i7 Builds - Specs and Results

[cwsand]

could this profile setting be my issue? Do I have to go in and manually do it still?

Probably - I'm no expert, but I went into the BIOS and found the RAM settings that were not set correctly for my RAM. They were listed as something like 7-7-7-16 and my RAM is supposed to be 8-8-8-24. So I just changed those numbers to the right ones and all seems to be fine.

My question is this - the Speed for my RAM is listed as "DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800). Does this mean the speed needs to be set to 1600 or is that the maximum setting?? Right now I have it set to 1400 since in order to change this setting it affects the CPU speed. My system seems stable overclocked at 3.5 and temps are typically 40-50. I just don't want to damage anything.SpeedDDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)SpeedDDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)

[cwsand]

My question is this - the Speed for my RAM is listed as "DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800). Does this mean the speed needs to be set to 1600 or is that the maximum setting?? Right now I have it set to 1400 since in order to change this setting it affects the CPU speed. My system seems stable overclocked at 3.5 and temps are typically 40-50. I just don't want to damage anything.SpeedDDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)SpeedDDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)

Anyone know the answer to this? :confused:

[guitardom]

Probably - I'm no expert, but I went into the BIOS and found the RAM settings that were not set correctly for my RAM. They were listed as something like 7-7-7-16 and my RAM is supposed to be 8-8-8-24. So I just changed those numbers to the right ones and all seems to be fine.

My question is this - the Speed for my RAM is listed as "DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800). Does this mean the speed needs to be set to 1600 or is that the maximum setting?? Right now I have it set to 1400 since in order to change this setting it affects the CPU speed. My system seems stable overclocked at 3.5 and temps are typically 40-50. I just don't want to damage anything.SpeedDDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)SpeedDDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)

ram is very volatile. yes you can go above it but bare minimum imo. this can also cause voltage issues. oc'ing requires it to draw more power. it is well known w the i7's to not exceed 1.65v so keep that in mind

[cwsand]

ram is very volatile. yes you can go above it but bare minimum imo. this can also cause voltage issues. oc'ing requires it to draw more power. it is well known w the i7's to not exceed 1.65v so keep that in mind

Cool - thanks for the info. I guess my confusion is with the RAM timing - does the speed have anything to do with the timings? I set my timings according to the RAM specs 8-8-8-24, but is it ok to run at a lower speed like 1400 or will that screw up the timings?? :confused::confused:

[mykhal c]

yes it means you have more latency in your timings than you need at that particular ram freq. it will work but it's not runnin' your ram as efficiently as it's spec'd to run at.

[Hr.Austmann]

hello everyone!:)

i have a new i7 build in mind and it is somewhat based on what people here
have been building,here is what i have in mind and please any feedback is highly appreciated

motherboard:ASUS P6X58d Premium.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131614
i saw this board and thought it would be ideal,it is also ready for the new 6core and all that,just check it out

CPU:i7 920
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115202

RAM: 12Gb OCZ Platinum 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227297

Video card:ASUS EAH4350 SILENT......
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121310
or a dual videocard,any recomendations?

Hard drives:6x 1T Western Digital Caviar Black
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136284

Chassis:Thermaltake Xaser VI
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133097
usually i like a simple design but the vintage feel of this one cought my eye
and has tons of space.

this is what i have for now,
now what PSU and cooling would you recoment for this setup??
also i am not very knowledgable about ram,only know the simple basics
i see that many of you guys are usin OCZ Platinum or gold or reaper
im gonna go for 12 Gb and what would you recomend witch is good for overklocking?

ill be going for 64 bit windows7
but have not thought ab witch one since PT8 is still in beta testing of W7 64bit
maybe professional or ultimate?
might just go ultimate just in case?

I welcome all knowledge and feedback on this
thanks

[cwsand]

hello everyone!:)

i have a new i7 build in mind and it is somewhat based on what people here
have been building,here is what i have in mind and please any feedback is highly appreciated

motherboard:ASUS P6X58d Premium.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131614
i saw this board and thought it would be ideal,it is also ready for the new 6core and all that,just check it out

CPU:i7 920
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115202

RAM: 12Gb OCZ Platinum 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227297

Video card:ASUS EAH4350 SILENT......
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121310
or a dual videocard,any recomendations?

Hard drives:6x 1T Western Digital Caviar Black
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136284

Chassis:Thermaltake Xaser VI
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133097
usually i like a simple design but the vintage feel of this one cought my eye
and has tons of space.

this is what i have for now,
now what PSU and cooling would you recoment for this setup??
also i am not very knowledgable about ram,only know the simple basics
i see that many of you guys are usin OCZ Platinum or gold or reaper
im gonna go for 12 Gb and what would you recomend witch is good for overklocking?

ill be going for 64 bit windows7
but have not thought ab witch one since PT8 is still in beta testing of W7 64bit
maybe professional or ultimate?
might just go ultimate just in case?

I welcome all knowledge and feedback on this
thanks


Looks pretty good to me! Looks like the link you posted for the RAM is wrong - 12GB will be great if and when a 64-bit version of LE is released. Until then it may be overkill. Make sure you get a good cooler - especially if you plan to OC. Also, I'd have a backup plan to install XP in case you run into problems with W7 (which I can almost guarantee you will!)

[cwsand]

yes it means you have more latency in your timings than you need at that particular ram freq. it will work but it's not runnin' your ram as efficiently as it's spec'd to run at.

Guess I'll go play around in the BIOS some more - thanks!

[mykhal c]

Guess I'll go play around in the BIOS some more - thanks!

and really check out the BCLK. that's where the magic is. think of it like the 'new' FSB. the more you open up the BCLK, the better. but remember... BCLK, ram freq, cpu multiplier and cpu freq are all inter-connected. change one and you'll see how it affects the other values;) i think i've posted some links for BIOS setup on page 1. if not, i'll dig up some more and post 'em.

[Shan]

Well, it's about that time of year to ride the bleeding edge and break new ground (http://www.maximumpc.com/article/news/take_sneak_peek_evgas_dual_socket_lga_1366_motherb oard). :D CES last week displayed some interesting new toys. Patiently waiting for the 6-core arrival. :D :D

Shane

[Shan]

64 for me always; if its toooo intense I bump to 128 when mixing...

Believe it or not, I still track with low latency recording mode on as I've never had the need to monitor through plug-ins. Thankfully, no complaints from singers asking to record with verb on etc. Knock on wood. :D

Shane

[cwsand]

Well, it's about that time of year to ride the bleeding edge and break new ground (http://www.maximumpc.com/article/news/take_sneak_peek_evgas_dual_socket_lga_1366_motherb oard). :D CES last week displayed some interesting new toys. Patiently waiting for the 6-core arrival. :D :D

Shane

So will the 6-cores (I9 I'm assuming?) be compatible with the I7 builds described in this thread? I mean, can the processor alone be upgraded to the 6 core? I don't know why I'm asking as the I7 is more than adequate! I'm thinking of building another one... :rolleyes:

[mykhal c]

So will the 6-cores (I9 I'm assuming?) be compatible with the I7 builds described in this thread? I mean, can the processor alone be upgraded to the 6 core? I don't know why I'm asking as the I7 is more than adequate! I'm thinking of building another one... :rolleyes:

i7/1366 socket...i9/1366 socket...pop & drop :D not applicable to i7/1156 socket;)

[Shan]

So will the 6-cores (I9 I'm assuming?) be compatible with the I7 builds described in this thread? I mean, can the processor alone be upgraded to the 6 core? I don't know why I'm asking as the I7 is more than adequate! I'm thinking of building another one... :rolleyes:

According to released info, and as mentioned above by mykhal c above, it's a simple "pop 'n drop". :D You'll have to update you BIOS though. Most motherboard vendors appear to be ready for their updated BIOS when all is ready. There still seems to be a lot of chatter on the release name. Some say it will be under the i7 brand name and others say i9. I say bring 'em on and release them into the wild.

Shane

[Keybeeetsss]

Believe it or not, I still track with low latency recording mode on as I've never had the need to monitor through plug-ins. Thankfully, no complaints from singers asking to record with verb on etc. Knock on wood. :D

Shane
& guys remember Shane is on a quad so it is of no problem for the most part tracking @ 64samples...

[GordonFreeman]

I recommend a plug-in diet. Less plug-ins is more. Make your Pro Tools more elegant and fit for the new decade!

[mano111]

I recommend a plug-in diet. Less plug-ins is more. Make your Pro Tools more elegant and fit for the new decade!

????

I'm more into a plugin feast, where you can get all the plugins you can load for 9.99 :-):-):-):-):-)

[Herkimer]

Haven't searched ALL 252 pages of this humongous thread...

Anyone here tried the i5 or i3?

It looks like the i5 can be had for under $190 with Mobo's starting around $90.

[cwsand]

Haven't searched ALL 252 pages of this humongous thread...

Anyone here tried the i5 or i3?

It looks like the i5 can be had for under $190 with Mobo's starting around $90.

A few people have asked about that but most everyone spends the extra for an I7.

[Shan]

& guys remember Shane is on a quad so it is of no problem for the most part tracking @ 64samples...

Very true. There is one big benefit to recording with Low Latency Monitoring (http://stashbox.org/770325/LLM.png). You can keep your buffer at 1024 with larger sessions and have no latency when recording new tracks. All plug-ins on the record arm tracks will be put offline though. That might be an issue if one wanted to record and monitor through a plug-in. Of course with MIDI, 1024 and low latency monitoring is a no go as the VI would be put offline. The above is pretty much a non issue these days though with the i7 etc.

Now if all playback tracks stayed at 1024 and only record arm tracks would remain at 64 or better yet, 32, then we'd have a pretty powerful multi buffer system with massive gains and benefits even with large MIDI productions. RTAS II perhaps? :cool:

Shane

[nikki-k]

Now if all playback tracks stayed at 1024 and only record arm tracks would remain at 64 or better yet, 32, then we'd have a pretty powerful multi buffer system with massive gains and benefits even with large MIDI productions. RTAS II perhaps? :cool:

Shane
Steve Jobs is now filing an infringement suit against you, since he bought that idea with emagic. You can work the settlement off in hell.. i mean, an apple store....

[Shan]

...You can work the settlement off in hell.. i mean, an apple store....

But even an iPhone app can do 32 channels of multi-tracking (http://www.harmonicdog.com/) at 16-bit/44.1k. :eek: And I bet it even has delay compensation. :D :D

Shane

[Hr.Austmann]

According to released info, and as mentioned above by mykhal c above, it's a simple "pop 'n drop". :D You'll have to update you BIOS though. Most motherboard vendors appear to be ready for their updated BIOS when all is ready. There still seems to be a lot of chatter on the release name. Some say it will be under the i7 brand name and others say i9. I say bring 'em on and release them into the wild.

Shane

it wont be called i9 it will be called i7 980X,and probably under extreme i7 980X
it will be avalable to the puplic in march i think.my guess it will cost arround 1000$ or even more

[Shan]

it wont be called i9 it will be called i7 980X,and probably under extreme i7 980X
it will be avalable to the puplic in march i think.my guess it will cost arround 1000$ or even more

Yep.

Shane

[TOM@METRO]

it wont be called i9 it will be called i7 980X,and probably under extreme i7 980X
it will be avalable to the puplic in march i think.my guess it will cost arround 1000$ or even moreI hear the LE version of this chip will have a crippled RAM controller.

[mano111]

it wont be called i9 it will be called i7 980X,and probably under extreme i7 980X
it will be avalable to the puplic in march i think.my guess it will cost arround 1000$ or even more

That is probably true, at first at least.
Still traditionally a new CPU or video card starts with a top model and will eventually come down to earth prices once Intel have 'milked' the pro crowd and covered some development costs. This is a 32nm part so its probably cheaper to make than a Q6600...

[rogga_bogga]

Hey guys,
I'm thinking of building an i7 but I'm having some troubles with finding a graphic card with a passive cooler and 512MB ram. I remember reading that someone mentioned ram over 512MB meant trouble with PT. Is this so? What will happen if I go down the 1GB route?

Roger

[GordonFreeman]

Hey guys,
I'm thinking of building an i7 but I'm having some troubles with finding a graphic card with a passive cooler and 512MB ram. I remember reading that someone mentioned ram over 512MB meant trouble with PT. Is this so? What will happen if I go down the 1GB route?

Roger

It's not "trouble". A lot of Mac Pros are being bought by high end studios, and they come with 512/1GB video cards. You don't need a passive cooler either. Just get a card that doesn't require a lot of power, and is well reviewed and ordered often on newegg, so it's more likely to have good drivers, good support and performance.

The nVidia vs ATI debate goes on. On Windows, nVidia drivers seem to cause some DPC latency, so digi recommends ATIs. But it's a PC - no matter how hard you try to configure it in the registry, it's ALWAYS going to be an all-purpose machine with all-purpose parts, running a very picky software/hardware. So you're bound to have problems anyway, no matter how many DUC members brag that their PC studio runs awesome. Macs are going down the same route, but are still the industry standard for multitrack recording, and the only thing ever ordered in pro studios. PCs are in the gigastudio room, if you can still find them in old film composing setups...

[mykhal c]

Hey guys,
I'm thinking of building an i7 but I'm having some troubles with finding a graphic card with a passive cooler and 512MB ram. I remember reading that someone mentioned ram over 512MB meant trouble with PT. Is this so? What will happen if I go down the 1GB route?

Roger

with W7 x64 now in beta and likely to be supported in the next dot cycle, the negative effect of video cards with large on-board ram will likely be a non-factor very soon IMHO. so if you are plannin' on W7 x64 with PT8, even while in beta then i say pick the card you like the most...regardless. ;)

[rogga_bogga]

Thanks for the answers!
Sadly newegg isn't an option for me since I live in Sweden, but I thought I'd get a card with a passive cooler to get rid of as much noise as possible. And I didn't know DPC latency even existed, I guess you learn something new everyday. :p I wonder how much of it I will notice on a lightning fast i7 though.

I guess I'll buy a 1GB card and plug and pray :D

[zakkwylde13]

Just for record..

After thinking a lot about i went with this machine:

ASUS P6T Deluxe V2
Intel Core i7 920 2.66 GHz
CoolerMaster Silent Pro M700
GeForce With CUDA GTX 275 896MB GDDR3
WD VelociRaptor WD1500HLFS 150GB
WD Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB
Sony BEC Optiarc AD-7200S DVD+-RW
3x2048MB Performance Memory A-Data 1333MHz
Chieftec cx-01b-b-sl cabinet

I am a bit concerned about how noisy it will be, time will show. And if the graphic card will cause any problems.

[Jenk2k]

Check out the Asetek liquid cooler. self contained. inexpensive. Quiet. I love it.

[philip888]

Power Supply Question here.

Is a 500w PSU enough for 5 sata drives?
1 System
2 Audio
3 Video
4 Assets
5 Backup

Thanks

[tmfergus]

Hey guys. Can you take a look at my Sandra report and let me know if anything looks amiss. Timings especially. I've been having some issues lately. Thanks in advance............TODD



SiSoftware Sandra

Computer
Model : Gigabyte EX58-UD3R
Workgroup : WORKGROUP
Host Name : owner-95ac5fd55
User : Toads Tool

Processor
Model : Intel(R) Core(TM) i7 CPU 920 @ 2.67GHz
Speed : 2.8GHz
Cores per Processor : 4 Unit(s)
Threads per Core : 2 Unit(s)
Type : Quad-Core
Integrated Data Cache : 4x 32kB, Synchronous, Write-Thru, 8-way, 64 byte line size, 2 threads sharing
L2 On-board Cache : 4x 256kB, ECC, Synchronous, ATC, 8-way, 64 byte line size, 2 threads sharing
L3 On-board Cache : 8MB, ECC, Synchronous, ATC, 16-way, Exclusive, 64 byte line size, 8 threads sharing

Computer
Mainboard : Gigabyte EX58-UD3R
BIOS : Award (Phoenix) F6 05/11/2009
Bus(es) : X-Bus PCI PCIe IMB USB FireWire/1394 i2c/SMBus
Multi-Processor (MP) Support : No
Multi-Processor Advanced PIC (APIC) : Yes
Total Memory : 3.25GB DIMM DDR3

Chipset
Model : Giga-Byte X58 I/O Hub
Front Side Bus Speed : 2x 2.4GHz (4.79GHz)

Chipset
Model : Giga-Byte Core Desktop (Bloomfield) UnCore
Front Side Bus Speed : 2x 2.4GHz (4.79GHz)
Total Memory : 6GB DIMM DDR3
Memory Bus Speed : 2x 798MHz (1.6GHz)

Memory Module(s)
Memory Module : Corsair CM3X2G1600C8D 2GB DIMM DDR3 PC3-12800U DDR3-1600 (9-9-9-24 5-34-10-5)
Memory Module : Corsair CM3X2G1600C8D 2GB DIMM DDR3 PC3-12800U DDR3-1600 (9-9-9-24 5-34-10-5)
Memory Module : Corsair CM3X2G1600C8D 2GB DIMM DDR3 PC3-12800U DDR3-1600 (9-9-9-24 5-34-10-5)

Video System
Video Adapter : ATI Radeon HD 3400 Series (40 SP, PCIe 2.00 x16)
Video Adapter : ATI Radeon HD 3400 Series (40 SP 600MHz, 512MB DDR2 2x400MHz, PCIe 2.00 x16)

Graphics Processor
Adapter : ATI Radeon HD 3400 Series ()

Storage Devices
WDC WD5001AALS-00L3B2 (500.1GB, SATA300, 3.5", 7200rpm, NCQ, 32MB Cache) : 466GB (D:)
WDC WD5001AALS-00L3B2 (500.1GB, SATA300, 3.5", 7200rpm, NCQ, 32MB Cache) : 466GB (C:)
WDC WD6401AALS-00L3B2 (640.1GB, SATA300, 3.5", 7200rpm, NCQ, 32MB Cache) : 596GB (E:)
ATAPI iHAS122 8 (SATA150, DVD+-RW, CD-RW, 2MB Cache) : N/A (F:)

Logical Storage Devices
Hard Disk (C:) : 466GB (NTFS) @ WDC WD5001AALS-00L3B2 (500.1GB, SATA300, 3.5", 7200rpm, NCQ, 32MB Cache)
Samples Etc (E:) : 596GB (NTFS) @ WDC WD6401AALS-00L3B2 (640.1GB, SATA300, 3.5", 7200rpm, NCQ, 32MB Cache)
Audio (D:) : 466GB (NTFS) @ WDC WD5001AALS-00L3B2 (500.1GB, SATA300, 3.5", 7200rpm, NCQ, 32MB Cache)
Optical Drive (F:) : N/A @ ATAPI iHAS122 8 (SATA150, DVD+-RW, CD-RW, 2MB Cache)

Peripherals
LPC Hub Controller 1 : Giga-Byte LPC Interface Controller
LPC Legacy Controller 1 : ITE IT8720F
Audio Device : PC Partner RV620 Audio device [Radeon HD 34xx Series]
Audio Codec : ATI (AMD) AA01h
Serial Port(s) : 1
Disk Controller : Giga-Byte 4 port SATA IDE Controller
Disk Controller : Giga-Byte 2 port SATA IDE Controller
Disk Controller : Giga-Byte JMB36X PCIE-to-SATAII/IDE RAID Controller
USB Controller 1 : Giga-Byte USB UHCI Controller #4
USB Controller 2 : Giga-Byte USB UHCI Controller #5
USB Controller 3 : Giga-Byte USB UHCI Controller #6
USB Controller 4 : Giga-Byte USB EHCI Controller #2
USB Controller 5 : Giga-Byte USB UHCI Controller #1
USB Controller 6 : Giga-Byte USB UHCI Controller #2
USB Controller 7 : Giga-Byte USB UHCI Controller #3
USB Controller 8 : Giga-Byte USB EHCI Controller #1
FireWire/1394 Controller 1 : Giga-Byte TSB43AB23 1394a-2000 OHCI PHY/link-layer Controller
SMBus/i2c Controller 1 : Intel 801xx/63xx SMBus

Printers and Faxes
Printer : Microsoft XPS Document Writer (600x600, Colour)

Network Services
Network Adapter : Realtek RTL8168D(P)/8111D(P) PCI-E Gigabit Ethernet NIC - Packet Scheduler Miniport

Power Management
Mains (AC) Line Status : On-Line

Operating System
Windows System : Microsoft Windows XP Professional 5.01.2600 (Service Pack 3)
Platform Compliance : x86

[philip888]

What issues?

[guitardom]

at a glance all looks well. The bios I believe can be updated. Give some details of you problems.


Hey guys. Can you take a look at my Sandra report and let me know if anything looks amiss. Timings especially. I've been having some issues lately. Thanks in advance............TODD



SiSoftware Sandra

Computer
Model : Gigabyte EX58-UD3R
Workgroup : WORKGROUP
Host Name : owner-95ac5fd55
User : Toads Tool

Processor
Model : Intel(R) Core(TM) i7 CPU 920 @ 2.67GHz
Speed : 2.8GHz
Cores per Processor : 4 Unit(s)
Threads per Core : 2 Unit(s)
Type : Quad-Core
Integrated Data Cache : 4x 32kB, Synchronous, Write-Thru, 8-way, 64 byte line size, 2 threads sharing
L2 On-board Cache : 4x 256kB, ECC, Synchronous, ATC, 8-way, 64 byte line size, 2 threads sharing
L3 On-board Cache : 8MB, ECC, Synchronous, ATC, 16-way, Exclusive, 64 byte line size, 8 threads sharing

Computer
Mainboard : Gigabyte EX58-UD3R
BIOS : Award (Phoenix) F6 05/11/2009
Bus(es) : X-Bus PCI PCIe IMB USB FireWire/1394 i2c/SMBus
Multi-Processor (MP) Support : No
Multi-Processor Advanced PIC (APIC) : Yes
Total Memory : 3.25GB DIMM DDR3

Chipset
Model : Giga-Byte X58 I/O Hub
Front Side Bus Speed : 2x 2.4GHz (4.79GHz)

Chipset
Model : Giga-Byte Core Desktop (Bloomfield) UnCore
Front Side Bus Speed : 2x 2.4GHz (4.79GHz)
Total Memory : 6GB DIMM DDR3
Memory Bus Speed : 2x 798MHz (1.6GHz)

Memory Module(s)
Memory Module : Corsair CM3X2G1600C8D 2GB DIMM DDR3 PC3-12800U DDR3-1600 (9-9-9-24 5-34-10-5)
Memory Module : Corsair CM3X2G1600C8D 2GB DIMM DDR3 PC3-12800U DDR3-1600 (9-9-9-24 5-34-10-5)
Memory Module : Corsair CM3X2G1600C8D 2GB DIMM DDR3 PC3-12800U DDR3-1600 (9-9-9-24 5-34-10-5)

Video System
Video Adapter : ATI Radeon HD 3400 Series (40 SP, PCIe 2.00 x16)
Video Adapter : ATI Radeon HD 3400 Series (40 SP 600MHz, 512MB DDR2 2x400MHz, PCIe 2.00 x16)

Graphics Processor
Adapter : ATI Radeon HD 3400 Series ()

Storage Devices
WDC WD5001AALS-00L3B2 (500.1GB, SATA300, 3.5", 7200rpm, NCQ, 32MB Cache) : 466GB (D:)
WDC WD5001AALS-00L3B2 (500.1GB, SATA300, 3.5", 7200rpm, NCQ, 32MB Cache) : 466GB (C:)
WDC WD6401AALS-00L3B2 (640.1GB, SATA300, 3.5", 7200rpm, NCQ, 32MB Cache) : 596GB (E:)
ATAPI iHAS122 8 (SATA150, DVD+-RW, CD-RW, 2MB Cache) : N/A (F:)

Logical Storage Devices
Hard Disk (C:) : 466GB (NTFS) @ WDC WD5001AALS-00L3B2 (500.1GB, SATA300, 3.5", 7200rpm, NCQ, 32MB Cache)
Samples Etc (E:) : 596GB (NTFS) @ WDC WD6401AALS-00L3B2 (640.1GB, SATA300, 3.5", 7200rpm, NCQ, 32MB Cache)
Audio (D:) : 466GB (NTFS) @ WDC WD5001AALS-00L3B2 (500.1GB, SATA300, 3.5", 7200rpm, NCQ, 32MB Cache)
Optical Drive (F:) : N/A @ ATAPI iHAS122 8 (SATA150, DVD+-RW, CD-RW, 2MB Cache)

Peripherals
LPC Hub Controller 1 : Giga-Byte LPC Interface Controller
LPC Legacy Controller 1 : ITE IT8720F
Audio Device : PC Partner RV620 Audio device [Radeon HD 34xx Series]
Audio Codec : ATI (AMD) AA01h
Serial Port(s) : 1
Disk Controller : Giga-Byte 4 port SATA IDE Controller
Disk Controller : Giga-Byte 2 port SATA IDE Controller
Disk Controller : Giga-Byte JMB36X PCIE-to-SATAII/IDE RAID Controller
USB Controller 1 : Giga-Byte USB UHCI Controller #4
USB Controller 2 : Giga-Byte USB UHCI Controller #5
USB Controller 3 : Giga-Byte USB UHCI Controller #6
USB Controller 4 : Giga-Byte USB EHCI Controller #2
USB Controller 5 : Giga-Byte USB UHCI Controller #1
USB Controller 6 : Giga-Byte USB UHCI Controller #2
USB Controller 7 : Giga-Byte USB UHCI Controller #3
USB Controller 8 : Giga-Byte USB EHCI Controller #1
FireWire/1394 Controller 1 : Giga-Byte TSB43AB23 1394a-2000 OHCI PHY/link-layer Controller
SMBus/i2c Controller 1 : Intel 801xx/63xx SMBus

Printers and Faxes
Printer : Microsoft XPS Document Writer (600x600, Colour)

Network Services
Network Adapter : Realtek RTL8168D(P)/8111D(P) PCI-E Gigabit Ethernet NIC - Packet Scheduler Miniport

Power Management
Mains (AC) Line Status : On-Line

Operating System
Windows System : Microsoft Windows XP Professional 5.01.2600 (Service Pack 3)
Platform Compliance : x86

[guitardom]

[QUOTE=philip888;1538866]Power Supply Question here.

