i7 Builds - Specs and Results

[mesaone]

FW:
That SYBA card has a Texas Instruments chip, just like the SIIG card. It should work perfectly.

Cooling:
The main concerns are clearance, noise and performance. Sometimes bulky coolers can block DIMM slots on some motherboards. All the ones on the list you linked (except the Thermaltake Frio) look quite compact. Mine is almost identical to the Corsair H60, and I really wish I had gone with something else (it's a bit noisy). I would urge you to spend the premium dollar here (~40£) and go with a Noctua air cooler like this one. Again, check compatibility with your motherboard and case, because there can sometimes be a spatial conflict.

[WKG]

Couple of questions on RAM.

I manually set the timings and all fine there. Is there any need to manually set the secondary timings or is it OK to leave them on auto?

I used a 16 GB quad set on my recent 4930k, X79-Deluxe build. If I wanted to increase that to 32 GB would it be OK to add another 16 GB quad (8 slots, quad channel motherboard) or would it be better to use a quad 8 GB set?

[WKG]

Originally Posted by WKG

Couple of questions on RAM.

I manually set the timings and all fine there. Is there any need to manually set the secondary timings or is it OK to leave them on auto?

I used a 16 GB quad set on my recent 4930k, X79-Deluxe build. If I wanted to increase that to 32 GB would it be OK to add another 16 GB quad (8 slots, quad channel motherboard) or would it be better to use a quad 8 GB set?

Safe to assume it doesn't matter?

[albee1952]

Originally Posted by WKG

Safe to assume it doesn't matter?

as long as all 8 sticks are exactly the same, all will be fine(same brand AND model).

[WKG]

Originally Posted by albee1952

as long as all 8 sticks are exactly the same, all will be fine(same brand AND model).

Thanks for the reply.

I figured I could pick up another identical 16GB quad set but I've seen 8 module quad channel sets and wasn't sure how sensitive these MOBO's are. Don't want to end up doing anything to muck up the works...

[mesaone]

Pay attention not only to the brand model, but also the model number.

For example, G.SKILL Ripjaws X F3-12800CL8D-8GBXM will have different timings than G.SKILL Ripjaws X F3-1600C9D-8GXM.

[tatothekid426]

There are six SATA 6GB/s on the Asus Sabertooth X79 - two provided by the Intel X79 chipset and four by the Marvell 9128 SATA Controller. I just bought a Samsung 840 Pro 256 GB for OS, Pro Tools, etc but I’m not sure which of the ports above would be the best option for connecting it. Can someone point me to the right direction on this subject?

[mesaone]

I would use the intel, it seems to be more reliable (if internet chatter is to be believed) and does show significantly better performance than the Marvell controller, especially write speeds. I would use the intel SATA3 port for not only the boot drive but also my Session HDD, as well. Check the WD1003FZEX model.

http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/mot...h-x79-review/5
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822236625

In either case, update your drivers.

[tatothekid426]

Hi, Thanks for the info & links. That HDD seems to be a good choice.

[Mark Madness]

Hello... I was reading pages and pages for hours last night... trying to learn as much before I ask a dumb question I could have learned myself by reading... but to be honest Im just lost still...

I was going to buy this iMac

27-inch: 3.4GHz
Specifications

3.4GHz quad-core Intel Core i5
Turbo Boost up to 3.8GHz
8GB (two 4GB) memory
1TB hard drive1
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 775M with 2GB video memory


but now I have been reading a lot and leaning towards a PC... I havent had a pro tools setup or computer in years... and my last one was an iMac like 2007 model. I think it was only like 2.4GHz intel dual core.

I remember being too scared to go with PC then because I heard of all the problems... but now all I read is theres not really any problems going with PC for pro tools so I would rather save some money and learn the workflow on windows.

I would always have problems with it running out of power in the middle of playback or recording... so I want to make sure I have enough power... even overkill just to be safe... it was really killing my music vibe when it kept stopping right as I go to play guitar.

I am not doing a HD system... I was reading a ton of posts on this thread seeing everyones build but they were all running pro tools HD from the ones I saw... Ive been out of the game a while now... since I had pro tools 7 LE... and now it doesnt seem like they are calling pro tools 11 LE... not sure.

So yeah if anyone could give me any direction of what kind of specs I should aim for to have a powerful enough PC... or if theres a link to PC builds not for super professional HD systems if you could show me the link that would be awesome.

My budget is 2,000 if anyone has a good PC in mind please let me know, thanks. Sorry I know I sound dumb lol been reading all these posts and I feel so obsolete but I really did try to research myself I promise haha.