDR3-1600 RAM@1361, Thermaltake V1 cooler, NVidia 9600GT video card for 2 monitors, ThermalTake 750w Power Supply, Antec Sonata case, Five Seagate sata drives (2-500G, 2-750G, 1-1.5T), Samsung Lightscribe and LG BR+ DVD-ROMs, Pro Tools 8.0, MPTK2, many plugs on WinXP-Pro SP3, 003R Black Lion, UAD-2 Duo.



************ i7/X58 is here too!!!! *********************
************ i7/X58 discussion begins on page 181 of this thread ****************

The i7/X58 Dverb results

***** Mike Bordello - FIRST i7 BUILD/POST - 415 Dverbs on a Intel i7 920, Asus P6t Deluxe, 6 gb OCZ Platinum ram (XP only sees 3), Seagate 500gb 32mb cache SATA 7200rpm Audio, Hitachi Deskstar 120gb 7200 IDE OS, Diamond Radeon HD 3650 video card, MBOX 2, PT 7.4 (see page 181 for details)


ranallicj- 415 Dverbs on i7 965, Intel Smackover Motherboard, 6gb of corsair dominator ddr3 1600, running 2 500gb hds and 2 400gbs(all 7200rpm unfortunately), NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GTX (Prerelease - WDDM 1.1), DVD-Rom Drive : HL-DT-ST DVD-RAM GH22NS30 ATA Device, Dell Computer DELL 2405FPW - 24 inches, Samsung SyncMaster - 22 inches, XP PRO SP3, PTLE 8.0
***** please note that these dverb scores were achieved with PTLE 8.0 and the NEW DVERB (with chorus)!!!! SMOKIN'!!!!! (see the Windows 7 thread for details)


pianosound - 225 DVERBS (PTLE 8) on Intel Core i7 920 Nehalem 2.66Ghz LGA 1366 130 W Quad Core, Asus P6T Deluxe LGA 1366 Intel x58 MOBO, OCZ Gold 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240 pin DDR3 SDRAM 1600 (PC3 12800), Asus EAH4350 Silent Radeon 512MB 64-bit PCI Express 2.0 x 16 Video Card, Corsair 750W Power Supply, Lian LI Lancool ATX Mid Tower Case, Western Digital Caviar Black, HD's,,, 1 750 GB,, and 2 500GB,,, SATA 3.0Gb/s, XP Home SP3, (Also got DVD/CD,, and 24 inch monitor)
***please note that pianosound's dverb tests were done with quite a few backgrd processes running and with speedstep enabled. so he did take a performance hit because of this. also he ran the test using PTLE 8 with the new dverb which causes a performance hit also. but i did want to post his build specs regardless so others could view his component list.


*************************************************

This is a quick benchmark stress test that can be done in a few minutes.

EDIT: IT's New, It's Exciting! It's Dverb 2.0!

Always do a Dverb test after a fresh start up of the computer with a newly created session on your audio drive. Since the 5.X days, PT always seems to keep something in some type of cache that doesnt always clear. Hard to explain, but you'll notice it. Also, only do this with the stock Digi plug-ins in the plug-in folder. Do not have any other plug-ins installed or your test will vary. If you have already installed a load of plug-ins then move them to another folder except Dverb and the stock Digi plug-ins, and then do the test.


The Dverb 2.0 Test

Please make sure that RTAS Engine Ignore Errors During Playback/Record box is unchecked


Start the computer. Create a brand new 24bit/48k Session on your audio drive for the Dverb test. Open up the system usage window in PT. Then, go to Setup > Playback Engine... > and make sure the RTAS engine: Ignore Errors During Playback/Record(may cause clicks and pops) is NOT checked. Also, Go to your buffer setting and select 1024(CPU usage must be 95% or highest possible). Set up your time line ruler for Min:Secs. You want to be in grid mode and set up your grid for Min:Secs and 1 second. Create one mono audio track. Take the selector tool, put it on the 5 minute mark in your audio track and drag this to the start of your session. You will now have 5 minutes selected in this track. Go to AudioSuite > Other > Signal Generator and click on the "process" but. You should now see a 5 minute test tone. Create another audio track and insert 5 Dverbs in all the inserts. Record arm the Dverb track. Click on the track name so it is high lighted white, and hit shift+alt+D then hit enter. Record arm the new track and continue this pattern. You want to be able to record WITHOUT THE TEST TONE BREAKING UP!! Keep adding Dverbs and recording. If the test tone starts to breakup, then delete some Dverbs until you can hear a SOLID TEST TONE for 5 MINUTES. This is VERY VERY important. The test tone has to be 100% solid!!!


