Overkill? - DAW PC build 2025

[Raindriver]

Hello all...I know enough to be dangerous...

I'm spec'ing a Windows based Pro Tools Studio DAW PC build, all SSD storage. My primary questions are about processors under $750 and memory under $500 choices. I want to "future proof" to a degree but I don't want to waste money on "capability" I would never likely use. I'm primarily a songwriter and dipping my toes into Sync. I speculate using fewer than 24 tracks including what may be predominantly MIDI/VSTs at times. I doubt I would ever need to move to PT Ultimate but...?

I've always been an Intel guy so first blush I'm thinking I9 Ultra 285K because the more cores/faster the better, right? But am I wasting my money? Would I actually realize any increase in performance compared to any particular i7 or even an i5 for my intended use? But now learning about Intels recent challenges which has me looking hard at AMD. Should I be concerned enough to switch? The Ryzen 9950X would be my choice but again I wonder about the overkill factor.

Next for memory I was thinking 128G of DDR5. Or would 64G be way plenty?

Any specific advice/suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[EGS]

Welcome to the forum. If I were building today, I’d go Intel 285K with 64GB RAM. You can use the 285K’s internal GPU, and skip an external GPU. Since ProTools and other daws primarily lean on single core performance, a CPU with lots of extra cores doesn’t really help ProTools performance.

[junkgear]

Just so you are aware, AMD processors are not supported by Avid and Pro Tools. Although many people have AMD systems running successfully, if you do have issues, that is going to be your first point of contention with Avid.
Intel has had its challenges lately, but they are still solid processors for what you intend to do. When choosing a processor, it is true that having more cores doesn't always bring better performance with Pro Tools, so try and pick one with a higher base clock speed. When using a lot of VIs, spend your money on memory. You will want at least 64GB and again, stay on the faster side when it comes to speed.

[EGS]

Here's something else to consider when looking for a new Pro Tools rig with plenty of muscle. According to this site, the new Apple M4 edges out the top-of-the-line Intel 285K desktop chip in most single core benchmark tests.

https://www.cpu-monkey.com/en/compar...e_ultra_9_285k

Not that benchmarks ever prove anything, but ... these single-core test results imply that even a Macbook Air M4 or a MacMini M4 might outperform a 285K for Pro Tools. Hmmm ... (By the way I prefer Windows but I like Macs too.)

[smurfyou]

I would only consider the i9 not anything lower. I'm not sure about the integrated GPU. Might be fine. I'd lean towards a dedicated card but models and drivers are hard to keep track of. I'd look for users here to recommend specifics that work for them.

[kwall]

Originally Posted by EGS

Welcome to the forum. If I were building today, I’d go Intel 285K with 64GB RAM. You can use the 285K’s internal GPU, and skip an external GPU. Since ProTools and other daws primarily lean on single core performance, a CPU with lots of extra cores doesn’t really help ProTools performance.

Thank you EGS!

[kwall]

Originally Posted by junkgear

Just so you are aware, AMD processors are not supported by Avid and Pro Tools. Although many people have AMD systems running successfully, if you do have issues, that is going to be your first point of contention with Avid.
Intel has had its challenges lately, but they are still solid processors for what you intend to do. When choosing a processor, it is true that having more cores doesn't always bring better performance with Pro Tools, so try and pick one with a higher base clock speed. When using a lot of VIs, spend your money on memory. You will want at least 64GB and again, stay on the faster side when it comes to speed.

Thank you Junkgear. I did not know that about AMD. Guess I'll stay with Intel. As you said, for my use hopefully there won't be an issue. And that Intel has an actual fix even if a sliver of performance is lost.

[kwall]

Originally Posted by EGS

Here's something else to consider when looking for a new Pro Tools rig with plenty of muscle. According to this site, the new Apple M4 edges out the top-of-the-line Intel 285K desktop chip in most single core benchmark tests.

https://www.cpu-monkey.com/en/compar...e_ultra_9_285k

Not that benchmarks ever prove anything, but ... these single-core test results imply that even a Macbook Air M4 or a MacMini M4 might outperform a 285K for Pro Tools. Hmmm ... (By the way I prefer Windows but I like Macs too.)

I've flirted with Apple/Mac for my DAW, but I've been a PC/Droid guy forever. The lure to switch is overpowered by familiarity.

[kwall]

Originally Posted by smurfyou

I would only consider the i9 not anything lower. I'm not sure about the integrated GPU. Might be fine. I'd lean towards a dedicated card but models and drivers are hard to keep track of. I'd look for users here to recommend specifics that work for them.

Hi Will, Thank you for your reply. I'm curious as to why you feel i9 is the only way to go. Not all, but the majority of responses from this and other forums is that the i7 would be plenty.

Thanks again!

Kwall

[smurfyou]

Originally Posted by kwall

Hi Will, Thank you for your reply. I'm curious as to why you feel i9 is the only way to go. Not all, but the majority of responses from this and other forums is that the i7 would be plenty.

Thanks again!

Kwall

Well I underestimated the price difference. So my primary reason was spend a little bit more at the start and be in a better position but it is more than I remembered...

But my ideal for running multiple VI's is more cores and more RAM. PT is not the most efficient host especially with some of the instruments that are not developed with AAX as a priority.

Caveat - I am not an expert with PC's anymore, I used to split evenly but now I'm primarily working on Macs.