i7 Builds - Specs and Results

[albee1952]

Originally Posted by kyluigi

Why would that matter that I'm limited to 16gb of ram when I'm installing 12gb of ram? As far as warranty etc yes the company is magicmicro.com and the model is the i7/x58 i think. I'm not sure if its a texas instruments firewire card but I think it is. So your saying a liquid cooler isn't worth the money? To me I think having someone else build my computer is worth it because I have no expertise in building computers! While I'm not a tech dummy, it feels like a task that wouldn't be worth the effort or time for me. I'm still pondering whether to go with a used mac pro or get a custom windows pc. My biggest concern is being able to track/mix without getting errors from pro tools. I'm just unsure of how much computer I need for my project studio.

I would direct the builder to the first page of this thread for some important notes. 12GB of RAM will work dandy. I agree with TOM and would look at a power supply of 650 watts or better(if its a single 12V rail, make it over 50 amps. If its a split rail, make sure that each +12V rail can deliver 20 amps). I also agree on 32meg cache drives(or 64) and I would install at least 3 hard drives(system, samples/BU and recording). I run 4 drives in mine(2 recording drives and I keep important sessions copied to both). As for how much computer....my i7 950 gets a lot of work done here, so you should be a happy camper

[kyluigi]

I think I shall have the builder/company whoever I end up using just take a quick read through of this forum to give him/them/her an idea of what i'm going for! I'm thinking it would be easier to order all the parts of newegg.com then find a local builder to explain it rather than going to random pc building websites. As a newbie to studio gear, can anyone help me with the following question. Eventually I plan on buying some preamps, maybe other outboard gear. My dummy question is I know studios use patchbays to route gear and such. But lets say I have a the Focusrite LS56 interface. Would it really make sense to use a patchbay if I only have a couple of preamps? In other words, at what point does it become necessary to use a patchbay. Forgive my newbie questions! I realize this probably is the wrong forum to ask this but oh well.

[guitardom]

Originally Posted by kyluigi

I think I shall have the builder/company whoever I end up using just take a quick read through of this forum to give him/them/her an idea of what i'm going for! I'm thinking it would be easier to order all the parts of newegg.com then find a local builder to explain it rather than going to random pc building websites. As a newbie to studio gear, can anyone help me with the following question. Eventually I plan on buying some preamps, maybe other outboard gear. My dummy question is I know studios use patchbays to route gear and such. But lets say I have a the Focusrite LS56 interface. Would it really make sense to use a patchbay if I only have a couple of preamps? In other words, at what point does it become necessary to use a patchbay. Forgive my newbie questions! I realize this probably is the wrong forum to ask this but oh well.

It only becomes necessary when you have decided you are sick of running behind the eqpt moving cables...

[kyluigi]

Originally Posted by guitardom

It only becomes necessary when you have decided you are sick of running behind the eqpt moving cables...

Thank you sir! I think I will do without this for now.

[kyluigi]

Has anyone used proaudiostar.com? They have a focusrite liquid saffire 56 availible for $739.00 and its brand new! Also I am now toying with the idea of using a mac mini lion server i7, with 2 750gb hard drives and 8 gb ram with the focusrite and pro tools 10.

[albee1952]

Originally Posted by kyluigi

Has anyone used proaudiostar.com? They have a focusrite liquid saffire 56 availible for $739.00 and its brand new! Also I am now toying with the idea of using a mac mini lion server i7, with 2 750gb hard drives and 8 gb ram with the focusrite and pro tools 10.

If you want to go Mac, that little server is a great choice(assuming the quad core version). $739 is about as cheap as I have ever seen the LS56. The MOTU 828 Mk3 is a little cheaper, but doesn't have the liquid preamps(similar total IO though)

[Dorian27]

Originally Posted by kyluigi

My dummy question is I know studios use patchbays to route gear and such. But lets say I have a the Focusrite LS56 interface. Would it really make sense to use a patchbay...

Patchbays are used because people get sick of constantly having to get behind their mixer and other devices to plug and unplug cables If you have a set up that doesn't get moved, ie. you always have the same things plugged in and never have to/or only ocassionly have to change cables, you don't really need a patch bay.-Hope that makes sense.

[Dorian27]

My Possible Build
I am basically looking at building Sawllkwa’s machine. Before I order would anyone mind a “once over” on my parts, at these prices I don’t want to make mistakes.
Any alternative recommendations (especially cheaper ones are most welcome.)
Right now I am running Pro Tools Le8-will probably be upgrading (I think I have to for Win7.)

Intel i7 LGA 2011 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116492&Tpk=Intel%20Core %20i7-3930K%203%2c2GHz%20%2f%2012MB%20%2f%20Socket%20201 1
Asus PX79 WS http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131798
*Cooler Master Haf http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119213
OS Windows 7 Pro http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116992
Corsair Vengeance (32GB 8X4GB) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233263
**PSU-Any recommendation?

I was wondering how necessary the cooling system was, I don’t know how hot these newer machines run.

Recyclables
Hard Drives -I will probably try re using my old HD’s-some WD caviars.
Graphics Card – A PNY Verto Grforce 8600 http://www.overstock.com/Electronics/PNY-Verto-GeForce-8600-GT-Graphics-Card/2637668/product.html

*I’m wondering if I can recycle my old case a cooler master praetorian 730-any thoughts? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119085
** Any know if I can use my old OCZ 520 Watt Power stream? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817711002

I apologize if some of what I asked is already posted, I did go through the postings, but after a few days of reading through 500 pages this is where I am.

[albee1952]

I'd have to say "no" to the old power supply. Don't hamstring your new rig. Get a beefy supply of 650 watts or better. If its a single 12V rail, make it over 50A. If its a split 12V supply, get at least 20A per leg. Stick to the major brands and all should be fine(Corsair, Antec, OCZ, etc). If the old case is big enough, I see no issues keeping it.

[TOM@METRO]

Originally Posted by albee1952

I'd have to say "no" to the old power supply.

+ one million to that.