****IMPORTANT NOTE ON DVERB TESTING******

the PTLE 8.0 DVERB has a chorus effect added that was not present in prior LE versions. here is a scale comparison that was posted by Shane. pls take this into account as you test your new builds!!!;)

Shane's current stats/results from the following system:

- Asus P5K MB
- Intel Q6600 Quad-Core CPU
- SATAII System Drive and Audio Drives
- NVIDIA 8400 GS Graphics card
- 4G G.Skill DDR2-1066 RAM

PTLE 7.3.1cs6 - 278 RTAS Dverbs(The old Dverb without chorus)

PTLE 7.4cs5 - 255 RTAS Dverbs(The old Dverb without chorus)

PTLE 8.0 - 159 RTAS Dverbs(The new Dverb with chorus)

PTLE 8.0 - 278 RTAS Dverbs(The old Dverb without chorus) <=== Shane replaced the 8.0 DVERB with the 7.4 one in his plugin folder to test)

actual link to post;)

mykhal c 07-08-2007 10:22 AM

Re: Best Core 2 Series Desktops-Results and Specs
 
hey man. great update. again, appreciate all the homework you've put in for all to benefit!!!

Jamtime 07-08-2007 10:57 AM

Re: Best Core 2 Series Desktops-Results and Specs
 
Quad build by Jamtime

Mbox2 Factory LE 7.3.1cs4

************************************************** ************************************************
Antec Sonata III 500 W Earthwatts
Asus P5B Deluxe WiFi rev 1.04G BIOS 1101
Intel Q6600 2,4 GHz Boxed (original fan)
2 x 1GB Kingston HyperX PC8500 1066
2 x Seagate Barraquda 250 GB 16 MB cache 7200.10
Samsung Writemaster DVD
Asus x1650 512 MB graphic Silence
Windows XP Home
************************************************** *************************************************

System runs perfect! I use the WiFi without problem. I had 4 stops at high buffersize in early days, but since I turned of Speedstep in BIOS there have been none. (You also have to disable C1E in BIOS to kill speedstep) I have runed it since 18 jun 2007 and if I experience some problems I will post it here.

I wont use the network options in Windows Professional and I think the fewer services etc, the better, and it saved me a couple of bucks.

The Antec case is good value for the money. It comes with a 500W PSU and silicon HD mounting. It is quiet but not drop dead quiet. The finish is ok and looks discrete. Minus for the chassifan that cant be connected to the mobo for smart controlling. A switch allows you to choose between 3 settings. I use the slowest and the systems never get close to hot so i gues it could run even slower.

It handles lots of Virtual Instruments and effects without bouncing. Audiotracks is like a drop in the ocean. It does 250 Dverbs and 254 with WiFi disabled.

A system i will gladly recommend. Lian Li PC-V1100 PLUS II would be a nice upgrade if you have got the money.

EDIT july 29 Upgrade to BIOS 1215 supporting FSB 1333 and now running Q6600 at 3.0 GHz and the HyperX at 1111 MHz. 325 DVERBS (2.0) Screenshot

Please feel free to ask me about my Quad.

/Micke

sunburst79 07-08-2007 11:15 AM

Re: Best Core 2 Series Desktops-Results and Specs
 
Thanks for the specs Jamtime thats what I'm looking for.

Let us know how the 1066 memory works out (and at what timings)

I thing 250 dverbs is just around the corner.

What are you using for a CPU cooler.

Swap those Anctec Tricools for some Nexus 120mm fans. you should be able to find them pretty easy on your side of the pond.

mykhal c 07-08-2007 11:21 AM

Re: Best Core 2 Series Desktops-Results and Specs
 
thanks jamtime!! still showin' out huh!!!??? and with good reason!!!

Jamtime 07-08-2007 12:15 PM

Re: Best Core 2 Series Desktops-Results and Specs
 
Quote:

Thanks for the specs Jamtime thats what I'm looking for.

Let us know how the 1066 memory works out (and at what timings)

I thing 250 dverbs is just around the corner.