Is a 500w PSU enough for 5 sata drives?
1 System
2 Audio
3 Video
4 Assets
5 Backup

Thanks[/QUOTE
yes but would be pushing it and depend on how many other devices and peripherals are being powered also. Vid card, cd drives, fans,USB devices,other pci cards, Ram,etc. That psu would be minimum though in my opinion the psu is one of the most important parts of the entire build and better to overcompensate than under. Not enough power is a issue and can cause all kind of odd reactions so watch carefully.

[philip888]

[QUOTE=philip888;1538866]Power Supply Question here.

Is a 500w PSU enough for 5 sata drives?
1 System
2 Audio
3 Video
4 Assets
5 Backup

Thanks[/QUOTE
yes but would be pushing it and depend on how many other devices and peripherals are being powered also. Vid card, cd drives, fans,USB devices,other pci cards, Ram,etc. That psu would be minimum though in my opinion the psu is one of the most important parts of the entire build and better to overcompensate than under. Not enough power is a issue and can cause all kind of odd reactions so watch carefully.

Thanks

I have an i7 rig with Delta 1010lt pci card one dvd/ drive.
cpu fan and a fanless video card. 6GB ram

I know 600w would be better or should I go more?

[tmfergus]

What issues?
Thanks for the replies. The other night I was working on a session with 10 or so audio tracks, a couple of VI's and 5 or 6 plugs and kept getting the " system held off interupts etc, etc increase the playback buffer error message. I've been tracking at 64 since I had this rig built with very few problems. I recently installed the free version of POD Farm and also just received BFD2 as a Xmas gift. This free version of POD Farm gave me some problems last year when I had it installed so I got rid of it. Could this be causing issues? I usually use Eleven or Amplitube but thought I would give POD Farm another chance. Thanks again.............TODD

[mano111]

Many times issues of not being able to run in 64buffer have to do with a specific plugin causing CPU spikes. This could happen for any number of reasons.

To see if this issue is plugin related open your system usage window. See if the CPU (RTAS) meter is spiking or steady. If it is peaking, try disabling the plugins (CTRL+Start+click the plugin) one at a time until you find the one that causes your issue.

This could be an incompatible plugin version or a case of denormalization (in that case try a dither plugin on the insert before the offending plug).

HTH

[Melthoven]

Hey hope all is well with everyone. Im broke and about to invest my$$$ into this set up. can someone please review & rate my specs. my toalt is about $1000:confused:

MSI 24X DVD Burner Black SATA Model DH-24AAS-17 R - Retail

COOLER MASTER Storm Scout SGC-2000-KKN1-GP Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case -

Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

HIS H465FS512H Radeon HD 4650 512MB 128-bit DDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card

CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 ...

OCZ Gold 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Low Voltage Desktop Memory Model OCZ3G1600LV6GK

GIGABYTE GA-EX58-UD3R LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard -

Intel Core i7-920 Bloomfield 2.66GHz LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor

[guitardom]

Hey hope all is well with everyone. Im broke and about to invest my$$$ into this set up. can someone please review & rate my specs. my toalt is about $1000:confused:

MSI 24X DVD Burner Black SATA Model DH-24AAS-17 R - Retail

COOLER MASTER Storm Scout SGC-2000-KKN1-GP Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case -

Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

HIS H465FS512H Radeon HD 4650 512MB 128-bit DDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card

CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 ...

OCZ Gold 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Low Voltage Desktop Memory Model OCZ3G1600LV6GK

GIGABYTE GA-EX58-UD3R LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard -

Intel Core i7-920 Bloomfield 2.66GHz LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor

parts look good.
here is a link to a cheaper vid card (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131144&Tpk=ati%204350)that i use

[guitardom]

[QUOTE=guitardom;1538968]

Thanks

I have an i7 rig with Delta 1010lt pci card one dvd/ drive.
cpu fan and a fanless video card. 6GB ram

I know 600w would be better or should I go more?

i woud bet a 600-650 somewhere would be fine.

[Melthoven]

thanks alot for the response. i read alot of your post thanks 4 all the info!!! wish me luck im off to order

[bubblebeat]

Hi,
Is anyone using an Intel i5 720 with a P55 base mobo?
Been reading the thread and could not find an answer.
Big $$$ difference between the i5 and i7 when building a new system…

Cheers. ;)

[guitardom]

Hi,
Is anyone using an Intel i5 720 with a P55 base mobo?
Been reading the thread and could not find an answer.
Big $$$ difference between the i5 and i7 when building a new system…

Cheers. ;)

there is none that i personally know of.

[Tulane Sound]

Can someone idiot check this for me, i tried to do what copy guitardom's rig.

COOLER MASTER Storm Scout SGC-2000-KKN1-GP Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

Western Digital Caviar Black WD5001AALS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

HIS H465FS512H Radeon HD 4650 512MB 128-bit DDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card - Retail

COOLER MASTER Silent Pro 700 RS-700-AMBA-D3 700W ATX12V V2.3 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active ... - Retail

G.SKILL 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL7T-6GBPK - Retail

GIGABYTE GA-EX58-UD3R LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

ntel Core i7-920 Bloomfield 2.66GHz LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80601920 - Retail

COOLER MASTER Intel Core i7 compatible Hyper N 520 RR-920-N520-GP 92mm Sleeve CPU Cooler - Retail
Suggestions are more than welcome.

Thanks
Steve

[guitardom]

Can someone idiot check this for me, i tried to do what copy guitardom's rig.

COOLER MASTER Storm Scout SGC-2000-KKN1-GP Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

Western Digital Caviar Black WD5001AALS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

HIS H465FS512H Radeon HD 4650 512MB 128-bit DDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card - Retail

COOLER MASTER Silent Pro 700 RS-700-AMBA-D3 700W ATX12V V2.3 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active ... - Retail

G.SKILL 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL7T-6GBPK - Retail

GIGABYTE GA-EX58-UD3R LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

ntel Core i7-920 Bloomfield 2.66GHz LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80601920 - Retail

COOLER MASTER Intel Core i7 compatible Hyper N 520 RR-920-N520-GP 92mm Sleeve CPU Cooler - Retail
Suggestions are more than welcome.

Thanks
Steve

looks ok, but if everyone would post links it would help to be able to check out the part if need be. in the case the psu i am not 100% sure about. a couple posts up i posted a link to an alternate vid card.

[Theory13]

Hey Everyone... i'm building a new Rig (my past computers have never successfully run ProTools and my Digi 002 Rack). could i ask you to look at one more similar new build to the ones above.... (see below).
From the recommendations i've read thru, i've spec'd out the following rig, and wanted to know if anyone had opinions on it. Are there any major issues before i buy the parts? Any compatibility issues?

ANY and ALL comments would be greatly appreciated!!! it's been killing me to buy all this gear and not be able to record with it! (hopefully the new system will help with this!) :-)

thanks for your time!
(all links to newegg for computer parts)

+ + + + + + NEW PT RIG + + + + + + + + +
-- Asus P6T Deluxe V2 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=Asus+P6T+Deluxe+V2&x=0&y=0)
-- Intel Core i7 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115202&Tpk=Intel%20Core%20i7-920%20Bloomfield)-920 Bloomfield
-- ZALMAN (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118052&Tpk=ZALMAN%20CNPS10X%20QUIET%20120mm%202%20Ball%20 CPU%20Cooler) CNPS10X QUIET 120mm 2 Ball CPU Cooler
-- COOLER MASTER (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171048&Tpk=COOLER%20MASTER%20Silent%20Pro%20RS850%20Power %20Supply) Silent Pro RS850 Power Supply

-- ADS PYRO PCI 64 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815255014&Tpk=ADS%20PYRO%20PCI%2064) (Firewire ports to connect the Digi 002 Rack)
(*** is this needed? is the firewire port on the MoBo o'kay to connect to the Digi 002 Rack? ***)

-- COOLER MASTER ELITE (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119161&Tpk=COOLER%20MASTER%20ELITE%20335) 335 ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
-- BFG Tech GeForce 9800 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814143169&Tpk=BFG%20Tech%20GeForce%209800%20GT%20Passive%20C ooling) GT Passive Cooling Video Card
-- LITE-ON Blu-ray Reader (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106326)
-- LG CD-ROM (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136177&cm_re=LG_Black_CD-ROM_SATA_DVD_Burner-_-27-136-177-_-Product) SATA DVD Burner

-- G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231279&cm_re=G.SKILL_Ripjaws_Series_4GB_(2_x_2GB)_240-Pin_DDR3-_-20-231-279-_-Product) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600
(PC3 12800) Cas Latency: 7 / Timing: 7-7-7-21

(Or is the DDR3 2000 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231281&cm_re=G.SKILL_Ripjaws_Series_4GB_(2_x_2GB)-_-20-231-281-_-Product), Cas Latency: 9 / Timing: 9-9-9-27 a better option?)

(Or is the DDR3 1333 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231274&cm_re=G.SKILL_Ripjaws_Series_4GB_(2_x_2GB)-_-20-231-274-_-Product), Cas Latency: 9 / Timing: 9-9-9-24 a better option?)

-- G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB -- additional 4gb RAM matching whatever is above…

-- Western Digital VelociRaptor WD1500HLFS 150GB (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136296) 10000 RPM SATA -- (for OS)
-- Western Digital VelociRaptor WD1500HLFS 300GB (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136296&Tpk=Western%20Digital%20VelociRaptor%20WD1500HLFS) 10000 RPM SATA -- (for Work Data)
-- Win 7 Pro / 64 bit
-- other odds and ends (mouse/keyboard/monitors) taken from other computers.

_______________________________________
Thanks again for looking and helping.
cheers!

[guitardom]

Hey Everyone... i'm building a new Rig (my past computers have never successfully run ProTools and my Digi 002 Rack). could i ask you to look at one more similar new build to the ones above.... (see below).
From the recommendations i've read thru, i've spec'd out the following rig, and wanted to know if anyone had opinions on it. Are there any major issues before i buy the parts? Any compatibility issues?

ANY and ALL comments would be greatly appreciated!!! it's been killing me to buy all this gear and not be able to record with it! (hopefully the new system will help with this!) :-)

thanks for your time!
(all links to newegg for computer parts)

+ + + + + + NEW PT RIG + + + + + + + + +
-- Asus P6T Deluxe V2 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=Asus+P6T+Deluxe+V2&x=0&y=0)
-- Intel Core i7 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115202&Tpk=Intel%20Core%20i7-920%20Bloomfield)-920 Bloomfield
-- ZALMAN (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118052&Tpk=ZALMAN%20CNPS10X%20QUIET%20120mm%202%20Ball%20 CPU%20Cooler) CNPS10X QUIET 120mm 2 Ball CPU Cooler
-- COOLER MASTER (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171048&Tpk=COOLER%20MASTER%20Silent%20Pro%20RS850%20Power %20Supply) Silent Pro RS850 Power Supply

-- ADS PYRO PCI 64 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815255014&Tpk=ADS%20PYRO%20PCI%2064) (Firewire ports to connect the Digi 002 Rack)
(*** is this needed? is the firewire port on the MoBo o'kay to connect to the Digi 002 Rack? ***)

-- COOLER MASTER ELITE (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119161&Tpk=COOLER%20MASTER%20ELITE%20335) 335 ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
-- BFG Tech GeForce 9800 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814143169&Tpk=BFG%20Tech%20GeForce%209800%20GT%20Passive%20C ooling) GT Passive Cooling Video Card
-- LITE-ON Blu-ray Reader (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106326)
-- LG CD-ROM (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136177&cm_re=LG_Black_CD-ROM_SATA_DVD_Burner-_-27-136-177-_-Product) SATA DVD Burner

-- G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231279&cm_re=G.SKILL_Ripjaws_Series_4GB_(2_x_2GB)_240-Pin_DDR3-_-20-231-279-_-Product) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600
(PC3 12800) Cas Latency: 7 / Timing: 7-7-7-21

(Or is the DDR3 2000 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231281&cm_re=G.SKILL_Ripjaws_Series_4GB_(2_x_2GB)-_-20-231-281-_-Product), Cas Latency: 9 / Timing: 9-9-9-27 a better option?)

(Or is the DDR3 1333 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231274&cm_re=G.SKILL_Ripjaws_Series_4GB_(2_x_2GB)-_-20-231-274-_-Product), Cas Latency: 9 / Timing: 9-9-9-24 a better option?)

-- G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB -- additional 4gb RAM matching whatever is above…

-- Western Digital VelociRaptor WD1500HLFS 150GB (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136296) 10000 RPM SATA -- (for OS)
-- Western Digital VelociRaptor WD1500HLFS 300GB (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136296&Tpk=Western%20Digital%20VelociRaptor%20WD1500HLFS) 10000 RPM SATA -- (for Work Data)
-- Win 7 Pro / 64 bit
-- other odds and ends (mouse/keyboard/monitors) taken from other computers.

_______________________________________
Thanks again for looking and helping.
cheers!

o.k. a few thoughts...

ram (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145236) _ ram2 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145286)
best to keep your initial build in sets of 3 for ram not pairs. the lower the number if you will for the timings are better but of course more expensive. but a 8-8-8-24 is still gonna be some great performing ram. i typically prefer to keep my ram to corsair, ocz, or mushkin only.

your hard drives are 16mb cache. you need 32mb cache drives all the way through the build if possible. wd black or seagate barracuda's (double check the barracuda is 32mb cache) is the way to go. from tests a few of us performed a while back we did not gain any performance with a 10,000 rpm drive from a 7,200. we did gain more heat and noise though!!

as far as i know the asus onboard firewire works fine. check the first page of this thread. some users of it have posted it. i know sunburst 79 uses an asus board. it works on the gigabyte boards for sure.

think i would also recomend an ati vid card instead of nvidia. there has been problems at different times w nvidia based cards. i have a cheaper ati card posted for another user a few posts up from you.
everything else looks good.

[Theory13]

o.k. a few thoughts...

First, thanks Guitardom for looking at that for me. i really appreciate it.

so for the Ram, you would suggest 2 sets of Ram (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145286). that should be pleanty... and fast enough. 6 sticks/12gb. (i guess i'm just so used to putting in the ram in pairs....)

So scrath the 10,000 rpm drives and get two Western Digital Caviar Black (750GB) (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136283&cm_re=wd_caviar_black-_-22-136-283-_-Product). can always add more later... right? ------ just curious on this... the 750gb for an operating disk seems way to large for an ordinary system. i usually only put in something around 150gb, granted thats for high end animation/3d/cad rigs. Not Protools. has anyone used the newer SSD drives (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820139007&cm_re=Kingston_128_GB_SSDNow_V-Series-_-20-139-007-_-Product)? would that be a great OS hard drive?

as for the firewire... i've could always get the firewire pci card later if the onboard firewire port didn't work with the Digi 002 Rack. but it sounds like it should from what others have recommended. (i believe)

and then i have no problems going with your recommended video card (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131144&Tpk=ati%204350).

thanks again Guitardom!

[guitardom]

First, thanks Guitardom for looking at that for me. i really appreciate it.

so for the Ram, you would suggest 2 sets of Ram (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145286). that should be pleanty... and fast enough. 6 sticks/12gb. (i guess i'm just so used to putting in the ram in pairs....)

So scrath the 10,000 rpm drives and get two Western Digital Caviar Black (750GB) (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136283&cm_re=wd_caviar_black-_-22-136-283-_-Product). can always add more later... right? ------ just curious on this... the 750gb for an operating disk seems way to large for an ordinary system. i usually only put in something around 150gb, granted thats for high end animation/3d/cad rigs. Not Protools. has anyone used the newer SSD drives (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820139007&cm_re=Kingston_128_GB_SSDNow_V-Series-_-20-139-007-_-Product)? would that be a great OS hard drive?

as for the firewire... i've could always get the firewire pci card later if the onboard firewire port didn't work with the Digi 002 Rack. but it sounds like it should from what others have recommended. (i believe)

and then i have no problems going with your recommended video card (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131144&Tpk=ati%204350).

thanks again Guitardom!

i posted 2 sets of ram as an example, you can pick between the 2 sets. 6gb will be pretty darn good unless you really want to go 12. if so just be sure to get exact matching sets.

i like small os drives as well. i just partition my os drive a couple times since the drives are getting bigger. i am dying to go with solid state drives. just waiting for the better performing drives to come down in price some. the lower end ones have had lots of firmware issues and the read write times are not to spectacular.

[Keybeeetsss]

;) Hey Steve its funny that we've seemed to disappear a little bit & ur now here all day:D

[guitardom]

;) Hey Steve its funny that we've seemed to disappear a little bit & ur now here all day:D

hey bro!! yea i knew mykhal was taking off for a bit so no biggie. we all gotta do our part from time to time to keep the ball o rollin' hope all well in your part of the country. its just flat out cold, snowy and rainy here and got some new toys to play with so i am happy!!

[Keybeeetsss]

hey bro!! yea i knew mykhal was taking off for a bit so no biggie. we all gotta do our part from time to time to keep the ball o rollin' hope all well in your part of the country. its just flat out cold, snowy and rainy here and got some new toys to play with so i am happy!!
All good here man; & I see I need to hit u up & see whatchu' got new over there:D

Oh, & its about to be cold & rainy|snowy here too:o

& to make things even worse, I'M ALL OUT OF FRUIT SNACKS:eek::eek::eek:

[Shan]

;) Hey Steve its funny that we've seemed to disappear a little bit & ur now here all day:D

Keys returns. :D :D

Shane

[Keybeeetsss]

Keys returns. :D :D

Shane
:D Say it ain't so :D

Shan-O-PC returns to say that I return :eek:

:D

[Shan]

:D Say it ain't so :D

Shan-O-PC returns to say that I return :eek:

:D

I take a break for sanity sake every 1000 posts. It was just a shorter break this time. :D

Shane

[Tulane Sound]

Firstly, Thank you Guitardom for taking the time to look at my specs, much appreciated. Very cool of you.

Now I just need to decide if i should go with XP or Win7 (preferrably 64)

decisions decisions.....do we get to make music at some point in this??? :confused:

Steve

[Keybeeetsss]

Firstly, Thank you Guitardom for taking the time to look at my specs, much appreciated. Very cool of you.

Now I just need to decide if i should go with XP or Win7 (preferrably 64)

decisions decisions.....do we get to make music at some point in this??? :confused:

Steve
Another Steve;)

Well, there are a bit that are now running Win7... U can have problems running either OS so since that is a fact, u may as well go with the newer 1 being that u have to choose because it is running & too being worked on as we speak to make it better; now if u have both, thatz even better; Me myself, I'm still on XP on my i7 rig although I do have Win7 pro... I just don't feel like reinstalling programs rite now; or to make it sound better, I really don't have the time to do so rite now:-)

[Shan]

Firstly, Thank you Guitardom for taking the time to look at my specs, much appreciated. Very cool of you.

Now I just need to decide if i should go with XP or Win7 (preferrably 64)

decisions decisions.....do we get to make music at some point in this??? :confused:

Steve

As a side note, guitardom was pretty instrumental with all his knowledge in all the Quad threads. From the very first Operton Quads many years back to the current i7's. He's definitely been around every quad build out there. :D

Shane

[guitardom]

As a side note, guitardom was pretty instrumental with all his knowledge in all the Quad threads. From the very first Operton Quads many years back to the current i7's. He's definitely been around every quad build out there. :D

Shane

thanks shane, it has been a crazy road in the computer world the last few years!!!

[guitardom]

Firstly, Thank you Guitardom for taking the time to look at my specs, much appreciated. Very cool of you.

Now I just need to decide if i should go with XP or Win7 (preferrably 64)

decisions decisions.....do we get to make music at some point in this??? :confused:

Steve

honestly i think the os decision is pretty tough right now. i dont really expect w7 64 to be fully supported for quite a few more months and will be plug issues to follow. i an not in a rush myself to jump into 64 though the ram usage would be nice. going with vista right now would give you a cheaper path into w7 later. obviously vista is not the best way to go but is working and could save some cash later. if your not in a rush to go 64 i would say go with xp.

[Shan]

thanks shane, it has been a crazy road in the computer world the last few years!!!

Single CPU 6 cores are around the corner soon. A new era to jump into. :D

Shane

[Beau_McKee]

Hey Kris75 and Guitardom!
Ive been reading your posts on here for quite some time, and well, i am hoping someone can please give me an updated list of a build that will utterly destroy. I read the first 30 pages of this thread and i feel that some of those earlier builds may be outdated now because of how old those posts are? If you can point me in the right direction, as im looking to build in 2 weeks from now. Thanks my fellow pc friends :-p

[cwsand]

Hey Kris75 and Guitardom!
Ive been reading your posts on here for quite some time, and well, i am hoping someone can please give me an updated list of a build that will utterly destroy. I read the first 30 pages of this thread and i feel that some of those earlier builds may be outdated now because of how old those posts are? If you can point me in the right direction, as im looking to build in 2 weeks from now. Thanks my fellow pc friends :-p

Welcome to the forums! I'm not a pc expert but I don't think the I7 builds are outdated - as far as I know they're the most stable systems for ProTools to date. I think you'd do well to copy one of those builds. I know the I9's and 6-core cpu's are on the way, but I don't know when they'll be available. Anyway, that's my 2 cents worth. Good luck!

