New Machine? New Hardware? Purpose built Machine?

[PatriotsBiker]

OK, so which way to go?

Option #1: Store-bought special with the right processor and right amount of room for expansion of RAM, hard Drives, etc. If I can transfer my memory chips and 2 of three hard drives from old to new, that'd be fine.

Option #2: assemble my own machine. I'm paying very close attention to another thread here by a user named "epu".

Option #3: Purpose built machines. Several to choose from, but these are machines that companies are putting together specifically for music creation. These include the Sweetwater Creation Station, the associate's of PTE that is making Windows PT machines (not for outside UK yet?), Rain, etc, etc. High dollar. Lots of fancy attributes like quite fans, liquid cooled this and that and padded cases, etc. These machines are high dollar. Are they worth it, or is it a bunch of marketing hype?

Option #4: guitardom gave me some sage advice. "upgrading a dual-core machine would be on my short list of things to do." With that in mind, I'm investigating replacing a motherboard and CPU combination with something more modern.

The budget is what makes sense. If it makes sense to spend $3500, fine. I'd rather not. (duh!)

If I upgraded my current machine any more, I would take it away from why it shouldn't be upgraded. That being the CPU and motherboard. My 3 year old dual core could become a 3 year old machine with 1 year old RAM (I have 16GB), 2 WD-Black hard drives < 1 year old and a new third HD as specified by Guitardom and Greg in another thread. Only this time, new motherboard and CPU. I think something new on the graphics front as well, as that seems to be a low point in my Windows Experience Rating. I'm half way there with this machine money-wise as far as doing a less than ideal upgrade, so maybe another $500?

So, any thoughts?

[Craig F]

older RAM will probably not work in a newer machine (speed and timing differences)

[albee1952]

Option #2 is still me best choice. An intel i7 socket 2011, x79 motherboard, quad-channel RAM, quiet case, 650watt(or bigger) power supply.....this is a basis of a great Pro Tools build.

[PatriotsBiker]

Originally Posted by albee1952

Option #2 is still me best choice. An intel i7 socket 2011, x79 motherboard, quad-channel RAM, quiet case, 650watt(or bigger) power supply.....this is a basis of a great Pro Tools build.

Intersting. Is there a master list of everything I would need to assemble such a machine?

btw, option #4 is toast. The box I have will not accept any newer motherboards, according to two sources now.

One thing about Albee1952's vote is that I'd have very little in the way of new machine software to un-bloat my system with. :)

[guitardom]

Originally Posted by PatriotsBiker

Intersting. Is there a master list of everything I would need to assemble such a machine?

btw, option #4 is toast. The box I have will not accept any newer motherboards, according to two sources now.

One thing about Albee1952's vote is that I'd have very little in the way of new machine software to un-bloat my system with. :)

just saw this. gave you a very long answer in your other thread.