What are you using for a CPU cooler.

Swap those Anctec Tricools for some Nexus 120mm fans. you should be able to find them pretty easy on your side of the pond.

Original cooler (as it says in the description)

Unfortunatly, on this side of the pond, we only have one type of fan, I heard they have one more model in Russia but thats just a romour...

Ok, seriusly, I have a suggestion to make life easier for all who tries to find info in this genius thread in time. Lets erase this kind of small talk after say, a couple of days or so? So it keeps clean. Just a suggestion, what do u think?

/Micke

sunburst79 07-08-2007 12:37 PM

Re: Best Core 2 Series Desktops-Results and Specs
 
Quote:

Quote:

Thanks for the specs Jamtime thats what I'm looking for.

Let us know how the 1066 memory works out (and at what timings)

I thing 250 dverbs is just around the corner.

What are you using for a CPU cooler.

Swap those Anctec Tricools for some Nexus 120mm fans. you should be able to find them pretty easy on your side of the pond.

Original cooler (as it says in the description)

Unfortunatly, on this side of the pond, we only have one type of fan, I heard they have one more model in Russia but thats just a romour...

Ok, seriusly, I have a suggestion to make life easier for all who tries to find info in this genius thread in time. Lets erase this kind of small talk after say, a couple of days or so? So it keeps clean. Just a suggestion, what do u think?

/Micke

I missed the cooler part, Sorry

Deleting posts....

It a interesting idea, I would like to keep this thread about hard numbers and working systems and their components. If we can keep this bumped as new systems come in and keep the general troubleshooting and discussion in the original Core 2 thread it would be great. If you want to stop back in a day or so and tidy up-more power to you. But please leave your systems specs posted. Other people may be interested in what you used. I will make it a point to keep the Dverb test results and document any new boards that come in. Genuis? No. Usefull? I hope so!

mykhal c 07-08-2007 12:39 PM

Re: Best Core 2 Series Desktops-Results and Specs
 
Quote:

Ok, seriusly, I have a suggestion to make life easier for all who tries to find info in this genius thread in time. Lets erase this kind of small talk after say, a couple of days or so? So it keeps clean. Just a suggestion, what do u think?


no small talk ??? come on bro!!! keeps us sane!!

the GREAT thing about this thread beside it's content of course, is that sunburst now has control to keep the info updated and edited in the FIRST POST!!! so the members will ALWAYS be able to get the info (SPECS and RESULTS) right on page one, first post!!! how's that for bein' concise and efficient!!!??!!!

sunburst79 07-08-2007 01:05 PM

Re: Best Core 2 Series Desktops-Results and Specs
 
Just because I like to enginneer does NOT make a control freak.....But yeah the whole point was to get the info to the top of the post

Jamtime 07-08-2007 03:12 PM

Re: Best Core 2 Series Desktops-Results and Specs
 
Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

Thanks for the specs Jamtime thats what I'm looking for.

Let us know how the 1066 memory works out (and at what timings)

I thing 250 dverbs is just around the corner.

What are you using for a CPU cooler.

Swap those Anctec Tricools for some Nexus 120mm fans. you should be able to find them pretty easy on your side of the pond.

Original cooler (as it says in the description)

Unfortunatly, on this side of the pond, we only have one type of fan, I heard they have one more model in Russia but thats just a romour...

Ok, seriusly, I have a suggestion to make life easier for all who tries to find info in this genius thread in time. Lets erase this kind of small talk after say, a couple of days or so? So it keeps clean. Just a suggestion, what do u think?

/Micke

I missed the cooler part, Sorry

Deleting posts....

It a interesting idea, I would like to keep this thread about hard numbers and working systems and their components. If we can keep this bumped as new systems come in and keep the general troubleshooting and discussion in the original Core 2 thread it would be great. If you want to stop back in a day or so and tidy up-more power to you. But please leave your systems specs posted. Other people may be interested in what you used. I will make it a point to keep the Dverb test results and document any new boards that come in. Genuis? No. Usefull? I hope so!

I really meant what I said, This is a very good idea (ok genius strong word but..). Yes my post with specifications stays but not the other chatting, was what i meant.