[guitardom]

Hey Kris75 and Guitardom!
Ive been reading your posts on here for quite some time, and well, i am hoping someone can please give me an updated list of a build that will utterly destroy. I read the first 30 pages of this thread and i feel that some of those earlier builds may be outdated now because of how old those posts are? If you can point me in the right direction, as im looking to build in 2 weeks from now. Thanks my fellow pc friends :-p

most of the parts on the first page are good.

the gigabyte ud5
wd black hard drives
corsair 600-700w psu
ocz-corsair ddr3 ram 1600-2100 use 2gb sticks, and go 6gb min. newegg has them in sets.
ati based vid card 256-512mb ram at the most.
cpu cooler. there is a couple listed on the last few pages of this thread and a couple on the first page.
intel i7 2.66 920

most any of the last few builds users post on here all seem good setups. dont skimp on the psu. but skimp on the vid card:D

[Beau_McKee]

Thanks cwsand and guitardom!
Is there any particular reason for max 512mb video card?

[Beau_McKee]

and why not nvidia etc? I like my video games too, but i will be running dual boot off two different drives, and a third drive for my audio files. Also a side question to that (im really sorry for being a N00b) it seems you guys are all running 32bit operating systems, so having 6gb total ram isnt being utilised at all. Unless im missing something? sorry for all the questions, im sure youve covered this somewhere already on this forum.

[guitardom]

and why not nvidia etc? I like my video games too, but i will be running dual boot off two different drives, and a third drive for my audio files. Also a side question to that (im really sorry for being a N00b) it seems you guys are all running 32bit operating systems, so having 6gb total ram isnt being utilised at all. Unless im missing something? sorry for all the questions, im sure youve covered this somewhere already on this forum.

yes they are all covered but....

video cards allocate a portion of your ram for its services. aprox 1/2 to 1/4 of what your vid card is using. so a 512mb vid card will use about 256mb of your available ram. might be off a bit on my number but close to there. you dont need fancy vid cards w pt. the smaller and less intrusive vid card, the more ram for your machine and pt. but when mykhal c gets back around or if sunburst happens to pop in they could give the exact numbers.

ati is proven to work with pt. i have ran nvidia cards before with no issues. but most any time there is issues with the video drivers it is nvidia related. so rather than experiment and take chances, just stick to ati.

actually 32bit is about 3.25gb of ram. the i7 now has a different memory controller than what we are used to in computers. everything with it likes to be run in sets of 3, not pairs. so 3gb is under shooting our ram and 6gb is over but no big deal. this ram is dirt cheap. the amd opteron i built about 4 years ago or so was over 100$ per gb for ram. this build its about 130-200$ for 6gb of ram! plus we have the perfect path for when we are ready to go into 64bit os.

[Keybeeetsss]

actually 32bit is about 3.25gb of ram.
Actually its 3.5gb with the newer bios(@ least on the UD4P) but I'd imagine its that way for all...

& just for Beau, I've always been an NVIDIA user; I tried ATI once & I sent it back the next day...thatz just my experience w/ATI tho...

[guitardom]

Actually its 3.5gb with the newer bios(@ least on the UD4P) but I'd imagine its that way for all...

& just for Beau, I've always been an NVIDIA user; I tried ATI once & I sent it back the next day...thatz just my experience w/ATI tho...

yea i believe you are right. mine does come up at 3.25 but i believe that has something to do with the vid card you choose as well. maybe when mykhal gets back he can clear that up for us and me, or if sunburst is around.

yea i have had 1 issue with nvidia in the past but thats been it. still use them from time to time. on my i7 i actually have an nvidia 9800gt and an ati 4350 i was testing with. stuck with the ati since its 256mb of ram and the nvidia is 512 and the difference is noticable.

[Keybeeetsss]

Yeah its jus about preference pretty much.. (jus pointing this out for the newer guys so we don't get the millionth question about why to not get a X Video card) :D

[nikki-k]

Hey Kris75 and Guitardom!
Ive been reading your posts on here for quite some time, and well, i am hoping someone can please give me an updated list of a build that will utterly destroy. I read the first 30 pages of this thread and i feel that some of those earlier builds may be outdated now because of how old those posts are? If you can point me in the right direction, as im looking to build in 2 weeks from now. Thanks my fellow pc friends :-p
The problem is a current one.. NOT a future one.

Currently, PT is hit or miss with W7x64; XP 32 is still the preferred OS. Thus, there is a hard 4G limit on physical RAM being seen, and of that, video and OS will eat a nice chunk; with video, the larger the VRAM, the more it will "eat."

With a 64-bit Windows OS, the offset of even a 1G VRAM loaded video card can play only a negligible part. For instance, I am running an i7 920 on a Giga EX58-UD5 with 12G of RAM with Windows 7 x64. And using Cubase plus 64-bit plugins, such as Superior 2 x64, I can load that sucker up with, say, 6G of drum samples in the single instance if I choose to. My ~800M VRAM loaded GTX275 video card is plenty happy, as is Windows, as is my Gigabyte motherboard.

PT LE 8.03 OTOH.. well... it dropped the soap, and now you can hear a pin drop as we wait to see what happens next... But, I know that some day it will work. I am NOT going to short change my system because of one app. If PT is the one app you need to use, and need to use it today... go for a cheap vid card until things change. Think of it as "backup soap."

[Shan]

Thanks cwsand and guitardom!
Is there any particular reason for max 512mb video card?

In simple terms, the less amount of memory on the graphics card, the more the system has to use. Something to consider when using a 32-bit OS, though there is the odd workaround.

Shane

[jcolagross]

A couple of months ago, I posted that I wanted to build the ultimate PC to replace my Mac. You guys were very helpful and provided me the links and specs and I came up with the perfect computer. I found a guy on Ebay, with good feedback, that would build it cheaper than I could get the parts for. I paid him December 15th. It's now been a month and a half. I contacted Paypal and they are reimbursing me the money. I still want to have one built. I'm just not sure I want to get into it myself. This is for my business, so I want to make sure it is just as reliable as an off the shelf Mac. Do you guys know who I should contact? The specs are basically from the i7 thread. I will only deal with someone that I can verify and I prefer to pay through Paypal or VISA. I would love to try and build it myself, but when I read this thread and see terms like "DO', "overclocking" "bios settings" and "sandra reports", it just makes my head swim. I don't even want to be a computer tech. I have a recording studio that I need to keep running to pay the bills. I just want easy, fast, and reliable. I had that with my MacG5, but the VI I'm using now are needing a faster computer and I can't afford a MAC. Now if you guys told me that there is a place I can see very easy, "LEGO block-simple" instructions on doing this, then I'm more than willing. Thanks

[Beau_McKee]

thankyou for all the tips guys. I will let you know my progress on my build. I leave to tour japan and australia for the rest of the month, but I start building at the end of feb. I agree that maybe there should be a mod thread on all the tweaking and overclocking tips for i7, if someone is willing to make one? I just feel with 200 plus pages, it's a tough read for a rapidly growing thread! Actually guitardom and mykhal that was going to be my next question after building, what to tweak in bios for overclock and windows settings other than the normal. How much I can push overclock etc. I just hope everyone isn't burdening you guys with the same questions - because all these tips are invaluable and I'd hate for you all to get annoyed!

[Keybeeetsss]

I leave to tour japan and australia for the rest of the month,
Japan is my fave place!!! I love how the women just pull on u(which means Com'ere:D) & just smile:D:D:D

[godhatesusall]

Hi everyone, im new to all of this and what i know about computers is prob not worth knowing.

Reading the posts on here has been very enlightning (also scary) as to whats required to build a reliable/killer rig.

On the first page i see i7 builds that i asume to be tried and true setups for running PT.

Q: would it be to simplistic of me to just copy the best performed rig (Dverb test) and expect the same performance and reliability.

I do understand that there are optimizations and tweaks that play a big part in all of this, but for the moment i just need to get the guts of it right and get it built.

I see quite a few of you guys have great experiance in this (thanks for being on here and helping the rest of us out) im sure it must be tedious at times :-)
Apologies if i ask about sumthin already coverd or silly, i'll try to find and make sence of things before asking.

Warren

[Keybeeetsss]

OK Warren, I'm afraid for me, I can't begin answering anything I see from u with a name like that(& I don't mean Warren)...

[guitardom]

OK Warren, I'm afraid for me, I can't begin answering anything I see from u with a name like that(& I don't mean Warren)...

dont be afraid....its ok......just be happy:-)
its actually a slayer reference, so even less scary:D

but to the o.p.;)

you can get most any of the builds from the first page and they should be fine. the dverb difference is just gonna be more tweaking than anything. the only issues might be getting the vid card and ram, they change regularly. but if you go back from here just 2-3 pages i have links to modern parts that will work fine for the vid and ram. the only BIG variable is the motherboard. i would recomend ud3r on the cheap side and the ud5 which has the benefit of holding more ram if you can spring for it. any questions, just post.

[Melthoven]

alright my tower is built but when i turn it on i keep getting this meassage saying,

IDE channel. master disk hdd S.M.A.R.T capability........ disabled. pci devices listing. then at teh bottom of the screen it gets stuck saying VERIFYING DMI POOL DATA.

CAN SOMEONE HELP WITH THIS? I BELIEVE MY CONNECTIONS ARE RIGHT.
PART LISTING
MSI 24X DVD Burner Black SATA Model DH-24AAS-17 R

[COOLER MASTER Storm Scout SGC-2000-KKN1-GP Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case -

Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

HIS H465FS512H Radeon HD 4650 512MB 128-bit DDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card

CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 ...

OCZ Gold 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Low Voltage Desktop Memory Model OCZ3G1600LV6GK

GIGABYTE GA-EX58-UD3R LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard -

Intel Core i7-920 Bloomfield 2.66GHz LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor [/SIZE]

[Keybeeetsss]

alright my tower is built but when i turn it on i keep getting this meassage saying,

IDE channel. master disk hdd S.M.A.R.T capability........ disabled. pci devices listing. then at teh bottom of the screen it gets stuck saying VERIFYING DMI POOL DATA.


LOOK (http://lmgtfy.com/?q=+IDE+channel.+master+disk+hdd+S.M.A.R.T+capabil ity........+disabled.+)

[jcolagross]

I have a 1 room setup. I need the quietest possible PC. I will be sticking with the MOBO, memory, vid card, etc that are recommended her on Page 1. Besides these, Are the Acousticase Soundmaster case, Thermalright 1366RT 1000rpm fan cooler, 120mm Acoustifans, and Seasonic Modular 650w gold power supply quieter than the Antec case and Zalman build that many seem to choose?

[Keybeeetsss]

I have a 1 room setup. I need the quietest possible PC. I will be sticking with the MOBO, memory, vid card, etc that are recommended her on Page 1. Besides these, Are the Acousticase Soundmaster case, Thermalright 1366RT 1000rpm fan cooler, 120mm Acoustifans, and Seasonic Modular 650w gold power supply quieter than the Antec case and Zalman build that many seem to choose?
Really? I don't think anyone can truthfully answer this unless they have all the hardware for comparison...

[albee1952]

I have a 1 room setup. I need the quietest possible PC. I will be sticking with the MOBO, memory, vid card, etc that are recommended her on Page 1. Besides these, Are the Acousticase Soundmaster case, Thermalright 1366RT 1000rpm fan cooler, 120mm Acoustifans, and Seasonic Modular 650w gold power supply quieter than the Antec case and Zalman build that many seem to choose?
Sadly, KB is right on this one so cross your fingers. In any case, you could also look at the Antec P180 full tower. The plastic sandwich panels are pretty darn quiet. What worked for me in my former one-room setup was to build a plywood box(oak with nice edging) several inches larger and deeper than the tower. I lined the box(open on front and rear) with Auralex Sheetblock, Then lined the sides and top with 2 inch wedge foam and slid the tower in. The back of the box was a foot deeper than the tower and the 2 inch foam extended all the way to the end of the box. I recorded vocals and acoustics 6 feet away with no noise issues(standard case and PSU). I placed the box towards the corner and used VGA and USB extension cables.

[jcolagross]

Really? I don't think anyone can truthfully answer this unless they have all the hardware for comparison...

If you look back, I was ASKING are they quieter? I don't know- I'm asking you guys if you knew. Thanks for the repsonses.

[Jeff_C]

Try these folks:
http://www.endpcnoise.com/
http://www.quietpc.com/

I've bought stuff from both over the years and have been pleased. They'll know what's quietest.

[Keybeeetsss]

If you look back, I was ASKING are they quieter? I don't know- I'm asking you guys if you knew. Thanks for the repsonses.
I know what u asked which is why I answered as I did... We dont kno either... No way to compare...

[Shan]

I have a 1 room setup. I need the quietest possible PC. I will be sticking with the MOBO, memory, vid card, etc that are recommended her on Page 1. Besides these, Are the Acousticase Soundmaster case, Thermalright 1366RT 1000rpm fan cooler, 120mm Acoustifans, and Seasonic Modular 650w gold power supply quieter than the Antec case and Zalman build that many seem to choose?

This mod from AlexLakis in the original Quadzilla thread cost him $60 and made his rig dead quite (http://duc.digidesign.com/showpost.php?p=1028393&postcount=2047). Something to note is that these Opteron systems were LOUD. Once those CPU fans got spinning, you had two tornado's of Opteron Quadzilla power. :D He managed to drop the noise of the rig down by a huge 30db which is impressive. Shoot Alex an email and he might chime in.

Also, Quitepc has been an excellent source (http://www.quietpcusa.com/) for quite a few years now. Worth checking out.

Hope that helps.

Shane

[godhatesusall]

OK Warren, I'm afraid for me, I can't begin answering anything I see from u with a name like that(& I don't mean Warren)...
i certainly dont want to alienate and offend anyone here, so more than happy to change my user name.
been looking for how to do that but cant seem to find anything.
W

[guitardom]

i certainly dont want to alienate and offend anyone here, so more than happy to change my user name.
been looking for how to do that but cant seem to find anything.
W

if your gonna hang around with us, and you are more than welcome, getting to know our sense of humor is first on the list:D (especially key, i think he scares people sometimes;):D)

[Keybeeetsss]

if your gonna hang around with us, and you are more than welcome, getting to know our sense of humor is first on the list:D (especially key, i think he scares people sometimes;):D)
:eek:)_____(:eek: (http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1045014/SouthPark%20bites/NO%20TH-THATZ%20JUS.wav)






{for the neewbs; always click the blanks when u see me do that}

[godhatesusall]

if your gonna hang around with us, and you are more than welcome, getting to know our sense of humor is first on the list:D (especially key, i think he scares people sometimes;):D)

nice! i like you guys already :D

exept maybe keyb - im so slow lol

[godhatesusall]

hi, hope u all doin well :D
well after doin much browsing of this thread im starting to feel more comfortable about this whole process (although i dont fully understand the nitty gritty tech stuff):eek:

i've put together a build based on what i've picked up from here, not all componets could be mached exactly so i hope the alternatives i've found will be fine (highlighted in red are my preferd options)

though i've done sum homework, it wouldnt suprise if i've overlooked some things - your opinions and guidance greatly appreciated :-)

OS
XP Pro / SP3 / 32bit
http://extra-soft.com/shop/item/49/
Windows 7 pro / 32bit
http://extra-soft.com/shop/item/395/

MOTHERBOARD
GIGABYTE GA-EX58-UD5 LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.skycomp.com.au/product.aspx?id=201188 (http://www.skycomp.com.au/product.aspx?id=201188)
Gigabyte GA-EX58-UD3R_[Intel_X58/LGA1366/DDR3/ATX]
http://www.lmc.com.au/products/Motherboard/Gigabyte/568430/Gigabyte_GA-EX58-UD3R_[Intel_X58/LGA1366/DDR3/ATX]

VIDEO CARD
HIS Radeon HD 4650 1080p HDMI PCI EXP 512MB Video Card
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/HIS-Radeon-HD-4650-1080p-HDMI-PCI-EXP-512MB-Video-Card_W0QQitemZ120507873177QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_15?hash=item1c0ed43799
HIS ATI HD4650 PCI-E 2.0 512MB 128-bit GDDR2, 600 800MHz, Dual Link DVI VGA HDMI, HDCP, Fan
http://www.skycomp.com.au/product.aspx?id=194201

COOLING
Thermalright Ultra-120 eXtreme 1366 RT with fan, 120mm heatsink Supports Intel Core i7 965XE 940 920 P, Ultra low
http://www.skycomp.com.au/product.aspx?id=188255

RAM
CORSAIR XMS3 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CMX6GX3M3C1600C7
http://www.skycomp.com.au/product.aspx?id=196637
http://www.skycomp.com.au/product.aspx?id=182953

PSU
Corsair HX-650 650W ATX Modular Power Supply, 120mm fan, Dual PCI-E Graphics Card Connector, 4 SAT
http://www.skycomp.com.au/product.aspx?id=196988
COOLER MASTER SILENT PRO M700W POWER SUPPLY
http://www.skycomp.com.au/product.aspx?id=177552

PROCESSOR
Intel Core i7-920 Bloomfield 2.66GHz 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor
http://www.lmc.com.au/products/CPU/Intel/567297/Intel_Core_i7_920_[2.6GHz/4.8GT_QPI/8MB/LGA1366]_

[B]DRIVES
Western Digital Caviar Black WD5001AALS 500GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive (3 off)
http://www.lmc.com.au/products/Hard_Disk_Drive_and_Enclosure/Western_Digital/568111/WD_500Gb_7200rpm_32Mb_3.5/%22_SATA_II_[WD5001AAlS]

CASE
COOLER MASTER RC-690 BLACK TOP I O WITH NO PSU PC CASE
http://www.skycomp.com.au/product.aspx?id=99328

MONITOR
AOC 2436Vwh 23.6" Widescreen LCD Monitor
http://www.skycomp.com.au/product.aspx?id=195284

FLOPPY / CD DRIVES
SONY BLACK INT 3.5" FLOPPY DRIVE
http://www.skycomp.com.au/product.aspx?id=95

ASUS DRW-24B1ST 24xDVD-RW, 12xDVD+-RW, 40xCDRW, SATA, NER08
http://www.skycomp.com.au/product.aspx?id=186131

KEYBOARD / MOUSE
LOGITECH CORDLESS DESKTOP EX90 USB BLACK WINDOWS XP
http://www.skycomp.com.au/product.aspx?id=49838

thanks heaps
W
ps: hope the links work ok, wasnt sure what i was doin with that... lol

[Shan]

OS
XP Pro / SP3 / 32bit
http://extra-soft.com/shop/item/49/
Windows 7 pro / 32bit
http://extra-soft.com/shop/item/395/



Dual boot these.

...and leave out the floppy drive. ;) :D

Shane

[godhatesusall]

Dual boot these.

...and leave out the floppy drive. ;) :D

Shane

hey Shane
regarding the 3 Hard Drives and Dual Booting - would it resemble sumthin like this.
Drive 1 - partitioned in half (250gb each) and dual boot setup
1 partition dedicated to running XP Pro / ProTools
1 partition dedicated to running Windows 7 / and all it's junk

could i run Illustrator / photo shop on Windows 7 partition and not interfer with PT? - not sure how this dual boot thing works

Drive 2 - PT Audio files

Drive 3 - Samples etc

is there any need to partition Drives 2-3?
cheerz:D
W
oh... is there a benifit in buying the more expensive RAM? the spec seemed pretty similar to me - thanks again :-)

[jcolagross]

There's a $100 difference between the Gigabyte UD3 and the UD5. What am I gaining and losing between them? I run PT8 with DIGI002R. I'm slao looking at a Nexus Clodius case on a "Quiet Pc" site that is on sale for $49. Any opinions on it? Thank you for your help.

[Keybeeetsss]

There's a $100 difference between the Gigabyte UD3 and the UD5. What am I gaining and losing between them?
if u go to 64bit OS, then u get 2 extra RAM slots with the 5 meaning 24gig vs 16gig...

even if u stay with 32bit OS, with the 5, ur BIOS allows u to go up to 3.5g of ram vs 3.25... few more things but those are important...

[Shan]

hey Shane
regarding the 3 Hard Drives and Dual Booting - would it resemble sumthin like this.
Drive 1 - partitioned in half (250gb each) and dual boot setup
1 partition dedicated to running XP Pro / ProTools
1 partition dedicated to running Windows 7 / and all it's junk

could i run Illustrator / photo shop on Windows 7 partition and not interfer with PT? - not sure how this dual boot thing works

Drive 2 - PT Audio files

Drive 3 - Samples etc

is there any need to partition Drives 2-3?


If it was me, Drive 1 would have 3 partitions and do a triple boot. XP with Pro Tools only, W7 64 with Pro Tools only, W7 64 with Photoshop, Illustrator and everything else. Your drive 2 and 3 are good to go.

Shane

[jcolagross]

In relation to ProTools, what difference (track count, VI, etc) is there between keeping the stock i7 specs and overclocking and if I decide not to overclock, do I still need a third party cpu cooler or is the one with the i7 chip enough? Lastly, if I do choose to overclock, what danger is there to my system? If I want quiet and reliable should I just leave it stock? I appreciate you guys taking your time to help others!

[cwsand]

Hard to say though you could check out the DVerb test results on the first few pages to get an idea. It depends on the number of tracks and plugins and which kinds of plugins, but it stands to reason you'll be able to push it more with a properly o/c'd system. Check out the links to the o/c guides on the first page - if you follow those guidelines then you shouldn't do any damage to your system.

[guitardom]

hey Shane
regarding the 3 Hard Drives and Dual Booting - would it resemble sumthin like this.
Drive 1 - partitioned in half (250gb each) and dual boot setup
1 partition dedicated to running XP Pro / ProTools
1 partition dedicated to running Windows 7 / and all it's junk

could i run Illustrator / photo shop on Windows 7 partition and not interfer with PT? - not sure how this dual boot thing works

Drive 2 - PT Audio files

Drive 3 - Samples etc

is there any need to partition Drives 2-3?
cheerz:D
W
oh... is there a benifit in buying the more expensive RAM? the spec seemed pretty similar to me - thanks again :-)

i am with shane on the os drive. i would also partition the audio drive. the first reason being maitnenace, second being backups. i do not like to let that much audio data sit on one drive. i backup like crazy, but you never know. i force myself to keep ONLY working albums on my internal and pull off any albums that are not being worked on for a few months and keep every thing fresh. a partition if nothing else you give you a quick place to "store" stuff temporarily as well.

samples drive is situation dependant. i like to keep my reason and bfd banks on different drives. but that is a whole nother issue. not as big of a deal though.

[guitardom]

hey Shane
regarding the 3 Hard Drives and Dual Booting - would it resemble sumthin like this.
Drive 1 - partitioned in half (250gb each) and dual boot setup
1 partition dedicated to running XP Pro / ProTools
1 partition dedicated to running Windows 7 / and all it's junk

could i run Illustrator / photo shop on Windows 7 partition and not interfer with PT? - not sure how this dual boot thing works

Drive 2 - PT Audio files

Drive 3 - Samples etc

is there any need to partition Drives 2-3?
cheerz:D
W
oh... is there a benifit in buying the more expensive RAM? the spec seemed pretty similar to me - thanks again :-)

oh and the ram:

the more expensive ram typically has tighter timings. more stable and quicker throughput. not a huge issue as even the looser timings on this ram is still screaming fast compared to everything else we have used in the past.

[guitardom]

In relation to ProTools, what difference (track count, VI, etc) is there between keeping the stock i7 specs and overclocking and if I decide not to overclock, do I still need a third party cpu cooler or is the one with the i7 chip enough? Lastly, if I do choose to overclock, what danger is there to my system? If I want quiet and reliable should I just leave it stock? I appreciate you guys taking your time to help others!

yes the numbers get quite impressive as you oc. but in most reality, many will NEVER use the extra power that is being gained by oc'ing.

the cooler is VERY important in my book regardless. keeping that cpu cool is vital to the stability and life of your system. the stock will typically be more noisy and less cooling abilities than most any third party.

the danger is burning everything up. it can happen, but seems less likely w the i7 than many past machines except for the ram, which is much more picky on votages on the i7.

you can have a quiet oc'd machine, but of course will take a bit more time as you machine will run hotter which means you need better cooling ,which might mean your fans have to run faster or more fans added.

