Best Desktops for Pro Tools LE

[Allen Hallada]

Hello im looking to buy a new PC for doing audio/protools.......i realize this has been asked before many times but i dont really have the time to read the 113 pages of posts on here!.....im on a bit of a budget ($1000(cnd) range) and i would like something that has a warranty (1 year)....i was thinking about getting this one http://www.staples.ca/products/catal...skusetid=17903

Please help a.s.a.p.......ive been trying to figure this out for a good month and its driving me crazy...thanks alot!

Just check the first post on this thread for all then info you need in configuring your system.

Good luck,
Allen

[j old school]

I have a hard drive question:

I built an Allenstein (circa A7V-333, XP2200,...) For the system drive, I used an older 20gb 7200rpm maxtor, which I believe was ATA66. For audio, i have the Hitachi Deskstar 120gb 8mb buffer, ATA 100 or 133 (forgot exactly). I believe that that the IDE bus runs at the speed of its slowest component, which would mean that my old maxtor is a bottleneck. I was thinking of upgrading the system drive to a WD 40gb 8mb buffer on newegg for 64.99 + free shipping. However, I noticed that you are now reccomending SATA drives. Is there a signifigant performance boost with these drives? Also, is my assumption correct about the IDE bus? Will upgrading the system drive give me anything performance-wise?

Thanks!

[Jotown]

Hey Allen,

First off I would like to thank you again for all of the great support you provide us PC folks here at the DUC. There is no other board on the net like this one.

I am building my second Allenstein machine for my Digi 001, Cubase SX rig. I have purchased the parts for your budget machine that features the Asus A7V600 Motherboard. My question is: which PCI slot does the Digi 001 like the best on the Asus A7V600 Motherboard?

Finding the right slot was the key to my success with my other Allenstien box using a Gigabyte mobo.

I am going to have to cut the chassis on my Aspire case to make room for my TC Powercore card and I only want to cut enough room for one slot.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Jotown:)

[doylemusic]

Hey Allen

I posted this on a seperate topic but haven't received any answers. Is there any problem with using the A7v600-X mobo? I didn't realize there was a difference. Thanks

[Allen Hallada]

Hey Allen

I posted this on a seperate topic but haven't received any answers. Is there any problem with using the A7v600-X mobo? I didn't realize there was a difference. Thanks

I doubt it. The -x versions have always worked the best in the past.

Allen

[Joe Evans]

Allen,

You have a 350 watt power supply listed with the Athlon 64 3400+ system in this thread. In another thread I think you told someone using a 350 watt PS that they needed a larger unit. Did I misunderstand you or is a 350 watt PS indeed large enough for a system with this CPU?

I have a very quiet Antec 350 watt PS that I am currently using and I am putting together specs for a new system. I am considering either an Athlon XP 3000+ or the Athlon64 system you list in this thread and I am trying to determine which components I can re-use from my current system.

Thanks!

[BioFeedback]

Questions...

-What does "Cas Latency" mean? (spec for ram)

-Is "extreme" or "hi speed" RAM worth buying?

[Allen Hallada]

Allen,

You have a 350 watt power supply listed with the Athlon 64 3400+ system in this thread. In another thread I think you told someone using a 350 watt PS that they needed a larger unit. Did I misunderstand you or is a 350 watt PS indeed large enough for a system with this CPU?

I have a very quiet Antec 350 watt PS that I am currently using and I am putting together specs for a new system. I am considering either an Athlon XP 3000+ or the Athlon64 system you list in this thread and I am trying to determine which components I can re-use from my current system.

Thanks!

Joe,
It depends on how much you are running. The new Athlon 64 processors are pretty efficient so that isn't the problem. It is when you start adding multiple hard drives, CDRW/ DVD etc. that starts sucking the juice. 350W will go along way here. AMD has a place on their website for configuring the proper amount of power based on your system. Also, some brands are more efficient with power than others and are rated differently. I've never had issues with Enermax 350W PSUs, but I know some overclockers that had issues with the 400+ W Enermax PSUs.


Allen

[Joe Evans]

Allen,

Thanks for the reply. I was assuming that the A64 was a power hog of a CPU and would need a huge honkin' PS to run it. After I posted that question I realized that I actually have a 380 watt PS and I am hoping that will be enough juice. I will check the AMD web site for more info. Thanks again. Rail might be a god, but you are the king!

[BioFeedback]

To reply to my own post and anyone else interested. The Corsair site has alot of great info explaining all the little detials of RAM.

http://www.corsairmemory.com/