SeanDerMan 07-09-2007 12:12 PM

Re: Best Core 2 Series Desktops-Results and Specs
 
I just built a new system for the 003 Rack.
Core 2 Duo E6700,
Asus P5B Deluxe,
2 X 1GB Corsair,
160GB Seagate IDE system drive,
320GB Seagate SATA audio drive,
Asus 18X DVD-R with lightscribe IDE,
2 XFX GeForce 7300GT 256MB PCIex video cards(fanless),
Antec P180B case and Antec True Power 550watt PSU.
the system is running on Win XP Pro SP2.
DVerb test was 132 at 1024 and 24Bit 48KHz.
Initially had the Assertion error with the PT LE 7.3, but tht was gone after i updated to the latest 7.3.1
Tried hard to get a Zalman or Thermaltake cpu fan but in India couldn't source one out. I tried mailing them but no replies. :-(

Cheers!

NickH 07-12-2007 10:43 AM

Re: Best Core 2 Series Desktops-Results and Specs
 
NickH's Core 2 Quad
  • Intel Quad Core Q6600 2.4GHz S775
  • ASUS P5B Deluxe
  • 7600 GS ASUS SILENT PC VIDEO
  • 2GB Kingston HyperX PC2-8500
  • Seagate 750 GB HD (SATA) (System)
  • Seagate 200 GB HD (SATA) (Audio)
  • Plextor PX-716A SATA DVDR
  • Seasonic Power Supply (S12-430 ATX12V version 2.0 PSU active PFC silent 12cm fan)
  • X-Case 4U Rack Server Case
Working very solid and stable with PTLE 7.3 CS3 on 002R

DVERB 259 - 24-48-1024 (CPU 90%) and recording on all audio tracks for 5 minutes.



N

vocalvoodoo 07-12-2007 03:08 PM

Re: Best Core 2 Series Desktops-Results and Specs
 
Quote:

NickH's Core 2 Quad
  • Intel Quad Core Q6600 2.4GHz S775
  • ASUS P5B Deluxe
  • 7600 GS ASUS SILENT PC VIDEO
  • 2GB Kingston HyperX PC2-8500
  • Seagate 750 GB HD (sata)
  • Seagate 200 GB HD (sata)
  • Seasonic Power Supply
  • X-Case 4U Rack Server Case
Working very solid and stable with PTLE 7.3 CS3

DVERB 259 - 24-48-1024 (CPU 90%) and recording on all audio tracks for 1 minute.



N

Will it go for 5 minutes with the 259 DVERBS?

NickH 07-12-2007 04:49 PM

Re: Best Core 2 Series Desktops-Results and Specs
 
Quote:

Quote:

NickH's Core 2 Quad
  • Intel Quad Core Q6600 2.4GHz S775
  • ASUS P5B Deluxe
  • 7600 GS ASUS SILENT PC VIDEO
  • 2GB Kingston HyperX PC2-8500
  • Seagate 750 GB HD (sata)
  • Seagate 200 GB HD (sata)
  • Seasonic Power Supply
  • X-Case 4U Rack Server Case
Working very solid and stable with PTLE 7.3 CS3

DVERB 259 - 24-48-1024 (CPU 90%) and recording on all audio tracks for 1 minute.



N

Will it go for 5 minutes with the 259 DVERBS?

Yup Just did over 6.30 before stopping it because I was bored..



N

auxsend1 07-15-2007 12:24 AM

Re: Best Core 2 Series Desktops-Results and Specs
 
Mbox 2 Pro, 7.3.1cs3, Win XP Pro SP2

7/18 newegg prices w/o shipping
-----------------------------------------------------------
Antec NSK6500 Case with 430w power supply
NSK6500 ($110)

Intel BOXDP35DPM LGA 775 P35 motherboard
BOXDP35DPM ($110)

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.4GHz CPU
BX80562Q6600 ($430) -- will drop to ~$275 after July 22

Kingston 2 x 1GB DDR2 667 RAM (2 GB total)
KVR667D2N5K2/2G ($90)

Asus GeForce 8600GT 256MB video card
EN8600GT SILENT/HTDP/256M ($143)

(2) Seagate Barracuda 320GB SATA hard drive
ST3320620AS ($160) -- for the pair

Samsung SATA DVD-RW
SH-S183L ($34)
-----------------------------------------------------------
newegg total w/o shipping: $1077
after 7/22: ~$922

XP Home OEM is $90
Vista Home Premium OEM is $112

Mbox 2 Pro on the onboard Firewire (TI chipset), my results are:
252 dverbs
with no red in the System Usage meter. 32 mono audio tracks, each w/ 5 mono dverbs, 18 aux tracks each with 5 mono dverbs. Then 2 more dverbs on aux track #19. Recorded on separate internal audio drive for 5+ min.