[guitardom]

hi, hope u all doin well :D
well after doin much browsing of this thread im starting to feel more comfortable about this whole process (although i dont fully understand the nitty gritty tech stuff):eek:

i've put together a build based on what i've picked up from here, not all componets could be mached exactly so i hope the alternatives i've found will be fine (highlighted in red are my preferd options)

though i've done sum homework, it wouldnt suprise if i've overlooked some things - your opinions and guidance greatly appreciated :-)

OS
XP Pro / SP3 / 32bit
http://extra-soft.com/shop/item/49/
Windows 7 pro / 32bit
http://extra-soft.com/shop/item/395/

MOTHERBOARD
GIGABYTE GA-EX58-UD5 LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.skycomp.com.au/product.aspx?id=201188 (http://www.skycomp.com.au/product.aspx?id=201188)
Gigabyte GA-EX58-UD3R_[Intel_X58/LGA1366/DDR3/ATX]
http://www.lmc.com.au/products/Motherboard/Gigabyte/568430/Gigabyte_GA-EX58-UD3R_[Intel_X58/LGA1366/DDR3/ATX]

VIDEO CARD
HIS Radeon HD 4650 1080p HDMI PCI EXP 512MB Video Card
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/HIS-Radeon-HD-4650-1080p-HDMI-PCI-EXP-512MB-Video-Card_W0QQitemZ120507873177QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_15?hash=item1c0ed43799
HIS ATI HD4650 PCI-E 2.0 512MB 128-bit GDDR2, 600 800MHz, Dual Link DVI VGA HDMI, HDCP, Fan
http://www.skycomp.com.au/product.aspx?id=194201

COOLING
Thermalright Ultra-120 eXtreme 1366 RT with fan, 120mm heatsink Supports Intel Core i7 965XE 940 920 P, Ultra low
http://www.skycomp.com.au/product.aspx?id=188255

RAM
CORSAIR XMS3 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CMX6GX3M3C1600C7
http://www.skycomp.com.au/product.aspx?id=196637
http://www.skycomp.com.au/product.aspx?id=182953

PSU
Corsair HX-650 650W ATX Modular Power Supply, 120mm fan, Dual PCI-E Graphics Card Connector, 4 SAT
http://www.skycomp.com.au/product.aspx?id=196988
COOLER MASTER SILENT PRO M700W POWER SUPPLY
http://www.skycomp.com.au/product.aspx?id=177552

PROCESSOR
Intel Core i7-920 Bloomfield 2.66GHz 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor
http://www.lmc.com.au/products/CPU/Intel/567297/Intel_Core_i7_920_[2.6GHz/4.8GT_QPI/8MB/LGA1366]_

[B]DRIVES
Western Digital Caviar Black WD5001AALS 500GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive (3 off)
http://www.lmc.com.au/products/Hard_Disk_Drive_and_Enclosure/Western_Digital/568111/WD_500Gb_7200rpm_32Mb_3.5/%22_SATA_II_[WD5001AAlS]

CASE
COOLER MASTER RC-690 BLACK TOP I O WITH NO PSU PC CASE
http://www.skycomp.com.au/product.aspx?id=99328

MONITOR
AOC 2436Vwh 23.6" Widescreen LCD Monitor
http://www.skycomp.com.au/product.aspx?id=195284

FLOPPY / CD DRIVES
SONY BLACK INT 3.5" FLOPPY DRIVE
http://www.skycomp.com.au/product.aspx?id=95

ASUS DRW-24B1ST 24xDVD-RW, 12xDVD+-RW, 40xCDRW, SATA, NER08
http://www.skycomp.com.au/product.aspx?id=186131

KEYBOARD / MOUSE
LOGITECH CORDLESS DESKTOP EX90 USB BLACK WINDOWS XP
http://www.skycomp.com.au/product.aspx?id=49838

thanks heaps
W
ps: hope the links work ok, wasnt sure what i was doin with that... lol

everything looks good. really up to your preference.

i would choose the ati vid card.

motherboard would be situation dependant. if you think you will use the extra ram slots and worth the money to you, go w the 5.

i would go w the corsair psu.

i would scrap the cordless mouse/keyboard. can be fine, but some machines will not support it to get in the bios and such.

either ram is fine, thought the second link has better timings, its not vital.

[Shan]

i would choose the ati vid card.



+1! Me and x9blade tested 9 of the most recent NVIDIA GeForce 7600 drivers and all of them cause -6031 errors. Using the default Windows driver gets rid of the error but your limited in the resolution when using larger monitors.

Shane

[godhatesusall]

If it was me, Drive 1 would have 3 partitions and do a triple boot. XP with Pro Tools only, W7 64 with Pro Tools only, W7 64 with Photoshop, Illustrator and everything else. Your drive 2 and 3 are good to go.

Shane

I like it, I like it a lot :D – so if I choose to run PT on W7 64 in the future I would be better off getting the UD5 mobo - From what I can gather, the UD5 would be better if wanting to move to a 64bit os, where the extra ram slots would be useful….. sumthin like that right lol

also noted that PT and 64bit os's dont seem to be working well together at the mo.
I can’t see myself needing to pull the sort of performance you guys are running at, but I do like plenty of headroom and the option of moving to a 64bit os down the road (when it's reliable)

W

[godhatesusall]

i am with shane on the os drive. i would also partition the audio drive. the first reason being maitnenace, second being backups. i do not like to let that much audio data sit on one drive. i backup like crazy, but you never know. i force myself to keep ONLY working albums on my internal and pull off any albums that are not being worked on for a few months and keep every thing fresh. a partition if nothing else you give you a quick place to "store" stuff temporarily as well.

samples drive is situation dependant. i like to keep my reason and bfd banks on different drives. but that is a whole nother issue. not as big of a deal though.

Hi Guitardom
exellent stuff..... you guy's are really giving me a taste for all this :D

You also backup to an exteral drive, right? - prob. best to keep to same spec as internal drive's i asume (for consistancy)

I will take your and Shane's advice and start getting the parts together ASAP;)

I found an artical on building your own PC (for begginers) fond it gave me confidence to take on the build myself (with a little help from my friends offcourse:-)) hopefully sum others might find it helpful too
http://www.buildeasypc.com/

Many thanks
W

[Shan]

You also backup to an exteral drive, right? - prob. best to keep to same spec as internal drive's i asume (for consistancy)

If it doesn't exist in 3 places...it doesn't exist. :cool: You also need TrueImage (http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing/products/trueimage/) or something similar to image your system.

Shane

[guitardom]

I like it, I like it a lot :D – so if I choose to run PT on W7 64 in the future I would be better off getting the UD5 mobo - From what I can gather, the UD5 would be better if wanting to move to a 64bit os, where the extra ram slots would be useful….. sumthin like that right lol

also noted that PT and 64bit os's dont seem to be working well together at the mo.
I can’t see myself needing to pull the sort of performance you guys are running at, but I do like plenty of headroom and the option of moving to a 64bit os down the road (when it's reliable)

W

not necessarily. situation dependent. if you are buying these parts with no plans to upgrade. not a HEAVY vi user, and just use a basic synth or 2 or just a drum sampler and such you will be fine.

i probably would not benefit or have a need for all the extra ram, so was not a concern to me. i deal with mainly audio and the only vi i really use is bfd2. when 64 bit is functioning and supported properly i might consider upgrading just because it makes me happy:D not cause i need to.

so just a decision for you to make on your needs.

[guitardom]

Hi Guitardom
exellent stuff..... you guy's are really giving me a taste for all this :D

You also backup to an exteral drive, right? - prob. best to keep to same spec as internal drive's i asume (for consistancy)

I will take your and Shane's advice and start getting the parts together ASAP;)

I found an artical on building your own PC (for begginers) fond it gave me confidence to take on the build myself (with a little help from my friends offcourse:-)) hopefully sum others might find it helpful too
http://www.buildeasypc.com/

Many thanks
W

yes i keep every session backed up on 2 external drives, and 1-2 places on internal drive. then archived on dvd's and a hard drive when finished. so i got a pretty good stack of hard drives. a lot of time when drives are full or whatever for projects i pull them out of the internal closure and pop a new drive in.

the ONE thing i would change is trying to stick to 1 brand of external closures. i have at least 4 externals at any time a few feet away from me and more stacked in the back, and the issue of digging up the different power supply cables and usb-mini usb- firewire cables, gets to be a hassle. would be nice to have them all the same. this has been on my mind as i have been buying newer external enclosures.

no it does not need to be an identical or same size external drive at all. i buy pretty large external drives and smaller internals. and typically wait till i see some on sale and buy a couple at a time.

oh and shan recomended acronis true image. learn it, live it, love it. do NOT pass this up. i understand though w7 has cloning built in now, but i do not really know any details of it. but this will save you HOURS in the future, MANY HOURS AND HOURS AND HOURS AND HASSLES!!!!!!!!!!

[godhatesusall]

If it doesn't exist in 3 places...it doesn't exist. :cool: You also need TrueImage (http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing/products/trueimage/) or something similar to image your system.

Shane

:cool:

[godhatesusall]

not necessarily. situation dependent. if you are buying these parts with no plans to upgrade. not a HEAVY vi user, and just use a basic synth or 2 or just a drum sampler and such you will be fine.

i probably would not benefit or have a need for all the extra ram, so was not a concern to me. i deal with mainly audio and the only vi i really use is bfd2. when 64 bit is functioning and supported properly i might consider upgrading just because it makes me happy:D not cause i need to.

so just a decision for you to make on your needs.

yeah, wont be using much vi (he say's now lol)
at the mo i have a mbox mini PT 8.00 - I can see myself wanting to upgrade these in the future maybe, but really at the mo i will get a lot of milage out of this setup - once the CPU is sorted i want to buy a nice mic ;)

think i'll spring for the UD5 (makes me happy toooo..) :D

[Shan]

oh and shan recomended acronis true image. learn it, live it, love it. do NOT pass this up. i understand though w7 has cloning built in now, but i do not really know any details of it. but this will save you HOURS in the future, MANY HOURS AND HOURS AND HOURS AND HASSLES!!!!!!!!!!

Ditto that. Another good investment that hopefully will never have to be used is Steve Gibson's SpinRite (http://www.grc.com/sr/spinrite.htm). I've seen that recover drives that a recovery place couldn't even salvage.

Hard Drive cases (http://www.wiebetech.com/products/cases.php).

External SATA (http://www.thermaltakeusa.com/Product.aspx?S=1268&ID=1731).

Shane

[godhatesusall]

oh and shan recomended acronis true image. learn it, live it, love it. do NOT pass this up. i understand though w7 has cloning built in now, but i do not really know any details of it. but this will save you HOURS in the future, MANY HOURS AND HOURS AND HOURS AND HASSLES!!!!!!!!!![/QUOTE]

will do ;)

[bgronas]

hi, hope u all doin well :D
well after doin much browsing of this thread im starting to feel more comfortable about this whole process (although i dont fully understand the nitty gritty tech stuff):eek:

i've put together a build based on what i've picked up from here, not all componets could be mached exactly so i hope the alternatives i've found will be fine (highlighted in red are my preferd options)

though i've done sum homework, it wouldnt suprise if i've overlooked some things - your opinions and guidance greatly appreciated :-)

OS
XP Pro / SP3 / 32bit
http://extra-soft.com/shop/item/49/
Windows 7 pro / 32bit
http://extra-soft.com/shop/item/395/

MOTHERBOARD
GIGABYTE GA-EX58-UD5 LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.skycomp.com.au/product.aspx?id=201188 (http://www.skycomp.com.au/product.aspx?id=201188)
Gigabyte GA-EX58-UD3R_[Intel_X58/LGA1366/DDR3/ATX]
http://www.lmc.com.au/products/Motherboard/Gigabyte/568430/Gigabyte_GA-EX58-UD3R_[Intel_X58/LGA1366/DDR3/ATX]

VIDEO CARD
HIS Radeon HD 4650 1080p HDMI PCI EXP 512MB Video Card
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/HIS-Radeon-HD-4650-1080p-HDMI-PCI-EXP-512MB-Video-Card_W0QQitemZ120507873177QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_15?hash=item1c0ed43799
HIS ATI HD4650 PCI-E 2.0 512MB 128-bit GDDR2, 600 800MHz, Dual Link DVI VGA HDMI, HDCP, Fan
http://www.skycomp.com.au/product.aspx?id=194201

COOLING
Thermalright Ultra-120 eXtreme 1366 RT with fan, 120mm heatsink Supports Intel Core i7 965XE 940 920 P, Ultra low
http://www.skycomp.com.au/product.aspx?id=188255

RAM
CORSAIR XMS3 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CMX6GX3M3C1600C7
http://www.skycomp.com.au/product.aspx?id=196637
http://www.skycomp.com.au/product.aspx?id=182953

PSU
Corsair HX-650 650W ATX Modular Power Supply, 120mm fan, Dual PCI-E Graphics Card Connector, 4 SAT
http://www.skycomp.com.au/product.aspx?id=196988
COOLER MASTER SILENT PRO M700W POWER SUPPLY
http://www.skycomp.com.au/product.aspx?id=177552

PROCESSOR
Intel Core i7-920 Bloomfield 2.66GHz 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor
http://www.lmc.com.au/products/CPU/Intel/567297/Intel_Core_i7_920_[2.6GHz/4.8GT_QPI/8MB/LGA1366]_

[B]DRIVES
Western Digital Caviar Black WD5001AALS 500GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive (3 off)
http://www.lmc.com.au/products/Hard_Disk_Drive_and_Enclosure/Western_Digital/568111/WD_500Gb_7200rpm_32Mb_3.5/%22_SATA_II_[WD5001AAlS]

CASE
COOLER MASTER RC-690 BLACK TOP I O WITH NO PSU PC CASE
http://www.skycomp.com.au/product.aspx?id=99328

MONITOR
AOC 2436Vwh 23.6" Widescreen LCD Monitor
http://www.skycomp.com.au/product.aspx?id=195284

FLOPPY / CD DRIVES
SONY BLACK INT 3.5" FLOPPY DRIVE
http://www.skycomp.com.au/product.aspx?id=95

ASUS DRW-24B1ST 24xDVD-RW, 12xDVD+-RW, 40xCDRW, SATA, NER08
http://www.skycomp.com.au/product.aspx?id=186131

KEYBOARD / MOUSE
LOGITECH CORDLESS DESKTOP EX90 USB BLACK WINDOWS XP
http://www.skycomp.com.au/product.aspx?id=49838

thanks heaps
W
ps: hope the links work ok, wasnt sure what i was doin with that... lol




HI,

Would this config work with:
1) Windows 7, x64
2) Mbox 2 PRO (firewire)

???????

Many thanx in advantage if someone can answer this :D

[cwsand]

HI,

Would this config work with:
1) Windows 7, x64
2) Mbox 2 PRO (firewire)

???????

Many thanx in advantage if someone can answer this :D

Try it and see!!:eek::D:eek:

[guitardom]

HI,

Would this config work with:
1) Windows 7, x64
2) Mbox 2 PRO (firewire)

???????

Many thanx in advantage if someone can answer this :D

yea should be fine. just realize he has 2 part options picked out to choose from, like on the mb, ram, vid card;)

[Melthoven]

CAN ANYONE GIVE ME TIPS ON INSTALLIN WINDOWS XP W/SP3 ON TO A NEW MOTHERBOARD? ARE THEIR CERTAIN STEPS I SHOULD TAKE OUTSIDE OF JUST LETTING WINDOWS BOOT?
:mad:
PART LISTING

Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

GIGABYTE GA-EX58-UD3R LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard -

Intel Core i7-920 Bloomfield 2.66GHz LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor [/SIZE]THERBOARD.?

[Shan]

CAN ANYONE GIVE ME TIPS ON INSTALLIN WINDOWS XP W/SP3 ON TO A NEW MOTHERBOARD? ARE THEIR CERTAIN STEPS I SHOULD TAKE OUTSIDE OF JUST LETTING WINDOWS BOOT?
:mad:

Welcome to the forum Melthoven. This type of question indicates a somewhat low level of computer skills and knowledge. I'd recommend getting a friend or someone in your area to give you a hand installing the O.S. and getting your system up and running.

How to install XP. (http://www.buildeasypc.com/sw/windows_xp.htm)

Keep us posted on your venture. There are many, many more steps to do after the O.S. is installed.

Shane

[Keybeeetsss]

^^^Shane said exactly(but not verbatim) what I thought when I read that post^^^

[DJBrohamBond]

Hello all! :-)

I've been studying this thread for 2 months (I took 113 pages of notes) now as I am attempting to create the Beast of all Beasts in order to run ProTools. Just some background - I am not new to audio production (12 years in) but I am new to ProTools :eek: !!!!!

I just wanted to post introducing myself to you all so I don't appear to be "that random guy" appearing on this post for help on a new build and disappearing right after my dverb test. :rolleyes:

I plan on submitting my build components within the next few days. . . any help would be deeply and greatly appreciated as I am a NOOB as far as computer building goes. Do not worry tho, I do have an bioengineering background so I think I can figure this stuff out upon a few google searches (more on this later). :o

Mykhal, guitardom, philip, keyb, shan and anyone I've missed - I feel like I already know you guys and ur personalities (I've spent hours upon hours on this thread, no lie) and I look forward to possibly joining your prestigious and cutting-edge community!!

Best,

Broham

P.S. The jokes yall drop are gut-shattering. Keyb's "Let me google that for you" are instant classics. . . omg. . . I was in my office and fell on the floor laughing :D :D :D. I can't wait to use it on some unsuspecting individual. . . "what is mbox micro - - - 'HE' knows" - - CLASSIC. LOL :D :D :D :D :p

[guitardom]

Hello all! :-)

I've been studying this thread for 2 months (I took 113 pages of notes) now as I am attempting to create the Beast of all Beasts in order to run ProTools. Just some background - I am not new to audio production (12 years in) but I am new to ProTools :eek: !!!!!

I just wanted to post introducing myself to you all so I don't appear to be "that random guy" appearing on this post for help on a new build and disappearing right after my dverb test. :rolleyes:

I plan on submitting my build components within the next few days. . . any help would be deeply and greatly appreciated as I am a NOOB as far as computer building goes. Do not worry tho, I do have an bioengineering background so I think I can figure this stuff out upon a few google searches (more on this later). :o

Mykhal, guitardom, philip, keyb, shan and anyone I've missed - I feel like I already know you guys and ur personalities (I've spent hours upon hours on this thread, no lie) and I look forward to possibly joining your prestigious and cutting-edge community!!

Best,

Broham

P.S. The jokes yall drop are gut-shattering. Keyb's "Let me google that for you" are instant classics. . . omg. . . I was in my office and fell on the floor laughing :D :D :D. I can't wait to use it on some unsuspecting individual. . . "what is mbox micro - - - 'HE' knows" - - CLASSIC. LOL :D :D :D :D :p

glad to have you;)

as far as your build. really comes down to how much future proofing you want to do, how much you want to spend, and what your work consists of.

most all of the builds have been pretty solid. this has been the most simple build that i know of.

if the cash is not the issue, gigabyte ud5, i7 920, 9-12gb of ddr3 1600-2100 with the best timings you can find in 2gb sticks. corsair 600-800w psu, wd black hd's and maybe a ssd boot drive if you can swing it ;) but not vital. i wont pay the current prices so trying to get someone else to do it and test:D and a good psu cooler, simple vid card.

but MANY compatible good parts are on the first page and has been a lot of spec'd builds that look good the 5-7 pages or so including links to vid cards and ram.

[DJBrohamBond]

glad to have you;)

as far as your build. really comes down to how much future proofing you want to do, how much you want to spend, and what your work consists of.

most all of the builds have been pretty solid. this has been the most simple build that i know of.

if the cash is not the issue, gigabyte ud5, i7 920, 9-12gb of ddr3 1600-2100 with the best timings you can find in 2gb sticks. corsair 600-800w psu, wd black hd's and maybe a ssd boot drive if you can swing it ;) but not vital. i wont pay the current prices so trying to get someone else to do it and test:D and a good psu cooler, simple vid card.

but MANY compatible good parts are on the first page and has been a lot of spec'd builds that look good the 5-7 pages or so including links to vid cards and ram.

Thanks! :D

Again, I'm a n00ber so pls bear with me. I think I'll have a good grip on what I'm doing once I get this bad boy runnin'.

I've definitely saved up a lot of money and the plan is on the lines of:
(dream build)
i7920,
12gb RAM OCZ Platinum ddr3 (2100 if enuff $) (gonna use 2gb sticks, need to review triple mode/switch stuff - or is that only for ud3?! aarhgh!:confused: so much information in brain!),
ud5,
3 wd black hds (tracking hd; library&VI hd; OS XP SP3 home/PT8 and Win7/PT 8and Win7/Adobe triple partition :eek:),
corsair 700w psu (again $ an issue) - not sure on fan and cooling yet,
only need a <=512 ati vid card that has double DVI output,
antec p180 full tower maybe.

I'll search back through the thread because I plan to implement a good cooling system (def. considering OCing) but can't think of a good one off the top of my head and I won't worry about noise because I will build that plywood noise canceling box described in the thread).

I REMEMBER you briefly talking about the solid state boot drive but I can't remember the benefits. From my research, I concluded that it would help my rig start up faster, faster access, and no file fragmentation. Furthermore, I'm guessing that I would put my OS's on this drive? I mean gollee, why not just track to a ssd also??? No bottlenecks! :eek:

My objective is to have the possibility of popping in one of those new, supersupped i7series when the price comes down and utilize all of my RAM and such when full W7*64bit compatibility comes to fruition! Also, I enjoy instant gratification - so when I have a musical idea, I HATE to be hampered by technological limitations, thus my attempt at an i7 build!

I will definitely compile a more thorough list for all willing to peruse prior to order!

I know there are other noobs and "ComputerSavyLess" people out there trying to perform the same build as I am. . . so I will try to share as many thoughts as possible and document the best I can!

A BIG, GRACIOUS THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP AND PATIENCE!!! :-) :D

[godhatesusall]

hey Guy's
i remember readin sumthin in this thread bout raid controllers or mobo's with raid but cant seem to find again.
any clues?
cheerz ;)
W

[Shan]

hey Guy's
i remember readin sumthin in this thread bout raid controllers or mobo's with raid but cant seem to find again.
any clues?
cheerz ;)
W

RAID is not supported in Pro Tools and has even been known to cause issues. It's to be kept off and disabled.

It would be great to see it supported one of these years as it's been a long standing FR but unfortunately, we're not there yet.

Shane

[godhatesusall]

If it was me, Drive 1 would have 3 partitions and do a triple boot. XP with Pro Tools only, W7 64 with Pro Tools only, W7 64 with Photoshop, Illustrator and everything else. Your drive 2 and 3 are good to go.

Shane

thanks for the RAID info - i did sum checking on raid and it was all positive so wanted to check cause i remembered sum issues with PT. your explination puts a full stop on it ;)

just sumthin regarding a triple boot system, could you have a internet connection isolated on just one OS and partition of a drive? so as to avoid nasties spreading throughout :eek:

thx W

[DJBrohamBond]

I'm back:o,

I really need sleep (the sun is about to rise here in Nashville) so I am going to post what I have thus far as far as a possible build. This seems really expensive in comparison to others (somewhat for obvious reasons). Please let me know your thoughts.

