i7 Builds - Specs and Results

[Sidecut]

Thanks EGS

[zedhed]

Originally Posted by EGS

Hi all. Another new working Windows 10 Pro Tools build as of June 2021:

CPU: Intel i9-11900K
motherboard: Gigabyte Z590 Vision D
Ram: Crucial 64GB DDR4 3600

Running all cores @ 5.1 GHz
Works!!!

Hi @EGS


I'm in the process of looking at a new build and yours looks similar to what I'm thinking about.


So far I've narrowed it down to the following;
Motherboard: Gigabyte Z690 AERO D
CPU: Intel i9 12900K
RAM: (Haven't decided on Brand ) 64gb DDR5


My question is, in both the opposing (same brand) Motherboard & CPU's of the same specs, the difference is one has integrated graphics and the other does not.
I know integrated graphics has been a problem in some builds, are you aware if this is still the case or is that a thing of the past?


It looks like your build does have integrated graphics, is that correct?

[EGS]

Originally Posted by zedhed

Hi @EGS


I'm in the process of looking at a new build and yours looks similar to what I'm thinking about.


So far I've narrowed it down to the following;
Motherboard: Gigabyte Z690 AERO D
CPU: Intel i9 12900K
RAM: (Haven't decided on Brand ) 64gb DDR5


My question is, in both the opposing (same brand) Motherboard & CPU's of the same specs, the difference is one has integrated graphics and the other does not.
I know integrated graphics has been a problem in some builds, are you aware if this is still the case or is that a thing of the past?


It looks like your build does have integrated graphics, is that correct?

K vs KF? My K has integrated graphics, but I use a dedicated NVidea GPU instead. I could've saved a few bucks with KF, but opted for K (as a backup). https://www.intel.com/content/www/us...057824/graphic

Your build will likely be a power monster that should future-proof you for a good while!

[zedhed]

Originally Posted by EGS

K vs KF? My K has integrated graphics, but I use a dedicated NVidea GPU instead. I could've saved a few bucks with KF, but opted for K (as a backup). https://www.intel.com/content/www/us...057824/graphic

Thanks EGS, I think I'll be good with the parts I've chosen then.

Originally Posted by EGS

Your build will likely be a power monster that should future-proof you for a good while!

Yes indeed it will.

It's going to take a few months to buy/gather everything needed. It'll probably be end Feb next year before it's up & running.

[EGS]

Originally Posted by zedhed

Thanks EGS, I think I'll be good with the parts I've chosen then.



Yes indeed it will.

It's going to take a few months to buy/gather everything needed. It'll probably be end Feb next year before it's up & running.

Great. Let us know how it works for you.

[zedhed]

Will do.


I suspect it'll be little different from your build as far as performance goes.

[EGS]

To zedhed (& others doing Intel/Gigabyte builds):

When I first setup my i9-11900K/Z590 Vision D, I followed this article's straightforward advice: https://skatterbencher.com/2021/04/0...d-to-5500-mhz/
Scroll down to "Strategy #2: Traditional Approach". Worked perfectly first try, and running all cores at a constant 5.1GHz ever since. Temps are fine, no throttling up or down, no crashes. This is a conservative/gentle setting; no crazy "gamer" type OC stuff at all. Stable & works great 5 months in. This build has tons of CPU headroom.

[Skwaidu]

i9-12900K parts on the way here, wish me luck! The MSI PZ690-A Pro *looks* like it can handle my HDX2 cards...

(Biggest immediate worry I have is when Noctua will get around to shipping the LGA1700 adapter for my NH-D15)

[fiddlecat]

It's time! I am starting the process of configuring a new Windows system. My current system meets my needs just fine, no performance issues. But I have the cash, the time and the energy right now, so I would like to build a stable, “future-proof” system to take advantage of Windows 11.

I seldom record more than a half-dozen tracks at a time (think bluegrass bands). Editing and mixing maybe twice that number. Plugin and VI usage is very modest. No over-clocking or other “hot rodding” on the hardware.

My current configuration:
• Core i7-3820 CPU @ 3.60GHz
• ASUS P9X79 Deluxe motherboard
• 16.0 GB RAM
• Single(!) Samsung 860 EVO SSD (1TB partitioned half/half as OS and data) w/ second SATA or external USB/SATA drive as needed

Questions / Considerations:
• Is there any significant downside to going with an i5 CPU rather than an i7 or i9?
• Do ASUS motherboards still have a good reputation? If so, which series? (Prime, Workstation, or ??? So many choices!).
• Any thoughts regarding M.2 for the OS, or can I stick with my current 2.5-inch SATA drives?
• Although 16GB RAM has worked fine up till now, I will probably go to 32GB “just because”.
• I’m a very much out of date regarding i/o. What’s important on the motherboard? USB type C? USB 3.2? Thunderbolt?

[EGS]

Originally Posted by fiddlecat

• Is there any significant downside to going with an i5 CPU rather than an i7 or i9?

The 12th gen i5 is great! If going with 10th or 11th gen, though, skip i5 and go i7 or i9.

Originally Posted by fiddlecat

• Do ASUS motherboards still have a good reputation? If so, which series? (Prime, Workstation, or ??? So many choices!).

Dunno. I've had good luck with Gigabyte.

Originally Posted by fiddlecat

• Any thoughts regarding M.2 for the OS, or can I stick with my current 2.5-inch SATA drives?

If you want to save some cash, then use your current SATA drives. Enable Pro Tools' disk cache, and you can use any drive. If starting from scratch or want the best, get M.2.

Originally Posted by fiddlecat

• Although 16GB RAM has worked fine up till now, I will probably go to 32GB “just because”.

Good idea to go 32GB.

Originally Posted by fiddlecat

• I’m a very much out of date regarding i/o. What’s important on the motherboard? USB type C? USB 3.2? Thunderbolt?

Depends on your audio interface, but a MB with Thunderbolt and USB 3.2 is a good choice for future-proofing.