Some details about the build/install:
RAM is running at stock speed of 667
Clean install of Windows XP Pro SP2 only, plus Intel drivers, Pro Tools LE 7.3, 7.3.1cs3 update, iLok drivers, Quicktime. Nothing else loaded. Stock plugins untouched in their folder. On-board Sigmatel audio and on-board LAN left on. Windows XP appearance on standard look (not "classic"). Standard Windows tweaks from Getting Started Guide. Single LCD display at 1920x1200.

Any questions, just ask, and I'll try to answer them as well as update this post w/ more details.

Update: Mbox 1 results. A little disappointing actually. Mbox 1 plugged into front USB port (seemed to get a few more dverbs than rear ports) resulted in:
221 dverbs
32 mono audio tracks, each w/ 5 mono dverbs, 12 aux tracks each with 5 mono dverbs. Then 1 more dverb on aux track #13. Recorded on separate internal audio drive for 5+ min.

Still, a decent result. I don't have an Mbox2, but I'm guessing results would be similar.

Noviisi 07-17-2007 09:56 AM

Re: Best Core 2 Series Desktops-Results and Specs
 
Thanks! This is great information! You summarized everything I've been thinking lately.
Is Intel going to release new prosessors soon?
Should I consider buing P35 chipset? (asus?)

powerjoe 07-17-2007 10:27 AM

Re: Best Core 2 Series Desktops-Results and Specs
 
Guys,

Posting costs would be a great idea. This helps others understand your benchmarks from a fiscal perspective as well.


Cheers,

~ J

sunburst79 07-17-2007 12:18 PM

Re: Best Core 2 Series Desktops-Results and Specs
 
Quote:

Thanks! This is great information! You summarized everything I've been thinking lately.
Is Intel going to release new prosessors soon?
Should I consider buing P35 chipset? (asus?)

Intel has stated they can ship the next chips (Penryn) at the launch of Phenom, I suspect they will wait to wait to see what AMD brings to the table. But yes there will be new chips in either Q4 or Q1 of 2008. Penryn is supposed to be 20-40% improvement over Conroe. Whether this will translate into 20-40 improvement for PT remains to be seen. The new core architecture (Nehalem) is due mid year and will require a new socket and mother board as Intel is finally going to ditch the frontside bus and go to a integrated memory controller.

Whether or not I would wait for Penryn would be determined by how bad I needed a new computer. The current crop of Conroe based processors is really getting the job done as it is.

I'm building a quad as some as the price drops. I think they will be very cost effective at that point.

ASUS vs Intel boards. The intel boards are VERY affordable, the ASUS boards will let you run the memory at 1066 vs 800 and this makes a tremendous difference in the Dverb count. (I will be building a ASUS)and with there not being much if any price difference in the price between 1066 and 800 it makes sense to run 1066. Also all of the boards in the list at the top of the post will run Penryn so they are safe bets.

P35 vs P965. Auxsends1 P35 results are very good, Doogz had it up and running on a P35 board with Integrated graphics which has traditionally been a big no no with Protools. I was planning on going P965 for compatibility sake but Auxsend1s results now have me leaning towards P35. I'm more worried about the Agere based firewire controller chip on the the board than the P35 chipset.

I would like to point out that Auxsends results were not as I know tested with a USB product only Firewire. however his results with P35 running with DDR2 667 are very close to the results to Jamtime running DDR2 @889 so it would appear that the is a definite performance increase from the newer chipset.

So far P35 looks very good but keep in mind it is new

I suspect Q6600+P35+1066 will possibly top 275 Dverbs. That is just a guess however.

sunburst79 07-17-2007 12:27 PM

Re: Best Core 2 Series Desktops-Results and Specs
 
Quote:

Guys,

Posting costs would be a great idea. This helps others understand your benchmarks from a fiscal perspective as well.


Cheers,

~ J

I agree.

After the price drop 7-22 the system's will be pretty inexpensive.