Following Warren's build post style:

PROTOOLS
ProTools LE 8.0.3 – with Windows 7 Audio Drivers Beta
Hardware: 003 Rack - $1,100.00

OS
XP Pro / SP3 / 32bit - $70.00
http://extra-soft.com/shop/item/49/
Windows 7 pro / 32bit - $100.00
http://extra-soft.com/shop/item/395/

MOTHERBOARD
GIGABYTE GA-X58A-UD5 LGA 1366 Intel X58 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard – Retail
SATA 3.0, USB 3.0, 3x USB power :eek: - $290.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128422&cm_re=ud5-_-13-128-422-_-Product

OR

GIGABYTE GA-EX58-UD5 LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard - $265.00 ($250 w/rebate)
http://www.skycomp.com.au/product.aspx?id=201188 (http://www.skycomp.com.au/product.aspx?id=201188)


VIDEO CARD
HIS H465FS512H Radeon HD 4650 512MB 128-bit DDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161303&cm_re=HIS_ATI_HD4650_PCI-E-_-14-161-303-_-Product – $50.00 – TOO MUCH?? :eek::confused:

COOLING
COOLER MASTER Intel Core i7 compatible Hyper N 520 RR-920-N520-GP 92mm Sleeve CPU Cooler - Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103057 - $45.00

RAM
Intel X58 chipset core i7 6GB kit à
2 xOCZ OCZ3P1333LV6GK DDR3 PC3-10666 1333 MHz 6GB Platinum XTC Triple Channel Kits
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B001IT2E42 - $150.00 unavailable from newegg
***** I am not quite 100% on my understanding of RAM. . . Are these timings too high? Too much latency from the optimal 7-7-7-24?? (this one is 8-8-8-24). I really need help with this decision.

PSU
CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Retailorsair HX-650 650W ATX Modular Power Supply, 120mm fan, Dual PCI-E Graphics Card Connector, 4 SAT
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006&cm_re=corsair_psu_i7-_-17-139-006-_-Product - $120.00

PROCESSOR
Intel Core i7-920 Bloomfield 2.66GHz LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80601920 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=i7+920&x=0&y=0 -$290.00 – NO MICROCENTER NEARBY L

DRIVES
3xWestern Digital Caviar Black WD7501AALS 750GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Hard Drive -Bare Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=western+digital+caviar+black+32+cache&x=0&y=0 - $80.00 each

OR

2xWD Black 750 gb - $80.00 each
AND
Patriot Torqx PFZ128GS25SSDR 2.5" 128GB SATA II Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220389&cm_re=ssd_128gb-_-20-220-389-_-Product
- $409.00, $384.00 after rebate :eek: ---- Gonna Have To Rig this with some support foam to fit it in the 3.5” slot

CASE
COOLER MASTER COSMOS 1000 RC-1000-KSN1-GP Black/ Silver Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Casehttp://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119138&Tpk=COOLER%20MASTER%20COSMOS%201000%20RC-1000-KSN1-GP%20Black%2f%20S – $180.00 - Overkill?? At least I wont have to build the plywood box. More portability if absolutely necessary.

MONITOR
AOC 2217V - 22" - widescreen TFT active matrix LCD display
http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=aoc+2217v&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&rlz=&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=17968075305544933081&ei=7atGS73DJYm0tgeYveTmAQ&sa=X&oi=product_catalog_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CBMQ8wIwAg#ps-sellers - <$159.00

DVD/CD DRIVES
ASUS DRW-24B1ST 24xDVD-RW, 12xDVD+-RW, 40xCDRW, SATA, NER08
http://www.skycomp.com.au/product.aspx?id=186131 - $60.00

KEYBOARD / MOUSE
Somethin’ Cheap from BestBuy with USB to PS/2 adapters!!! :D LOL



PRELIMINARY TOTALS:

OS – Authentic XP Pro 32bit/Win7 32bit- $170.00
MOBO – Gigabyte UD5 - $290.00
Video - $50.00
Cooler - $45.00
RAM – 2xOCZ Platinum 6GB (3x2gb) - $300
PSU – Corsair 750w - $120.00
Processor – i7 920 - $290.00
Drives - $240.00 (3xWD) or ($160.00 2xWD + $409.00 1xPatriot = $569.00 :eek:)
Case - $180.00
Monitor - $159.00
DVD/CD - $60.00

No SSD Build: $1904.00 :eek::eek:
SSD Build: $2233.00 :eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:



Anyone who has a moment to peruse and comment on these components, please let me know your thoughts. :o Where can I cut corners to get the costs down?



Thank you so much for your help! :-) Sleeep.


Broham

[Keybeeetsss]

Hello Broham:D

OK so the 12gig ram is a bit premature being that ur only buying 32bit OS', don't need an SSD but thatz ur choice; Case is a bit high but again, thatz to ur choosing; as for the OS', if ur buying XP & Win7, I would get 64bit Win7 for future planning but run XP rite now(but I say again, bla bla-u know;)) With that being said, the 12gig is fine, but even so, u can always buy more later, but I guess since ur spending, go ahead & get it now...


Looks like all the rest...Good;)

[Shan]

On the subject of SSD's, if one wants to be bleeding edge, get the fastest read/write speeds one can afford if the budget is there. Having the SSD as a C drive is quite noticeable when it comes to booting up the system and launching/running Pro Tools etc. We are now at the "appliance" level where you can press the power button and in a few seconds, the Windows desktop is in front of you. Read/Write speeds are essential for this though.

Keep in mind this is all bleeding edge and no SSD is currently qualified by Avidesign. Some homework done (http://duc.digidesign.com/showpost.php?p=1545428&postcount=30) by daeron80 on the subject regarding the cells (http://duc.digidesign.com/showpost.php?p=1545854&postcount=33) and life expectancy of the SSD.

The 6-core era will be getting lots of RAMDisk usage from myself and a handful of others. :D

Shane

[Shan]

OS
XP Pro / SP3 / 32bit - $70.00
http://extra-soft.com/shop/item/49/
Windows 7 pro / 32bit - $100.00
http://extra-soft.com/shop/item/395/



Dual boot these OS's. Keep one as your bleeding edge/current PT release system and the other as your solid/stable system with 8.0.1 on it. Also add TrueImage (http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing/products/trueimage/) to your shopping list.

Shane

[Shan]

I


Patriot Torqx PFZ128GS25SSDR 2.5" 128GB SATA II Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220389&cm_re=ssd_128gb-_-20-220-389-_-Product
- $409.00, $384.00 after rebate :eek: ---- Gonna Have To Rig this with some support foam to fit it in the 3.5” slot


There are many variations of 2.5" to 3.5" adapter brackets (http://tekgems.com/Products/tg-et-1620-ada-hd-108.htm) out there. If you need to keep costs down though, go with the regular SATA drives you had.

Shane

[mblanton66]

I have a similar build based on the Intel Smackover board. I have a buddy that works at Intel and got me an 80gig ssd at employee pricing ($150), and it's been a nice upgrade (boot drive). Oddly, XP doesn't load in a finger snap like I expected (more like 15-20), but dealing with large plugins (Oxford Reverb, Drumagog, AutoTune) while in a session is noticeably FAST. That's where an SSD shines.

I re-used all my old drives on this rebuild but otherwise have well under $1,000 in this pc. Working last night I realized: I have yet to see an error with PT8 on this i7 machine (been using for a couple months now). It was money well spent and those considering doing this will be glad when they finally do.

[Melthoven]

lol im sorry for the kindergarden question but this was my 1st time ever building a pc so i just wanted to get everything right. im am happy to say im typing on it as we speak. its working well so far. im yet to install protools will this week. are there any more adjustments i should make before that?


gigabyte ex58-ud3r/pt 8/ 003r/intel i7 920

[philip888]

lol im sorry for the kindergarden question but this was my 1st time ever building a pc so i just wanted to get everything right. im am happy to say im typing on it as we speak. its working well so far. im yet to install protools will this week. are there any more adjustments i should make before that?


gigabyte ex58-ud3r/pt 8/ 003r/intel i7 920


What OS are you on?

[Shan]

are there any more adjustments i should make before that?

Dont put your PT system on the internet. :eek: ;)

...and make images along the way.

Shane

[Melthoven]

Originally Posted by Melthoven
lol im sorry for the kindergarden question but this was my 1st time ever building a pc so i just wanted to get everything right. im am happy to say im typing on it as we speak. its working well so far. im yet to install protools will this week. are there any more adjustments i should make before that?


gigabyte ex58-ud3r/pt 8/ 003r/intel i7 920


What OS are you on?


i have windows xp home edition 32 bit. I'll never use my pt system for the internet already had my experiences witht he last pc.

[Melthoven]

check your email;)
im having the same issues with my ram at 1066, but i noticed the way to solve the problem was sent to an email :). it would be a blessing for you to share the knowledge with a guy like myself please .

[Ruudus]

Am looking at the Gigabyte X58A UD7's memory clock speeds...

800
1066
1333
2100

Does this mean that 1600Mhz sticks won't run unless overclocked? :confused:

[cwsand]

Am looking at the Gigabyte X58A UD7's memory clock speeds...

800
1066
1333
2100

Does this mean that 1600Mhz sticks won't run unless overclocked? :confused:

They should run. I run my 1600 sticks at 1400. I'd like to bump them up to 1600, but when I do my system crashes.

[guitardom]

They should run. I run my 1600 sticks at 1400. I'd like to bump them up to 1600, but when I do my system crashes.

sounds like voltage issues i bet. i run my 1600 sticks at 1700. what is your voltages for your cpu, ioh, ram and such. should be the last 4-5 on that page.

[Keybeeetsss]

sounds like voltage issues i bet. i run my 1600 sticks at 1700.
Same here...

[cwsand]

sounds like voltage issues i bet. i run my 1600 sticks at 1700. what is your voltages for your cpu, ioh, ram and such. should be the last 4-5 on that page.

Here are a couple of screen shots. I've suspected the voltage myself, but I have no idea what they should be and I'm terrified of frying something! :eek:

http://home.comcast.net/~eastsideproject/DUC/IMAG0105.jpg

http://home.comcast.net/~eastsideproject/DUC/IMAG0106.jpg

[guitardom]

Here are a couple of screen shots. I've suspected the voltage myself, but I have no idea what they should be and I'm terrified of frying something! :eek:

http://home.comcast.net/~eastsideproject/DUC/IMAG0105.jpg

http://home.comcast.net/~eastsideproject/DUC/IMAG0106.jpg

a couple things look off, not the ram voltage though.... i cant get to it now and not sure later, slammed all weekend, but will see what i can do if nobody is able to help. contact me via email or something. easy to find my contact info on here. also grab a pic of your "advanced cpu features" as well. check your bios version and make sure it is the most current as well.

[Keybeeetsss]

CW ur settings definitely look a bit different... I know we have different mobos but ur ram shouldn't be @ 1066; the system memory multiplier could be a start... I'll take a look @my settings once I get in the studio...

[guitardom]

CW ur settings definitely look a bit different... I know we have different mobos but ur ram shouldn't be @ 1066; the system memory multiplier could be a start... I'll take a look @my settings once I get in the studio...

look to the right of 1066, his ram is at 1400 which is of course still low.
;):D
if we get his baseclock down, and get the system at about 3.4 from 3.5 we can get his ram speed. your ram speed and multiplier is based on a direct muliplier of your base. with the base up the ram muliplier at 10x would probably be higher than what it can handle, and its at 8x so its at 1400mhz. 1700 with 1600mhz ram is doable with quality ram and willing to loosen the timings a bit. with a 10x mult, ram would be at 1750mhz, so def to high imo. but i personally would never push past 1700. plus not sure if the standard 1.64v would give enough juice to oc much more unless you had the right ram.

[Keybeeetsss]

Yeah but it should still read his minimum speed I would think if its set correctly? I don't know; u guys are the smart ones:D

[guitardom]

Yeah but it should still read his minimum speed I would think if its set correctly? I don't know; u guys are the smart ones:D

i dont know about the smart ones....but the settings on the left side are the default settings, then on the right side is where you can change the parameter to where you need it.

[godhatesusall]

Hi all,
Well my parts have started arriving and hopefully i will be putting it all together in the next week or so.

Thanks for your help so far (Guitardom/Shane) it is greatly appreciated ;)

These are the parts i've settled on

MOTHERBOARD
GIGABYTE GA-EX58-UD5 LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard
VIDEO CARD
HIS ATI HD4650 PCI-E 2.0 512MB 128-bit GDDR2, 600 800MHz, Dual Link DVI VGA HDMI, HDCP, Fan
COOLING
Thermalright Ultra-120 eXtreme 1366 RT with fan, 120mm heatsink Supports Intel Core i7 965XE 940 920 P, Ultra low
RAM
Corsair CMX6GX3M3A1600C9 6GB (3x XMS3 2GB) PC-12800 (1600MHz) XMSP DDR3 For X58 MB i7 Core, 3x
PSU
Corsair HX-650 650W ATX Modular Power Supply, 120mm fan, Dual PCI-E Graphics Card Connector, 4 SAT
CPU
Intel Core i7-920 Bloomfield 2.66GHz 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core
DRIVES
Western Digital Caviar Black WD5001AALS 500GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive (3 off)

Haven't decided on a case as yet but am eyeing this one
http://www.lmc.com.au/products/Case/Antec/562433/Antec_P180B_Performance_One_BLACK_ATX_Mid_Tower_-_NO_PSU

Just a quick one on thermal pastes, are there better brands to use or are they all much the same? my CPU cooler came with "the chill factor" paste.

thx again
W

[Melthoven]

okay im glad to say today i can stick t the title of the thread Specs and Results. i ran my first dverb test and heres my results.

240 dverbs.PT8 buffer @64 48k-24-bit session, Intel I7 920 cpu, Gigabyte EX58-UD3R Motherboard,OCZ Platinum 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory,HIS Hightech H465P512P Radeon HD 4650 512MB 128-bit GDDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card,CORSAIR CMPSU-620HX 620W ATX12V, COOLER MASTER RR-920-N520-GP 92mm Sleeve CPU Cooler, windows xp home edition
i know my results are kinda low in comparison to what others have achieved, but keep in mind this was done with the only 1 640g HD and no firewire card which i will get today and run a new test.
i just copied guitardoms build so i'd like to say thanks!!!!!!!!

[guitardom]

okay im glad to say today i can stick t the title of the thread Specs and Results. i ran my first dverb test and heres my results.

240 dverbs.PT8 buffer @64 48k-24-bit session, Intel I7 920 cpu, Gigabyte EX58-UD3R Motherboard,OCZ Platinum 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory,HIS Hightech H465P512P Radeon HD 4650 512MB 128-bit GDDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card,CORSAIR CMPSU-620HX 620W ATX12V, COOLER MASTER RR-920-N520-GP 92mm Sleeve CPU Cooler, windows xp home edition
i know my results are kinda low in comparison to what others have achieved, but keep in mind this was done with the only 1 640g HD and no firewire card which i will get today and run a new test.
i just copied guitardoms build so i'd like to say thanks!!!!!!!!

good to hear and sounds like your numbers are on track.

[guitardom]

Hi all,
Well my parts have started arriving and hopefully i will be putting it all together in the next week or so.

Thanks for your help so far (Guitardom/Shane) it is greatly appreciated ;)

These are the parts i've settled on

MOTHERBOARD
GIGABYTE GA-EX58-UD5 LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard
VIDEO CARD
HIS ATI HD4650 PCI-E 2.0 512MB 128-bit GDDR2, 600 800MHz, Dual Link DVI VGA HDMI, HDCP, Fan
COOLING
Thermalright Ultra-120 eXtreme 1366 RT with fan, 120mm heatsink Supports Intel Core i7 965XE 940 920 P, Ultra low
RAM
Corsair CMX6GX3M3A1600C9 6GB (3x XMS3 2GB) PC-12800 (1600MHz) XMSP DDR3 For X58 MB i7 Core, 3x
PSU
Corsair HX-650 650W ATX Modular Power Supply, 120mm fan, Dual PCI-E Graphics Card Connector, 4 SAT
CPU
Intel Core i7-920 Bloomfield 2.66GHz 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core
DRIVES
Western Digital Caviar Black WD5001AALS 500GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive (3 off)

Haven't decided on a case as yet but am eyeing this one
http://www.lmc.com.au/products/Case/Antec/562433/Antec_P180B_Performance_One_BLACK_ATX_Mid_Tower_-_NO_PSU

Just a quick one on thermal pastes, are there better brands to use or are they all much the same? my CPU cooler came with "the chill factor" paste.

thx again
W

artic silver is considered one of the beez neez, but for sure a decision up to you. i could not help you lean one way or another. :D

[DJBrohamBond]

Yeah buddy. . .

I'm pulling the trigger on these components TODAY! :eek::eek::eek::eek:

PROTOOLS
ProTools LE 8.0.3 – with Windows 7 Audio Drivers Beta
Hardware: 003 Rack - $1,100.00

OS
XP Pro / SP3 / 32bit - $70.00
http://extra-soft.com/shop/item/49/
Windows 7 pro / 64bit - $100.00
http://extra-soft.com/shop/item/395/

MOTHERBOARD
GIGABYTE GA-X58A-UD5 LGA 1366 Intel X58 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard – Retail
SATA 3.0, USB 3.0, 3x USB power :eek: - $290.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-422-_-Product (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128422&cm_re=ud5-_-13-128-422-_-Product)[/URL]


VIDEO CARD
HIS H465FS512H Radeon HD 4650 512MB 128-bit DDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-303-_-Product (http://www.skycomp.com.au/product.aspx?id=201188) – $50.00

COOLING
COOLER MASTER Intel Core i7 compatible Hyper N 520 RR-920-N520-GP 92mm Sleeve CPU Cooler - Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835103057 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103057) - $45.00

RAM
Intel X58 chipset core i7 6GB kit à
2 xOCZ OCZ3P1333LV6GK DDR3 PC3-10666 1333 MHz 6GB Platinum XTC Triple Channel Kits
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...l/-/B001IT2E42 (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B001IT2E42) - $150.00 unavailable from newegg
***** I am not quite 100% on my understanding of RAM. . . Are these timings too high? Too much latency from the optimal 7-7-7-24?? (this one is 8-8-8-24). I really need help with this decision.

PSU
CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Retailorsair HX-650 650W ATX Modular Power Supply, 120mm fan, Dual PCI-E Graphics Card Connector, 4 SAT
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-006-_-Product (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006&cm_re=corsair_psu_i7-_-17-139-006-_-Product) - $120.00

PROCESSOR
Intel Core i7-920 Bloomfield 2.66GHz LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80601920 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...i7+920&x=0&y=0 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=i7+920&x=0&y=0) -$290.00

DRIVES
2xWestern Digital Caviar Black WD7501AALS 750GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Hard Drive -Bare Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...+cache&x=0&y=0 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=western+digital+caviar+black+32+cache&x=0&y=0) - $80.00 each

AND

Patriot Torqx PFZ128GS25SSDR 2.5" 128GB SATA II Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-389-_-Product (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220389&cm_re=ssd_128gb-_-20-220-389-_-Product)
- $409.00, $384.00 after rebate :eek: ---- Gonna Have To Rig this with some support foam to fit it in the 3.5” slot

CASE
COOLER MASTER COSMOS 1000 RC-1000-KSN1-GP Black/ Silver Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Casehttp://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...20Black%2f%20S (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119138&Tpk=COOLER%20MASTER%20COSMOS%201000%20RC-1000-KSN1-GP%20Black%2f%20S) – $180.00

MONITOR
AOC 2217V - 22" - widescreen TFT active matrix LCD display
http://www.google.com/products/catal...wAg#ps-sellers (http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=aoc+2217v&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&rlz=&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=17968075305544933081&ei=7atGS73DJYm0tgeYveTmAQ&sa=X&oi=product_catalog_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CBMQ8wIwAg#ps-sellers) - <$159.00

DVD/CD DRIVES
ASUS DRW-24B1ST 24xDVD-RW, 12xDVD+-RW, 40xCDRW, SATA, NER08
[URL]http://www.skycomp.com.au/product.aspx?id=186131 - $60.00

KEYBOARD / MOUSE
Somethin’ Cheap from BestBuy with USB to PS/2 adapters!!! :D LOL

TOTALS:

OS – Authentic XP Pro 32bit/Win7 32bit- $170.00
MOBO – Gigabyte UD5 - $290.00
Video - $50.00
Cooler - $45.00
RAM – 2xOCZ Platinum 6GB (3x2gb) - $300
PSU – Corsair 750w - $120.00
Processor – i7 920 - $290.00
Drives - ($160.00 2xWD + $409.00 1xPatriot = $569.00 :eek:)
Case - $180.00
Monitor - $159.00
DVD/CD - $60.00

SSD Build: $2233.00 :eek:

Wish me luck and thanks for ALL OF YOUR HELP. It is greatly appreciated. I'll keep everyone updated on my progress.


Thanks again,

Broham

[guitardom]

Yeah buddy. . .

I'm pulling the trigger on these components TODAY! :eek::eek::eek::eek:

PROTOOLS
ProTools LE 8.0.3 – with Windows 7 Audio Drivers Beta
Hardware: 003 Rack - $1,100.00

OS
XP Pro / SP3 / 32bit - $70.00
http://extra-soft.com/shop/item/49/
Windows 7 pro / 64bit - $100.00
http://extra-soft.com/shop/item/395/

MOTHERBOARD
GIGABYTE GA-X58A-UD5 LGA 1366 Intel X58 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard – Retail
SATA 3.0, USB 3.0, 3x USB power :eek: - $290.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-422-_-Product (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128422&cm_re=ud5-_-13-128-422-_-Product)


VIDEO CARD
HIS H465FS512H Radeon HD 4650 512MB 128-bit DDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-303-_-Product (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161303&cm_re=HIS_ATI_HD4650_PCI-E-_-14-161-303-_-Product) – $50.00

COOLING
COOLER MASTER Intel Core i7 compatible Hyper N 520 RR-920-N520-GP 92mm Sleeve CPU Cooler - Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835103057 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103057) - $45.00

RAM
Intel X58 chipset core i7 6GB kit à
2 xOCZ OCZ3P1333LV6GK DDR3 PC3-10666 1333 MHz 6GB Platinum XTC Triple Channel Kits
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...l/-/B001IT2E42 (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B001IT2E42) - $150.00 unavailable from newegg
***** I am not quite 100% on my understanding of RAM. . . Are these timings too high? Too much latency from the optimal 7-7-7-24?? (this one is 8-8-8-24). I really need help with this decision.

