Where can I read condensed info on computer systems for audio people?

[scorchedwave]

To be sure, I'm NOT looking for the "easy way out". I know I have to know a ton about computers, but I feel as if I'm always jumping from article to article, looking at dubious forum posts, and so on.


Can anyone recommend a website where a lot of good reading about computers for recording systems lies? It'd be cool to get all of what I need in one spot, in an order that makes sense. Any leads?

[albee1952]

The issue with most websites that have this kind of info is; they relate to general-purpose computer use, and audio is another beast

http://duc.avid.com/showthread.php?t=238426
this thread, while a mile long, has maybe the best collection of details that are relevant to what you are asking. I would read the first page or two, then skip to the last few pages for the most up-to-date additional info. It also includes links to tweaks and BIOS settings.

A few things to remember as you go wading in this pool; motherboard/chipset/cpu choices are crucial. Assume nothing(like, if cpu A is great, then cpu B from the same company must also be great)
Pay attention to the chosen motherboard's RAM configuration. IOW, if the motherboard offers "quad channel" RAM operation, you want 4(or 8) identical sticks of RAM. If its "triple-channel, then its 3 or 6 matching sticks. If its dual-channel, then even numbers. but ALWAYS matching sticks.

Using a good SSD for a system drive will give MUCH snappier performance(Samsung 840/850 models are king of this hill)

Don't skimp on power supply(these days, 750 watts is probably the safest minimum). Buy "right" and you only have to buy once

There are many tower cases on the market, but I am very partial to the Antec P280(under $100 on eBay). This case is pretty quiet and quite roomy inside.

If you shy away from all this, pro-tools-pc.com is a great source for a really good PT machine at a fair price Or, do what I did and copy a known great running rig. It may not be the latest, but it runs PT11 HD/Native like a champ