There is definitely a place for these systems in between the "Best desktops under $xxx.xx (pick your price point)" and the bigger server based multi socket machines like the Quadzilla.

life is good

auxsend1 07-17-2007 01:10 PM

Re: Best Core 2 Series Desktops-Results and Specs
 
Only thing to add is that my build is running 667 RAM, not 800. So yes, I would say that the P35 chipset is solid. May try 800 soon, and will post some Mbox 1 numbers very soon.

sunburst79 07-17-2007 01:31 PM

Re: Best Core 2 Series Desktops-Results and Specs
 
Quote:

Only thing to add is that my build is running 667 RAM, not 800. So yes, I would say that the P35 chipset is solid. May try 800 soon, and will post some Mbox 1 numbers very soon.

I will be interested in how it runs a USB device. I updated the main page. I simply put the wrong memory speed in the previous post - Its been fixed.

Hopefully you will see the same boost Jamtime saw.

Thanks for listing the prices.

auxsend1 07-17-2007 10:50 PM

Re: Best Core 2 Series Desktops-Results and Specs
 
Just added this to the post above:

Update: Mbox 1 results. A little disappointing actually. Mbox 1 plugged into front USB port (seemed to get a few more dverbs than rear ports) resulted in:
221 dverbs
32 mono audio tracks, each w/ 5 mono dverbs, 12 aux tracks each with 5 mono dverbs. Then 1 more dverb on aux track #13. Recorded on separate internal audio drive for 5+ min.

Still, a decent result. I don't have an Mbox2, but I'm guessing results would be similar.

Noviisi 07-18-2007 05:05 AM

Re: Best Core 2 Series Desktops-Results and Specs
 
Quote:

P35 vs P965. Auxsends1 P35 results are very good, Doogz had it up and running on a P35 board with Integrated graphics which has traditionally been a big no no with Protools. I was planning on going P965 for compatibility sake but Auxsend1s results now have me leaning towards P35. I'm more worried about the Agere based firewire controller chip on the the board than the P35 chipset.

So far P35 looks very good but keep in mind it is new

I suspect Q6600+P35+1066 will possibly top 275 Dverbs. That is just a guess however.

I also noticed that AGERE firewire controller. It would be nice to hear if it works steady with 002.
Other than that I really like how Asus P35 boards look.

sunburst79 07-18-2007 08:31 AM

Re: Best Core 2 Series Desktops-Results and Specs
 
Quote:

Just added this to the post above:

Update: Mbox 1 results. A little disappointing actually. Mbox 1 plugged into front USB port (seemed to get a few more dverbs than rear ports) resulted in:
221 dverbs
32 mono audio tracks, each w/ 5 mono dverbs, 12 aux tracks each with 5 mono dverbs. Then 1 more dverb on aux track #13. Recorded on separate internal audio drive for 5+ min.

Still, a decent result. I don't have an Mbox2, but I'm guessing results would be similar.

I'm not disputing your results but I am finding this a little odd. Usually the Dverb results are pretty consistent from interface to interface. The nature of the Dverb test is such that it takes place (as far as I know) in the host computer. there has been some speculation that the MAudio stuff has slightly better device drivers but as far as I know that has never been conclusively proven either.

More importantly hows it play with Protools? sound quality? Hiss, pops, crackles? Any buffer errors while Recording/Playback etc? After the 910/915/925 series chipsets noise issues this one area where we need to be sure it works.

I'm pondering the lower Dverb count using USB, I'm wondering if its due to the fact that the M series USB stuff is all USB 1.0? Is there a legacy USB choice in BIOS?

Is it possible that some other peripheral is dragging the USB bus down?

auxsend1 07-18-2007 10:11 AM

Re: Best Core 2 Series Desktops-Results and Specs
 
Yeah I'm scratching my head on this one too. I think it's common to see a slight decrease comparing FW to USB interfaces, but not nearly this much (~12%). No other peripherals plugged in. USB keyboard, USB mouse, and the Mbox itself, that's it. There's no setting in the BIOS for hi-speed vs. full-speed. It's just either on or off. I even did a full uninstall/reinstall of Pro Tools to see if adding the Mbox drivers on top of the Mbox 2 Pro drivers had anything to do with it. Same result.

I'd be curious about other Core 2 Quad builds comparing FW to USB interface results. Perhaps this is the one weakness of the P35 chipset?