PSU
CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Retailorsair HX-650 650W ATX Modular Power Supply, 120mm fan, Dual PCI-E Graphics Card Connector, 4 SAT
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-006-_-Product (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006&cm_re=corsair_psu_i7-_-17-139-006-_-Product) - $120.00

PROCESSOR
Intel Core i7-920 Bloomfield 2.66GHz LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80601920 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...i7+920&x=0&y=0 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=i7+920&x=0&y=0) -$290.00

DRIVES
2xWestern Digital Caviar Black WD7501AALS 750GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Hard Drive -Bare Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...+cache&x=0&y=0 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=western+digital+caviar+black+32+cache&x=0&y=0) - $80.00 each

AND

Patriot Torqx PFZ128GS25SSDR 2.5" 128GB SATA II Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-389-_-Product (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220389&cm_re=ssd_128gb-_-20-220-389-_-Product)
- $409.00, $384.00 after rebate :eek: ---- Gonna Have To Rig this with some support foam to fit it in the 3.5” slot

CASE
COOLER MASTER COSMOS 1000 RC-1000-KSN1-GP Black/ Silver Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Casehttp://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...20Black%2f%20S (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119138&Tpk=COOLER%20MASTER%20COSMOS%201000%20RC-1000-KSN1-GP%20Black%2f%20S) – $180.00

MONITOR
AOC 2217V - 22" - widescreen TFT active matrix LCD display
http://www.google.com/products/catal...wAg#ps-sellers (http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=aoc+2217v&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&rlz=&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=17968075305544933081&ei=7atGS73DJYm0tgeYveTmAQ&sa=X&oi=product_catalog_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CBMQ8wIwAg#ps-sellers) - <$159.00

DVD/CD DRIVES
ASUS DRW-24B1ST 24xDVD-RW, 12xDVD+-RW, 40xCDRW, SATA, NER08
http://www.skycomp.com.au/product.aspx?id=186131 - $60.00

KEYBOARD / MOUSE
Somethin’ Cheap from BestBuy with USB to PS/2 adapters!!! :D LOL

TOTALS:

OS – Authentic XP Pro 32bit/Win7 32bit- $170.00
MOBO – Gigabyte UD5 - $290.00
Video - $50.00
Cooler - $45.00
RAM – 2xOCZ Platinum 6GB (3x2gb) - $300
PSU – Corsair 750w - $120.00
Processor – i7 920 - $290.00
Drives - ($160.00 2xWD + $409.00 1xPatriot = $569.00 :eek:)
Case - $180.00
Monitor - $159.00
DVD/CD - $60.00

SSD Build: $2233.00 :eek:

Wish me luck and thanks for ALL OF YOUR HELP. It is greatly appreciated. I'll keep everyone updated on my progress.


Thanks again,

Broham

your ram is fine, those are still good timings.

all looks good. the ssd is a crazy extra. hope your not doing it on our bs'ing about it. it is not a necessity and i would never spend that much for a drive. but if it is what you want, then by all means :D

your amazon link has the ram, the processor and a 1tb wd black for 100$ OFF. i would jump on that myself!!! its like the hard drive is free!

[Keybeeetsss]

Why does it seem so pricey? even without the SSD which I'm with Guitardom on that but of course to each their own on that... Nevertheless, good choices...

[guitardom]

Why does it seem so pricey? even without the SSD which I'm with Guitardom on that but of course to each their own on that... Nevertheless, good choices...

his price includes monitor/keyboard, xp AND w7 64, and 12gb of ram, as well as the ssd, so quite a few of extras from what we price when we build. otherwise all the prices are very normal.

[DJBrohamBond]

his price includes monitor/keyboard, xp AND w7 64, and 12gb of ram, as well as the ssd, so quite a few of extras from what we price when we build. otherwise all the prices are very normal.

I agree with all of your feedback. Something deep down is pushing me towards the ssd (I was gonna grab one by the fall/winter anyway). I plan to partition the drive significantly and at this point - when prices drop - I DON'T want to repartition, reinstall, blah blah :mad:. Turns out the SSD actually came out to be approx. $300 which makes me feel a bit better :o :D. Something tells me I made the right decision here. . .;)

I also picked up Pro Tools LE w/003 Rack today :D. Yeah my bank account dropped heavily. . . :eek::eek::eek::eek::eek: but the musical power I will have at my finger tips is well worth the Ramen noodles I will be eating for the next month. No longer limited by slow processors, lack of ram, and poo computing power. . . the consistent tug of WAR between technological limitations and musical creativity is coming to an end! :eek:

Like the Emperor said to Lord Vader, "At last. . . we shall have peace. . ." :D :D :D

Broham

[Shan]

Turns out the SSD actually came out to be approx. $300 which makes me feel a bit better :o :D. Something tells me I made the right decision here. . .;)

You'll be on the bleeding edge and breaking new ground here in an area that many of us will take at some point down the road. Someone has to jump in eventually. That's what all these stickies started as from the beginning. I'll jump in when we see a $200 280mb sustained read/write SSD. It's getting close. :cool:

Shane

[Keybeeetsss]

his price includes monitor/keyboard, xp AND w7 64, and 12gb of ram, as well as the ssd, so quite a few of extras from what we price when we build. otherwise all the prices are very normal.
Yeah ur rite; I always 4get I had quite a bit already as most of us did when we built our rigs...
I agree with all of your feedback. Something deep down is pushing me towards the ssd (I was gonna grab one by the fall/winter anyway). I plan to partition the drive significantly and at this point - when prices drop - I DON'T want to repartition, reinstall, blah blah :mad:. Turns out the SSD actually came out to be approx. $300 which makes me feel a bit better :o :D. Something tells me I made the right decision here. . .;)

I also picked up Pro Tools LE w/003 Rack today :D. Yeah my bank account dropped heavily. . . :eek::eek::eek::eek::eek: but the musical power I will have at my finger tips is well worth the Ramen noodles I will be eating for the next month. No longer limited by slow processors, lack of ram, and poo computing power. . . the consistent tug of WAR between technological limitations and musical creativity is coming to an end! :eek:

Like the Emperor said to Lord Vader, "At last. . . we shall have peace. . ." :D :D :D

Broham
Good deal Broham; I'll send u some FRUIT SNACKS for when U get tired of the Ramen noodles;)

[jcolagross]

Okay, whew! After lots of research and bugging you guys, I have just now placed my order on Newegg.
1 x MB GIGABYTE GA-EX58-UD5 X58 RTL - Retail $268.99
1 x CPU COOL|CM RR-920-N520-GP R - Retail $44.99
1 x MEM 2Gx3|CORS TR3X6G1600C8D R - Retail $229.99
1 x PSU CORSAIR|CMPSU-750TX 750W RT - Retail $119.99
1 x CPU INTEL|CORE I7 920 2.66G 45N R - Retail $288.99
2 x HD 750|WD 7K 32M SATA2 WD7501AALS - OEM $139.98
1 x HD 640G|WD WD6401AALS % - OEM $74.99
1 x DVD BURNER PLEXTOR | PX-880SA % - OEM $46.99
1 x Nexus Clodius Quiet High Ventiliation case- $49.95

I haven't bought a video card yet. I want a fanless one so I don't add any more noise. Id there one you guys recommend? Does everything else look okay? Lastly, I have never built a computer, is there a website with A,B,C videos for beginners? The main concern for me is how to do the settings. I don't want to risk overclocking if it will shorten the lifespan or risk burning it up. I just want to get my studio up and running with a fast and reliable machine. Thank you guys for your selfless assistance.

[cwsand]

Okay, whew! After lots of research and bugging you guys, I have just now placed my order on Newegg.
1 x MB GIGABYTE GA-EX58-UD5 X58 RTL - Retail $268.99
1 x CPU COOL|CM RR-920-N520-GP R - Retail $44.99
1 x MEM 2Gx3|CORS TR3X6G1600C8D R - Retail $229.99
1 x PSU CORSAIR|CMPSU-750TX 750W RT - Retail $119.99
1 x CPU INTEL|CORE I7 920 2.66G 45N R - Retail $288.99
2 x HD 750|WD 7K 32M SATA2 WD7501AALS - OEM $139.98
1 x HD 640G|WD WD6401AALS % - OEM $74.99
1 x DVD BURNER PLEXTOR | PX-880SA % - OEM $46.99
1 x Nexus Clodius Quiet High Ventiliation case- $49.95

I haven't bought a video card yet. I want a fanless one so I don't add any more noise. Id there one you guys recommend? Does everything else look okay? Lastly, I have never built a computer, is there a website with A,B,C videos for beginners? The main concern for me is how to do the settings. I don't want to risk overclocking if it will shorten the lifespan or risk burning it up. I just want to get my studio up and running with a fast and reliable machine. Thank you guys for your selfless assistance.

Well a video card that will work in the kind of slots your motherboard has that is compatible with your O/S will work. As far as onboard memory or fanless, we already answered that in your other post. :D

[CrAkD]

wow this thread has really progressed since my build. aside from reading 200 pages any breakthroughs I should know about!? lol.

[guitardom]

Okay, whew! After lots of research and bugging you guys, I have just now placed my order on Newegg.
1 x MB GIGABYTE GA-EX58-UD5 X58 RTL - Retail $268.99
1 x CPU COOL|CM RR-920-N520-GP R - Retail $44.99
1 x MEM 2Gx3|CORS TR3X6G1600C8D R - Retail $229.99
1 x PSU CORSAIR|CMPSU-750TX 750W RT - Retail $119.99
1 x CPU INTEL|CORE I7 920 2.66G 45N R - Retail $288.99
2 x HD 750|WD 7K 32M SATA2 WD7501AALS - OEM $139.98
1 x HD 640G|WD WD6401AALS % - OEM $74.99
1 x DVD BURNER PLEXTOR | PX-880SA % - OEM $46.99
1 x Nexus Clodius Quiet High Ventiliation case- $49.95

I haven't bought a video card yet. I want a fanless one so I don't add any more noise. Id there one you guys recommend? Does everything else look okay? Lastly, I have never built a computer, is there a website with A,B,C videos for beginners? The main concern for me is how to do the settings. I don't want to risk overclocking if it will shorten the lifespan or risk burning it up. I just want to get my studio up and running with a fast and reliable machine. Thank you guys for your selfless assistance.

scroll back a couple pages i have an ati powercolor 4350 linked to a couple times .

if you are worried, dont get into the oc thing now. would not recomend it anyway until you are confident everything is running well. the biggest issue with settings is with your ram. making sure the timing is set correctly like 8-8-8-24 and the mulitplier is set right to match your ram speed. once you get in the bios it should be fairly obvious. if not post back. the other bios settings are on the first page on a mykhal c post.

[guitardom]

wow this thread has really progressed since my build. aside from reading 200 pages any breakthroughs I should know about!? lol.

nothing to see here, move along;):D

nothing has really changed. new parts coming out, but not affecting us.

[cwsand]

nothing to see here, move along;):D


These aren't the droids you're looking for...:D

[Keiser Soze]

Gigabyte X58A-UD3R

Intel Core i7 920 (2.66)

OCZ Gold 6GB DDR3 2000 clocked at 1992mHz

SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 4650 512MB

Windows XP SP3

PT 8.0.1cs1

PT 8 Dverb results: 312 @ 1024, 280 @ 64!!!

Just a heads up, don't know if anyone has used this combo of parts yet.

[nikki-k]

Gigabyte X58A-UD3R

Intel Core i7 920 (2.66)

OCZ Gold 6GB DDR3 2000 clocked at 1992mHz

SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 4650 512MB

Windows XP SP3

PT 8.0.1cs1

PT 8 Dverb results: 312 @ 1024, 280 @ 64!!!

Just a heads up, don't know if anyone has used this combo of parts yet.
Ha!!!
THOSE are the boards I am dying to see get used.. all the Gigabyte X58A ones. The UD3 now has 6 slots for RAM, and instead of the (UD5)Extreme, they have the UD7, with the UD5 sitting right where it was, but with the new X58A drool factor.

Just overclocked my UD5 EX58 + 920 up to 3.2G @ stock CPUV, and got my 1600 RAM up to speed with 8 8 8 22 88 timings with a slight nudge. Now if MOTU would write some PROPER drivers for my MIDI I/O (present W7 *approved* ones will hook memory, and BSOD if something else farts wrong) I would be set.

[bgronas]

Thank you Forum
Hi Guys & Dolls.
I just wanted to say thank you to the people of this forum for informative info on building bullet proof Pro Tools systems.

So, what worked for me?

My requirements: Use my Mbox 2 PRO on Windows 7 x64 with an Intel Core i7 system. (move from XP to 7) and Be Stable!!! No clicks, pops, crashes, whatever..

Here's my build (mostly according to previous posts in this forum)
The reason for a Re-Post, is to confirm this configuration as a "Proof of concept"

# Motherboard
Gigabyte EX58-UD5, Intel X58, Southbridge: 82801JR / ICH10R, BIOS version F9 (29.01.2010)
note: No extra firewire, I use the internal firewire for the Digidesign Mbox 2 Pro
# CPU
Intel Core i7 920, Socket 1366 LGA, Bloomfield, 45nm, 4 cores + Hyperthreading.
# COOLING
Thermalright Ultra-120 eXtreme 1366 RT. /with Fan 28 dB(A)
note: Got several fan's with a fan-control unit for disks an such :-)
# RAM
Corsair PC3-10700H, CM3X2G1600C8D, Triple SPD modules of 2048MB (6GB). DDR3 Triple Channels, CAS 8,8,8,20
, CAS# Latency (CL) = 8clocks, RAS# to CAS# delay (tRCD) = 8 clocks, RAS# precharge (tRP) = 8 clocks, Cycle time (tRAS) = 20 Clocks, Command Rate (CR) = 1T
# HARD DRIVES
* BOOT: Western Digital, WDC WD3000GLFS-01F8U0, SATA 3Gbit/s, 300GB VELOCIRAPTOR
* DATA: Western Digital, WDC WD20EADS-00S2B0, Caviar Green, 2000GB (2TB)
* MUSIC/RECORDING: Western Digital, WDC WD20EADS-00S2B0 , Caviar Green, 2000GB (2TB)
# GRAPHICS
ASUStek GeForce 8600 GT, PCI Express x16. GDDR3, 512MB
# Monitors used
Monitor1: Samsung Syncmaster 245B, 1920×1200
Monitor2: Samsung Syncmaster 2494HM, 1920×1080

COMMENTS ARE WELCOME ;)

[Keiser Soze]

@bgronas

I'd use that Raptor as the Audio drive, the 2TB drive as data and OS. Those 2TB drives are "Green", I think that means lower power consumption, which IMO leads to lower performance. I'd use that Raptor for audio and whenever I need more space move some sessions over to the 2TB's, and back as needed. If you have the extra money, (something I wish I had done) go with memory that has XMP, I had to do a lot of tweaking just to set the memory set at 1992mHz. XMP is "supposed" to automatically set itself (I use the quotations because I haven't used it myself). Other than that I'd think its all good. Look forward to hearing your results, good luck!

Oh wait, is this a system that's already built? I think I missunderstood the reason for that post...

[guitardom]

@bgronas

I'd use that Raptor as the Audio drive, the 2TB drive as data and OS. Those 2TB drives are "Green", I think that means lower power consumption, which IMO leads to lower performance. I'd use that Raptor for audio and whenever I need more space move some sessions over to the 2TB's, and back as needed. If you have the extra money, (something I wish I had done) go with memory that has XMP, I had to do a lot of tweaking just to set the memory set at 1992mHz. XMP is "supposed" to automatically set itself (I use the quotations because I haven't used it myself). Other than that I'd think its all good. Look forward to hearing your results, good luck!

Oh wait, is this a system that's already built? I think I missunderstood the reason for that post...

green drives are not the best way to go.. at least not for os or tracking. i am not impressed with the xmp. it can set itself if turned on but not always the best results. i was much happier setting it myself.

[Keybeeetsss]

green drives are not the best way to go.. at least not for os or tracking.
Good thing I kept reading before posting because this was my concern.. the green drives:confused:

[guitardom]

Good thing I kept reading before posting because this was my concern.. the green drives:confused:

maybe this is part of misterduk's magic;):D..........(sorry inside joke)

[Shan]

maybe this is part of misterduk's magic;):D..........(sorry inside joke)

masterdik is still trying to get in the last word on the thread he hijacked and doesn't want to post any of his work. :D

Shane

[Keybeeetsss]

maybe this is part of misterduk's magic;):D..........(sorry inside joke)
:eek:
:D
:eek:
masterdik is still trying to get in the last word on the thread he hijacked and doesn't want to post any of his work. :D

Shane
Yeah its not even worth reading his post anymore...

[Shan]

:eek:
:D
:eek:

Yeah its not even worth reading his post anymore...

It looks like DTS actually got the last word on masterdik (http://duc.digidesign.com/showpost.php?p=1556499&postcount=163). :D He should've banned him though. :D :D Two threads with him have been locked. Any wagers on a 3rd?

Shane

[guitardom]

It looks like DTS actually got the last word on masterdik (http://duc.digidesign.com/showpost.php?p=1556499&postcount=163). :D He should've banned him though. :D :D Two threads with him have been locked. Any wagers on a 3rd?

Shane

his last quote was to me yyyyyaaaaaayyyyyy!!!! i go down in history!!!:D:D

WOW we went really off topic for the i7 thread.... sorry everybody;):-)

[Keybeeetsss]

It looks like DTS actually got the last word on masterdik (http://duc.digidesign.com/showpost.php?p=1556499&postcount=163). :D He should've banned him though. :D :D Two threads with him have been locked. Any wagers on a 3rd?

Shane
I'm quite sure myself or especially u:D started a thread for the heck of it he'd show up;)
his last quote was to me yyyyyaaaaaayyyyyy!!!! i go down in history!!!:D:D

WOW we went really off topic for the i7 thread.... sorry everybody;):-)
U kno its always bound to happen:-)

[Shan]

I'm quite sure myself or especially u:D started a thread for the heck of it he'd show up;)

U kno its always bound to happen:-)

Looks like he did that himself (http://duc.digidesign.com/showthread.php?t=267380). This one will definitely get locked and he'll get banned for that one. Classic. :D :D

Anywhozel, back to i7's. I heard powerjoe has a new i7 build in the making. :cool:

Hobo Shane

[CrAkD]

did we ever get any dverb results on the 8 core i7 mac pros? Im thinking about switching to mac in the future......

[Shan]

did we ever get any dverb results on the 8 core i7 mac pros? Im thinking about switching to mac in the future......

Yes. The results weren't good at all (http://duc.digidesign.com/showthread.php?p=1370779&highlight=dverb#post1370779). The 4-core i7 is the clear winner over an 8-core Mac when it comes to PT and price/performance. A server board and PT is not one of the best combinations. The locked out nature of OSX makes it impossible to get in there and tweak it for a real time app like PT. Not to mention, OSX throttles the CPU and this is something the user cant control. A pretty expensive downgrade from your very own i7 if you ask me. ;)

Shane

[CrAkD]

Yes. The results weren't good at all (http://duc.digidesign.com/showthread.php?p=1370779&highlight=dverb#post1370779). The 4-core i7 is the clear winner over an 8-core Mac when it comes to PT and price/performance. A server board and PT is not one of the best combinations. The locked out nature of OSX makes it impossible to get in there and tweak it for a real time app like PT. Not to mention, OSX throttles the CPU and this is something the user cant control. A pretty expensive downgrade from your very own i7 if you ask me. ;)

Shane

wow well that answers my question lol. looks like im sticking with pc. hopefully digidesign releases either a non beta release or a full 64bit version of PT soon.

[CrAkD]

I've been using my comp for over a year with no probs I was encoding some videos today and got a bsod on both xp and 7 64bit so I figured it was obv a hardware problem. I went into bios and loaded the failsafe settings and now it seems to be working. Anyone have any safe bios settings I could use to get the most power out of it but still make sure it's stable? (setup in sig and on first page of this thread) it's been so long since I messed with the bios I don't even remember where to start.

[Keybeeetsss]

I've been using my comp for over a year with no probs I was encoding some videos today and got a bsod on both xp and 7 64bit so I figured it was obv a hardware problem. I went into bios and loaded the failsafe settings and now it seems to be working. Anyone have any safe bios settings I could use to get the most power out of it but still make sure it's stable? (setup in sig and on first page of this thread) it's been so long since I messed with the bios I don't even remember where to start.
Hey Crakd if u post what u have set it'll make me remember what mine is set to... I'm in the bed watching my Celtics now so I won't be going back in the studio probably til mon...

[guitardom]

I've been using my comp for over a year with no probs I was encoding some videos today and got a bsod on both xp and 7 64bit so I figured it was obv a hardware problem. I went into bios and loaded the failsafe settings and now it seems to be working. Anyone have any safe bios settings I could use to get the most power out of it but still make sure it's stable? (setup in sig and on first page of this thread) it's been so long since I messed with the bios I don't even remember where to start.

go to the first page of the thread. there is bios settings posted on there. nice generic list that is simple and to the point.

[KarlAndy]

Is the onboard firewire card VIA® VT6308 on the Asus P6T DELUXE V2 motherboard working with Digi 003 rack ????

does the motherboard work good with Mbox mini ??? and pro tools

Help me please

[Ruudus]

Hi i7 lovers :-)

Is there any benefit in me going for a Gigabyte EX58A UD7? They're more party tokens than the UD3 or 5 and so must have some bonus features... maybe it's just the faster RAM speeds you can run...

Clues?

[Melthoven]

Gigabyte UD5 Squeal: Various professional DAW builders and DIY PC builders alike have been suffering from an annoying problem with certain Gigabyte motherboards, in particular their GA EX58 UD5P model, so here’s the lowdown. When audio software is being run, you hear low-level but nevertheless unpleasant whining/squealing noises not dissimilar to those that result from digital ground-loop issues. Sometimes the noises can be heard acoustically from vibrating PSU components, but for most musicians the problem is audible as background noises in the output of their audio interface (particularly so with Firewire models). There’s even a YouTube video illustrating the problem (www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUk7NJDT9vM).



I WAS EXPERIENCING THIS. it seems that when my buffers @ 64 i hear the squeal but when i put it to about 512 the sound is crispy clean. strange. has anyone had this issue?

Gigabyte UD5/003 rac/pt 8/win xp home edition/

[Petander]

Gigabyte UD5 Squeal: Various professional DAW builders and DIY PC builders alike have been suffering from an annoying problem with certain Gigabyte motherboards, in particular their GA EX58 UD5P model, so here’s the lowdown. When audio software is being run, you hear low-level but nevertheless unpleasant whining/squealing noises not dissimilar to those that result from digital ground-loop issues. Sometimes the noises can be heard acoustically from vibrating PSU components, but for most musicians the problem is audible as background noises in the output of their audio interface (particularly so with Firewire models). There’s even a YouTube video illustrating the problem (www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUk7NJDT9vM (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUk7NJDT9vM)).



I WAS EXPERIENCING THIS. it seems that when my buffers @ 64 i hear the squeal but when i put it to about 512 the sound is crispy clean. strange. has anyone had this issue?

Gigabyte UD5/003 rac/pt 8/win xp home edition/

Here, a few pages back:

http://duc.digidesign.com/showthread.php?p=1511637&highlight=Squeal#post1511637 (http://duc.digidesign.com/showthread.php?p=1511637&highlight=Squeal#post1511637)


I read this all , every page, in a couple of days... and how come, i7 Parts are on their way. :-)

This will be my second PC build based on DUC members experience. Some parts can be found in auctions... crazy how fast things get "obsolete".

[AndyMVP]

Thank you Forum
Hi Guys & Dolls.
I just wanted to say thank you to the people of this forum for informative info on building bullet proof Pro Tools systems.

So, what worked for me?

My requirements: Use my Mbox 2 PRO on Windows 7 x64 with an Intel Core i7 system. (move from XP to 7) and Be Stable!!! No clicks, pops, crashes, whatever..

Here's my build (mostly according to previous posts in this forum)
The reason for a Re-Post, is to confirm this configuration as a "Proof of concept"

# Motherboard
Gigabyte EX58-UD5, Intel X58, Southbridge: 82801JR / ICH10R, BIOS version F9 (29.01.2010)
note: No extra firewire, I use the internal firewire for the Digidesign Mbox 2 Pro
# CPU
Intel Core i7 920, Socket 1366 LGA, Bloomfield, 45nm, 4 cores + Hyperthreading.
# COOLING
Thermalright Ultra-120 eXtreme 1366 RT. /with Fan 28 dB(A)
note: Got several fan's with a fan-control unit for disks an such :-)
# RAM
Corsair PC3-10700H, CM3X2G1600C8D, Triple SPD modules of 2048MB (6GB). DDR3 Triple Channels, CAS 8,8,8,20
, CAS# Latency (CL) = 8clocks, RAS# to CAS# delay (tRCD) = 8 clocks, RAS# precharge (tRP) = 8 clocks, Cycle time (tRAS) = 20 Clocks, Command Rate (CR) = 1T
# HARD DRIVES
* BOOT: Western Digital, WDC WD3000GLFS-01F8U0, SATA 3Gbit/s, 300GB VELOCIRAPTOR
* DATA: Western Digital, WDC WD20EADS-00S2B0, Caviar Green, 2000GB (2TB)
* MUSIC/RECORDING: Western Digital, WDC WD20EADS-00S2B0 , Caviar Green, 2000GB (2TB)
# GRAPHICS
ASUStek GeForce 8600 GT, PCI Express x16. GDDR3, 512MB
# Monitors used
Monitor1: Samsung Syncmaster 245B, 1920×1200
Monitor2: Samsung Syncmaster 2494HM, 1920×1080

COMMENTS ARE WELCOME ;)

Cool. :-) Not that different from what I built - but I can't get audio outta my setup.

I've already posted this on the Win 7 Beta pages, but worth putting up here...

I've just installed an MBox 2 Pro with PTLE 8.0.3 onto a new i7 system running Win 7.

I can't get any audio out of it though. When I open the test session, it opens and plays. No errors. The meters do what they're supposed to, but no sound out. Not through Mon Out or headphones.

Interestingly, I can record in. I just can't hear that back.

Here's Sandra...

SiSoftware Sandra

Computer
Model : Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd. EX58-UD3R
Workgroup : WORKGROUP
Host Name : VoicePro-studio
User : Andy Maher

Processor
Model : Intel(R) Core(TM) i7 CPU 920 @ 2.67GHz
Speed : 2.8GHz
Cores per Processor : 4 Unit(s)
Threads per Core : 2 Unit(s)
Type : Quad-Core
Integrated Data Cache : 4x 32kB, Synchronous, Write-Thru, 8-way, 64 byte line size, 2 threads sharing
L2 On-board Cache : 4x 256kB, ECC, Synchronous, ATC, 8-way, 64 byte line size, 2 threads sharing
L3 On-board Cache : 8MB, ECC, Synchronous, ATC, 16-way, Exclusive, 64 byte line size, 8 threads sharing

Computer
Mainboard : Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd. EX58-UD3R
BIOS : Award Software International, Inc. FB 05/04/2009
Bus(es) : X-Bus PCI PCIe IMB USB FireWire/1394 i2c/SMBus
Multi-Processor (MP) Support : No
Multi-Processor Advanced PIC (APIC) : Yes
Total Memory : 6GB DIMM DDR3

Chipset
Model : 5208 3405h
Front Side Bus Speed : 2x 2.4GHz (4.79GHz)

Chipset
Model : 5208 2C41h
Front Side Bus Speed : 2x 2.4GHz (4.79GHz)
Total Memory : 6GB DIMM DDR3
Memory Bus Speed : 2x 532MHz (1GHz)

Memory Module(s)
Memory Module : 7F7F7F7FCD F3-12800CL9-2GBNQ 2GB DIMM DDR3 PC3-12800U DDR3-1600 (9-9-9-25 4-34-10-5)
Memory Module : 7F7F7F7FCD F3-12800CL9-2GBNQ 2GB DIMM DDR3 PC3-12800U DDR3-1600 (9-9-9-25 4-34-10-5)
Memory Module : 7F7F7F7FCD F3-12800CL9-2GBNQ 2GB DIMM DDR3 PC3-12800U DDR3-1600 (9-9-9-25 4-34-10-5)

Video System
Video Adapter : ATI Radeon HD 4350 (PS3.0, VS3.0 600MHz, 512MB DDR3 2x400MHz, PCIe 2.00 x16)

Graphics Processor
Adapter : ATI Radeon HD 4350 ()

Storage Devices
ST31000528AS (1TB, SATA300, 3.5", 7200rpm, NCQ) : 932GB (V:)
ST3120026A (120GB, ATA100, 3.5", 8MB Cache) : 112GB (C:)
Maxtor 3200 204GB (USB) : 190GB (E:)
Generic-Compact Flash (USB) : N/A (F:)
Generic-SM/xD-Picture (USB) : N/A (G:)
Generic-SD/MMC (USB) : N/A (H:)
Generic-MS/MS-Pro (USB) : N/A (I:)
Optiarc DVD RW AD-7240S (SATA150, DVD+-RW, CD-RW, 2MB Cache) : N/A (D:)

Logical Storage Devices
VoicePro (V:) : 932GB (NTFS) @ ST31000528AS (1TB, SATA300, 3.5", 7200rpm, NCQ)
Hard Disk (C:) : 112GB (NTFS) @ ST3120026A (120GB, ATA100, 3.5", 8MB Cache)
External (E:) : 190GB (NTFS) @ Maxtor 3200 204GB (USB)
Removable Drive (F:) : N/A @ Generic-Compact Flash (USB)
Removable Drive (G:) : N/A @ Generic-SM/xD-Picture (USB)
Removable Drive (H:) : N/A @ Generic-SD/MMC (USB)
Removable Drive (I:) : N/A @ Generic-MS/MS-Pro (USB)
Optical Drive (D:) : N/A @ Optiarc DVD RW AD-7240S (SATA150, DVD+-RW, CD-RW, 2MB Cache)

Peripherals
LPC Hub Controller 1 : 5208 3A16h
LPC Legacy Controller 1 : T2 87-20h
Audio Device : 5208 3A3Eh
Audio Device : 4163 AA38h
Audio Codec : 4098 AA01h
Serial Port(s) : 1
Disk Controller : 5208 3A20h
Disk Controller : 5208 3A26h
Disk Controller : 5208 2363h
USB Controller 1 : 5208 3A37h
USB Controller 2 : 5208 3A38h
USB Controller 3 : 5208 3A39h
USB Controller 4 : 5208 3A3Ch
USB Controller 5 : 5208 3A34h
USB Controller 6 : 5208 3A35h
USB Controller 7 : 5208 3A36h
USB Controller 8 : 5208 3A3Ah
FireWire/1394 Controller 1 : 5208 8024h
SMBus/i2c Controller 1 : Intel 801xx/63xx SMBus

Printers and Faxes
Printer : PDF reDirect Pro (4000x4000, Colour)
Printer : Microsoft XPS Document Writer (600x600, Colour)
Fax : Microsoft Shared Fax Driver (200x200)

Peripherals
Media Player : ()
Media Player : ()
Media Player : ()
Media Player : ()

Network Services
Network Adapter : Realtek RTL8168C(P)/8111C(P) Family PCI-E Gigabit Ethernet NIC (NDIS 6.20)
Wireless Adapter 1 : D-Link Wireless G DWA-510 Desktop Adapter #2 (802.11g (ERP), TKIP, 54Mbps)

Power Management
Mains (AC) Line Status : On-Line

Operating System
Windows System : Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate 6.01.7600
Platform Compliance : x64

Windows Experience Index
Current System : 3.8

I followed the Win 7 beta instructions as outlined here and still no joy.

One thing I haven't done which is worth mentioning (apologies if it's a glaring error!) is I haven't registered the product yet. A major benefit of registering is the 30 days free tech support, but I'm running a beta version of the system - so are my 30 days going to be of any use now, or should I hold on to them until PT on Win 7 is no longer beta?

Other things worth noting:

My second hard drive (V:) was not dedicated for audio on format - I have since optimised it for 'music', and I remember disabling file compression when I formatted it.

With Sandra I did a test of hard drive seek times, and the V drive seek time is slow - random access time was 16ms.

My mobo has 3 IEEE1394a ports - 2 at the back (reg and mini size) and one header on the board that I've plugged a bracket into. The Sandra report only mentions 1 firewire controller though.

The Mbox 2 Pro has an orange power LED, not green. It's green when I plug the AC adaptor into it, but DigiTechSupt said not to do that here.

I had m-audio hardware earlier (a MobilePre USB) but have uninstalled it.

I downloaded the Tech Support Folder and ran Tech Support Utility 2.0, but it says:
The TS Utility was unable to complete the task:

Because:
A valid installation of Pro Tools was not found on the system drive.
Pro Tools not foundThe TS utility will now close.
Even though I can still open PTLE.

Well, that's a lot of info, hopefully somewhere in there is the cause of the issue. Thanks!

[cwsand]

I've just installed an MBox 2 Pro with PTLE 8.0.3 onto a new i7 system running Win 7.

I can't get any audio out of it though. When I open the test session, it opens and plays. No errors. The meters do what they're supposed to, but no sound out. Not through Mon Out or headphones.

Interestingly, I can record in. I just can't hear that back.



Have you checked your I/O setup? How do you have it configured??

[AndyMVP]

Have you checked your I/O setup? How do you have it configured??

As per factory settings - I haven't changed I/Os since installation.

[cwsand]

I've just installed an MBox 2 Pro with PTLE 8.0.3 onto a new i7 system running Win 7.

I've never used an MBox of any kind, but from the Instructions for installation of Pro Tools for Window 7 and Beta drivers:

NOTE: These instructions ONLY apply to the following devices:
003
003 Rack
003 Rack+
Mbox 2
Mbox 2 Mini
Mbox 2 Micro
Digi 002
Digi 002 Rack

Looks like MBox 2 Pro isn't supported by 8.0.3 in Windows 7. I don't know if any one has gotten it to work yet. :confused:

[RDUB]

I've never used an MBox of any kind, but from the Instructions for installation of Pro Tools for Window 7 and Beta drivers:

NOTE: These instructions ONLY apply to the following devices:
003
003 Rack
003 Rack+
Mbox 2
Mbox 2 Mini
Mbox 2 Micro
Digi 002
Digi 002 Rack

Looks like MBox 2 Pro isn't supported by 8.0.3 in Windows 7. I don't know if any one has gotten it to work yet. :confused:

I'm having the same problem on a laptop. I thought it was probably a laptop issue, but it appears to be wider spread than that. I can record, I can play back a demo, and everything appears great, but no sound, from phones or main outs.

I did some testing for a few hours with my dealer last week. The MBox 2 pro works just fine with other systems. My PT files run just fine on other systems. I/O's set properly, etc.

Last night I made the last tweaks I could find or think of, did an image, and tried a reload. Same results.

Looks like I'm off to dual boot land until the drivers work! :rolleyes:

[Greg M]

I have a question for anyone who is using the Gigabyte GA-X58A-UD(3,5,7)R motherboard.

Did you update the BIOS? I am in the midst of my i7 build right now and my MOBO is using BIOS version F1 (Dec. 2009). On the Gigabyte web site there are two newer revisions - F2 and F3 and am wondering if there is any benefit to updating.

At this point, I have just put the parts together and loaded Win7 x64 (I know I have to wait for the updated PTLE drivers). I have not done any of the memory optimizations or anything else yet.

Also, any other advice about the X58A board?

Thanks in advance,
Greg

[Keiser Soze]

I have a question for anyone who is using the Gigabyte GA-X58A-UD(3,5,7)R motherboard.

Did you update the BIOS? I am in the midst of my i7 build right now and my MOBO is using BIOS version F1 (Dec. 2009). On the Gigabyte web site there are two newer revisions - F2 and F3 and am wondering if there is any benefit to updating.

At this point, I have just put the parts together and loaded Win7 x64 (I know I have to wait for the updated PTLE drivers). I have not done any of the memory optimizations or anything else yet.

Also, any other advice about the X58A board?

Thanks in advance,
Greg
I am using that MOBO, and I am on BIOS F3. I decided to update to the newest BIOS before I did antything, so I can't comment on F1 or F2. The system runs really well, what memory speed are you going to be running?

Updating the BIOS is a breeze. Just put the update on a flash drive, when the system boots up push the END key, and you'll go to QFlash. Select the flash drive, select the BIOS, and that's it. If you're nervous about updating the BIOS, don't be. Even if you screw up the BIOS, these boards have dual bios, so if one gets corrupted, the other takes over and rebuilds the original, meaning you'll always have a functioning BIOS.

[Greg M]

Keny,

Thanks for the quick response.

I have the OCZ gold 6GB 1600 set 8-8-8-24 (and just ordered another set). So I am planning to run at about 1600. I just tried setting the timings to 8-8-8-24 at 1600 with the current F1 BIOS and the DDR voltage went to 1.73 so I set it back to the Defaults (7-7-7-19 at 1066).

I just checked the Gigabyte web site and they have posted a new F4 BIOS version. The descriptions for the F2 and F3 BIOS versions say they add more support for i7 and memory enhancement respectively. So I think I may have to update the BIOS to get the memory speed up. I am going to try the F4.

Any advice on setting the memory timings/speed?

Thanks,
Greg

[Keiser Soze]

Which MoBo do you have? GA-X58A-UD3R? The product page says the latest bios rev is F3.

http://www.gigabyte.us/Support/Motherboard/BIOS_Model.aspx?ProductID=3317

What proc are you going to be using? If it's i7 920, Set the clock rate to 133mhz, the CPU multiplier to 20, the memory multiplier to 12 (Set the memory to standard from turbo for better stability), Set your timings at 8-8-8-24 not sure what your command rat should be, but try 2, and the DRAM voltage to the factory spec for the memory (dont mess with CPU voltages).

[Greg M]

Keny,

I have the GA-X58A-UD3R motherboard.

There was an F4 version an hour ago but it is gone now. I tried it and it failed to allow Win7 to load so there must be a problem with it. So...I have flashed the BIOS using Q-Flash and a flash drive to version F3. It is interesting to me that the Q-Flash procedure tells you to load the "Optimized Defaults" from the BIOS menu as the last step in the process. I did that and it stopped Win7 from starting. Had to reflash to F3 again. All seems well now.

I will try the settings you list.

Thanks - I really appreciate the help.

Greg

[Greg M]

Keny,

I have set everything as per your instructions except the DRAM voltage. I can't find the place to enter it. With all of the other settings DRAM voltage is showing 1.79 volts in the PC Health section. This is higher that the 1.65 v spec.

Where do I set this voltage manually?

Edit: I found it and set to 1.64v. PC Health now reports DRAM voltage 1.616v.

Thanks,
Greg

[Keiser Soze]

Greg,

So it's working ok? Lemme know, I'm very happy to help in any way possible. BTW which board do you have? Like I said, the most up to date BIOS that I find is F3. Oops never mind, I saw that last post.

[Greg M]

Keny,

Yes, all is working well now. Next step for me is to install my iStar USA drive bays and two more hard drives. Then I can Image and and load some software.

Thanks,
Greg

[Keiser Soze]

I'm glad I could help. Have a good one, and enjoy your new system :)

[AndyMVP]

I've never used an MBox of any kind, but from the Instructions for installation of Pro Tools for Window 7 and Beta drivers:

NOTE: These instructions ONLY apply to the following devices:
003
003 Rack
003 Rack+
Mbox 2
Mbox 2 Mini
Mbox 2 Micro
Digi 002
Digi 002 Rack

Looks like MBox 2 Pro isn't supported by 8.0.3 in Windows 7. I don't know if any one has gotten it to work yet. :confused:

bgronas has (http://duc.digidesign.com/showpost.php?p=1556100&postcount=2677).

At least I think it's 8.0.3 bgronas is on. I've just sent a message and hopefully bgronas will come back to this forum with some pointers.

I checked my I/O settings and they were all fine.

[guitardom]

I have a question for anyone who is using the Gigabyte GA-X58A-UD(3,5,7)R motherboard.

Did you update the BIOS? I am in the midst of my i7 build right now and my MOBO is using BIOS version F1 (Dec. 2009). On the Gigabyte web site there are two newer revisions - F2 and F3 and am wondering if there is any benefit to updating.

At this point, I have just put the parts together and loaded Win7 x64 (I know I have to wait for the updated PTLE drivers). I have not done any of the memory optimizations or anything else yet.

Also, any other advice about the X58A board?

Thanks in advance,
Greg

i would recomend updating. on the gigabyte site, they tell you what the bios revision is for. i have kept up with every bios update since my build. the newest update which i updated a few nights ago improves memory handling. they can be quite important. just know that your bios settings will be reset, so take notes on your current bios if it is working well.

[Trainwrecker]

Keny,

I have set everything as per your instructions except the DRAM voltage. I can't find the place to enter it. With all of the other settings DRAM voltage is showing 1.79 volts in the PC Health section. This is higher that the 1.65 v spec.

Where do I set this voltage manually?

Edit: I found it and set to 1.64v. PC Health now reports DRAM voltage 1.616v.

Thanks,
Greg

Why not share how you found out how to set the voltage? It could help others. ;)

[faria]

Gigabyte X58A-ud3r will run 6gb gskill trident 1600mhz cl6 ?

[guitardom]

Keny,

I have set everything as per your instructions except the DRAM voltage. I can't find the place to enter it. With all of the other settings DRAM voltage is showing 1.79 volts in the PC Health section. This is higher that the 1.65 v spec.

Where do I set this voltage manually?

Edit: I found it and set to 1.64v. PC Health now reports DRAM voltage 1.616v.

Thanks,
Greg

just as a warning.....you need to be VERY careful with the ram voltage. the 1.64v is not a joke and nothing to take lightly. this has actually been the weak spot early on w the i7, as the ram manufactures were building the ram and somehow missed this spec and we had to watch the ram because some was being manufactured that wanted close to 2v and could cause some serious damage to the system. but this is an area where the i7 is much different from the computer world as we previously knew it. we cant just bump up voltages and get more throughput out of our ram. well, i guess you can, but the lifespan of it will be shortened immensely!!

you need to be getting in the bios to set your ram speed accordingly as it will default to 1066. checking your ram voltage should also be on the list of todo's in there as well.

[guitardom]

Gigabyte X58A-ud3r will run 6gb gskill trident 1600mhz cl6 ?

post an exact link to the ram. as a side note the x58a is a new board and not really tested. but the specs on your ram should tell you if it is i7 compatible. the gigabyte website will also give you a list of recomended ram.

[faria]

post an exact link to the ram. as a side note the x58a is a new board and not really tested. but the specs on your ram should tell you if it is i7 compatible. the gigabyte website will also give you a list of recomended ram.

http://www.gskill.com/products.php?index=186

[guitardom]

http://www.gskill.com/products.php?index=186


here is a list of approved ram and vendors for the gigabyte x58a-UD3 (http://www.giga-byte.com/FileList/MemorySupport/mb_memory_ga-x58a-ud3r.pdf). this might help. your ram seems good, but cant say 100%

[bgronas]

Cool. :-) Not that different from what I built - but I can't get audio outta my setup.

Well, that's a lot of info, hopefully somewhere in there is the cause of the issue. Thanks!

SO...


http://greenhillprojects.wordpress.com/2010/02/17/windows-7-x64-and-mbox-2-pro/
http://www.digidesign.com/index.cfm?navid=54&itemid=40492


## The essence:


These drivers do not support the original Mbox (the original Mbox is not supported with Pro Tools 8.0.3 and higher).
The 8.0.4b drivers support ONLY the following devices: 003, 003 Rack, 003 Rack+, Mbox 2, Mbox 2 Mini, Mbox 2 Micro, Digi 002, and Digi 002 Rack.
Updated drivers are not required for the Mbox 2 Pro or Eleven Rack, which means you only need pro tools v8.0.3 without any extra drivers!
Note: If you installed the beta drivers, uninstall them, uninstall ProTools, then boot, then reinstall Protools 8.0.3, then the CS1 pkg. Only Plug in the equipment "when told" during install..!



If you open a project - Do you have jumping VU/LED lights on your master track? Check the I/O to be 100% Shure, especially the setting for "out" on the masterfader's interface seeting. Try a couple of the different settings there, and see what happens, might be that easy..

hope this directs you somewhere :-):-)

Rgds Bengt

[Melthoven]

Here, a few pages back:

http://duc.digidesign.com/showthread.php?p=1511637&highlight=Squeal#post1511637 (http://duc.digidesign.com/showthread.php?p=1511637&highlight=Squeal#post1511637)


I read this all , every page, in a couple of days... and how come, i7 Parts are on their way. :-)

This will be my second PC build based on DUC members experience. Some parts can be found in auctions... crazy how fast things get "obsolete".

yes thanks man been reading threw this forum alot myself

[godhatesusall]

hello there,
i've just put my computer together and all looks to be working well - before i load the OS (i want to triple boot OS drive XP Pro 32, W764, W764) should i be making any settings in BIOS first?
i've read about settings/optimizations etc but am not sure about the order i should be doing things in.
clearly i am a neewbi :-)
thanks for any help and advice
Warren

-Gigabyte GA-EX58-UD5 Mother Board
-Intel i7 920 CPU 2.66GHz
-WD Caviar Black 3.5" 500GB 7200rpm 32MB SATA (x3)
-HIS ATI HD4650 Video Card
-Corsair XMS3 6GB RAM (3x 2GB DDR3)
-Corsair 650W HX-650 ATX Modular Power Supply
-Thermaltake Ultra-120 Extreme 1366 RT (Heatsink with fan)

[Keiser Soze]

@godhatesusall

There aren't any BIOS settings that should interfere with the multiboot environment.

Be sure to partition each OS accordingly, and leave space for the next consecutive OS to install. Leave enough unpartitioned space in other words

For instance if you have a 300GB drive that you want to have one os on 150 and another on the other 150. You would install XP on 150Gb of the drive and leave the rest unpartitioned. Then install windows 7 on the rest of the unpartitioned space. BE CAREFUL that you don't install on the partition you just set up and inadvertantly overwrite all the work you already did.

Install XP First, then Win7. It will automajically create a multi boot environment. During boot there will be a selection menu; it will probably default to Win7 and have a selection for Earlier version of windows. If you want it to say windows xp you need to run a command prompt from windows 7 (Right click on command prompt and choose run as administrator) and type:

bcdedit /set {ntldr} description "Windows XP"

That is to change the description from "Earlier Version of Windows" to "Windows XP" (You can name it whatever you want, just put it between quotations.) I hope this helps.

[RuffinMedia]

Does anyone know of a PT8 compatible i7 Mobo and processor for around 400-500 bucks? I'm having a friend build me an i5 machine (specs below) but wanna see if i could jump up to an i7 for around the same price. As you can see I'm a newbi.

i5 750 2.66 GHz
4GB DDR3 1333MHz
mobo - ASUS P7P55

[Keiser Soze]

$209.99 GIGABYTE GA-X58A-UD3R : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128423

$288.99 Intel Core i7-920 : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115202

_________________
$498.98

[Greg M]

guitardom, and others,

Finaly had a chance to get back to the DUC. Here are some comments, info, and questions.

1) The way that I set the DRAM voltage on the X58A board was to go to MIT and scroll all the way down to the "Load Line Calibration" section. You should see "DRAM Voltage Control" a few lines down. Select it and hit Enter and you will get a menu with a bunch of voltages to select from.

2) guitardom, you have me worried about this memory voltage issue. Please read on and you will see why I am a bit concerned.

The memory I purchased is the OCZ Gold 6GB set (triple channel). In the BIOS, I have the timings set as 8-8-8-24 with the voltage set at 1.64 volts. The actual voltage reading is 1.616 volts.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227365

It is shown as: OCZ Gold 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Low Voltage Desktop Memory Model OCZ3G1600LV6GK - Retail . The OCZ web site says the timings for this memory are 8-8-8-24 with a max voltage of 1.65 volts

Sandra Lite reports each stick as: OCZ3G1600LV2G 2GB DIMM DDR3 PC3-8500U DDR3-1066 (7-7-7-16 4-26-8-4).

I ran CPU-Z and it shows the timings as: CL=8, tRCD=8, tRP=8, tRAS=24, tRFC=88, and CR=1.

However, the Timing Table from CPU-Z shows the following for JEDEC#4: freq=609, CL=8, RAS to CAS=8, RAS Precharge=8, tRAS=19, tRC=31, and the voltage at 1.5 volts. In fact, CPU-Z shows 1.5 volts for each of the other JEDEC# 1-3 (lower frequencies).

This is making me question whether or not this memory is really rated for 1.65 volts!!!