NickH 07-18-2007 10:14 AM

Re: Best Core 2 Series Desktops-Results and Specs
 
Quote:

There has been some speculation that the M Audio stuff has slightly better Windows device drivers but as far as I know that has never been conclusively proven either.

I have found the opposite to be true...

I get a marked drop in performance on my laptop if I switch from the 002R on LE to the Transit on M-Powered, this isn’t subtle ether...

Cheers



N

cranehazard 07-18-2007 10:37 AM

Re: Best Core 2 Series Desktops-Results and Specs
 
What kind of results are you guys getting with the playback buffer set at 128 samples and 64 samples on the core 2 systems?

sunburst79 07-18-2007 06:14 PM

Re: Best Core 2 Series Desktops-Results and Specs
 
Quote:

Yeah I'm scratching my head on this one too. I think it's common to see a slight decrease comparing FW to USB interfaces, but not nearly this much (~12%). No other peripherals plugged in. USB keyboard, USB mouse, and the Mbox itself, that's it. There's no setting in the BIOS for hi-speed vs. full-speed. It's just either on or off. I even did a full uninstall/reinstall of Pro Tools to see if adding the Mbox drivers on top of the Mbox 2 Pro drivers had anything to do with it. Same result.

I'd be curious about other Core 2 Quad builds comparing FW to USB interface results. Perhaps this is the one weakness of the P35 chipset?

I'm on the road this week if I get through the house this weekend I will try my MBox mini on my Daw and see if there is any change in Dverb counts. while its not a Core 2 System I have never tried my MBox Mini on my windows machine. I'm kind of curious if there would be a drop in Dverb counts. I agree that a drop from Fire Wire to USB is probably not uncommon somewhere in the 3-5 range would be normal I would think.

I assume that if you plug in the Mbox2 Pro the Dverb count goes right back up? If I was at home I might be tempted to overnight my Mbox Mini to you see if the newer interface did better. I probably wont be home till monday though ;(

Maybe another Core 2 owner that has both Interfaces can run some test's?

it would be good to know if the P965's show the same hit with USB.

Ryan K 07-22-2007 10:37 AM

Re: Best Core 2 Series Desktops-Results and Specs
 
Ryan K's Core 2 Duo

* Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 1.86GHz
* It's a Dell Dimension E520 (first time I didn't build it myself )
* 7600 GS XFX 256MB DDR2 HDMI
* 2GB DDR2 PC2-5300 NON-ECC
* Samsung 500 GB HD (SATA) (System)
* Samsung 250 GB HD (SATA) (Audio)
* TSSTcorp DVD+-R (came with the system)
* Whatever power supply came with it
* MBox2 Mini

Ran the Dverb test just as described in the first post... 24-48-1024 (CPU 90%) and recording on all audio tracks for 5 minutes.

Only 58

Is there anything simple I can do or get to get that Dverb count up?

-R

sunburst79 07-22-2007 10:50 AM

Re: Best Core 2 Series Desktops-Results and Specs
 
Run a SiSoft Sandra report and post it in The " Core 2 Duo-Anyone got one working yet" thread which is were we try to troubleshoot stuff like this. Machine overview is the option to post.

We would need to know the chipset, memory speed etc to help you.

Have you followed these threads?

Help Us Help You

General Troubleshooting

I would think it could do better than 58 though.

auxsend1 07-23-2007 11:44 AM

Re: Best Core 2 Series Desktops-Results and Specs
 
sunburst:

Missed the questions from a few days back. No issues at all running the Mbox. No pops, hiss, etc. Just the lowered dverb count. And yes, it comes right back up to 252 w/ the Mbox 2 Pro.

Maybe I should try running the Mbox on a PCI USB card to see if it makes a difference. Any ideas on an good model to try? I kind of doubt that will boost it significantly, but who knows?

Did you have a chance to try your Mbox mini on your PC setup?

sunburst79 07-23-2007 12:17 PM

Re: Best Core 2 Series Desktops-Results and Specs
 
I haven't been home yet! I'm looking at getting home on the 26th for vacation and I will test the Mbox2 mini 1st thing,

Well, after I look at my pile of shiny new parts!

I doubt if a PCI card would make a difference but who knows. I'm for anything that works!

I have put the MASSCOOL USB/FireWire combo card in my last 4-5 builds, its VIA based on both the FW and USB controllers, its got 4 USB and 2 FW ports and its 16.00 at newegg,

The one thing I haven't tried is running the 002 through the card (I use the FW on my mobo) to see how the VIA FW plays with PT.