CPU-Z Id's this memory (per stick) as: Module Size=2048 MBytes, Max Bandwidth=PC3-8500F (533 MHz), Manufacturer=OCZ, Part Number= OCZ3G1600LV2G.

What do you think? Am I pushing this memory too hard? Should I limit the voltage to 1.5 volts?

The other data that I have is from the BIOS PC Health section. It is as follows: Vcore=1.236v, DDR15V=1.616v, +3.3V=3.376v, +5V=4.945v, +12V=12.36v, CPU Temp=34C, MCH Temp=45C.

CPU is an i7 920 Bloomfield (D0), Power Supply is OCZ 700SXS 700W, MB is a Gigabye GA-X58A-UD3R, CPU Cooler is a CoolerMaster V8 (180W).

Any advice is welcome.

Thanks,
Greg

[Keiser Soze]

I wouldn't worry about it too much with the voltage and timings set correctly in BIOS. But guitardom probably knows a little more than I do on the subject. Are these the latest versions of CPUZ and Sandra? I'm going to see what mine says when I get home. I set my memory and voltages, but never went into too much detail because BIOS reports the correct numbers.

[Theory13]

i am dying to go with solid state drives.

Hey Guitardom,
just wanted to say thanks for your advice here. I really appreciate it! i built my system, and all is running awesome! :D

cheers!
--j.andre.

[Greg M]

Keny,

Yes, these are the latest versions of Sandra Lite and CPU-Z. Please post your findings. I am very interested in what these little utilities say about your system. IIRC you have the OCZ gold 2000, right?

I still haven't installed any software other than a few of these utilities and QuickTime. I ran the DPC latency utility on this i7 920 and was surprized to see that my baseline latency is about 45-50 usec. The system in my signature (about 4 years old) runs 8-14 usec. I have done no optimization tweaks to Win7 x64 yet.

Thanks,
Greg

[guitardom]

hello there,
i've just put my computer together and all looks to be working well - before i load the OS (i want to triple boot OS drive XP Pro 32, W764, W764) should i be making any settings in BIOS first?
i've read about settings/optimizations etc but am not sure about the order i should be doing things in.
clearly i am a neewbi :-)
thanks for any help and advice
Warren

-Gigabyte GA-EX58-UD5 Mother Board
-Intel i7 920 CPU 2.66GHz
-WD Caviar Black 3.5" 500GB 7200rpm 32MB SATA (x3)
-HIS ATI HD4650 Video Card
-Corsair XMS3 6GB RAM (3x 2GB DDR3)
-Corsair 650W HX-650 ATX Modular Power Supply
-Thermaltake Ultra-120 Extreme 1366 RT (Heatsink with fan)

WOW a lot of posts today!

settings in the bios will not affect anything for booting other than setting the proper physical hard drive which it will typically do itself.


ok, i personally do not recomend putting w7-xp on the same physical hard drive. mykhal and others do not have problems with it, but it drives me insane. you typically need a boot manager program to do it safely. after you do this, w7 will automatically become the boot manager and if you delete your w7 partition or restore it to a image before you had xp on there, you can very easily completely lose your xp partition and have to redo it. i keep a removable bay system for my c drive and have drives for xp and w7.

here are boot manager programs out there like acronis, paragon, vista boot pro. can google it and find tons of them. i just had a couple bad experiences, and find it easier to not deal with it. sure others have had the opposite luck, just not me;)

[guitardom]

guitardom, and others,

Finaly had a chance to get back to the DUC. Here are some comments, info, and questions.

1) The way that I set the DRAM voltage on the X58A board was to go to MIT and scroll all the way down to the "Load Line Calibration" section. You should see "DRAM Voltage Control" a few lines down. Select it and hit Enter and you will get a menu with a bunch of voltages to select from.

2) guitardom, you have me worried about this memory voltage issue. Please read on and you will see why I am a bit concerned.

The memory I purchased is the OCZ Gold 6GB set (triple channel). In the BIOS, I have the timings set as 8-8-8-24 with the voltage set at 1.64 volts. The actual voltage reading is 1.616 volts.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227365

It is shown as: OCZ Gold 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Low Voltage Desktop Memory Model OCZ3G1600LV6GK - Retail . The OCZ web site says the timings for this memory are 8-8-8-24 with a max voltage of 1.65 volts

Sandra Lite reports each stick as: OCZ3G1600LV2G 2GB DIMM DDR3 PC3-8500U DDR3-1066 (7-7-7-16 4-26-8-4).

I ran CPU-Z and it shows the timings as: CL=8, tRCD=8, tRP=8, tRAS=24, tRFC=88, and CR=1.

However, the Timing Table from CPU-Z shows the following for JEDEC#4: freq=609, CL=8, RAS to CAS=8, RAS Precharge=8, tRAS=19, tRC=31, and the voltage at 1.5 volts. In fact, CPU-Z shows 1.5 volts for each of the other JEDEC# 1-3 (lower frequencies).

This is making me question whether or not this memory is really rated for 1.65 volts!!!

CPU-Z Id's this memory (per stick) as: Module Size=2048 MBytes, Max Bandwidth=PC3-8500F (533 MHz), Manufacturer=OCZ, Part Number= OCZ3G1600LV2G.

What do you think? Am I pushing this memory too hard? Should I limit the voltage to 1.5 volts?

The other data that I have is from the BIOS PC Health section. It is as follows: Vcore=1.236v, DDR15V=1.616v, +3.3V=3.376v, +5V=4.945v, +12V=12.36v, CPU Temp=34C, MCH Temp=45C.

CPU is an i7 920 Bloomfield (D0), Power Supply is OCZ 700SXS 700W, MB is a Gigabye GA-X58A-UD3R, CPU Cooler is a CoolerMaster V8 (180W).

Any advice is welcome.

Thanks,
Greg

interesting, and great your doing all this research, but dont get an ulcer over it;):D i have never compared my cpu-z and sandra results. they are off quite a bit for you! i am not sure which i would trust more though? could have to do with the motherboard though and not the software so much. these are have been issues with previous new mb's.

another thing, as this is a new motherboard, bios updates will be coming fairly quickly. once you get your machine running nice, take notes. anytime you update your bios, all your settings will revert back to factory.

actually if you are NOT oc'ing your rig, you should be able to pull the memory voltage down a bit.. in the voltage settings drop it back an incirment or 2 at a time, then fire it up, and hit it hard with vi's like minigrand, just start stacking them and recording. once the voltage is to low, the machine will just shut down, maybe a blue screen. i usually start doing this though with the cpu first and get it as low as possible, then bump it up one, then do it w the ram. i am running my ram at 1.62 and have the ram oc'd from 1600 to 1700, and still have it lower than the 1.64 rating of the ram. actually it look like your vcore has been lowered already some???

[guitardom]

@godhatesusall

There aren't any BIOS settings that should interfere with the multiboot environment.

Be sure to partition each OS accordingly, and leave space for the next consecutive OS to install. Leave enough unpartitioned space in other words

For instance if you have a 300GB drive that you want to have one os on 150 and another on the other 150. You would install XP on 150Gb of the drive and leave the rest unpartitioned. Then install windows 7 on the rest of the unpartitioned space. BE CAREFUL that you don't install on the partition you just set up and inadvertantly overwrite all the work you already did.

Install XP First, then Win7. It will automajically create a multi boot environment. During boot there will be a selection menu; it will probably default to Win7 and have a selection for Earlier version of windows. If you want it to say windows xp you need to run a command prompt from windows 7 (Right click on command prompt and choose run as administrator) and type:

bcdedit /set {ntldr} description "Windows XP"

That is to change the description from "Earlier Version of Windows" to "Windows XP" (You can name it whatever you want, just put it between quotations.) I hope this helps.

this is a great post. but feeds to my point of it just being a PIA!!!!:D

also just an fyi: to restore your boot part in w7, put in the w7 install cd, choose repair, then go to command prompt and enter

bootsect.exe /nt60 c: i believe you can also replace "c:" with "all:" though i am not 100%

[guitardom]

Hey Guitardom,
just wanted to say thanks for your advice here. I really appreciate it! i built my system, and all is running awesome! :D

cheers!
--j.andre.


cool man, glad to hear!;)

[Trainwrecker]

Hey Men,

Pro Tools will not take advantage of a 64bit system because it is a 32bit application. Pro Tools is a 32 bit software and will still be restricted to 4GB's memory.

Why install W7-64bit?

[Shan]

Hey Men,

Pro Tools will not take advantage of a 64bit system because it is a 32bit application. Pro Tools is a 32 bit software and will still be restricted to 4GB's memory.

Why install W7-64bit?

So we can use all 4G of memory. We'll also be able to take advantage of some plug-ins "outside" of PT in the same system. Sample based plug-ins can load all the samples into RAM without issues. RAMDrives will make these systems rock pretty bad.

Shane

[Keybeeetsss]

Hey Men,

Pro Tools will not take advantage of a 64bit system because it is a 32bit application. Pro Tools is a 32 bit software and will still be restricted to 4GB's memory.

Why install W7-64bit?
Simple & short answer is 4 is > than 3;)

[DGraham]

Been trying to reach the guy who put together my past PC's since December. I've always been okay with computers, but far from one who could confidently troubleshoot. I'm tired of waiting, so I'm just gonna do it myself. Shouldn't be too hard right?

Any suggestions (On coin or compatibility) or slaps on the hand would be appreciated. I plan to donate my current machine to a friend of mine and the only thing I'm reusing in my video card (Radeon X550) and CD/DVD drives. In regards to the latter, would I be better served getting a SATA CD/DVD drive? The ones I have now (Sony) are definitely not SATA.


Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP3 32-bit
-http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116592
-$169.99

Would this OEM version be fine or should I get a retail copy? I would have liked to get everything from Newegg, but they don't have the retail version. When I have found it via a Google search I get results from sellers I've never heard of before and I'm always reluctant to purchase from folks who have not been referred to me.

I'm not exactly sure what version he used, but I don't recall ever having to download drivers after he delivered the PC to me. Maybe he did that himself. Dunno.

Intel Core i7-920 Bloomfield 2.66GHz 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor
-http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115202&cm_re=Intel_Core_i7_CPU_920-_-19-115-202-_-Product
-$288.99

COOLER MASTER Intel Core i7 compatible V8 RR-UV8-XBU1-GP 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler
-http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103055
-$74.99

Gigabyte EX58-UD3RGIGABYTE GA-EX58-UD3R LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard
-http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16813128375
-$188.99

OCZ Platinum 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model OCZ3P1333LV4GK
-http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16820227478
-$99.99 x 2 = $199.98

SIIG FireWire 3-Port PCI i/e - NN-440012-S8
-http://www.siig.com/ViewProduct.aspx?pid=374
-$54.99

CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply
-http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006
-$119.99

Western Digital Caviar Black WD5001AALS 500GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive
-http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136320
-$69.99
-System

Western Digital Caviar Black WD7501AALS 750GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Hard Drive
-http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136283
-$79.99
-Storage/Sample

Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive
-http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319
-$74.99
-Audio

Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
-http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021
-$99.99

[Greg M]

DGraham,

I am by no means an expert, but I would bump the ram from 4GB to 6GB (I just bought this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227365

Greg

[DGraham]

Hey, thanks a lot bro. More for less is great.

Also, I'll be reusing my current Caviar black for audio, and Hitachi for storage/sample.

[godhatesusall]

@godhatesusall

There aren't any BIOS settings that should interfere with the multiboot environment.

Be sure to partition each OS accordingly, and leave space for the next consecutive OS to install. Leave enough unpartitioned space in other words

For instance if you have a 300GB drive that you want to have one os on 150 and another on the other 150. You would install XP on 150Gb of the drive and leave the rest unpartitioned. Then install windows 7 on the rest of the unpartitioned space. BE CAREFUL that you don't install on the partition you just set up and inadvertantly overwrite all the work you already did.

Install XP First, then Win7. It will automajically create a multi boot environment. During boot there will be a selection menu; it will probably default to Win7 and have a selection for Earlier version of windows. If you want it to say windows xp you need to run a command prompt from windows 7 (Right click on command prompt and choose run as administrator) and type:

bcdedit /set {ntldr} description "Windows XP"

That is to change the description from "Earlier Version of Windows" to "Windows XP" (You can name it whatever you want, just put it between quotations.) I hope this helps.

thx, very helpful post - think i'll just do a single xp install for now (while i get a feel for things)

any thoughts on all those system tools? i have trueimage and pc wizard so far, wondering what the bear essentials are for setting up and maintaining a system

cheers to you all :cool:
cheerz

[Shan]

thx, very helpful post - think i'll just do a single xp install for now (while i get a feel for things)

any thoughts on all those system tools? i have trueimage and pc wizard so far, wondering what the bear essentials are for setting up and maintaining a system

cheers to you all :cool:
cheerz

Other useful tools for the toolbox are TrueImage (http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing/products/trueimage/), Sandra (http://download.cnet.com/SiSoftware-Sandra/3000-2086_4-10556571.html?tag=mncol), DPC latency Checker (http://www.thesycon.de/deu/latency_check.shtml), Memtest86 (http://www.memtest.org/), SpinRite (http://www.grc.com/spinrite.htm), guitardom Trasher (http://drop.io/TRASHERappSKUNKWORKS#thumbnail/sort_by_name/order_by_asc/201) , CrystalDiskMark (http://crystalmark.info/software/CrystalDiskMark/index-e.html), and the basic XP optimizations (http://avid.custkb.com/avid/app/selfservice/search.jsp?DocId=349591).

Shane

[CrAkD]

looks like I have a bad stick of memory. the safe bios settings worked for a few days. started getting the BSOD again last night well encoding video. I ran memtest for a few hours today and got 2 errors. so now i took all the sticks out and im running memtest on 1 stick at a time. hopefully its just a bad stick and not a motherboard problem.

[godhatesusall]

Other useful tools for the toolbox are TrueImage (http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing/products/trueimage/), Sandra (http://download.cnet.com/SiSoftware-Sandra/3000-2086_4-10556571.html?tag=mncol), DPC latency Checker (http://www.thesycon.de/deu/latency_check.shtml), Memtest86 (http://www.memtest.org/), SpinRite (http://www.grc.com/spinrite.htm), guitardom Trasher (http://drop.io/TRASHERappSKUNKWORKS#thumbnail/sort_by_name/order_by_asc/201) , CrystalDiskMark (http://crystalmark.info/software/CrystalDiskMark/index-e.html), and the basic XP optimizations (http://avid.custkb.com/avid/app/selfservice/search.jsp?DocId=349591).

Shane

:eek: so much to learn

im at a point now where my computer is built and iv installed xp pro sp2 (this is a disc i got from work till i buy xp pro sp3, so i will have to start from scratch again in a couple of weeks but figure it will be good practice) i havent installed anything from the mobo disk (got all updates from the web and put on flash drive)

bios is now updated to F11 - should i install all the update drivers? i notice SATA RAID and LAN driver updates, but im disabling raid and im not on a network so figure i should not install them if im not going to use.

next will do windows optimizations and bios settings then install protools and see where im at :-)

just a question on Windows OEM versions - are there any authorization probs?

any thoughts / comments welcomed
W

[Keiser Soze]

If you buy an oem version of windows you are getting the same product as a full priced boxed version. You can authorize and everything. But the lisence agreement states thAt by purchasing it you are a system builder/reseller and are obligated to provide tech support for your client. In other words, it comes with no tech support from Microsoft. Not a big deal though if you really think about it. With the duc and countless Internet resources, it makes sense to go with oem.

[spudgun]

Hi guys,

I am having a hair pulling experience here in installing windows 7 oem on my new pc i have just built.

My hardware spec:
MB:Gigabyte GA-EX58 xxxxxx
Chipset: Intel i7 920
RAM: Corsair DDR3 6gb (3x2gb) 1333MHZ
HDD: Hitachi 1tb
DVD: Liteon iHAS124
Video: Radeon HD 5850
PSU: Corsair TX750W
& more than enough fans!

Now my problem:

The system passes BIOS then states : Boot from CD/DVD and simply loads the OS does not trigger the setup OS procedure. Then once OS is loaded, i only get the windows wallpaper, no icons, no start button, no explorer.exe.
WHy wont is install or start setup!??!!!???

Already checked:
-changed BIOS to use First boot device as: CDROM, Second: HDD
-Standard CMOS shows Channel 0 Master: Hitachi HDSXXXXXX and IDE Channel 1 Slave: APATI iHAS124
-MB Intelligent Tweaker (MIT) CPU Clock 20x making Freq: 2.66ghz, QPI speed 4.8Ghz, NO OVERclocking settings enabled...all default, inc 1.5v for the DDR. Memory Frequency is at 1066.
-Othervoltages (all auto):
-CPU Vcore = 1.3v Actual = 1.28v
-QPI/Vtt V = 1.15v
-IOH Core = 1.1v
-DRAM = 1.5v Actual = 1.536v

- +3.3V Actual = 3.3v
- +5V Actual = 5.05v
- +12V Actual = 12.24v

Can anyone please please please let me know what the problem is! i would be eternally grateful!

Many thanks,
Mike

[Greg M]

spudgun,

I just finished my i7 build using the x58a motherboard. My Win7 x64 install did the same thing. Finally, I decided to just let it sit at the wallpaper screen. After about 5 minutes Windows began installation.

Greg

[guitardom]

Hi guys,

I am having a hair pulling experience here in installing windows 7 oem on my new pc i have just built.

My hardware spec:
MB:Gigabyte GA-EX58 xxxxxx
Chipset: Intel i7 920
RAM: Corsair DDR3 6gb (3x2gb) 1333MHZ
HDD: Hitachi 1tb
DVD: Liteon iHAS124
Video: Radeon HD 5850
PSU: Corsair TX750W
& more than enough fans!

Now my problem:

The system passes BIOS then states : Boot from CD/DVD and simply loads the OS does not trigger the setup OS procedure. Then once OS is loaded, i only get the windows wallpaper, no icons, no start button, no explorer.exe.
WHy wont is install or start setup!??!!!???

Already checked:
-changed BIOS to use First boot device as: CDROM, Second: HDD
-Standard CMOS shows Channel 0 Master: Hitachi HDSXXXXXX and IDE Channel 1 Slave: APATI iHAS124
-MB Intelligent Tweaker (MIT) CPU Clock 20x making Freq: 2.66ghz, QPI speed 4.8Ghz, NO OVERclocking settings enabled...all default, inc 1.5v for the DDR. Memory Frequency is at 1066.
-Othervoltages (all auto):
-CPU Vcore = 1.3v Actual = 1.28v
-QPI/Vtt V = 1.15v
-IOH Core = 1.1v
-DRAM = 1.5v Actual = 1.536v

- +3.3V Actual = 3.3v
- +5V Actual = 5.05v
- +12V Actual = 12.24v

Can anyone please please please let me know what the problem is! i would be eternally grateful!

Many thanks,
Mike

w7 is a stupidly slow install on any system. letting it sit as greg stated is the way to go. just make sure you can hear the disc spinning in the drive. i would also set my ram mulplier up from i am guessing your on 8 to 10 and get it to 1333 and nudge the ddr voltage from 1.5 to about 1.62 or so for the moment and make sure the ram has enough voltage. you should be able to see on the stick or your packaging what it requires. it might even be 1.64 or so.

[philip888]

w7 is a stupidly slow install on any system. letting it sit as greg stated is the way to go. just make sure you can hear the disc spinning in the drive. i would also set my ram mulplier up from i am guessing your on 8 to 10 and get it to 1333 and nudge the ddr voltage from 1.5 to about 1.62 or so for the moment and make sure the ram has enough voltage. you should be able to see on the stick or your packaging what it requires. it might even be 1.64 or so.

W7 install on my system is faster than linux intsall.

[guitardom]

W7 install on my system is faster than linux intsall.

Can't comment, never messed w Linux. Seems like w the simplicity of the Linux os it would install in a couple minutes, but as stated, I don't know ;)

[philip888]

Can't comment, never messed w Linux. Seems like w the simplicity of the Linux os it would install in a couple minutes, but as stated, I don't know ;)


Linux does install in a few minutes.

When I installed W7 I was blown away at the speed it installed.

10 to 15 minutes for me.

[Keybeeetsss]

Linux does install in a few minutes.

When I installed W7 I was blown away at the speed it installed.

10 to 15 minutes for me.
Same here; pretty fast(much faster than XP)

[Greg M]

The issue here is getting Win7 x64 to start the install process. Once it starts, it goes pretty fast (much faster than XP ever did for me). But what seems to happen sometimes is that it just sits there with Windows wallpaper up seemingly doing nothing for about 5 minutes or so before installation actually begins. You actually get a message saying that it is starting Windows, not installing Windows. This is with a new, blank hard drive.

This was not the case when I installed Win 7 on the computer in my signature (quad Opteron 265). It just started right into the install. However, I did experience this 5 minute "lag" when I installed Win 7 x64 on my i7 920, Gigabyte x58A system.

This is a strange thing.

Greg

[Shan]

Same here; pretty fast(much faster than XP)

Mine was installed in 12 minutes. This is definitely a big plus with W7 over XP.

Shane

[philip888]

Shane do you know if my mother board giga EX58-ud3r has the ability to assign IRQ's in the BIOS?

Thanks

[guitardom]

Shane do you know if my mother board giga EX58-ud3r has the ability to assign IRQ's in the BIOS?

Thanks

only for a device or 2. have to look to see exactly what it was

[walkonvu]

Hi all,

I would like to build a new PC for MBOX 2 PRO from following parts:
CPU INTEL Core i7-930
MOBO ASUS P6T SE
6GB (KIT 3x2GB) DDR3 1600MHz PC12800 CL7-7-7-24 OCZ OCZ3P1600LV6GK
GPU GIGABYTE N98TSL-1GI
PSU CoolerMaster Silent Pro Active 600W RS600-AMBAD3-EU
HDDs WESTERN DIGITAL Caviar SE16 500GB WD5000AAKS

Please can you tell me it is OK or sould I change something?
Thanks in advance

Walkonvu

[guitardom]

Hi all,

I would like to build a new PC for MBOX 2 PRO from following parts:
CPU INTEL Core i7-930
MOBO ASUS P6T SE
6GB (KIT 3x2GB) DDR3 1600MHz PC12800 CL7-7-7-24 OCZ OCZ3P1600LV6GK
GPU GIGABYTE N98TSL-1GI
PSU CoolerMaster Silent Pro Active 600W RS600-AMBAD3-EU
HDDs WESTERN DIGITAL Caviar SE16 500GB WD5000AAKS

Please can you tell me it is OK or sould I change something?
Thanks in advance

Walkonvu
post a link to your vid card
get rid of the wd cavair drives and go wd black

[mano111]

Hi all,

I would like to build a new PC for MBOX 2 PRO from following parts:
CPU INTEL Core i7-930
MOBO ASUS P6T SE
6GB (KIT 3x2GB) DDR3 1600MHz PC12800 CL7-7-7-24 OCZ OCZ3P1600LV6GK
GPU GIGABYTE N98TSL-1GI
PSU CoolerMaster Silent Pro Active 600W RS600-AMBAD3-EU
HDDs WESTERN DIGITAL Caviar SE16 500GB WD5000AAKS

Please can you tell me it is OK or sould I change something?
Thanks in advance

Walkonvu

I had bad experiance with 2 machines I built using P6T SE for video editing systems.

It sometimes booted with dual channel memmory insted of triple, recognising 8 out of 12 GB or 4 out of 6GB on the second machine . Did some digging and found out I'm not the only one having the same issue with the SE mobo.

Ended up replacing them to Gigabyte X58A ud3r. notice the A give you USB3 and 2 e-SATA as well as 2 TI chipset FW ports. (note if you want to use RAID you will have to download and install the updated Gigabyte SATA drivers)