Let me check that out. Its tough to beat the card for the price though.

I am using it strictly for more USB ports and its aslo got internal connecters and plugs which makes it nice for older mobos that are going into newer cases with front panel ports

Let me see what sort of drop I get with my Mbox. The Dverb drop may be more typical than we think.

auxsend1 07-24-2007 03:36 PM

Re: Best Core 2 Series Desktops-Results and Specs
 
Re: the Firewire chipset on Asus P35 boards, the P5K and the P5KC both run the VIA VT6308P. It's the ones with WiFi that have the Agere chipset.

sunburst, not sure what you were looking for specifically w/ the Deluxe version, but the P5KC does seem pretty nice.

mykhal c 07-24-2007 06:43 PM

Re: Best Core 2 Series Desktops-Results and Specs
 
auxsend1, have you tried the 002 or 003 with the F/W on your P35 mobo yet???

auxsend1 07-24-2007 08:40 PM

Re: Best Core 2 Series Desktops-Results and Specs
 
Sorry, no. Don't have 002/R and was still contemplating getting a 003R. If anyone in the Austin area is interested in the Intel P35 board and would like to lend me theirs that's cool. Or ship, but that's a hassle. Perhaps I should just take my computer into a Guitar Center and ask them if I can mess around for a little while

sunburst79 07-25-2007 12:36 PM

Re: Best Core 2 Series Desktops-Results and Specs
 
Don't laugh I WAS thinking about taking mine to Guitar Center to plug into a 003R,

Not sure if they will let me.

But it was something i was going to check into.

I actually wanted the WiFi.

Rented digs and I can't run CAT5. You did test with a mbox2 Pro, That's Fire Wire.

I will have a USB Dverb test for you tomorrow morn.

I will also try my 002 with My Macbook Pro and see if the Dverb count goes up.

EDIT: Whats a P5KC? Asus slip a new one in the mix? I will have to go look. I thought I had looked at all them. Well at least the ones that support DDR2 I think by the time DDR3 drops it will Nehalem time

It doesn't really matter both the P5B Deluxe WiFi AP and the P5K Deluxe WiFi AP will be here tomorrow.


auxsend1 07-25-2007 01:49 PM

Re: Best Core 2 Series Desktops-Results and Specs
 
Asus P5KC:

P5KC

No WiFi, but 2 slots for DDR3. Nice go-between board. You know, they have these things called wireless USB adapters that work quite well....

sunburst79 07-25-2007 04:25 PM

Re: Best Core 2 Series Desktops-Results and Specs
 
Thanks for the link!, I looked at a couple of DDR3 boards early on and decided that the effective price VS performance gain was probably about a year away. thats why I haven't even made any mention of them. I realize that board supports both DDR2 And DDR3 but It always seems like a compromise is made when they do stuff like that.

My thinking on DDR3 is that it should be down in price with acceptable latencies right about this time next year. I'm fairly certain that one of the reasons that Intel introduced support for DDR3 with the P35 is to actually jumpstart production so that when they do introduce Nehalem with its integrated memory controller that will most undoubtedly be DDR3 that the market is ready with suitable low latency modules.

I actually have a couple of PCI based super G cards. Its been my experience that a lot of times stuff works better when its fully integrated with the board. Also it it just seemed "neater" leaving more PCI slots open for legacy cards or UAD cards and the like. If it was draft N I would actually be excited.

Tomorrow the brown truck comes. I may spend the day sitting in a lawn chair at the end of the driveway, Waiting

77pro 07-25-2007 07:59 PM

Re: Best Core 2 Series Desktops-Results and Specs
 
Finally !!!
It's been a long wait (May 10), but when I got home from work ,the message on the machine said my 003r had arrived.
I had my quad first week in May, but there's no wondering now ......it's pretty obvious from the results coming in lately it should do well.
I'll post soon as I get set up and tested....should be Fri. or Sat.

Review of my System:

Antec Sonata II
ASUS P5B deluxe
Q6600
3Gb Crucial DDR2 800 Ram
36Gb Raptor
74Gb Raptor
400Gb Barracuda(x2)
Radeon x1650 256 Mb
Pioneer DVR-112
Samsung 931BW 19" widescreen
XP home (x2)


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